Evidence index · Cookware

Cookware: where beginners and restaurant professionals agree

Only the cookware that beginners and restaurant professionals have independently backed. A product one group praises and the other has never mentioned does not appear here.

beginners is who the advice is aimed at; restaurant professionals is a community we read.

10 people on record as beginners and restaurant professionals make 83 quoted claims about cookware across 18 sources. Membership is recorded with its own evidence — for a person by the trait they are on record holding, for a community by the source it was said in — and authority is scoped to cookware rather than to fame.

Which cookware do both beginners and restaurant professionals recommend?

Endorsements and objections about cookware from beginners and restaurant professionals, together, strongest evidence first.

All-Clad stainless pan

3 voices 15 claims 6 objections

7:03 supports Uncle Scott speaking on Uncle Scott's Kitchen Beginners

what i said is set your base level at d3 and then go from there kind of as budget and needs dictate and you can't go wrong

recommendation Owns it All-Clad D3: As good as they say?

Cites price

0:30 supports Uncle Scott speaking on Uncle Scott's Kitchen Beginners

so guess what i tried a d3 and i like it i like it a lot

recommendation Owns it All-Clad D3: As good as they say?

Cites build quality, weight

i really do like this all clad d3 stainless steel frying pan been cooking in it heavily for about six months now so it's part of my go-to frying pan rotation it's easy to move around seems to be well made and most importantly it produces a ton of delicious food it gets a thumbs up

1:30 supports Uncle Scott speaking on Uncle Scott's Kitchen Beginners

it's a tri-ply pan it has a stainless steel cook surface and underneath is an induction compatible stainless steel exterior in between is a thick layer of aluminum aluminum is almost as good as copper when it comes to heat conductivity

performance Owns it All-Clad D3: As good as they say?

Cites even heating, heat retention, non-stick surface, size and capacity, heat conduction

what this illustrates is that the d3 has good heat conductivity that aluminum core spreads the heat really well here you can see that the okra is sizzling and frying edge to edge

the 12 inch model easily holds four boneless pork chops you could probably get a fifth in there if you wanted to and you see that the pan produces nice even browning

these stainless steel d3 actually produce nice non-stick bacon the way you get non-stick bacon in stainless steel is simply to start the bacon off in a cold pan give it an early flip and then cook it as normal and it's non-stick

i note that these two steaks are over a pound each and they fit in this 12 inch d3 nicely and the pan maintained a sear i give those a good two minutes or so on the first side look at that crust that's a very nice crust

Le Creuset dutch oven

2 voices 3 claims no objections from beginners and restaurant professionals

15:47 supports Uncle Scott speaking on Uncle Scott's Kitchen Beginners earns commission on this

Now, as far as the enamel, I think all of these Dutch ovens are goodlooking.

appearance Tested it NEW: Lodge USA Enamel Review with cooking & Staub/Le Creuset comparison!

Cites appearance, surface finish

Uncle Scott earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped: a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

The stoves and the L Crusades may be a scoch smoother, and I can't tell if that's actually true or if that's just what I expect. And um it's reinforcing my expectations.

3:01 supports David Chang speaking on GQ Chef

buy something like this this is a lro pot this is a great thing the lro set they're not cheap by any means but you'd be surprised that these are the same kind of pots that many top chefs use

recommendation Uses it professionally Momofuku's David Chang Reveals What You Need in Your Kitchen | GQ

Cites build quality, price (against)

3:01 supports David Chang speaking on GQ Chef

they're fantastic they're heavy they're great for brazes it's a great like just finishing pot and you can serve your food in here and it looks great

use-case fit Uses it professionally Momofuku's David Chang Reveals What You Need in Your Kitchen | GQ

Cites appearance, heat retention

What do beginners and restaurant professionals say about cookware in general?

Not a recommendation for a specific product: technique, materials and what to look for in cookware. Citable on its own terms. There are 65 of them; the 40 with the strongest evidence are below.

