There is something about a classic Stainless Steel sauce pan that evokes a feeling of nostalgia and sophistication. So, whipping up a classic tomato sauce or a velvety chocolate sauce, this timeless cookware is up to the task.
But saucepans come in all shapes and sizes, so it can be tricky to know which one to choose. You need to take your time and choose the one that is the best size, depth, and material for your needs.
So if you are in a hurry and a big day of cooking is coming up, this guide on the best saucepan will aid you in picking one according to your needs.
Buying Guide
Saucepans are one of essential pieces of cookware in any kitchen. Whether you’re cooking a simple pasta dish or a more complex sauce, having a good saucepan can make all the difference. However, with so many different saucepans on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re shopping for a new saucepan:
Size
One of the most important considerations when choosing a saucepan is size. Saucepans come in various sizes, from small ones ideal for heating soup or sauce to larger ones that are better for cooking larger quantities. Here is a saucepan size guide for you to get a better idea. nng
| Size | Diameter | People It Serves |
| 1 Quart | 6 in X 3.5 in. | Meal for 1 person |
| 2 Quart | 6 in X 4.25 in | Meal for for 1-2 persons |
| 3 Quart | 8 in X 4 in. | Meals for 2-3 person |
| 4 Quart | 8 in X 5 in. | Meals for 3-4 person |
Material
Saucepans are typically made from either stainless steel or aluminum. Stainless steel saucepans are more durable and often have a longer lifespan, but they can be more expensive. Aluminum saucepans are lighter in weight and often more affordable, but they may not be as durable as stainless steel.
Nonstick coating
If you’re looking for a saucepan that will make it easier to cook and clean, you may want to choose one that has a nonstick coating. These saucepans can be made from either aluminium or stainless steel, and they usually have a special nonstick coating that helps prevent food from sticking to the pan.
Handles
Another important consideration when choosing a saucepan is the type of handle. Some saucepans have handles attached to the pan with rivets, while others have handles that are welded onto the pan. Riveted handles are typically more durable but can be more challenging to clean. Welded handles are easier to clean but may not be as durable.
Lids
Most saucepans come with a lid, but some do not. Lids help keep heat and moisture in the pan, which can be beneficial when cooking. However, lids can also make it more difficult to see what’s going on inside the pan, so you may choose a saucepan that doesn’t have a lid if you prefer to see your food while it’s cooking.
What will you cook?
It’s time to think about what type of sauce you’ll be using the pan for. If you’re looking for a pan that can do everything, go for a classic stainless steel saucepan. However, if you’re planning on making a lot of pasta sauce, you might want to invest in a slightly larger pan with flared sides, making it easier to stir and prevent the sauce from splashing out.
Do you even need a 3-quart saucepan?
A 3-quart saucepan might not seem like it would be all that necessary. After all, you can make plenty of things in a smaller 2-quart saucepan, right? But, while a smaller saucepan might be fine for some things, there are some advantages to having a 3-quart saucepan in your kitchen. Here are just a few reasons why you might need a 3-quart saucepan:
- With a 3-quart saucepan, you’ll be able to make enough food for a larger group of people without any problem.
- If you love making pasta dishes, then you need a 3-quart saucepan. With a 3 quart saucepan, you’ll be able to make a large batch of pasta without any issue.
- Soups and stews usually require a larger pot. And, while you can make them in a smaller saucepan, they’re going to be much better in a larger pot like a 3-quart saucepan,
- Do you love making your sauces? If so, then you need a 3-quart saucepan. With a 3-quart saucepan, you can make a big batch of sauce that will be perfect for use on all kinds of dishes.
Best 3-quart Sauce pan
All-Clad and Circulon offer high-quality 3-quart saucepans that are perfect for any kitchen. But which one is the better choice?
Let’s compare 2 of the best 3-quart Saucepans from the All-Clad – 8701004398 Saucepan and Circulon Elementum Hard Anodized Nonstick Saucepan to get a better idea.
All-Clad – 8701004398 Saucepan Vs. Circulon Elementum Hard Anodized Nonstick Sauce Pan
Material
All-Clad – 8701004398 saucepans are made from stainless steel material, while the Circulon Elementum Hard-Anodized saucepan is made from hard anodized aluminum material, as the name suggests. The aluminum material will be a bit more lightweight than the stainless steel material, so it may be a better option if you are looking for a saucepan that is easier to handle.
