Pans

Types of pans

A pan is a cookware with a flat bottom and relatively low sides compared to its width. It often comes with a long handle and is usually used for frying. Pans are versatile kitchenware used in cooking various foods, including pancakes, fish, meat, eggs, and vegetables. There are many types of pans, each designed to meet specific cooking requirements.

• Frying pans

  Frying pans, also known as skillets, have a flat bottom and come with low sides. They are primarily used for frying and cooking. Frying pans come in various materials, including stainless steel, cast iron, and non-stick coatings. The non-stick coating prevents food from sticking to the pan's surface, making it easier to cook and clean.

• Sauté pans

  These are similar to frying pans, but they have slightly higher sides and a bigger surface area. Sauté pans are used to sauté food. They often come with a lid and are great for making sauces and stews.

• Woks

  Woks are pans with round bottoms and high, sloping sides. They originated from China and are mainly used for stir-frying. Due to their shape, woks provide even heat distribution, making them ideal for cooking quickly over high heat.

• Griddles

  Griddles have a large, flat, and smooth surface, making them perfect for cooking pancakes, burgers, and sandwiches. Some griddles come with a non-stick surface for better cooking results.

• Roasting pans

  Roasting pans are large, deep, and heavy-duty cookware designed to roast meat and poultry. They often come with a rack that allows even cooking and drainage of fat and juices.

• Stew pans

  Stew pans are large and heavy with tight lids, making them suitable for slow cooking stews and braised dishes. They are often made from cast iron or ceramic, which retains heat well and provides even cooking.

• Sauce pans

  These are small with tight lids and are primarily used for making sauces, boiling eggs, and steaming vegetables. Their size allows for quick cooking and precise control over liquids.

• Pressure cookers

  Pressure cookers are high-speed cooking pans with airtight lids. They are designed to cook food quickly by raising the boiling point of water and creating steam pressure inside the cooker.

• Stock pots

  Stock pots are large cooking vessels used for making stocks, soups, and boiling pasta. They are usually made of stainless steel and have a thick bottom to prevent warping and ensure even heat distribution.

• Double boiler

  A double boiler consists of two stacked pans designed to cook food using steam. The upper pan is placed over the simmering water in the lower pan and is mainly used for gentle cooking.

• Dutch oven

  These are versatile, heavy-duty pots with thick walls and a tight-fitting lid. They can be used on the stovetop and in the oven and are ideal for braising, stewing, baking, and frying.

Designs of pans

• Fry pans

  Fry pans are designed with a flat bottom and gently sloped sides, allowing easy turning and flipping of food. They come in various sizes and materials, including cast iron, stainless steel, and non-stick coatings, making them versatile for many frying and cooking methods.

• Saucepan

  Designed for simmering sauces and soups, the saucepan features a flat bottom and tall, straight sides to contain liquid and heat evenly. Its lid helps retain moisture and heat, making it essential for slow cooking and boiling.

• Stockpot

  With its tall and wide structure, the stockpot is ideal for preparing large quantities of stock, soup, or stew. The heavy material, often stainless steel or aluminum, ensures even heat distribution for slow simmering or vigorous boiling.

• Pot roast pan

  Pot roast pans, also known as Dutch ovens or braising pans, are designed to handle pot roasts. They have a thick, heavy base for even heat distribution and tall sides to accommodate large cuts of meat and allow for braising, simmering, and stewing.

• Steamer pan

  Steamer pans are designed to cook food using steam. They usually have a perforated top pan that allows steam to pass through from the bottom pan, where water is heated. This design is ideal for retaining nutrients and cooking food gently.

• Wok pan

  The wok is a versatile cooking pan originating from China. It has a round bottom and high, sloping sides, allowing for quick frying, boiling, and steaming. Its shape promotes even heat distribution, making it ideal for stir-frying over high heat.

