The 5 Essential Pots and Pans Every Kitchen Needs

Everyone’s kitchen looks different—but a few cookware essentials belong in every home. You might not need a wok or a specialized asparagus pot, but if you enjoy cooking or want to simplify everyday meals, these five hero pans and pots will cover most of your culinary needs.

1. Small Saucepan with Handle and Lid

Perfect for: sauces, reheating soup, melting butter

Lightweight, versatile, and easy to grab at any moment, a small saucepan is your go-to tool for countless tasks. Ideal for quick sauces or heating a small portion, this pan is a kitchen staple. Look for a thick base to ensure even heat distribution, especially on induction cooktops.

2. Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Lid

Perfect for: almost all cooking techniques, stovetop or oven

Cast iron may take time to heat up, but it retains heat extremely well. Whether you’re searing, sautéing, braising, or slow cooking, this pot delivers outstanding results. Use it on the stove or pop it into the oven—its versatility is unmatched. A high-quality cast iron pot will last for generations.

3. Cast Iron Grill Pan

Perfect for: grilling meat and vegetables indoors

Want those perfect grill marks without firing up the barbecue? A grill pan made of cast iron is your best friend. Ideal for steak, halloumi, or zucchini, it brings outdoor flavor to your stovetop. Remember to season it occasionally to keep it non-stick and rust-free.

4. All-Purpose Frying Pan

Perfect for: frying, sautéing

This is your everyday pan—the one you’ll use for eggs, pancakes, stir-fried veggies, sautéed onions, and more. Choose a model with a non-stick coating for easy cleanup and healthier cooking. While a risotto may benefit from high sides and pancakes from low ones, a good all-rounder frying pan covers most needs with ease.

5. Large Stockpot with Lid

Perfect for: soups, stews, boiling pasta, bone broth

Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a batch of comforting soup, a large pot (6–10 liters) is a must. The bigger size allows ingredients to move freely while boiling, which helps flavors develop evenly and prevents overflows. It’s the backbone of many hearty dishes.

Having just these five pots and pans will elevate your cooking game and allow you to prepare a wide range of recipes—from quick breakfasts to elaborate dinners—with confidence and ease.