2:32 supports Uncle Scott speaking on Uncle Scott's Kitchen Beginners

I don't worry about it at all because carbon steel is incredibly tough it would be very difficult to actually damage one of these pans in any type of normal kitchen situation

durability Owns it Remove Rust from Carbon Steel

Cites durability, scratch resistance

19:54 supports Uncle Scott speaking on Uncle Scott's Kitchen Beginners

here is a brand new carbon steel skillet. Um straight out of the package, I seasoned it on the stove top. Took less than 15 minutes. And here's the very first egg. It released and slid. Got a nice flip. Um, and that thing is skating around like a hockey puck in there.

performance Tested it Field Cast Iron Review: Egg Problems & Great Gratins

Cites non-stick surface, seasoning durability

4:31 objects Papa Mau speaking on PapaMau Cooking YouTube

This is one of the trickiest dish to attempt on any iron cookware.

use-case fit Owns it The Uncomfortable Truth Behind Lodge Cast Iron Pans

Cites maintenance (against), non-stick surface (against)

are you willing to dedicate time to the craft of cooking?

It may not be for everyone

6:08 objects Uncle Scott speaking on Uncle Scott's Kitchen Beginners

make sure you don't use cold water you could warp it

performance Tested it Mauviel M'Steel Pan Seasoning and Cooking In-Depth

Cites warp resistance (against)

12:44 supports Uncle Scott speaking on Uncle Scott's Kitchen Beginners

one of these high temperature tests I still prefer a good cast iron or a carbon steel for that task

performance Owns it Worth $300 for a Demeyere Proline Atlantis?

Cites searing and crust

2:36 objects Uncle Scott speaking on Uncle Scott's Kitchen Beginners

if you have an electric flattop stove it makes it more difficult to get your pan seasoned now i season my pan regularly when our gas stove top if you're cooking on a gas stove top the flame hits the bottom moves outward enough around the sides of the pan so you get a good even distribution of heat all over the pan…

use-case fit Owns it Matfer Carbon Steel Pan Seasoning Problems Solved

Cites heat conduction (against)

7:38 objects Uncle Scott speaking on Uncle Scott's Kitchen Beginners

put it on a burner 30 45 seconds evaporate that remaining moisture off of there so you don't get any rust

durability Five Carbon Steel Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Cites rust resistance (against)

3:02 supports Uncle Scott speaking on Uncle Scott's Kitchen Beginners

if you get some micro scratches on the surface of your carbon steel pan no big deal um those will fill in with seasoning the next time you season the pan and lots of people think that those little micro scratches give that seasoning something to grip to and it lasts a little bit longer the next time

performance Tested it Remove Rust from Carbon Steel

Cites seasoning durability

25:57 objects Uncle Scott speaking on Uncle Scott's Kitchen Beginners

cast iron skillets are not really known for flipping eggs, so the side walls are too tall, etc., etc.

use-case fit Tested it Field Cast Iron Review: Egg Problems & Great Gratins

Cites shape and form (against)

1:35 supports Uncle Scott speaking on Uncle Scott's Kitchen Beginners

you do not have to season your pan 11 times to get it to work correctly that's just crazy that's like a new hobby or lifestyle commitment you don't have to do that what you need to do is season your pan correctly one time once you've done that it'll pass the fried egg test

performance Matfer Carbon Steel Pan Seasoning Problems Solved

Cites speed and efficiency

9:39 notes Uncle Scott speaking on Uncle Scott's Kitchen Beginners

she's one of these good old southern traditional cooks she's been using 70 80 year old cast-iron skillets that were handed down from her mother she's been using these for 40 or 50 years

ownership Passing on someone else's experience Matfer Carbon Steel Pan Seasoning Problems Solved

14:03 supports Ian Fujimoto

But I can tell you with 100% certainty that if I was going to start my pan collection over again today, it would be made of three [music] pans. A 10-in stainless steel skillet, a 4Q pot, and a 12-in non-stick pan.