Scenarios of pans

• Cooking

  Pans are primarily used for cooking, and they are versatile kitchenware. Frying pans are used to fry eggs, meat, and vegetables; saucepans are used to make sauces, soups, and boil pasta; and stockpots are used to make stock, soup, and stew. Pans are suitable for multiple cooking methods, including frying, sautéing, simmering, steaming, boiling, braising, and more.

• Heating Food

  Food can be heated in pans for a quick meal. Users can put previously cooked or stored food in the pans to heat and cook them.

• Camping

  Cooking tools for outdoor activities like camping are often portable and usable over campfires. With a skillet, campers can make dishes like stir-fried vegetables and meat, pancakes, and stews. Camp cooking pans are great additions to camping gear.

• Industrial Applications

  Industrial pans are used in commercial kitchens, food processing, and restaurants. Specialized pans are used in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and metal industries for mixing, heating, and processing.

• Crafts

  Old pans are used in various DIY projects. Crafters can turn frying pans into planters, wall art, and decorative pieces. They are great ways to reuse and recycle kitchen tools.

• Science Experiments

  Science teachers can use pans to conduct experiments in class. For example, teachers can demonstrate the concept of evaporation using a saucepan, water, and heat.

• Commercial Food Production

  Industrial kitchen pans are used in food production and large-scale catering. They enable mass cooking for events, banquets, and institutional feeding.

How to choose a pans

Wholesale buyers of kitchen pans should consider the following factors.

• Target Market

  Identify the primary customers. Are they home cooks or professional chefs? This will influence the type of pans to order. Consider ordering non-stick frying pans for home cooks. Then, consider ordering durable stainless steel pans for commercial kitchens.

• Material and Construction

  Look for pans with solid construction and quality materials. Choose pans with thick, even heat-conducting bases. Materials like stainless steel, aluminum, and copper offer durability and performance. Also, consider ordering cast iron pans. They retain heat well and are suitable for slow cooking and high-heat searing.

• Cooktop Compatibility

  Ensure that the pans are compatible with the cooktops used in the target market. Check if most users use gas, electric, induction, or halogen cooktops. Some pans work on all cooktops, but some are specific to a few. Consider the cooktop compatibility of the pans and the cooking technology used in the target market.

• Ease of Use and Maintenance

  Choose pans that are easy to use and maintain. Consider features like ergonomic handles that offer a firm grip. Also, consider ordering pans with riveted handles for added strength. They are easier to lift and move. Additionally, consider non-stick coatings for frying pans. They allow for easy food release and simple cleaning.

• Safety Features

  Ensure that the pans meet safety standards. Choose pans made with food-grade materials. Also, consider pans that are free from harmful chemicals like PFOA. Order pans with heat-resistant handles. They are less likely to cause burns to the user. Additionally, consider pans with reinforced edges. They are less likely to deform or damage during use.

• Trends and Innovations

  Stay informed about emerging trends and innovations in cookware. Watch for pans with advanced features like multi-functionality or energy-efficient designs. Consider adding some trendy cookware to the order. Then, users will be inspired to upgrade their cooking experience.

• Brand Reputation and Reviews

  Choose suppliers with a good brand reputation. Also, check customer reviews and ratings before making a purchase. This will help to ensure that the pans have been well-received in the market. It also helps to give users confidence in the quality and performance of the pans.

Q&A

Q1: What are the best frying pans to buy?

A1: Consider the material, cooking surface, and how well the pan will work with the cooktop.

Q2: What frying pans last the longest?

A2: High-end stainless steel frying pans are expensive but can last a lifetime with proper care.

Q3: What frying pan is the healthiest?

A3: Look for non-toxic, chemical-free cookware. Healthiest options include cast iron, stainless steel, and hard-anodized aluminum frying pans.

Q4: Which frying pan is best for daily use?

A4: A non-stick frying pan is ideal for cooking everyday meals like pancakes, eggs, and stir-fry.

Q5: What should be avoided in pans?

A5: Avoid using metal utensils in non-stick pans, as they can scratch the cooking surface.