Construction
Both the All-Clad and Circulon saucepans are made from high-quality materials. The All-Clad pan is made from tri-ply construction, meaning it has three layers of stainless steel. This gives the pan even heat distribution and prevents overheating in specific spots.
As for the Circulon pan, as it is made from hard anodized aluminum, This type of aluminum is more durable than regular aluminum and is less likely to warp. However, the drawback of this material is that it’s not as good at conducting heat. However, Circulon has addressed this issue by adding a stainless steel base to their pans. This ensures even heat distribution, making them as good as the All-Clad – 8701004398 saucepan.
Handle and lid
Both pans have a comfortable, ergonomic handle that is riveted to the pan for stability. The All-Clad pan has a clear glass lid that lets you see the food as it cooks. The Circulon pan has a tempered glass lid with a steam vent. This allows you to monitor the food without removing the lid and losing heat.
Oven safety
All-Clad – 8701004398 has an over the safety of 600 degrees F while Circulon Elementum Hard Anodized Nonstick Sauce Pan can withstand only up to 400 degrees F. So if you need a 3-quart saucepan that will be used in high heats, you better pick the All-Clad – 8701004398.
Size
All-Clad – 8701004398 is a bit larger than the Circulon saucepan, so it may be the better option if you are looking for a saucepan that can hold more food.
Warranty
Both pans come with a limited lifetime warranty, so you can feel confident when purchasing either.
Price
The All-Clad saucepan is a bit more expensive than the Circulon saucepan, so you may want to consider that when making your final decision.
Final Verdict: Which one is the Best 3-quart Saucepan?
The All-Clad 8701004398 Saucepan and the Circulon Elementum Hard Anodized Nonstick Sauce Pan are both great options, but there are some differences that you should be aware of before you make your final decision. These saucepans are made from different materials, have different constructions, have different cooking surfaces, and are priced differently.
So, which saucepan is the better choice? If you are looking for even heat distribution and a pan that will last a lifetime, then the All-Clad pan is the better choice. However, if you are looking for a 3-quart pan that is more affordable, then the Circulon pan is the better choice.
Best 2-quart Sauce pan
When it comes to saucepans, there are a lot of options on the market. But, when you narrow it down to two-quart saucepans, your choices become more limited. Two of the most popular two-quart saucepans on the market are the Farberware Classic Covered 2-Quart saucepan and the Breville Thermal Pro 2-Quart saucepan. So, which one should you choose? Here we will compare these two saucepans and determine the best 2-quart saucepan.
Material
The Farberware Classic Stainless Steel 2-Quart Covered Saucepan is made of durable stainless steel, with a classic design that has been a favorite for generations. The Breville Thermal Pro Stainless Steel Sauce Pan 2 Quart is also made of durable stainless steel with a more modern design.
Construction
The Farberware Classic Covered 2-Quart saucepan is made of heavy-duty 18/10 stainless steel. This means that it is durable and will last for years. It also has an aluminum core that helps to distribute heat evenly.
The Breville Thermal Pro 2-Quart sauce pan is also made of stainless steel. However, it is not as heavy-duty as the Farberware Classic Covered 2-Quart saucepan. And while it does have an aluminum core, it is not as effective at distributing heat evenly.
Handle and lid
The Farberware Classic Covered 2-Quart sauce pan has a stay-cool handle that is comfortable griping. It also has a tight-fitting lid that seals in heat and moisture. The Breville Thermal Pro 2-Quart sauce pan does not have a stay-cool handle. And while it does have a lid, it is not as tight-fitting as the Farberware Classic Covered 2-Quart saucepan. This means that heat and moisture can escape.
Oven safety
The Farberware Classic Covered 2-Quart saucepan is oven safe to up to 350 degrees F, while The Breville Thermal Pro 2-Quart sauce pan is safe to up to 500 degrees F
Warranty
The Farberware Classic Covered 2-Quart sauce pan comes with a lifetime warranty. The Breville Thermal Pro 2-Quart saucepan does not come with a warranty and is limited to 3 months warranty for workmanship and material defects.
Price
Regarding price, the Farberware Classic Covered 2-Quart sauce pan is less expensive than the Breville Thermal Pro 2-Quart saucepan.
Final Verdict: Which one is the Best 1-quart Saucepan?