Three judgements rest on this sentence:

recommendation Owns it
recommendation Owns it
recommendation Owns it

Top 10 Most Needed Kitchen Tools

But it is worth the effort to learn how to cook on stainless steel [music] or cast iron or carbon steel than to always cook on nonstick because nonstick, it doesn't matter [music] if you spend $1,000 on your non-stick pan or $20.

So, do yourself a favor and get into something that is stainless steel because it is easier to get into than carbon steel or cast iron [music] and it's going to make you a better cook and it will last you a lifetime.

13:33 objects Ian Fujimoto

And when you're investing in quality, remember the number one most important rule. You do not need to buy a set. Period.

recommendation Owns it Top 10 Most Needed Kitchen Tools

And I want to start this by emphasizing the same rule we have for pans applies to knives. Do not buy a set. [music] You don't need it. Plain and simple.

13:03 supports Ian Fujimoto

But if you get quality stainless steel, it's going to last you and your children's lifetime and probably far after.

durability Owns it Top 10 Most Needed Kitchen Tools

Cites durability

Just like your pots and pans, buying a quality [music] knife is going to last you a lifetime.

13:03 objects Ian Fujimoto

Or if you get a non-stick, yeah, that you're going to have to replace.

durability Owns it Top 10 Most Needed Kitchen Tools

Cites durability (against)

That non-stick pan is going to need to get replaced within a [music] year of good use, guaranteed.

1:30 supports Lynne of The Splendid Table Home Cooks

The one pan I cannot live without is a 12-inch straight-sided sauté pan.

recommendation Owns it Lynne's Favorite Tools for the Kitchen

8:02 supports Fallow Chef

This is 24 cm. Really versatile. Definite definite recommend.

recommendation Uses it professionally Inside a Real Restaurant Kitchen: What’s Actually Worth Buying (And What Isn’t)

Cites versatility

1:00 supports David Chang speaking on GQ Chef

I do feel that every kitchen needs a cast iron skillet they're all cheap and they're all indestructible

recommendation Uses it professionally Momofuku's David Chang Reveals What You Need in Your Kitchen | GQ

Cites durability, price

1:30 supports David Chang speaking on GQ Chef

this is something for sure that if you take care of will last Generations upon Generations

durability Uses it professionally Momofuku's David Chang Reveals What You Need in Your Kitchen | GQ

Cites durability

3:31 supports Gordon Ramsay Chef

C scroll dishes are surprisingly versatile and a great investment you only need one and if you look after it it will last you a lifetime

durability Uses it professionally Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Kit | What You Need To Be A Better Chef

Cites durability, versatility

3:31 supports Gordon Ramsay Chef

more importantly cast iron it conducts the heat so you can have the gas on absolute minimal or the oven down to its absolute lowest setting and the thing will just cook naturally

performance Uses it professionally Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Kit | What You Need To Be A Better Chef

Cites heat conduction, heat retention

3:31 supports Gordon Ramsay Chef

casserole dish absolutely essential when it comes to good home cooking why so versatile

recommendation Uses it professionally Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Kit | What You Need To Be A Better Chef

Cites versatility

2:01 supports Gordon Ramsay Chef

look for an ovenproof frying pan with a metal handle if you want to cook like pros by finishing off your dish in the oven or under a Hot Grill

recommendation Uses it professionally Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Kit | What You Need To Be A Better Chef

Cites handle, oven safe

2:01 supports Gordon Ramsay Chef

frying pan for me one of my favorites why cuz it's so versatile

best in class Uses it professionally Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Kit | What You Need To Be A Better Chef

Cites versatility

0:30 supports Gordon Ramsay Chef

the secret behind a great saucepan is the heavier the bottom the more heat it will conduct the thinner the bottom the more chance you've got actually burning your food

performance Uses it professionally Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Kit | What You Need To Be A Better Chef

Cites base and rim, heat conduction

13:03 supports Ian Fujimoto

The way that I see it is if you invest [music] in quality pots and pans, they're going to last you a lifetime. You're not going to need to replace them.

