Are you looking for the answer to the age-old question of what’s the difference between a sauce pan and a sauté pan?
As a professional chef, I can tell you that understanding the difference between these two pans is essential for successful cooking.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, knowing the features that make each of these pans unique can help you choose the right one for your culinary needs.
In this article, I’ll explain the differences between a saucepan and a sauté pan, from the materials and finishes to their uses in cooking. You’ll also learn which type of pan is best suited for different types of food preparation.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the differences between saucepans and sauté pans, so you can make an informed decision when it comes to selecting the right pan for your cooking needs.
Table of Contents
What is a Saucepan?
A saucepan is a type of cooking pot with high sides and a smaller diameter, designed for simmering or boiling liquids. It is typically made from materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or copper and is wider and shallower than traditional pots. Depending on the manufacturer, saucepans come in different materials and finishes such as copper, aluminum, stainless steel, stones, etc. Saucepans with non-stick coatings are also common. Standard saucepans range from 2 to 4 quarts.
Pros:
- Saucepans are practical and can cook almost anything that goes in them.
- They are suitable for simmering, making soups, cooking sauces, and stewing.
- They can also be used for boiling water for foods (such as pasta, lentils, risotto, and mashed potatoes).
- Saucepans can be used in an oven (if oven-safe).
- High sides make stirring easier and reduce the risk of spills.
- The smaller diameter allows for more even heat distribution.
- The long handle stays cool during cooking and makes it easier to move the pan around.
- The tight-fitting lid helps maintain moisture and flavor while cooking.
Cons:
- The smaller size means that saucepans can’t hold as much food as larger pots and pans.
- The flat bottom may cause some food to stick to the pan if not properly seasoned or oiled.
- Some models don’t have a helper handle which makes it difficult to move a full pan around.
- Not all models come with a lid which makes it difficult to control evaporation when cooking.
What is a Sauté Pan?
A sauté pan is a type of frying pan with high sides and a flat bottom, designed for sautéing food quickly over high heat. It is typically made from materials such as stainless steel or non-stick aluminum, and has a long handle for easy maneuverability. It is also wider and shallower than a traditional frying pan, with sides that are at least two inches high. This allows the pan to hold a large amount of food, while also allowing steam to escape and prevent the food from getting soggy. Some sauté pans also have a lid, which is useful for retaining heat and moisture while cooking. Some may also have a helper handle on the opposite side of the main handle, which makes the pan easier to hold and pour from.
Pros:
- High sides: The high sides of the sauté pan allow it to hold a large amount of food while allowing steam to escape and prevent the food from getting soggy.
- Flat bottom: The flat bottom of the sauté pan helps keep it stable while cooking and prevents food from spilling over.
- Long handle: The long handle provides better control when stirring or flipping food, making it easier to maneuver.
- Lid (optional): The optional lid helps retain heat and moisture while cooking.
- Helper handle (optional): The optional helper handle makes it easier to hold and pour from the pan.
- Materials and finishes: Sauté pans are typically made from stainless steel or non-stick aluminum, which makes them durable and easy to clean.
- Non-stick coatings: Non-stick coatings make it easier to cook with less oil, and make cleaning up afterwards much simpler.
- Product Dimensions: Sauté pans come in various sizes, so you can choose one that fits your needs.
- Uses: Common uses of a sauté pan include searing, braising, deep-frying, shallow frying, etc. Also, some sauté pans (like those entirely made of stainless steel) are used in oven cooking. However, they have to be oven-safe.
Cons:
- Higher price tag: Sauté pans tend to be more expensive than traditional frying pans due to their higher quality materials and construction.
- Not suitable for all dishes: While sauté pans are great for quick cooking over high heat, they are not suitable for all dishes as some require lower temperatures.
Saucepan vs Sauté Pan: Features Compared
When it comes to choosing between a saucepan and a sauté pan, it’s important to understand the differences between the two. Here is a comparison of their features:
High Sides
A saucepan has high sides, which are designed for simmering or boiling liquids. These high sides also make it easier to cook and stir food without spilling. The sauté pan also has high sides, which are designed for sautéing food quickly over high heat. The sides are at least two inches high, which allows the pan to hold a large amount of food, while also allowing steam to escape and prevent the food from getting soggy.
Smaller Diameter
A saucepan typically has a smaller diameter than a traditional pot. This allows for more efficient heating, as the heat is concentrated in a smaller area. A sauté pan also has a smaller diameter than a traditional frying pan, making it easier to maneuver and control the heat.
Long Handle
Both the saucepan and the sauté pan have long handles that make them easy to maneuver and pour from. The handles are usually made of stainless steel or other materials that can withstand high heat.
Tight-Fitting Lid
The saucepan comes with a tight-fitting lid that helps retain heat and moisture while cooking. The sauté pan may also come with an optional lid, which can help retain heat and moisture while cooking.
Flat Bottom
The sauté pan has a flat bottom, which is designed for even heat distribution when cooking over high heat. The flat bottom also makes it easier to move the pan around on the stovetop. The saucepan does not have a flat bottom, but rather is wider and shallower than traditional pots.
Helper Handle (Optional)
Some sauté pans come with an optional helper handle on the opposite side of the main handle, which makes the pan easier to hold and pour from. The saucepan does not have this feature.
Lid (Optional)
The sauté pan may come with an optional lid, which can help retain heat and moisture while cooking. The saucepan comes with a tight-fitting lid that helps retain heat and moisture while cooking.
Materials and Finishes
Saucepans are typically made from materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or copper and come in different materials and finishes such as copper, aluminum, stainless steel, stones, etc. Saucepans with non-stick coatings are also common. Sauté pans are typically made from materials such as stainless steel or non-stick aluminum.
Product Dimensions
Standard saucepans range from 2 to 4 quarts, while sauté pans vary depending on size.
Uses
Saucepans are practical and can cook almost anything that goes in them. They are suitable for simmering, making soups, cooking sauces, and stewing. They can also be used for boiling water for foods (such as pasta, lentils, risotto, and mashed potatoes) and can be used in an oven (if oven-safe). Sauté pans are commonly used for searing, braising, deep-frying, shallow frying, etc., although some sauté pans (like those entirely made of stainless steel) can be used in oven cooking if they are oven-safe.
Final Verdict
When deciding between a saucepan and a sauté pan, it’s important to consider how you plan to use each one. If you’re looking for something to simmer or boil liquids in then a saucepan is your best bet; however if you’re looking for something to quickly sauté food over high heat then a sauté pan is your best option. Both products come in different sizes and materials so it’s important to consider your needs before making your purchase decision.
