If you’re a passionate cook, you know that the right tools can make all the difference in the kitchen. One such tool is the saucier pan. Often referred to as the chef’s secret weapon, saucier pans are specially designed for sauces, stews, and other delicate dishes. With a rounded bottom and gently sloping sides, these pans allow for easy whisking and stirring, ensuring that your sauces come out perfectly every time. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of saucier pans and explore everything you need to know to choose the right one for your kitchen.
What’s a Saucier? And Why Do You Need One?
According to the traditional French brigade system, the job of saucier (also known as sauté chef) entails, among other things, the creation of sauces for use in the dining experience. French mother sauces, for which you’ll need to whisk together a roux or simmer ingredients for a lengthy time, are a common component of this category.
Compared to a standard saucepan, a saucier’s sides are shorter and rounded off, and in some cases the sides even flare outward. These characteristics make a saucier perfect for the whisking and stirring required to prepare Mornay sauce or other starch-bound products like pastry cream. Traditional risotto is another such dish. The grains tend to become stuck in the pot’s sharper corners if you don’t swirl constantly, thus a special pan is recommended. Fortunately, this issue may be avoided by investing in a saucier, which will allow your spoon or spatula access to all areas of the pot.
There are two advantages to using a saucier because of its shorter walls. For reducing sauces like demi-glace, the shallow clearance aids evaporation*. Second, you may finish emulsifying dishes like pasta or risotto by tossing them thanks to the bowl’s short, rounded sides.
Heat is distributed and maintained more reliably in sauciers because of their heavier, more conductive bottoms and narrower walls.
Do you need a saucier then? If you want a single piece of cookware that can do it all, from creating soups and broths to purées and grains, then you need a saucier (as it can do all a saucepan can and then some). You probably don’t need to be so particular if all you want to do is boil water in a pot, and since you’re here reading this review, I’m guessing that’s not the case.
Choosing the Best Saucier Pans to Build Your Dream Home
Is a chefs pan a saucier?
The chef’s pan, also known as a saucier (from the French word for sauce), has sloped sides that make it incredibly simple to continuously whisk and mix ingredients while they cook. It is deeper than a frying pan and as versatile as a pot.
Moreover, what is the best size saucier?
What saucier size is ideal? Since that size is sufficient for the majority of cooking duties, such as reheating four to six serves of soup, we concentrated on sauciers that were 3 to 4 quarts for this review. If you’re looking for a larger saucier, our top pick from Made In is also available in a 5-quart capacity.
Likewise, people ask, what is the difference between a saucier and a saucepan?
A Saucepan has a flat bottom and straight sides, whereas a Saucier has a curved bottom and sloped sides that prevent ingredients from becoming stuck in the corners of the pan. In addition to being lower in height, a Saucier is less capable of holding as much volume as its equivalent.
Similarly, what is a saucier pan for?
A saucier pan speeds up the cooking process while making oatmeal, risotto, or simmering sauces that require longer to thicken. Without food getting trapped between the bottom and sides of the pan, it is simpler to swirl and whisk thanks to the rounded bottom.
17 Best Saucier Pans
All-Clad D3™ Stainless Steel Saucepan with Lid
The founder of Pineapple Collaborative, Ariel Pasternak, chose a four-quart pan from All-Clad as her only saucepan due to space limitations in her city apartment. She considers it to be the ideal size for any type of cooking. Strategist senior editor Winnie Yang also frequently uses the larger saucepan and finds it to be durable, withstanding multiple runs in the dishwasher. Both women anticipate the saucepan to last for a long time and appreciate the additional stainless steel loop handle for easy maneuvering.
All-Clad Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe Sauce Pan with Lid
According to four of our experts, the saucepans from All-Clad are highly recommended, with the 1.5-quart size being the most popular. Lili Dagan, a culinary director at Blue Apron Kitchen, considers the pan a gateway to high-quality cookware. She says it’s dependable, sturdy, and shows good taste without being overly heavy. The pan features an aluminum core that heats up quickly and evenly, sandwiched between two layers of durable stainless steel. It also comes with a pour-lip that allows for neat pouring without any dripping. The pan is easy to clean and has remarkable longevity, making it a reliable and practical choice.
Cuisinart MCP19-16N Multiclad Pro Triple Ply 1.5-Quart Skillet, Saucepan
For a more affordable option, consider the pan from Cuisinart, which is about a third of the price of the All-Clad pan. It also features a stainless steel finish and a rapid-heating aluminum core. Senior editor Winnie Yang of The Strategist has been using her pan since 2017 and uses it frequently for cooking grains or heating soup. She says the quality is exceptional for its low price and that it’s very easy to clean, simply by putting it in the dishwasher on the bottom rack.