durability Owns it Top 10 Most Needed Kitchen Tools

Cites durability

1:30 supports Lynne of The Splendid Table Home Cooks

This is your roasting pan. This is your pizza pan. You can use it for sautéeing, stews, and sauces.

use-case fit Owns it Lynne's Favorite Tools for the Kitchen

Cites versatility

3:01 supports Billy Parisi speaking on Chef Billy Parisi Chef

I promise you this will be your new go-to pan for everything

recommendation Cook Like a Pro with These 15 Must-Have Kitchen Tools

2:00 supports David Chang speaking on GQ Chef

this is what I like to call one pot cooking and this is the epitome of what I like the good thing is is it's great for brazes you can pop in the oven you can steam fish

use-case fit Uses it professionally Momofuku's David Chang Reveals What You Need in Your Kitchen | GQ

Cites versatility

1:00 objects David Chang speaking on GQ Chef

you want pans that you can put in the oven plastic handle stuff no bueno right

recommendation Uses it professionally Momofuku's David Chang Reveals What You Need in Your Kitchen | GQ

Cites oven safe (against)

6:33 supports Gordon Ramsay Chef

the more solid your trays are the better then they won't buckle and they will last

durability Uses it professionally Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Kit | What You Need To Be A Better Chef

Cites durability, warp resistance

6:02 supports Gordon Ramsay Chef

a classic two-handled roasting tray brilliant for roasting whole Birds finishing sauces gravies on top of the stove over the Gast ring burner again versatile

use-case fit Uses it professionally Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Kit | What You Need To Be A Better Chef

Cites versatility

6:02 supports Gordon Ramsay Chef

roasting and baking tray these things so versatile great for baking whole fish on fantastic for making Breads and so cheap

recommendation Uses it professionally Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Kit | What You Need To Be A Better Chef

Cites price, versatility

3:31 supports Gordon Ramsay Chef

the beauty of this thing is the fact that you can actually use it on the hob or start it on the hob and finish it in the oven

use-case fit Uses it professionally Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Kit | What You Need To Be A Better Chef

Cites oven safe, stovetop compatibility

2:01 supports Gordon Ramsay Chef

whether you're searing the most amazing rack of lamb cooking duck breast soing chicken or even a quick omelette or even find an egg all in one

use-case fit Uses it professionally Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Kit | What You Need To Be A Better Chef

Cites versatility

0:30 supports Gordon Ramsay Chef

buy the best SAU buns you can afford take good care of them and they'll last you years saving you money in the long run

value Uses it professionally Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Kit | What You Need To Be A Better Chef

Cites durability, price

0:00 supports Gordon Ramsay Chef

you don't need a collection of 10 all you need really is two a mediumsized one followed by a large one

recommendation Uses it professionally Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Kit | What You Need To Be A Better Chef

Cites heating speed, lid

and always get a lid which helps heat the pan up as quickly as possible

0:00 supports speaking on Bon Appétit

I think griddle's interesting cuz the fat stays around it, doesn't it? And gives you that crisp on the griddle is going to get so much more contact and everything is going to be much more crunchier. Texture is important. Super important. So that that's why the griddle for me works because it get the texture.

performance The ‘Chef’s Table: Legends’ Answer Cooking Questions From Reddit | Bon Appétit

Cites heat control, searing and crust, heat retention

13:33 supports Ian Fujimoto

If you're already a single person household or you're in college or it's just you, get a 10-in skillet. That's going to do 90% of what you need.

use-case fit Owns it Top 10 Most Needed Kitchen Tools

Cites versatility

13:33 objects Ian Fujimoto

When you're buying cookware in a big set that's like, hey, here's every single piece. You're not going to use 60% of that, maybe more. you end up saving some money on the pieces that you want, but then spending money on stuff that you're never going to use.

value Owns it Top 10 Most Needed Kitchen Tools

Cites price (against)