The bottom line is that the Farberware Classic Covered 2-Quart sauce pan is a better choice than the Breville Thermal Pro 2-Quart saucepan. It is made of heavier-duty materials, has a more efficient heat distribution system, and comes with a lifetime warranty. It is also less expensive. So, if you are looking for a new two-quart saucepan, the Farberware Classic Covered 2-Quart sauce pan is the way to go.
Best 1 Quart Sauce pan
Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Sauce Pan vs Cuisinart 619-14 Chef’s Classic 1-Quart Saucepan w/Cover
Material
The Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Sauce Pan is made of 18/10 stainless steel with an aluminum core. The classic design is timeless, so it will never go out of style.
On the other hand, The Cuisinart 619-14 Chef’s Classic 1-Quart Nonstick saucepan is made of hard anodized aluminum material. Hard anodized aluminum is resistant to scratches and corrosion, and so does this 1-quart saucepan from Cuisinart.
Construction
The stainless steel construction on Farberware Classic 1 Quart Saucepan ensures an even heat distribution, so your food will cook evenly every time. The pan also has a thick base that prevents hotspots, so your food won’t stick or burn.
The Cuisinart 619-14 Saucepan too heats evenly and quickly, making it an excellent choice for whipping up sauces, soups, and stews. In addition, the nonstick coating ensures that your food will slide right out of the pan, making cleanup a snap.
Handle and Lid
The Farberware saucepan has a plastic handle that is riveted to the pan. This gives it a strong grip that is comfortable to hold. The Cuisinart saucepan also has a riveted handle, giving it a more modern look but harder to grip.
This Farberware Classic 1 Quart Saucepan has a lid to help lock in heat and flavor. But the only problem with its lid is that it’s not see-through, unlike Cuisinart 619-14 pan. Instead, Cuisinart 619-14 Chef’s Classic 1-Quart comes with a see-through tempered glass lid that is durable and shatter-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about breaking if it falls.
Oven safety
Farberware Classic 1 Quart Saucepan is oven safe at 350 degrees F, so you can start your meal on the stovetop and finish it in the oven. On the other hand, Cuisinart 619-14 1 quart saucepan comes with a 500 degree F oven-safe handle.
Warranty
Like all the Farberware pans, this 1-quart saucepan from Farberware is also covered by their lifetime warranty against workmanship and material defects. As for Cuisinart, they provide a lifetime warranty too, but only for their customers from North America. So if you are from the USA or Canada, your saucepan will be replaced by a similar product if you find any workmanship or material defect on it.
Price
The Farberware saucepan tends to be more expensive than the Cuisinart. So between these two 1 quart saucepans, Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Sauce Pan is the costlier one, though the price difference isn’t that much.
Final Verdict: Which one is the Best 1-quart Saucepan?
So, which one is the better pan? They’re both made of high-quality materials and have similar features. However, the Cuisinart pan has a nonstick interior, which makes it easier to clean. It also has a slightly larger capacity. So, if you’re looking for the best 1-quart saucepan, the Cuisinart 619-14 Chef’s Classic 1-Quart Nonstick-Hard-Anodized, Saucepan w/Cover is the better choice and offers a better deal for the price.
FAQ
How many quarts is a 9×13 saucepan?
It will depend on the depth to answer exactly how many quarts a 9×13 saucepan can hold. But to get an idea, A 9×13 inch saucepan with a height of 2 inches can hold up to 3 quarts to 3.5 quarts of liquid.
How big is a 13×9 pan?
A 13×9 saucepan can hold up to about 4 quarts. This is the perfect size for cooking large meals for a big group of people. When cooking for a crowd, this size pan will come in handy. Plus, it is big enough to store leftovers in the fridge for later.
Are 9×13 and 13×9 saucepans the same?
This question seems to come up quite often, so let’s take a closer look at it.
First, let’s look at the dimensions. A 9×13 saucepan is 9 inches wide and 13 inches long. A 13×9 saucepan is 13 inches wide and 9 inches long. So, they are not the same size.
Now, let’s look at the capacity. A 9×13 saucepan can hold about 3 quarts. A 13×9 saucepan can hold about 4 quarts. So, they do not have the same capacity either.
Final Words
So, which one is the best saucepan? Though it will significantly depend on your need and budget, the Farberware Classic Covered 2-Quart sauce pan can be a great pick. It’s a 2-quart saucepan, so you can cook a few meals yourself and store them in the fridge. But if you need to cook a large quantity, picking a 3-quart saucepan like the All-Clad 8701004398 might offer you a better convenience.