How to choose a quality pan - expert advice

Tastes and the degree of roasting pancakes, scrambled eggs, steaks and other dishes are directly dependent on the pan, which is used during cooking. It is important that it is comfortable, durable and does not allow the products to burn. Also pay attention to the size and appearance of the pan, the material of the handle, the body and, of course, the manufacturer.

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1. The best manufacturers of pans - which company to choose
2. Types of pans
3. The main criteria for choosing a pan
4. Which pan to choose
5. How much does the pan
6. Video on the choice of the pan

The best manufacturers of pans - which company to choose

A good frying pan, made of high-quality metal, with a good handle and thick walls, can not be cheap. Often unscrupulous manufacturers give their goods for what he really is not. For example, a “high-quality aluminum pan with a non-stick coating” is made from the cheapest extruded aluminum, the use of which is much less than that of cast aluminum. A Teflon coating may be painted. Of course, in such a pan the products will burn, and it deforms quickly.

Therefore, choose products from proven brands and at reasonable prices. The best manufacturers of pans are:

1. Tefal;

2. Gipfel;

3. Rondell;

4. Fissler;

5. Ballarini;

6. Neva-metal dishes;

7. Biol.

Most families of the Russian Federation and CIS countries choose the products of these companies. And it is not surprising, because it is safe, comfortable, has a long service life and meets the quality standards.

Types of pans

Universal pan

A versatile or classic pan is used to cook large quantities of food. You can fry meat on it, stew vegetables or make pancakes. They are made from different materials (iron, aluminum, etc.), and may have different designs and sizes. As a rule, it has a rounded shape and one or two handles, often removable. In most cases, it can be washed in a dishwasher and used in an oven.

Pancake Frying Pan

Pancake pans have low walls (about 10 mm), a thick bottom that ensures even dough preparation, and a long handle.

The best pancake pans are products made of cast aluminum or cast iron. Aluminum models ensure even pancake roasting, and the most successful pancakes come out on a cast-iron pan (unless you use it to cook other products). When buying steel dishes it is important that it has a non-stick coating. Otherwise, the dough will turn into lumps.

Pancake pans can be sold with a removable handle. Because of this, it is easier to wash.But if you are a master of cooking pancakes and are able to turn them over in flight, it is better to stop your choice on models with a fixed handle.

Wok pan

The main purpose of the pan - quick cooking of a large number of ingredients with maximum preservation of nutrients. The pan has a thin bottom and walls, due to which it quickly warms up. When cooking it is important that the products are constantly in motion - they need to be stirred all the time. In addition, in the wok, you can cook foods and cook steamed or deep-fried.

The bottom of the product has a small diameter, it may have a classic convex or flat shape. In the presence of a convex (rounded) bottom, you may need a special adapter for the stove.

Grill pan

Grill pan is designed for frying fish, meat, vegetables and mushrooms. It has a ribbed surface. Products concern only ribs, so there is a feeling that the dish is grilled. In between the ribs fat flows down, which, evaporating, penetrates into the dish and makes it juicier.

Brazier

The roaster is a frying pan with a thick bottom of a large diameter and two small handles that allow you to put the dishes in the oven. It can fry, simmer and bake foods.

Paella Pan

Paella is a traditional Spanish dish consisting of rice spices, seafood, fish and other ingredients. For its preparation, you need a special frying pan, which provides uniform heating of the products and evaporation of the broth. Food in this dish turns juicy and fragrant, and rice - crumbly.

The paella pan is equipped with two small handles, it has a flat, wide bottom and a shallow depth. Its size can be up to 50 cm in diameter, but some models reach one meter.

Stewpan

A stewpan is a frying pan that can function as a pan. That is, in addition to frying and stewing products, you can prepare sauce, soup, rice and even jam in it.

The stewpan is a deep container with thickened bottom and walls. He can have one or two pens.

In this pan, the food warms up well, does not burn and at the same time they do not need to constantly stir.

Tazhin

Tazhin has a high cone-shaped lid, which does not allow condensate formed when heated, to fall on the ingredients. The liquid flows to the bottom of the pan and evaporates again. Due to this, the products become soft and juicy.

The main criteria for choosing a pan

What is the diameter of the pan to choose

The size of the pan is selected according to the number of family members. For one person there will be enough products with a diameter of 18–20 cm. About 22–24 cm is enough for a couple in love, and 26 cm is suitable for mom, dad and baby. The more people you need to feed, the more pan you will need.

In the case of electric and induction plates, it is important that the bottom diameter is not very different from the size of the burner.

Body material

From the material of which the pan is made, depends on the period of use, heating products and care. Most often, cast iron, stainless steel, aluminum and copper are used in the production.

