Saucepan Buying Guide
A simple guide to choosing the right saucepan for everyday cooking, from size and material to hob compatibility and care.
1. What Is a Saucepan?
A saucepan is a deep, round cooking pan with tall sides, a long handle and usually a fitted lid. It is designed for cooking with liquid, making it ideal for boiling, simmering, reheating and reducing sauces.
Saucepans are incredibly versatile and can be used for soups, sauces, pasta, rice, vegetables, custard and much more.
2. Choosing the Right Saucepan Size
14–16cm
Small
- Heating milk
- Small sauces
- Beans
- Single portions
18cm
Medium
- Rice
- Vegetables
- Pasta
- Everyday cooking
20cm+
Large
- Soup
- Batch cooking
- Family meals
- Large portions
3. Which Saucepan Material Is Best?
Stainless Steel
Pros: Durable, easy to clean, non-reactive and long lasting.
Best for: Most home cooks.
Non-Stick
Pros: Easy to clean and great for delicate foods.
Best for: Everyday easy cooking.
Copper
Pros: Excellent heat control and fast response.
Best for: Serious cooks.
Aluminium
Pros: Lightweight, affordable and quick to heat.
Best for: Budget-friendly cooking.
What Is Tri-Ply?
Tri-ply usually means stainless steel inside, an aluminium core and stainless steel outside. This helps heat spread more evenly and reduces hot spots.
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4. Hob Compatibility
Most saucepans work on gas, electric and ceramic hobs, but induction hobs need a magnetic base.
5. Key Features to Look For
- Good fitted lid
- Comfortable handle
- Pouring lips
- Measurement marks
- Heavy, stable base
6. How to Look After Your Saucepan
Use low to medium heat
Avoid overheating empty pans
Use non-metal utensils
Allow pans to cool before washing
Stack carefully
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Discover premium saucepans for everyday cooking, from compact milk pans to large family saucepans.
7. Final Advice
A well-chosen saucepan is a kitchen essential that you will use again and again.
- Best all-round: Stainless steel
- Best for easy cleaning: Non-stick
- Best starter size: 18cm saucepan
- Best setup: Small, medium and large saucepan
