Saucepans & Sauciers

What is a saucepan?

A saucepan is a versatile cooking pot with a long handle, traditionally known as a "casserole" since the 17th century. Its design—a deep pot with straight sides and a small surface area relative to its height—makes it ideal for evenly heating liquids and sauces. Typically ranging from 16cm to 22cm in diameter or 2-3 quarts in size, saucepans come in various sizes to suit different cooking needs.

Smaller saucepans are perfect for delicate tasks like making hollandaise sauce or whipping creamy sauces, while larger ones with greater volume are better for cooking vegetable garnishes or other dishes requiring more space. Many modern saucepans feature an integrated measurement scale for precise filling, saving time during cooking. Additionally, saucepans with specialized bottoms, such as SIGMABOND, ensure even heat distribution and retention, enhancing cooking performance, especially on induction stovetops.

In summary, a saucepan is a specialized pan designed primarily for cooking and reducing sauces, simmering, boiling, and preparing various liquid-based dishes with precise heat control and ease of handling.

What are saucepans used for?

Saucepans are primarily used for cooking tasks that involve liquids, such as making sauces, boiling, simmering, and preparing puddings, milk-based dishes, or oatmeal. The right saucepan size depends on the cooking task, whether you are making small portions or family meals, and straight sides are best for boiling and simmering on the stovetop. Their long, stable handle makes stirring easy and secure, allowing you to focus on cooking without worrying about handling the pot. This makes them ideal for recipes requiring frequent stirring and careful heat control, while avoiding high heat helps prevent damage and supports better results.

For more delicate tasks, a straight-sided saucepan works well, but a saucier is better for sauces because its curved sides and fewer corners make continuous whisking easier. Overall, a saucepan is best for smaller liquid-based dishes, while larger batches of soup or stock are better suited to larger pots.

What are the best saucepans to buy?

The best saucepans to buy depend on your cooking needs and preferences. Choosing a saucepan involves balancing size, material and construction with daily cooking habits, along with the features that give you the best value for the price so you do not waste money.

Saucepans can be made from stainless steel, aluminum, or copper. For everyday use, a stainless steel pan is an excellent choice as it is durable, allows the use of metal utensils like whisks without damaging the cooking surface, and offers even heat distribution. In the ZWILLING Online Shop, you will find simple saucepans for occasional use. The range also includes special designs for intensive use that stand apart for frequent cooking.

If you want optimal heat distribution up the sides of the pan, choose a saucepan with a SIGMABOND bottom, which conducts and retains heat evenly, allowing you to cook efficiently at lower temperatures. For saucepans with a nonstick coating, it is best to use silicone or wooden utensils to protect the surface. They are also well suited to delicate sauces and low-fat cooking, and avoiding high heat helps protect the pan and prevent scorched discoloration. Overall, ZWILLING saucepans are induction compatible, oven safe, and have a well-fitting cover for versatile cooking.

How to clean saucepans

Cleaning saucepans is similar to taking care of cookware, though saucepans can be difficult to clean due to their shape and corners. Saucepans are dishwasher-safe; however, cleaning by hand is recommended to prolong their life and maintain their appearance. Hand washing with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth helps prevent scratches and preserves the surface finish. For nonstick saucepans, avoid metal utensils and abrasive cleaning tools to protect the coating. Use baking soda mixed with water to create a gentle paste for cleaning tougher stains without harming the surface.

For stubborn food residue or sticking, fill the saucepan with hot soapy water and bring it to a boil on medium heat. This helps loosen stuck-on food, making it easier to wash once cooled. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads that can scratch the surface. Instead, use a gentle scrubbing sponge to remove residue without damaging the pan.

If you notice rainbow stains or discoloration caused by overheating, a solution of vinegar can help restore the pan's shine. Simply wipe the affected areas with vinegar and rinse thoroughly. Avoid high heat during cooking, as it can contribute to discoloration over time.

Always allow the saucepan to cool before washing to prevent warping, especially when using glass lids or cooking on an induction stove. Regular maintenance, such as drying the pan immediately after washing, helps prevent water spots and keeps your saucepan looking new.

Discover more cookware for every kitchen need

For more of what ZWILLING has to offer, check out our wide range of other pans that are available, ranging from French ovens to tea kettles. Discover our pots & pan cookware sets to complete your kitchen collection, and feel free to take a look at which of our current offerings are on sale.