Wedding Registry: Pots & Pans 101

If you're registering for cookware, go for the good stuff. We're talking All-Clad, Calphalon, T-Fal -- the big boys. And if you're buying for yourself, remember that quality products last longer and save money in the long run. Whether you're a kitchen novice or a budding chef, great cookware will make cooking each meal a pleasure.

Cookware Lingo

What should you demand of your pots and pans? They should conduct heat well, cook food evenly, and resist cracking and chipping. Look for stay-cool handles, non-slip grips on both pot handles and lids, tight-fitting lids, and non-stick surfaces (to make cleaning easier). Make sure pieces are dishwasher-safe, too. Here's a glossary of lingo you'll need to pick the perfect pots and pans:

Aluminum: A popular cookware material because it heats quickly and evenly. With a non-stick surface or stainless-steel lining, it's easy to clean.

Anodized Aluminum: This is a highly conductive aluminum that has been electrochemically treated so the surface is hard, scratch-resistant, and will not react with food acids. It's often available with a non-stick finish.

Copper: This is the oldest cookware metal. It heats and cools quickly for energy efficiency, it looks good, and it's a favorite of many professional chefs. The best copper cookware is lined with stainless steel; it's pretty pricey (and more laborious to clean), so you may choose just a few items to display in your kitchen.

Starting with six to ten pieces is sufficient, but registering for a full set is worth it.

Stainless Steel: A durable metal that won't tarnish or corrode, usually bonded to an aluminum or copper disc at the base of the pot or pan (for better heat distribution).

Cast Iron: This metal cookware absorbs heat quickly, distributes it evenly, and retains it for maximum fuel efficiency. It's great for frying, browning, and baking -- but it's pretty darn heavy.

Enamel Cookware: A colorful, often decorated, exterior protects a cast-iron interior from nicks and rust. It's good-looking enough to do double duty at the oven and the table.

Non-stick: A cookware surface that's extremely easy to clean and requires little or no cooking oil -- great for health-conscious cooks!

Which Pieces?

You can buy cookware and bakeware separately ("open stock") or as a set. Many 7- to 20-piece starter sets are available, which is a good idea if your cupboards are bare. Starting with six to ten pieces is sufficient, but registering for a full set -- plus any additional pieces you like -- is worth it (sets are favorite gift choices of parents and grandparents). Here are our suggestions for a complete kitchen:

• 4- or 5-inch skillet
• 10- or 12-inch skillet
• 2- or 3-quart saucepan with lid
• Stock pot with pasta insert
• Dutch oven (4- to 6-quarts)
• Roasting pan
• Steamer insert
• Colander
  
• Casserole dish
• Baking sheets, cake pans, and muffin tins (2 each)
• Nesting bowls

For more exotic fare:

• one crepe pan
• one souffle dish
• one wok
• one fondue pot

  View our Basic Registry Checklist for all your registering essentials.

  Cleaning

  Always follow the use and cleaning instructions that come with the product. Some quick tips:
  • Let pots and pans cool before washing.
  • Use hot, soapy water and a sponge when hand washing cookware.
  • Use wood, nylon, plastic, or rubber cleaning tools on non-stick cookware to prevent scratching.
  • Don't put wood-handled cookware in the dishwasher or oven; the wood could char, warp, or crack.
  • Avoid abrasive scouring pads or steel wool when cleaning cooking surfaces, unless recommended by the manufacturer.

-- Tracy Guth

See More: Registering for Wedding Gifts