Having an everyday pan can is a total must-have in every kitchen. However, with numerous options available, picking the most fitting pan for your needs and preferences can be a pretty challenging task. We're here to make things easier for you; in this buyer's guide, we will look at some of the key factors you will need to consider, including material, thickness, coating, and more. Read on!
What Should You Consider When Buying An Everyday Pan?
Material
There are various materials available; some of the most common ones are aluminum, cast iron, stainless steel, and anodized aluminum.
a) Aluminium - These types of everyday pans create excellent heat conduction and are resistant to scratching and staining.
b) Cast Iron - This material has excellent heat conduction; it heats up gradually but maintains the temperature for a long time, making it ideal for slow cooking on low heat.
c) Stainless Steel - The stainless steel pans are a lot more expensive than all the other ones; however, they have the best appearance and will last for a long time.
d) Anodized Aluminium - They are remarkably lightweight, create great heat conduction, and are fully scratch-resistant.
Coating
The coating is a protective layer of the pan and prevents all the material chemicals from mixing with your food. There are two types of coating: enamel and nonstick.
An enamel coating is mostly applied to aluminum and cast-iron pans. These types of pans are easy to clean and resistant to scratching. However, head distribution can sometimes be a problem - especially if the coating is too thin; your food might stick on the pan.
The nonstick coating can be mainly found on stainless steel and aluminum pans. They prevent food sticking, decrease the need for additional oil, and make pans easier to wash. This is ideal for people that enjoy frying and making sauces.
Size
Another thing you must think about is the size of your everyday pan. The size will depend on your personal requirements and needs. It is usually measured by diameter and can vary from one manufacturer to another. Some of the most popular options you should look for are 8-inches, 10-inches, 12-inches, and 14-inches. We suggest that you always stick with bigger pans so that you will always have enough room for mixing and stirring your food.
Thickness
The thickness of the everyday pan is commonly measured in either gauge or mils, but the way you read the number is really important: 1 mil is equivalent to 1/1000", so the bigger the number, the thicker the metal.
On the other side, the gauge works in the separate direction - the bigger the number, the thinner. Most of the everyday pans will fall somewhere between a thick 12 -gauge material and a thinner 20-gauge material. When trying to decide what is the best for you, thicker metal is obviously better, but you should always look at your requirements.
How Much Do Everyday Pans Cost?
The cost of the everyday pans can hugely vary on different things, including the material, additional features, brand, coating, and thickness. If you're looking for an aluminum pan with enamel coating, then you can expect to spend from $60 and all up to $120. And, if you want a stainless steel pan with nonstick coating, you can look forward to spending at least $100 and all up to $250 for the most popular manufacturers.
How Did We Choose The Best Everyday Pans?
We have reviewed many everyday pans before building the final list, and each product had to pass a couple of important criteria.
Customer Reviews
By crawling through all sorts of customer reviews, we could see the customer's first impression of the everyday pans and their genuine opinion.
Brand
The manufacture of the everyday pans is another huge consideration we took into account. Most of the big names will continually create quality products for their loyal customers.
Value
Numerous everyday pans can cost you a fortune; we did our best to pick the best ones at the most affordable prices.
What Are The Most Important Features When Buying An Everyday Pan?
Lid
Having a cover lid will help maintain the same temperature and trap the moisture in the everyday pan. This is especially helpful if you are cooking rice, soup, or braising. Some of the most expensive everyday pans also have a glass lid that will allow you to easily monitor your food while in use.
Handle
You should be searching for everyday pans that have longer and thicker handles. This will allow you to effortlessly transport the pan while also providing great balance. Be sure that the handles are made out of silicone or rubber to provide you with a comfortable grip.
Dishwasher-safe
Most of the everyday pans require a quick rinse out and a gentle scrub. However, if washing isn't your favorite thing to do, then you should be searching for an everyday pan that is fully dishwasher-safe.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are hundreds of everyday pans available on the market, and they all look pretty much the same. However, we are positive that with the help of our buying guide, you will find the right one in no time. Good Luck!
Everyday Pan FAQ
Q: What is the lifespan of everyday pans?
A: The lifespan of the everyday pan will also vary depending on the material, coating, and brand. However, if you take good care of it, you can expect the everyday pans to last for at least one to four years.
Q: How do you clean burnt everyday pans?
A: The whole cleaning process of a burnt everyday pan is really simple. Firstly put a glass of white vinegar and water into the pan and mix them carefully. Secondly, heat up the everyday pan for 5 minutes. Lastly, put a tablespoon of baking soda and take it out of the heat. Wash it thoroughly with water, and you're done!
Q: What is the best material for an everyday pan?
A: The best and also the safest material that you can cook in is cast iron. It also provides excellent heat retention, which means that it will provide a constant temperature for a very long time.