Salter Pans

Pans are diverse in types, including frying pans, sauté pans, and saucepans. Each type serves a specific cooking purpose. Frying pans are ideal for quick cooking at high heat, sauté pans offer deeper sides for tossing ingredients, and saucepans work well for liquids and sauces.

Pans are made from materials like stainless steel, cast iron, and non-stick coatings. Consider heat conduction and maintenance. Stainless steel is durable and versatile, cast iron retains heat well but requires seasoning, while non-stick is easy to clean but may not last as long.

Pans with lids help retain moisture and heat during cooking. Lids are useful for simmering sauces or braising meats as they trap steam, speeding up cooking time and enhancing flavors. Some lids also have vents to release excess steam.

Non-stick pans are sensitive to metal utensils which can scratch the surface. Use wooden or silicone tools to prolong the lifespan of non-stick coatings. Scratches can reduce effectiveness over time, so handle them with care.

Pans vary in oven safety depending on materials and handles. Check manufacturer guidelines; many stainless steel and cast iron pans are oven-safe while non-stick or those with plastic handles may not be suitable for high temperatures.