What is a saucepan? What do we need it for?

Before buying new cookware, it is worth studying its types, shapes and purposes. Every detail must be taken into account so that in the future you can prepare your favorite dishes without any problems. The size also determines the amount of space taken up in the kitchen. What is a saucepan, and what type should you choose for your kitchen?

Pan - definition

A saucepan is one of the most popular kitchen appliances. It is used for cooking first courses and stewing second courses.

Reference! It is a deep metal or cast iron container that is designed for cooking on a fire, stove or oven. The main distinguishing feature is the presence of a lid and two side handles for convenience.

Antique cast iron pan.

Story

The first device for cooking food was invented by the French in the 17th century. Pan - (French casserole, from casse - pit, ladle).

It was made of copper and had an impressive size and was called a “stewing pan”; vegetables were only stewed in it, and in the 19th century. They started cooking soups in it.

In Russia, for the first time, utensils for preparing soups appeared in the navy in 1720, and were made of cast iron. Seafood was cooked in it.

Reference! The first naval pans were cylindrical in shape and ranged from 5 to 10 inches in diameter.

Kinds

Today, a large number of types of pans have been invented, which differ in shape, size and purpose. There are options with a double bottom. Capacity is measured in liters.

According to the form they are distinguished:

• A ladle is a small container with one handle.Designed for preparing cereals, sauces, baby purees, and boiling eggs. The ladle serves as an excellent alternative to the kettle.

• A saucepan is a round container slightly deeper than a frying pan. The saucepan is intended for stewing foods and preparing puree soups.

• A cauldron or cauldron is a deep dish with thick walls for preparing oriental dishes. When choosing a pot, it is important to pay attention to the bottom of the dish: a convex bottom for cooking over an open fire, a flat bottom for an electric or gas stove.

Depending on the material, the following types are distinguished:

• cast iron;
• steel;
• ceramic;
• glass;
• aluminum;
• silicone.

Made of ceramics

Glass

Today, stores have a large number of utensils for various purposes. Before choosing a container, you need to decide on its purpose. After all, its type and further use will depend on what you need the dishes for.