Building a good cookware collection comes down to just one thing: the right types of pans. Whether you’ve just moved in or are revamping your collection, you need to have the essentials to create a delicious meal. Having the right pots at your disposal is almost as important as the ingredients for your dish. A high-quality pan can speed up the cooking process, meaning you don’t have to spend hours at the stove, and ensure that you’re getting the most out of fresh ingredients. It can also be beneficial for cleaning when coated for non-stick use.

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Cast iron pans deliver

even heat and exceptional

versatility for daily meals

Dutch ovens excel at

slow-cooking and braising

with steady radiant heat

Non-stick coatings simplify

cleanup and make cooking

significantly less stressful

Stockpots are essential

for soups, pastas, and

batch cooking at home

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A boxed set will likely have the main types of pans needed for daily cooking. But enhancing your collection with pots, such as a Dutch oven or cast-iron skillet, can be ideal. These two dishes, in particular, are versatile and can be used to cook a wide variety of dishes. Stockpots and pressure cookers are another great investment that can go a long way in your kitchen. If you’re new to cooking, understanding the basics behind each pot is essential to creating a well-used collection. Keep reading to see the five best types to add to yours right now.

Skillet

The skillet is a versatile pan that can be used to create full meals, sauté veggies, or as a vessel to reheat leftovers. They’re usually made of cast iron or are cast iron-lined, which helps make them so versatile. The pan itself is shallow and has tall edges, perfect for keeping sauces and food from splashing. It can usually be used on top of the stove and inside the oven.

Roasting Pan

This is a go-to pan for large dinners or weeknight meals for a family. It’s designed with large portions in mind and has deep sides and a large rectangular shape to hold meats and hearty vegetables, making it ideal for cooking a full meal. But it can also be used for large, filling dishes like lasagna.

Casserole Pan

Casserole pans have a similar shape to roasting pans but hold a lot less. They’re the perfect pan for one-pot meals, like chicken and dumplings, and, of course, a host of casserole recipes. While the material can vary, glass or Pyrex is a common choice that allows the dish to be stored in the refrigerator for leftovers at a later date.

Stock Pot

Stockpots don’t just come in handy when you want to make soup. They’re also one of the best pots for pasta, especially long noodles like spaghetti and linguine. With a wide diameter and deep bottom, they’re ideal for cooking large batches of food and can also be used in tandem with steaming baskets for vegetables and small seafood. While they can’t be used in the oven, their oversized shape is perfect for slow cooking on top of the stove.

Dutch Oven

Dutch ovens are another versatile pot that deserves a spot in your kitchen. Designed for a range of cooking techniques, including braising, baking, sauteing, and simmering, they are a staple for home cooks and professionals. They combine the best features of several pots — think deep basins, tall edges, and cast-iron material —making them extremely well-rounded.