the ultimate guide to cookware

Having the right kitchen equipment is essential—it saves prep time and ensures your hard work and efforts to follow recipes pay off. Pots and pans are no exception, which is why they end up on most wedding registries. But will that $200 pot make you a better cook? What’s the difference between a coated pan and a clad pan? Cookware can be confusing, not to mention an investment, which is why you should learn a few basics before you scan a single frying pan. Read on for all the details.

take stock

If you’re a seasoned cook or have been living on your own for a few years, you likely have a couple of pots to your name. Take inventory of your cookware and see if anything needs replacing— a scratched-up frying pan could be swapped out or maybe a bigger stockpot will help you win the chili cook-off. If you like everything to match, it may be time to upgrade your whole collection. Most cookware is sold as “open stock,” meaning you can purchase the pieces you want individually