What Pots and Pans Do I Actually Need?

Direct Answer

Most kitchens need just five pieces: a 24 to 28cm frying pan, a 16 to 18cm saucepan with a lid, a large pot of 4 to 6 litres for pasta and soup, a roasting tin or baking tray, and a lidded sauté pan or casserole for one-pot meals. Start with the first three, add the rest as you need them, and skip big matching sets. Check your hob type first, because induction needs magnetic pans.

Cookware sets often bundle ten or more pieces, but most people use only three or four every week. This guide lists the pieces that earn their place, with sizes in centimetres and litres, how many you need for your household and what you can safely skip.

The Five Pieces Most Kitchens Need

Buy the first three straight away. The last two are worth adding early, as soon as your cooking calls for them.

The Essentials

Frying pan, 24 to 28cm Eggs, stir-fries, pancakes and browning meat; the size suits most households
Buy first
Saucepan with lid, 16 to 18cm About 1.5 to 2 litres; rice, sauces, porridge and reheating soup
Buy first
Large pot, 22 to 24cm or more Roughly 4 to 6 litres; pasta, soup and stews for more than two people
Buy first
Roasting tin or baking tray Roast vegetables, chicken thighs, traybakes and oven chips
Add early
Sauté pan or casserole with lid Deep sides for one-pot meals, braises and saucy dishes
Add early

Nice to Have Later

Wok Fast stir-fries over high heat
Later
Griddle pan Sears steaks and vegetables with grill marks
Later
Steamer insert Cooks vegetables gently over a saucepan you already own
Later
Milk pan A small saucepan does the same job, so this is optional
Optional

Pan Sizes in Plain English

Pan sizes are usually listed by width in centimetres, but what you really want to know is how much food they hold. Sizes vary a little between brands, so treat these as a guide.

Width, Capacity and Household

16cm saucepan Roughly 1.5 litres; rice or vegetables for one or two
1 to 2 people
18cm saucepan Roughly 2 litres; a batch of sauce or soup for two or three
2 to 3 people
20cm saucepan Roughly 3 litres; potatoes or pasta for a small family
3 to 4 people
24cm stockpot Roughly 5 to 6 litres; big batches of soup, stew or pasta
4 or more
28cm frying pan Room for a family stir-fry or several chicken thighs at once
3 to 4 people

Check Your Hob Before You Buy

Induction Needs Magnetic Pans

Most pans work on a gas hob, and a flat, even base heats best on electric and ceramic hobs. Induction is different: the pan itself must be made from magnetic material. If you have an induction hob, look for pans marked induction-ready. A fridge magnet is a quick test, because if it sticks firmly to the base, the pan should work.

Which? says pans for induction must be made from, or partly made from, a naturally magnetic material such as stainless steel or cast iron, and that aluminium and copper only sometimes work. Their induction pan guide explains what to look for.

Which Material Suits Which Pan?

Each material has a job it does best. You do not need all of them, but it helps to know what you are buying.

Non-Stick

Easy release for eggs and pancakes. Use silicone or wooden tools, and avoid heating an empty pan.

Stainless Steel

Durable and good for browning and sauces. Check it is induction-compatible if you have an induction hob.

Cast Iron

Heavy and slow to heat, but holds heat well. It needs seasoning and careful drying.

Aluminium

Light and quick to heat, but it may not work on induction unless the base is magnetic.

How to Judge Quality Without Overspending

A higher price does not always mean a better pan. Check these four things in the shop or in the product description before you buy.

A Flat, Solid Base

A flat base sits fully on the hob and heats evenly. A warped base rocks and cooks unevenly.

Secure Handles

Handles should feel firmly attached and stay cool enough to hold safely with oven gloves.

A Lid That Fits

A snug lid saves time and energy, and it stops sauces splashing onto the hob.

An Oven-Safe Rating

If you plan to finish dishes in the oven, check the pan and its handle are rated for it.

What You Can Skip

Skip at First

Cupboard Fillers

Sets of ten pieces or more, specialist pans for crepes or omelettes, and tiny milk pans. They take up space and get used rarely.

Add When Needed

Useful Extras

A wok, griddle pan, casserole and steamer insert. Buy each one when a recipe you cook often calls for it.

A Grill Pan From Our Range

If a griddle or grill pan is on your later list, this Korean-style non-stick grill pan is one option. The listing says it has raised ridges that help drain excess fat, works on various stovetops, and can be used indoors or outdoors. It does not state induction compatibility, so check before using it on an induction hob.

Korean non-stick grill pan for indoor barbecue

Korean Non-Stick Grill Pan

£48.98

A smokeless, non-stick grill plate for searing meat and vegetables on the hob, with a design aimed at even heat and quick cleanup.

Buy Now

Look After Your Pans So They Last

Good pans can last for years if you treat them well. Match your utensils to the surface, let a hot pan cool a little before washing it, and never heat an empty non-stick pan. When you stack pans, put a cloth or a pan protector between them so the surfaces do not scratch each other.

Which Starter Set Is Yours?

The right number of pans depends on how many people you cook for.

Living alone or in your first flat? A 20 to 24cm frying pan, one 16cm saucepan with a lid, one medium pot and a baking tray.
Couple or small household? The five essentials cover almost everything you cook.
Family of four or more? Add a second saucepan and a 5 to 6 litre stockpot so sides and mains can cook together.
Cook for guests often? Add a casserole and a second frying pan so nothing has to wait.

Keep Reading

What Are the Basic Kitchen Essentials?

The full guide: every cooking tool, tagged by when to buy it

Explore Our Kitchen Essentials Range

From everyday utensils to storage and small appliances, build your kitchen one piece at a time.

Shop Kitchen Essentials

Frequently Asked Questions

What pots and pans do I actually need?
A frying pan, a saucepan with a lid, a large pot, a roasting tin or baking tray, and a lidded sauté pan or casserole. The first three cover most everyday cooking, and you can add the rest as you need them.
How many pots and pans does a beginner need?
Three to five. Start with a frying pan, a saucepan with a lid and a large pot, then add a roasting tin or baking tray once you start cooking in the oven.
What size frying pan is best for everyday cooking?
A 24 to 28cm frying pan suits most households. If you cook for one person, a 20 to 24cm pan is easier to handle and store.
Do I need special pans for an induction hob?
Yes, in the sense that the pan must be made from or partly made from magnetic material, such as stainless steel or cast iron, according to Which?. Look for pans marked induction-ready, or check that a magnet sticks firmly to the base.
Do I need a full pan set?
No. Sets often include pieces you will rarely use. Buying the frying pan, saucepan and large pot individually lets you choose the right sizes and spend more on the pans you use most.
How many saucepans do I need?
Two is enough for most households: a small saucepan of 16 to 18cm and a larger one of 20cm or more. Add a stockpot if you regularly make soup or pasta for four or more people.

 

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