Probably, few people thought about what size frying pan is needed. At first glance, it seems that such information is completely unnecessary. However, this is not true at all.
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How to measure diameter
First of all, let us note that the quality of the prepared dish largely depends on how "familiar" you are with your frying pan. After all, there have been situations when your meat burned or, on the contrary, took so long to cook that the guests got tired of waiting. And partly the reason for such culinary failures lies in the wrong choice of frying pan or its irrational use.
So how do you correctly determine the diameter by the bottom or by the top of the pan? Usually, the diameter is determined by the top edge of the rim. Any tool designed for this purpose will do for measuring: a tape measure, a ruler, or even a tailor's tape measure.
In stores, the diameter is often indicated by the top ring. This is done so that if necessary, it would be easy to select a lid for the frying pan.
Important! It is better to measure the diameter of the lid by the outer ring. Since if there is a rubber seal, it should also be taken into account
The diameter of the pans is standard and equal to 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 cm.
When choosing the right pan diameter, take into account the size of the burners and the distance between them, so that it doesn’t turn out that having bought the largest pan, you won’t be able to place anything else on the stove, despite three empty burners.
Compatibility of the pan bottom and the hob
If you have a frying pan and a stove, it does not mean that they can be used together. First, you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the kitchen utensils and decide which type of stove is recommended in your case.
Kitchen stoves come in gas, electric, ceramic, induction and halogen varieties. Let's take a look at each type.
Gas
The undisputed leader in terms of prevalence and economy. In private homes they are used in a "duet" with a gas cylinder, and in apartment buildings they are connected to the central gas pipeline.
Such stoves are undemanding to cookware, easy to use, and allow you to “adjust” the size of the flame to the bottom of the pan using a special diffuser.
They require careful handling and regular ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide from accumulating. Also, carbon deposits from additives may accumulate on the bottom of the pan.
The ideal choice of cookware for a gas stove is a cast iron frying pan with a thick bottom.
Electrical
Perhaps the second most popular type. Such stoves heat up relatively quickly and do not leave any soot on the bottom of the pan.
The disadvantages are considered to be the dependence on electricity, since in case of interruptions, the family will be left without hot water. In addition, the cost of such stoves is an order of magnitude higher than gas ones. And the long cooling period does not allow the use of fragile kitchen items (for example, ceramic). So the most suitable cookware for such stoves is iron.
Ceramic
They are also called glass-ceramic. Such devices operate on electricity. They heat up quickly and it is impossible to burn yourself on such a plate. And the heating elements are very durable.
The main disadvantage of ceramic stoves is considered to be the difficulty of caring for them. They are washed only with special means, the coating is damaged and fails due to sugar, water and even minor point impacts. Their cost is very high. And the cookware for cooking on such stoves must be flat-bottomed, cast iron or enamel.
Induction cookers
One of the most modern cooking devices. The cooking process begins only when a special cookware with a magnetic bottom is placed on the burner. This technology minimizes fire hazards.
Such stoves heat up quickly and cool down quickly, accurately maintain the set temperature, and are easy to clean.
The disadvantages of such devices include the need to use special dishes, which are not cheap, and the load on the electrical network. In addition, during cooking, electromagnetic waves are emitted, which will not allow you to chat on your cell phone while creating a culinary masterpiece.
Halogen
This is the next level after induction cookers. The advantages of such equipment include the ability to cook in glass or ceramic dishes, as well as the presence of thermometers at the burners. Heating is strictly vertical.
Only flat-bottomed cookware must be used. The stove is washed using special products and requires a reliable electrical network for uninterrupted operation.
How to choose the right frying pan
In addition to the cooking surface, when choosing a frying pan, you need to pay attention to the following aspects.
- If you prefer an aluminum frying pan with a non-stick coating, then choose models made of cast aluminum with thick sides and a bottom.
- The diameter indicated refers to the top of the pan, not the bottom. The most suitable diameter for dishes for one person is 24 cm, and for a large family - 28-32 cm.
- The heavier the pan and the more layers of non-stick coating it has, the better it is.
- If you plan to use the cookware for baking in the oven, look for a model with a removable handle.
And yet, the main thing is that kitchen utensils are not only practical and convenient, but also pleasant to the eye and touch. Therefore, choose a model that suits you. Only in this case, your culinary masterpieces will be prepared with love.
