The saucepan is one of the most versatile pieces of cookware. With its handy depth, the saucepan can be used for everything from making soups to sautéing vegetables and even boiling pasta — often making it a handy replacement for the pot.
Choosing the right saucepan, however, is another task altogether. There are not only many different types to choose from, but also your own unique cooking needs to factor in.
To make the process easier, we’ve asked Ninja Kitchen’s Product Marketing Manager, Will Tran, for his expert opinion on how to choose the right saucepan for your kitchen.
What is a saucepan?
A saucepan can be identified by its generous depth, smaller width and long handle. Being narrower than a pot, saucepans are suited to cooking with liquids. This makes them ideal for making soups and sauces, as well as boiling pasta, rice and other legumes and grains.
How to choose the right saucepan
When it comes to choosing the right saucepan for your kitchen, there are a few things to look out for.
“A good saucepan should be strong and durable, offer good heat retention, prevent hot spots, feature heatproof handles and work on all heating surfaces,” Will explains. “Cookware is something you use daily and should last for years, and that’s why doing your research ahead of making your purchase can help you make the right choice.”
When selecting your saucepan, Will suggests keeping the following things in mind:
- Built to last: With the right love and attention, cookware can last you a lifetime. Look for a design that looks sturdy, with a thick, heavy-gauge base and sturdy handles that won’t wobble or break. As a general note, avoid non-stick saucepans coated in Teflon which tend to break down over time.
- Be versatile: In making your decision, it’s important to consider your cooking needs and the versatility each saucepan offers. Opt for pans that can be used across all heat sources including induction, gas, electric, oven and fire. Investing in a cookware set means you can start from scratch or replace a worn-out, mismatched collection.
- Match your lifestyle: Consider your cooking habits and preferences when choosing a saucepan. Tailor your choice to your cooking habits — ask yourself whether you’ll be frying, boiling, roasting or simmering to find the best fit for your kitchen.
It’s important to remember that the best-quality saucepan isn’t necessarily the most expensive one on the market.
“High quality is all about great design and carefully selected materials that should be durable, last a long time and offer a stellar cooking experience every time you use it, ” says Will.
“Better heat distribution and retention in quality saucepans can lead to more consistent cooking results, making them ideal for everything from searing steaks to slow-cooked stews.”
The benefits of different types of saucepans
Stainless steel saucepans
When it comes to the best all-rounder, Will is a fan of stainless steel saucepans.
“Stainless steel saucepans are beloved by many home cooks and restaurant chefs for good reason,” Will explains. “They are very durable, suitable for all heat sources, metal-utensil safe and easy to clean, plus they won’t rust, chip or break. “
The benefits of stainless steel also lay in their longevity.
“Quality 18/10 stainless-steel pans are made to last a lifetime, ” says Will.
“They are an excellent choice for those who love cooking with intense heat [such as] searing a steak or low-heat methods like simmering and braising. Generally stainless steel is one of the most durable materials for saucepans and easy to keep clean, so your cookware will stay looking good for their life span.”
Cast iron saucepans
If you do a lot of slow cooking, cast iron may be your best choice.
“Cast iron absorbs and retains heat, it’s tough, long-lasting and compatible with all cooktop types,” Will says.
However, cast iron might not suit everyone.
“Bear in mind that cast iron is heavy and can rust and become brittle,” Will explains. “Iron pans may be coated in enamel to avoid rust, but this can chip if handled roughly.”
Ceramic saucepans
Ceramic saucepans are also a good choice for many kitchens.
“Ceramic saucepans have natural non-stick properties and even heat distribution when used on low-to-medium heat,” says Will.
However, it’s important to avoid metal utensils and scourers when using and cleaning these saucepans to avoid scratching.
