You already have a cookware set, but with every dish you ask yourself: which pan should I use now? This practical guide goes through specific use cases for each pan type. (If you don’t have any pans yet and want to know which ones to buy, then our cookware set guide is a better starting point.)
The Frying Pan
The frying pan has a low rim and is made for quick frying and a crispy result.
Suitable for: eggs, steak, fish, pancakes, sautéing onions.
Standard size: 25 cm. CuliStack Frying Pan 25 cm
The Sauté Pan
The sauté pan is deeper than a frying pan and suitable for dishes that need moisture and time.
Suitable for: pasta with sauce, risotto, stews, curries, sauces.
Standard size: 28 cm with 3 liters capacity. CuliStack Sauté Pan 28 cm
The Wok Pan
The wok pan has high sides and is made for quick cooking on high heat. Its shape helps keep ingredients in the pan when tossing quickly.
Suitable for: stir-fries, noodles, Asian curries, large portions of pasta.
Standard size: 28 cm with 3.8 liters capacity. CuliStack Wok Pan 28 cm
The Saucepan
The saucepan is the smallest pan in a complete set and suitable for smaller portions and sauces.
Suitable for: sauces, soup for 1-2 people, cooking rice, boiling potatoes, boiling eggs.
Standard size: 21 cm with 2.3 liters capacity. CuliStack Saucepan 21 cm
The Dutch Oven
The Dutch Oven is the largest pan with thicker walls and oven resistance. Made for slow cooking and large portions.
Suitable for: slow stews, large curries, soup in large portions, baking bread in the oven.
Standard size: 28 cm with 5.6 liters capacity, oven safe up to 220°C. CuliStack Dutch Oven 28 cm
Which combination do you really need?
If you’re still wondering which pans you actually need (not: when to use which), first read which pans belong in every set. This use-case guide assumes you’ve already made a choice.
Minimum combinations per household:
Singles or couples (1-2 people): frying pan plus saucepan.
Family of 2-4 people: frying pan plus sauté pan plus saucepan.
Large household or enthusiastic cook: all five pans.
And your old pans?
Do you have old pans lying around that you no longer use? Take them to the scrap metal dealer or recycling center. The metal is recycled and used in new products. A CuliStack pan itself consists largely of recycled aluminum, with a 4.5 mm thick base. So that old pan from today can literally be part of someone’s next pan.
Build your set at your own pace or all at once
For those who prefer to build step by step: individual pans are all compatible with the CuliStack system and fit the same ClickGrip handle.
For those who want everything at once: cookware sets in four sizes, from starter (1 pan plus handle) to extensive (16-piece).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need both a frying pan and a sauté pan? For most households, yes. The shapes are designed for different tasks.
Can a Dutch Oven replace my sauté pan? To a limited extent. A Dutch Oven is heavier and deeper, less convenient for daily pasta or sauce.
Which pan should I choose for 6 people? A 28 cm sauté pan or the Dutch Oven. A 25 cm frying pan is too small for six portions at once.
