If you have the correct pan for what you plan to cook, things will go much smoother. Too often, however, new cooks purchase a set of pans that may contain items they will never use. Conversely, some of the pans you might use several times a week may not be included. You can build a pan collection through purchasing just the pans suitable for the foods you cook and how you cook them.

Stove top pans are frequently sold in sets that include a four quart, two quart, and one quart pan. This can be a nice basic starter set if lids are included. For those who like to prepare large batches of soup, chili, or stew, you might want to consider a larger pot as well. A six or eight quart pan, sometimes called a stock pot, allows you to cook extra and freeze it for an easy meal later.

To fix layer cakes, a minimum of two round cake pans will be required. If, however, you prefer to bake your cakes in a rectangular pan or cook mainly pies or cookies, you need not purchase these at all. Many cooks like the oblong style because they are easier to bake and frost. These pans are quite useful for many other purposes, such as preparing casseroles.

Cookie or baking sheets are available in two main styles. One is enclosed on all sides with a shallow lip. The other is open on the long sides and turned up on the ends. The enclosed style is best for cookies or other items for which the surface must be greased. It may also be utilized for baking rolls, pies, or frozen dinners.

You might want to consider one pan in a special shape for baking cakes or molding gelatin. Opt for a fairly generic subject that you can use on various occasions. Excellent choices include a starfish design, a cartoon character, or a heart cake pan.

When preparing items to be sent out of the house, a disposable aluminum cake pan can be very convenient. They are economical and available in decorative patterns. This saves risking your better pans and can also save clean up time for foods that tend to stick badly.

Cast iron is an excellent material for cookware once it has been properly seasoned. It spreads heat evenly and quickly and lasts a very long time. If you only purchase one cast iron item, consider a skillet, since it can be used on the range top or inside the oven. However, you should never put cast iron in your dishwasher or leave it to soak for more than a few minutes. Let it cool and then clean it, drying it thoroughly before replacing it in the cabinet.

Pans are available from very economical models to expensive professional grade models. If you think you might like to have one of the restaurant quality sets, you might consider purchasing just one pan first. This gives you a chance to evaluate the product before you invest hundreds or even thousands in a set you may not like.