2024’s top saucepans
- Ninja ZeroStick cookware saucepan, $79.98 (usually $199.95), Ninja Kitchen
- Le Connoisseur cast iron saucepan, $199.99, Baccarat
- Le Creuset classic 3-Ply stainless steel 3pc saucepan set, $820, Myer
The best saucepans to buy in 2024
Ninja ZeroStick cookware 18cm (2.8L) saucepan with lid
from $79.98 (usually $199.95), Ninja Kitchen
Best for: everyday saucepan, non-stick
Those wanting to invest in a reliable non-stick saucepan will appreciate the quality of this one from Ninja. Being scratch-resistant and metal-utensil safe, you can trust this saucepan with your food.
Sizes: 18cm (2.8L)
Colours: Dark Grey
Materials: Hard-anodised aluminium, non-stick coating
Key features:
- Oven safe up to 260°C
- Heat-tempered glass lid
- Suitable for all hob types
Available at:
Baccarat Le Connoisseur cast iron saucepan 16cm 1.5L
from $199.99, Baccarat
Best for: cast iron
With its rustic charm and strong cast-iron material, this red Le Connoisseur saucepan won’t just look good in your kitchen, it will also take your cooking to another level.
Sizes: 16cm 1.5L
Colours: Red
Materials: Cast iron
Key features:
- Oven and dishwasher safe
- Suitable for all cooktops
- Self-basting lid
Available at:
- $96.99 from Kogan
Le Creuset classic 3-Ply stainless steel 3pc saucepan set
from $820, Myer
Best for: stainless steel
This versatile set of Le Creuset stainless steel saucepans will become your go-to cookware for everything from pastas and soups to sauces.
Sizes: 16cm/1.9Lt, 18cm/2.8Lt, 20cm/3.8Lt
Colours: Grey
Materials: Stainless steel
Key features:
- Hollow cast stainless steel handle
- Etched capacity marking
- Dishwasher safe
Available at:
- $820 from Kitchen Warehouse
- $574 from Amazon
- $574 from Peter’s Of Kensington
Padova saucepan with lid
from $194.94, Green Pan
Best for: non-stick
With its healthy ceramic non-stick coating and scratch resistance, you can rely on this Green Pan saucepan for all of your cooking needs. Plus, the pretty eggshell blue and gold handle make for a pretty addition to any kitchen.
Sizes: 18 Diameter/2.0L
Colours: Blue
Materials: Non-stick ceramic
Key features:
- Free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium
- Oven safe up to 220˚C
- Dishwasher safe
Space folding handle ceramic non-stick blue saucepan and lid
$199.95, Joseph Joseph
Best for: saving space
With a foldable handle, this clever saucepan is the perfect space-saving solution for those with a lack of kitchen storage.
Sizes: 19cm
Colours: Blue
Materials: Ceramic non-stick with stainless steel handle
Key features:
- Free from PTFE, PFAS, PFOA, Lead and Cadmium
- Tempered glass lid
- Oven safe to 232ºC
RFN by Ruffoni stainless steel induction covered saucepan in copper
$699, Myer
Best for: aesthetic
Copper cookware still contains an element of romance, and this stainless steel copper saucepan is the perfect way to add elegance to your evening meal.
Sizes: 16cm/1.4L
Colours: Copper
Materials: Stainless steel in copper
Key features:
- Oven stovetop safe to 315C
- Induction compatible
- Dishwasher safe
Nina everclad commercial grade stainless steel cookware 7 piece set
$499, Ninja Kitchen
Best for: saucepan in a set
Crafted from tri-ply construction that’s engineered to withstand high temperatures and resist warping, scratching, denting, and rusting, this set of stainless steel cookware is a good option for those wanting a complete cookware upgrade from saucepans to stock pots.
Sizes: Multi
Colours: Silver
Materials: Stainless steel
Key features:
- Oven safe up to 315°C
- Tri-ply construction
- Set of 7
How to clean a burnt saucepan
There are a few different ways to clean a burnt saucepan. We recommend applying a paste of baking soda and water to the burnt parts of the saucepan. After leaving it to soak in for 15 minutes, you can use a non-scratch sponge.
Another option for hard-to-clean pans is to simmer cut-up lemons in the saucepan on the stove. This trick also leaves the kitchen with a lovely citrus fragrance.
This article originally appeared on Home Beautiful and is republished here with permission.