AVACRAFT Stainless Steel Saucepan with Glass Lid, Strainer Lid
Author of “I Dream of Dinner”, Ali Slagle, likes the extra features of the Avacraft saucepan, such as its in-pan liquid measurement, non-drip spout, and a lid with a built-in strainer. These features eliminate the need for a measuring cup and colander. The pan has five layers of stainless steel and aluminum, but it is still lightweight, which was one of the reasons Slagle purchased it. She finds it easy to clean, using warm soapy water, but it is also dishwasher safe. At 2.5 quarts, it is the perfect size for making soup for two.
SCANPAN Professional 2 qt Saucepan with Lid
Lili Dagan, a culinary director at Blue Apron Kitchen, is a big fan of Scanpan saucepans and calls herself a “nonstick evangelist.” Instead of Teflon, Scanpan uses its own patented Stratanium, a ceramic-titanium nonstick coating that the brand claims has a longer lifespan than Teflon. Dagan attests to the durability of the coating, saying it never chips or peels, even when using metal utensils, which are safe to use according to Scanpan. The saucepan features a fast-heating aluminum core and a stainless steel lid, and is easy to clean as it is dishwasher safe.
Mauviel M’Heritage M’150B Copper Saucepan with Lid, 1.9 QT -6.3″
According to Lili Dagan, cooking with this pan feels like owning a French chateau and is a worthwhile investment. Copper pans are similar to aluminum and steel in that they heat quickly and evenly, but they are more difficult to care for and require polishing if you want to keep their shiny finish. However, if you only wash the pan by hand, it can be a beautiful addition to your kitchen. Dagan uses it for making sauces and for lowbrow dishes like mac and cheese.
Le Creuset Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 3.5 Quart Saucier Pan
The exterior of the mirror-polished stainless steel cookware is made of lightweight titanium to avoid scorching, discoloration, and corrosion at high temperatures. It features a triple layer construction with a full aluminum core from the base to rim, making it safe to use with metal utensils and the dishwasher. The unique three-ring lid is equipped with a steam vent to prevent overflow, tight-fitting stabilizers, and an easy-grip stainless steel knob. The ergonomic stay-cool handles and helper handles provide easy and comfortable movement on the stovetop, and the cookware is oven-safe and compatible with all cooktops up to 500°F.
Calphalon Triply Stainless 5-Quart Saucier with Glass Lid
Constructed with 18/10 stainless steel on both the interior and exterior. Ideal for families or entertaining large groups, the 5-quart saucier pan is perfect. The inner core is made of highly conductive, heavy-gauge aluminum. The long, ergonomic cool-V handle stays cool on the stovetop. Comes with a tempered glass dome lid.
Viking Professional 5-Ply Saucier, 3 Quart
The 5-ply construction is made up of a stainless steel exterior that is suitable for induction cooking, an 18/8 non-reactive stainless steel interior, and a three-layer aluminum core. This 3 Quart Saucier Pan comes with a lid and features a design that balances comfort and control, with ergonomic, signature Viking Stay-Cool handles that are safe to use at temperatures up to 315°C/600°F. The set also includes a sturdy 18/8 stainless steel lid and can be used on all types of cooktops, including electric, gas, grill, induction, and ovens.
Sitram Cybernox 2.1 Quart Saucier Pan with Cover
The base is made of thick aluminum and the cooking surface is composed of a durable and non-stick alloy. The handle is round and made of cool-to-the-touch stainless steel. This cookware can be used on ceramic stovetops, gas ranges, and electric ranges with a maximum capacity of 2.1 quarts.
Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 2-1/4-Quart Saucier Pan, Oyster
The cast iron saucier pan has a 2.1-quart capacity and comes with enamel exterior for chip and crack resistance. It has a long cast iron handle and an additional helper handle for easy transport. The secure-fitting lid has a phenolic knob that locks in heat, moisture, and flavor. It is 16.5 x 8.8 x 5 inches in size and has a limited lifetime warranty. Hand washing is recommended for care.
Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 2-1/4-Quart Saucier Pan, Cobalt Blue
The long cast iron handle and the additional helper handle make transport of the 2.1-quart cast iron saucier pan with enamel coating convenient. It comes with a secure-fitting lid with a phenolic knob that helps retain heat, moisture, and flavor. It has a limited lifetime warranty and its dimensions are 16.5 by 8.8 by 5 inches. Hand washing is advised and it is safe to use in an oven up to 350°F.
