There’s more to cooking pans than meets the eye. While many home cooks focus on ingredients or techniques, the right cookware can make a big difference in your results. Whether you’re flipping a cheese toastie or searing off some juicy lemon chicken, choosing the right pan helps bring out the best in every dish.
Different Types of Cooking Pans
Step into any kitchenware store in Australia and you’ll likely be greeted by rows of pans in all shapes and materials. It can be a bit of a head-spin — but understanding the basics makes it easier.
When choosing pans, consider two things: the material it's made from and how you’ll use it. Here’s a quick guide to the most common materials:
Stainless steel: A durable all-rounder — handles high heat, resists rust, and doesn’t react with food.
Cast iron: Favoured by chefs for its excellent heat retention. Ideal for slow-cooked meals and searing, though it requires a bit more care and seasoning.
Ceramic: A great choice for non-stick cooking without the chemicals. Perfect for delicate meals like eggs, fish, or even creamy truffle mushrooms and toasted brioche.
Teflon-coated pans: While popular, they do wear down over time and may leach chemicals if scratched. Ceramic is often a safer alternative.
Aluminium: Lightweight and cost-effective, but avoid cooking acidic foods like tomato sauce, as it can react with the metal.
Choosing the Best Cooking Pans for Your Kitchen
Think about what you cook most often and your level of experience in the kitchen. Then, select the right type of pan for those tasks:
Frying pans: These are flat and shallow — great for everyday use, like cooking pan-fried lemon chicken or flipping pancakes.
Saucepans: Perfect for boiling, simmering, or making sauces. Ideal for households of any size.
Sauté pans: A bit deeper than frying pans, allowing you to cook with liquids. Great for making reductions or thick sauces.
Woks: A must-have for stir-fries. Round-bottomed for gas hobs, but flat versions work well on electric or induction cooktops.
Griddle pans: These give food that distinctive char-grilled look — try using one for this easy red pesto haloumi for a crispy yet melty result.
Stock pots: Oversized saucepans used to make large quantities of soup or stock — perfect after preparing family-favourite chicken recipes.
You don’t need them all — just the ones that fit your cooking style and needs.
The Best Pans for Your Cooktop
Your cooktop type also matters when selecting the right pan:
Induction: Needs magnetic-bottomed cookware — look for induction-compatible labels.
Glass-top: Avoid rough-bottomed pans like raw cast iron to prevent scratches.
Gas hobs: Work with almost anything, including traditional round-bottomed woks.
Best Cooking Pans for Beginners
If you're just starting out in the kitchen, ceramic non-stick pans are a smart first choice. They're easy to clean and ideal for recipes that require precision — especially when cooking spicy recipes, where burnt spices can ruin the dish. Once you’re more confident, you can add stainless steel to your toolkit for more versatility.
Caring for Your Cooking Pans
Your pans will last longer — and perform better — if you look after them properly:
Non-stick: Never use the abrasive side of a sponge or a steel scrubber.
Cast iron: Don’t wash with soap. Wipe it clean and coat lightly with oil before storing.
All pans: Dry thoroughly to prevent rust or damage, especially if they’re stored in a cupboard.
FAQs: Your Pan Questions, Answered
Which pans are best for cooking?
Stainless steel, cast iron and lined copper pans are excellent for heat distribution and durability.
What’s the best material for cooking pans?
Stainless steel is a great all-rounder — strong, food-safe, and rust-resistant.
Which pans are safe for cooking?
Cast iron, ceramic, stainless steel and copper (lined) are all considered safe. Be cautious with uncoated aluminium and worn Teflon.
What are the healthiest pans to cook with?
Ceramic, cast iron and stainless steel rank highest. Always choose pans that are free from PTFE or PFOA.
Is it better to cook with stainless steel or ceramic?
Stainless steel is versatile and long-lasting, but ceramic is ideal if you want a healthy non-stick surface.
Whether you’re cooking comfort food or gourmet fare, choosing the right pans makes cooking more enjoyable and your food more delicious. And if you're looking to take the guesswork out of planning and prepping your weekly meals, HelloFresh offers a convenient meal prep delivery service — bringing fresh ingredients and chef-tested recipes straight to your door.