If you’ve window-shopped for frying pans or any other cookware recently, you may have noticed the shocking price difference between different ranges of frying pans.
While some frying pans sell for as low as $30, others can go up to several hundred dollars—so, it’s not surprising that many buyers often ask whether or not expensive frying pans are worth it.
Expensive frying pans are worth it because they typically feature better construction. More expensive pans are usually more durable and longer-lasting and often include other features that less expensive options do not, such as non-stick coatings.
It’s often difficult to determine what price range to opt for when buying cookware like a frying pan.
This article examines the effects of prices on the functionality of frying pans and whether it’s worth spending the extra dollars to purchase expensive frying pans.
Are Expensive Frying Pans Worth It?
There’s perhaps no better scenario where the old saying, “you get what you pay for,” plays out than when buying kitchenware. As expected, part of the reason why top-quality cookware costs so much is because they’re simply made better and include better components.
Expensive frying pans are worth it if you don’t mind spending money on better, durable materials. The quality of construction means you’re less likely to have to replace the frying pan, thus, spending less money in the long run.
For example, a $120 frying pan may last for several years, whereas you might need to replace a $30 pan every six months due to a scratched surface or broken handles.
Studies also show that expensive pans will typically feature better balance and ease of usage, making them less likely to drop and damage. Handles will also last longer and won’t pull off because of the weight of your food.
Check out this YouTube video for an example of why expensive frying pans are worth it!
Expensive Pans Have Their Pros and Cons
Some of the most expensive pans are made of iron, copper, and carbon steel. However, not every high-end pan is made the same, so it’s still important to do some research ahead of time.
Generally, research would include comparing the pros and cons of different brands to find one that suits your cooking habits.
Here, let’s review some of the examples we assembled from our research.
Emerald Cast Iron Pans Are Best for Slow-Cooking
Although relatively popular, pans made with enameled cast iron are only great for slow-cooking and braising because of their unique heating method. However, their stylish looks mean that they can also double as serving dishes.
You can use them as part of your serving dishes on any occasion, guaranteed that they’ll impress. Unfortunately, they’re also pretty heavy, and their tendency to chip makes it easier to damage them.
Copper Pans Are Prone to Dents
Pans made of copper would get dented and even damaged quickly. So, you’ll need to create a special space for them to avoid banging them around your kitchen.
Another downside to copper is its reactivity. Acidic foods may cause the copper to leach out over time and large amounts of copper can be harmful to humans.
Fortunately, most copper features a tin lining—and tin contains nonstick properties on its own.
In addition, copper frying pans are beautiful and would allow for easy heat circulation.
Carbon-Steel Pans
Another great type of pan that’s durable is the carbon-steel pan. Carbon-steel pans are designed to serve in kitchens set up for professional jobs.
However, they’re not cheap to maintain, and their usage is often highly specialized.
Bear in mind that no pan is perfect, irrespective of its prices or functions. Therefore, it’ll make sense to research properly before choosing one that would suit your personal needs.
Are Expensive “Non Stick” Pans Worth Paying Extra For?
We’ve all seen the recent hype for nonstick pans and cookware. The need to replace them once scratched, however, often causes people to wonder whether they’re truly worth paying the extra bucks for.
Nonstick pans are worth paying extra for if you’re willing to take proper care of them. The coating is prone to scratches, so it’s important that you avoid using metal utensils on nonstick cookware. These frying pans are also a good investment if you cook delicate foods regularly.
With that said, the nonstick characteristics won’t necessarily last longer than those of cheaper pans.
Experts would always agree that it’s all about finding the borderline between spending the right amount on getting durable pans with top-notch quality and not coughing out more money than your budget can probably accommodate.
Irrespective of the price, you’ll still need to change your nonstick pans once in a while. It may not even take so long, so why spend more than you can afford on them?
Is Copper Cookware Worth It?
Copper cookware easily comes to mind when looking for alternatives to nonstick pans. However, their relatively high prices make people wonder if they’re genuinely worth the price.
Several chefs agree that copper cookware is an investment worth making, irrespective of their prices. The sturdy nature of copper cookware, as well as its ability to heat up and cool down almost immediately, allows you to have total control over your cooking.
They’re also incredibly long-lasting, making them better bargains for your bucks. When you turn on your heat knob on your stovetop, you want your food to heat up quickly, and that’s what copper cookware offers you.
Unless you intend to cook with residual heat, copper cookware may not be the ideal option for your needs.
Conclusion
There you have it; a detailed review of the pros and cons of expensive pans and when you need them.
With chefs becoming more conscious of the utensils they use and how they affect cooking, there’s no better time to invest in good cookware than now.
Nonstick pans are the way to go if you need to fry or cook delicate foods with them. However, it’s vital to go moderate when buying them because the nonstick coating would eventually wear off, and you’ll need to buy another one.
