Pans: the solution to everything

Pans are absolute must-have kitchen equipment; after all, the word ‘pans’ does come from the Greek ‘pan’, which means ‘all and of everything’. How can you make sure to make the most of your pans? By making sure that you buy the RIGHT pans for the job, that’s how. We’ve listed the basic pans available, as well as what they’re primarily used for. Don’t thank us now but, maybe next time you have a dinner party, you could invite us along…

Egg and crepe pans

If you’re a big fan of sunny side up eggs, pancakes or maybe even waffles, you need to bag yourself a little something from the extraordinary range of egg and crepe pans on offer. They’re easy to spot; smaller than frying pans, egg and crepe pans are shallow, round and feature a handle the same size as the pan.

Frying pans

Ah, the classic world of frying pans. Every house needs one of these for the purposes of a Sunday fry-up, crispy onions to go with your burger, a mid-week omelette and more. Whether frying or sautéing, frying pans have got your covered.

Grill pans

Welcome to the world of grill pans. If you love to grill meats, fish and vegetables, then this, above all pans out there, is the one for you. Picture a thick-based shallow pan with low rising sides and a ridged interior – these pans are ideal for those looking to take the first steps into the world of healthier cooking. Plus they leave attractive stripes on cooked foods.

Saucepans

Saucepans are the classic face of pans everywhere! You can use saucepans for reducing sauces, boiling water for pasta or rice, cooking up custard (yum!), heating foods with a high liquid content (hello there baked beans!) and plenty more. In fact, some of the smaller pans even have a handy spout – pouring gravy from the pan to your potatoes has never been slicker.