The Best Saute Pan

Buying Guide

Saute pans allow you to prepare a quick and delicious dish on the nights you want to cook a healthy meal, but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Since there are a variety of saute pans on the market, it’s helpful to know what features are available before you buy.

First, you’ll need to consider capacity. Individuals and singles would do best with a small saute pan, like the Cuisinart Nonstick Saute Pan, 3.5-Quart. Families would require a 5 or 6-quart pan if they plan on preparing any one-pot meals.

Second, review the pan’s construction material to ensure it is able to heat the pan evenly and then look to see what its maximum heat capacity is, as some saute pans are only heat safe to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. That may limit the type of dishes you want to make. The T-fal Thermo-Spot Saute Pan, 5-Quart is actually safe for temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which means you’ll have fewer restrictions in what you can use the pan to create.

Third, examine the pan’s handle. You don’t want a saute pan that doesn’t have a cool-to-the-touch handle or you risk getting burned. Not only is the Farberware Nonstick Saute Pan, 6-Quart’s handle able to stay cool, but it also provides a non-slip grip. On the opposite side of the pan is even a helper handle, which means you can effortlessly move the pan from the stove to the oven.

Finally, consider any other features that make the saute pan stand out. For example, the Cuisinart Stainless Steel Saute Pan, 5.5-Quart has an elegant mirror finish and a flavor lock lid. Other models offer interior pan measurement markings and tapered rims for drip-free pouring.

• Some saute pans are not induction-safe.
• Before cooking with your saute pan, it is important that you preheat the pan, melt the butter or heat up the oil and then add the recipe ingredients.
• Always check the product care label, as some saute pans are not dishwasher safe. If hand washing is required, use a dishrag, liquid dish soap and warm water.
• Never use a steel wool pad on a saute pan that has a nonstick coating. This will remove the coating and cause your ingredients to stick to the pan.
• Saute pans vary slightly in price with the factors affecting price being size capacity and construction materials. The Cuisinart Nonstick Saute Pan, 3.5-Quart is traditional in design and has a small capacity, making it the cheapest model on the market. You’ll find the Farberware Nonstick Saute Pan, 6-Quart costs slightly more than the T-fal Thermo-Spot Saute Pan, 5-Quart, simply because it is able to cook a larger amount of food. Finally, the Cuisinart Stainless Steel Saute Pan, 5.5-Quart commands the highest price due to its elegant mirror finish.