1. Cast Iron Pans - the most durable and durable. They warm up slowly, but ensure uniform preparation of all ingredients, maintaining the desired temperature for a long time. Such products are suitable for cooking fried, stewed, boiled dishes. If the pan has a removable handle, it can be used for baking in the oven. The temperature of the heating of cast iron is higher than that of aluminum. Therefore, it is more suitable for frying and grilling. Cast iron pans must be protected from corrosion.

2. Aluminum Pans characterized by lightness and high thermal conductivity. Products on them warm quickly and cool quickly. Pans can be made from extruded, forged and cast aluminum:

3. Stamped material - the cheapest and short-lived (service life - up to 2 years). A pan of extruded aluminum can be deformed at high temperatures, and the non-stick coating can quickly deteriorate. The thicker the walls and bottom of such dishes will be, the longer it will last.

4. Forged pans have similar properties with extruded aluminum dishes, but they are stronger. Often used for induction cookers.

5. Cast aluminum pans more expensive, but much better. They are thicker, more massive and stronger than products from extruded aluminum, and the non-stick coating holds much longer. Their service life is about 6-7 years.

6. Copper pansusually have the highest bidder. They are durable, have high thermal conductivity. Copper pans evenly and quickly heat up and cool down, do not deform or rust.

7. Stainless Frying Pan steel does not corrode, it is easy to wash, it does not crack or deform. Such dishes keep their presentation for a long time, but if the empty pan is overheated, stains may appear on it. If the pan has a thin, single-layer bottom, it is more prone to deformation, has a shorter service life and is poorly suitable for frying.

Coating material. Choosing a non-stick pan

Using a frying pan with a non-stick coating can significantly save on oil or grease, or refuse it altogether.

1. In production it is most often used. Teflon or PTFE coating. It is quite resistant, nothing happens to it even when exposed to alkali, acids and solvents. But pans with teflon can not be used at very high temperatures. PTFE-coating can withstand heating up to 200-250 degrees. With the increase of the specified temperature or violation of the integrity of the surface Teflon begins to release toxic compounds.In addition, the products in such pans can not be stirred with iron blades or other tools, they must also be washed carefully, without using aggressive detergents.

2. Pceramic cover more reliable and stronger than teflon. It does not emit toxic compounds and is not destroyed under the influence of iron objects and abrasive detergents. But ceramic pans do not like strong temperature drops, because of which the coating can crack. They are not recommended to wash in the dishwasher.

3. Enamel coating rather fragile - can strike if struck. It has the worst non-stick properties compared to all other types of coatings.

4. Titanium coating the least capricious of all possible types of coatings. It is durable, not subject to deformation, chipping and cracking, not afraid of bumps and scratches. But still sharp knives during cooking should not be used. Titan-coated pans cannot be used for induction cookers, and the price is high.

5. Marble coating provides uniform warming up of products and does not allow them to cool quickly. It is durable, but does not "love" sudden temperature changes and stirring with metal objects: a knife, fork and spatula.

6. Escalibur coating produced by gas spraying technique. Pans with such a coating are durable, durable and suitable for frequent use. They are not afraid of metal tools, but have a high cost.

Pens

Handles for pans can be fixed. Fixed handles are convenient when stirring food, throwing pancakes, etc. Removable handles allow you to use the pan in the oven and wash it in the dishwasher.

They can be made of wood, plastic and bakelite, so they do not heat well. If you leave a wooden handle above the fire, it will light up, and from plastic it will begin to melt. Bakelite over the burning burner will be charred.

Which pan to choose

When buying a pan, it is important not only to take into account the material and type of coating, but also the type of cooker:

1. Most types of cookware are suitable for gas stoves.

2. On a glass-ceramic surface it is undesirable to use heavy cast-iron pans - they can scratch the plate.

3. On electric hotplates with rapid burners, you can use almost all pans, but it is not advisable to use products with a thick bottom.

4. Induction plates require the purchase of special dishes, the bottom of which has magnetic properties.

As a rule, the manufacturer indicates for which types of cooker the pan fits.

How much does the pan

1. Prices for classic cast iron pans range from 350 to 14,000 rubles. Of course, from the product for 350-400 rubles. do not expect much. The more expensive the pan, so it will be better, more convenient and more durable.

2. Grilled pans can cost 500-18 000 rubles.

3. The price of aluminum pans starts from 200 rubles. and can reach 24,000 rubles. Cost is determined by the quality of aluminum. For example, a model of cast aluminum can be bought for 1000–13 600 rubles, and a product from extruded aluminum - for 200–2 000 rubles.

4. Prices for stainless steel products can be as 200 rubles. And 25 000.

5. Considered the most expensive dishes made of copper, its cost can be even 65 000 rubles.

In the following articles, our experts tell how to choose pan for pancakeswhich coating to choose pan - teflon or ceramiccompare material pan - aluminum or cast iron, analysis top pans manufacturers.

Video on the choice of the pan

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.