When searching for a rondeaux pot there are features to look for to ensure you receive the best possible tool for your desired goal. Rondeaux pots are traditionally used for braising or poaching as well as slow cooking. These pots are sometimes confused with casserole dishes as they have two side handles; a rondeaux pan is a medium height piece of cookware slightly taller than a low casserole pan.

Before buying a new pot I always think of what I will be using it for as it is usually for a specific purpose. Then I try to imagine what else I could use it for and decide to buy. Size is always a concern for larger entrees and dishes. If you intend on using the rondeaux for slow cooking or roasting a larger size may be in order. The size will also dictate the weight of the pan. If the pan is too large it may be too heavy to place into the oven while preparing a meal. Keep your own strength in mind when deciding on size as well or you may find yourself calling a neighbor for help.

Construction material is also a great concern for rondeaux pan shoppers. The material should be highly durable and long lasting. I recommend the Mauviel 2 quart Rondeaux pot in copper. The copper is only 2 mm thick providing superb heat conductivity and extreme light weight. This pot is a dream to work with and can be used to prepare anything from stews to roasts and form braising meats to poaching fish. The handles, my personal favorite, are bronze which allows for the passing form stove top to oven a snap. should you need a different size rondeaux pot, you may select the 1 quart or the 3 1/4 quart.

The interior of the Mauviel rondeaux pot is lined with stainless steel which reduces cleaning times and creates a beautiful aesthetic effect against the copper exterior. Mauviel has hundreds of years of tradition behind their products which is why they are respected by professionals all over the world. The stainless steel also prevents acidic foods from harming the copper; copper is highly susceptible to acids and will tarnish much like the green roofs of copper topped buildings. Copper is 10 times more efficient at heat conductivity than stainless steel and is far more durable than aluminum making it my recommended cookware material.

For the serious or about to be serious chef a splayed saucepan is an indispensible piece of cookware. Splayed saucepans have a small bottom which allows for extremely quick heating making is a perfect addition for those on the move. Mauviel has a copper splayed pan that adds to the heat conductivity as copper is the best conductor of heat in any kitchen; at least until a new material is created.

The splayed pan is ideal for reductions, in fact that is what their intended use is. The large opening allows for faster evaporation. The more air that is allowed in, the faster the evaporation process. Coupled with the small base and copper construction, the Mauviel copper splayed sauce pan is the perfect addition to any kitchen, professional or amateur. The pan is made from a copper thickness of 2.5mm is super thin and further adds to the heat conductivity making sauces preparation a breeze. The splayed pan not only works great for sauces but side dishes as well.

Vegetables cook a bit faster with the small bottom but will need a lid to help seal in the heat. The wide top, while great for reductions will allow valuable heat to escape and render longer cooking times. Purchasing a copper cookware item will be more expensive up front. Copper is a widely used and widely respected cookware material. It does cost extra, but with the proper care and use will last several lifetimes. This versatility and longevity reduce the price of a piece of copper cookware to be competitive with other materials like non-stick and stainless steel.

Copper cookware adds to the aesthetics of a kitchen bringing color and atmosphere to your most visited room in the house. Mauviel has been manufacturing copper cookware since 1830 and has a tradition of more than 800 years. The company is one of the most highly respected copper cookware companies in the world held in high esteem by professional chefs and home cooks alike. To add to the hearty construction, Mauviel has added a riveted cast iron handle to the splayed copper saucepan. The handle is curved for ease of use and comfort making it suitable for use in the oven or on the stove.

Available sizes are 6 1/2 inch diameter 1 quart Mauviel Splayed Copper Saucepan, 7 7/8 inch diameter and 1 3/4 quart, and 9 1/2 inch diameter and 3 quart capacities.

Kinetic CLassicor 12 qt Stock Pot

Stock pots are a necessary tool in the kitchen for a multitude of uses from making soup stock, of course, to preparing stews, tomato sauces and chili; pretty much anything that can be cooked in a big pot. A larger stock pot will be able to better serve larger recipes and a wider variety of entrees for your friends and family. Stock pots are the predecessor to crock pots and provide a handy implement for slow cooking and wonderful winter meals and dinners.

Kinetic Classicor produces a 12 quart stock pot perfect for any meal in a busy household. The stainless steel construction ensures durability and the long life of the stock pot. Stock pots are great for creating turkey stock and turkey noodle soup. An aluminum core allows for even heat distribution and even cooking over the surface area of the stock pot. The core is 3mm in thickness adding to the great heat conductivity. The structure is a 3 ply method which helps retain heat better by sealing the aluminum in stainless steel. A glass lid is included so you can watch your soup stock or chili cook without losing any heat.

The handles are stainless steel as well which helps carrying heavy stocks but heat dispensing in nature; however, you should still use heat insulated pads to handle the pot after or during cooking. The stock pot from Kinetic can be used with every cook top including gas, electric and induction, so you won’t need to worry about compatibility. These stock pots are great for starter cooks and experienced chefs. Experiment with some new recipes and discover the joys of stock pot cooking. Stocks are not only used for soups but can be incorporated into sauces and roasts to keep in moisture and add a new dimension to your entrees and recipes.

Heat will not warp the pot over time due to the tri-ply construction. Should the 12 quart stock pot be too large for your needs or kitchen, Kinetic Classicor also produces an 8 quart stock pot featuring the same 3 ply construction and heat retention. Both the 12 and 8 quart stock pots are highly polished stainless steel and add to the aesthetic beauty of your kitchen. Remember presentation is very important. They are also oven proof; meaning you can place the stock pots directly in the oven to create new and exciting entrees and recipes at home. Not to mention they are ergonomically designed to provide greater comfort during preparation.