Pots and Pans
Pots and pans come in a variety of shapes and sizes. A
new cook will be tempted to buy a set that has several different pieces,
but this often leads odd-sized cookware that is seldom used and just
takes up cupboard space. Buying pieces individually is the best way
to build a useful collection.
The shape will depend on the intended use. Cooking with a pot that is
too large causes heat to be lost and sometimes the food may be cooked
at an inappropriate rate. Cooking in a pan that is too small can cause
the food to cook unevenly may cause spillage.
The material used will also play a key role in the heating of the food.
Culinary chefs often recommend copper. Traditional cooks like Granny
will swear by cast iron. Price will often determine the material selected,
but consider using a high quality metal for the pan or pot that will
get used the most.