Demeyere Atlantis 3.5-qt Stainless Steel Saucier
The 7-ply construction is eye-catching and made in Belgium. The handles are made of 18/10 stainless steel that stay cool and are hygienically welded. The Silvinox surface treatment is patented and keeps the stainless steel looking silvery, resists fingerprints, and is easy to clean. The flat base stability ensures that the pan won’t warp even when heated.
Anolon X Hybrid Nonstick Saucier with Lid, 2.5 Quart – Dark Gray
The Hybrid Nonstick Saucier Pan has a specially constructed stainless steel base that provides even heat distribution on all cooktops, including induction, and maintains its flat shape. This pan has the ultimate sear, thanks to its innovative base and stainless steel mesh that keep oil in the middle, allowing heat and fats to combine for outstanding caramelization and browning. The flush rivets and strong, PFOA-free nonstick coating create a seamless surface that ensures recipes slide off easily and enables quick cleanup. This pan is safe for all cooktops, including induction stoves, metal utensils, and can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Handmade with a dishwasher-friendly design, a dual riveted handle for control, and a tempered glass lid to seal in heat and flavor, this pan is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Amazon Commercial Enameled Cast Iron Covered Saucier, 3.7-Quart, Blue
Cookware with an enamel coating can be used for marinating, cooking, and storing food without causing any reactions. Heavy-duty cast iron is known for its excellent heat retention and slow and even heating, resulting in optimal cooking performance. When using this cookware, it is safe to use on all cooking surfaces but it is recommended to avoid sliding it on glass or ceramic stovetops to prevent scratching. This cookware is oven-safe up to 400°F and it is important to use oven mitts when handling it while in use. It should only be washed by hand and not in the dishwasher. The long handle provides a firm grip and the helper handle offers extra support, while the lid helps to maintain heat and moisture.
Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick 5 Qt. Saucier
A diverse range of cookware with versatile shapes suitable for various cooking techniques. It features a non-stick surface inside and a hard-anodized exterior. The covers made of clear glass and stainless steel allow for easy monitoring of soups and sauces as they simmer.
Calphalon Commercial Hard-Anodized 8-1/2-Quart Saucier with Lid
The vessel has a design that supports multiple cooking techniques and is made of heavy-gauge aluminum for optimal heat conductivity without warping or hot spots. It has a dependable, stick-resistant hard-anodized surface perfect for braising, caramelizing, sautéing, and deglazing. It is safe to use with metal utensils and is oven-safe up to 700 degrees. The hard-anodized lid and brushed “Cool V” handles make it easy to use on the stovetop. It is made in China and measures 12-7/8 by 14-9/16 by 5-1/4 inches.
FAQs: Picking the right saucier pan
What is a saucier used for?
A saucier is a type of cooking pan used for making sauces, as well as for cooking delicate dishes that require precise temperature control, such as custards and risottos. It has a rounded bottom and sloping sides that make it easy to whisk ingredients, and the lid helps to retain moisture and flavor. Saucier pans come in different materials, such as stainless steel, cast iron, and hard-anodized aluminum, and can be used on a variety of cooktops, including gas, electric, induction, and ovens.
What size saucier is best?
We narrowed our search to sauciers with capacities of three to four quarts because this size is ideal for a wide variety of common cooking activities, such as reheating four to six portions of soup. Our top pick, also available in a bigger 5-quart quantity, is Made In’s saucier.
What’s the difference between a saucepan and a saucier?
A saucier has shorter, somewhat flared walls and rounded edges, while a saucepan has taller walls, sharper corners, and a flatter bottom.
What sauciers are compatible with induction stovetops?
Both of our favorite sauciers (from Made In and Great Jones) are induction-friendly. When looking for a saucier online, make sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications to see if it is induction-ready. A magnet will tell you whether or not a pot is suitable for use on an induction burner, so be sure to have one with you if you plan on doing any in-store purchasing.
Conclusion
A saucier pan is a versatile kitchen tool that is essential for cooking tasks that require precise temperature control. With its rounded shape and sloping sides, a saucier pan allows for easy whisking, stirring, and tossing of ingredients. Its construction, which typically consists of heavy-gauge aluminum, stainless steel, or a combination of both, ensures superior heat distribution and prevents hot spots. With the added feature of a lid, a saucier pan is perfect for a wide range of cooking methods, from simmering sauces to caramelizing vegetables. With its sturdy construction, comfortable handles, and oven-safe design, a saucier pan is a valuable investment for any home cook or professional chef.
