Buying Guide: Three Features to Keep in Mind
You might think you think it all, but there are still some aspects left to be known. While individual reviews are great, here is a more general idea of what to look for.
Keep reading!
Material:
The most common saute pan materials are aluminum and stainless steel. Aluminum pans are strong yet lightweight, making them a good choice for people who do not like heavy-duty tools. They also retain more heat, so a low to medium heat is perfect to get them going.
The All-Clad Hard-Anodized Nonstick Saute Pan has to be one of the best when it comes to aluminum pans. It not only cooks food evenly but also retains the maximum heat and moisture.
On the other hand, there are stainless steel saute pans. These are super durable and can be used for a variety of actions. Their cooking surface is the best of the best in proper browning of food!
While our review has the most stainless steel saute pans, our favorite is the Cuisinart FCT33-28H French Classic Tri-Ply Stainless Saute Pan. Clad in stainless steel from top to bottom, it will leave you in awe with its exceptional performance!
But, remember whatever the material is, always look for a non-stick base. This helps in the quick release of food and takes away the hassle of cleaning to a large extent!
Size:
Like all kitchen pans, the size of the saute pans depends on your purpose for it. If you want to feed a large number of guests, a 5 to 6 quartz pan is ideal.
The Tramontina Stainless Steel, Induction-Ready Saute Pan is a 5-quart stainless steel pan that checks all the boxes! For an even bigger one, the Calphalon Premier Stainless Steel might fit your choice!
Now, when it comes to smaller pans, something around 3 to 4 quarts should do the trick. The Calphalon Contemporary Hard-Anodized Saute Pan is great for that use! It is only 3 quart in size, yet performs big!
Handle:
Lastly, comes the handle. If you do not have an ergonomic and sufficiently long handle, you cannot possibly be okay with your saute pan.
Usually, stainless steel handles make the best of handle materials and all our reviewed products have them!
However, make sure that before buying, you test out how comfortable it feels in your grip. Some handles are rounded in shape while others are bent inside. There is no right or wrong in this since it all depends on your comfort level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here we answer the top three most asked questions by customers.
01. Saute Pan vs Skillet: What is the Difference?
Not much, if we are being honest. Yet, it is enough to keep in mind.
The shape.
As you have read from our best saute pan reviews, they have tall sides and are usually more enclosed in area. On the other hand, skillets have slanted sides. Ergo, they do sputter oil when cooking.
Moreover, saute pans generally come with a larger area than skillets. Since their sides are straight, the area is not covered by anything. In skillets, the sides are slanted and hence, take up some of the interior space.
02. Are Saute Pans Only Used for Sauteing?
Absolutely not!
Firstly, they are used for sauteing. Duh!
You can also use them as your basic frying pan and pan-fry anything you like!
Since saute pans come with a lid, they are great for broiling, simmering, braising, and even poaching. Eggs for breakfast? Saute pans got your back!
03. How Do I Clean My Saute Pan?
Saute pans are very easy to clean. They do not require much maintenance and need the basic cleaning you do for all your pans.
- Take a dash of detergent on a sponge.
- Scrub the pan with the soapy sponge.
- Rinse with water.
- Dry with a towel or let it air dry.
Tada!
But, what about burnt food? Yes, the real trouble!
The first method to try is to soak it in boiling water. In case that does not work, here are the steps for:
- Fill your pan halfway with water. (or how much ever is required to cover the burnt food)
- Pour in 1 cup of vinegar to the water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Right after it starts boiling, remove the pan from heat.
- Add in a dash of baking soda.
- Mix in everything together.
- Pour the mixture out.
- Use a sponge to scrub out the loosened bits.
That is it! You are done!
In Short
Saute pans are the most versatile pans out there! Whether you want to fry some chicken nuggets or poach an egg, they will do it for you.
The best saute pan should be of the right size and material. And that depends on what you want out of your pan!
Got questions from our saute pan reviews? Leave a comment.
