One of the most important kitchen appliances that you need to buy is a soup pan. You can either purchase an expensive metal one made out of cast iron that has a thick and heavy lid, or a plain plastic or paper one. The first two types are more expensive than the later one. While soup pots do make cooking soups faster and easier, there are some downsides that you should know about before buying one.
The first consideration with soup pots comes from their construction. Cast iron is the priciest material you can get for your vessel, but also the most durable. It will last forever if properly taken care of, and it’s very easy to clean. Aluminium is also a great material for a pan because it’s lightweight, cheap and easily cleaned.
A second point relating to soup pan materials comes down to a more personal thing: preference. Some people like the heavy duty, non-stick feeling of stainless steel handles, while others like the soft touch of aluminium. If you have allergies or pets, you may be able to live with non-stick materials better. Also, the smaller size of some pots means that they will take up less space, which means you won’t have to sacrifice interior space of cupboards in your kitchen. All in all, you can choose how you want to handle your pots based on your own preferences.
A third pro or con is the size of the opening of the pot. Soup pots have different openings, the most common being an L style with a long neck. This type has the widest opening and is the best pot to use if you want to be able to steam and stir your soup right away. Larger pots may be able to accommodate bigger soups and be harder to steam, so take that into consideration when choosing the size of your soup pot.
A final consideration for material is the material used for the handles. There are two main types: stainless steel and aluminium base. I personally prefer stainless steel for its non-stick feel. I also appreciate the fact that I do not need to worry about leaching or rusting from the aluminium base. However, the aluminium base is the easiest to clean and more durable.
When shopping for soup pots or other cooking devices, keep these things in mind. They will help you narrow down your choices so that you can make the best decision for your needs. Also, keep in mind that there are a few different sizes and openings, so be sure to choose one that best suits your needs. At the end of the day, you want to choose something you will love using so figure out what will work for you!