A saucepan is the most used piece of kitchen equipment in the home, and choosing the right one makes a big difference in ease of cooking and lifespan. Most saucepans are made of stainless steel. This steel is strong, hygienic, and suitable for all heat sources, including induction. A pan with a thick, multi-layered bottom distributes heat evenly and prevents burning. The correct size depends on how many people you cook for: from 16 cm for one person to 24 cm or larger for a whole family. A saucepan set with multiple sizes is often the smartest and most economical choice.
If you opt for a saucepan with a non-stick coating, always check whether the coating is PFAS-free and PTFE-free. Ceramic and mineral coatings are healthier and more environmentally friendly and are becoming increasingly popular. As for maintenance, the same advice applies to every saucepan: preferably wash it by hand, avoid abrasive cleaners and metal kitchen utensils, and always let the pan cool down before washing it. This way, a good saucepan can last for decades.
Buying a saucepan - what to look for?
A saucepan seems like a simple purchase, but there are some important factors that make the difference between a pan that lasts twenty years and one that disappoints within a year.
Material
The basis of every good saucepan is the material. Stainless steelis the most popular choice due to its durability, hygiene, and sleek appearance. Ceramic saucepans are PFAS-free and environmentally friendly, but require a little more care in use.
Bottom construction
A good saucepan has a thick, multi-layered bottom - also called multi-ply or capsule bottom. This distributes heat evenly across the entire pan, prevents burning, and ensures energy-efficient cooking.
Heat source
Always check whether the saucepan is suitable for your hob. Do you cook on induction? Then choose a pan with a magnetic bottom. Most stainless steel and cast iron saucepans in the Braadbaas range are suitable for all heat sources, including induction, gas, electric, and ceramic.
Size
The correct size depends on how many people you regularly cook for. A pan of 18 to 20 cm is ideal for up to two people. For families of up to four people, a pan of 20 to 24 cm is the best choice. Do you cook for larger groups? Then a soup potof 24 cm or larger is indispensable.
Which saucepan will you choose?
Stainless steel saucepan
A stainless steel saucepanis one of the most durable and versatile choices for the kitchen. Stainless steel does not rust, discolour, or absorb odours, tastes, or bacteria, which makes it extremely hygienic for daily preparation of soups, pasta, vegetables, and sauces. Thanks to the multi-layered bottom with an aluminium or copper core, heat distributes quickly and evenly, which prevents burning and promotes energy-efficient cooking. In addition, a stainless steel saucepan is suitable for all heat sources, including induction.
A stainless steel saucepan is easy to maintain. Preferably wash it by hand with warm water and a soft sponge; this will keep the pan in top condition and it will last for decades. Stubborn burnt-on food can be easily removed by boiling some water in the pan and then scrubbing it clean. Avoid scouring pads and metal kitchen utensils to prevent scratches on the inside.
Ceramic saucepan
A ceramic saucepan is the ideal choice for those who want to cook consciously and healthily. The ceramic coating is completely PFAS-free and PTFE-free, which means that no harmful substances are released when heated. Food glides effortlessly off the smooth coating, so you hardly need any oil or butter. This not only benefits health but also ensures a pure, unadulterated taste without off-flavours that can sometimes occur with older coatings.
As for maintenance, a ceramic saucepan requires a careful approach. Always wash the pan by hand with warm water and a soft sponge; the dishwasher will eventually damage the coating and reduce its non-stick properties. Do not use metal kitchen utensils or scouring pads, as scratches will damage the ceramic layer. Also, never heat the pan empty on high heat, as extreme temperatures shorten the lifespan of the coating. Treat it with care and a ceramic saucepan will give you years of cooking pleasure.