What Pans Do Michelin Chefs Use? – Easy Kitchen Guide

By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on March 13, 2023 | Last Updated on July 4, 2023

Do you want to cook like a Michelin-star chef? Then you need the right tools for the job!

Top chefs rely on high-quality pans to create amazing dishes that wow their diners. But what type of pans do Michelin cooks use – and how can you get them too?

In this blog post, we’ll answer these questions and more so you can master your cooking with ease. Read on to discover what it takes to create delicious cuisine just like the pros!

What pans do Michelin chefs use?

Michelin chefs use a variety of pans to cook their dishes perfectly. Nonstick pans, skillets, and sauté pans are popular choices, as they allow food to be brown evenly while keeping it from sticking to the pan.

In restaurant kitchens, chefs rely on pans that can handle regular, rigorous use while still delivering optimal performance and requiring minimal upkeep. 

To meet these needs, chefs typically select stainless steel, aluminum, carbon steel, ceramic or cast-iron varieties. These materials offer superior resilience and resistance to impact compared to other options.

Investing in reliable and long-lasting cookware can be an excellent investment for any professional chef.

Also read: Frying pan vs saucepan

What materials do chefs prefer?

Chefs prefer high-quality cooking tools and materials that are easy to use, durable, and make food preparation easier. They have to whip up dishes quickly using heavy-duty equipment and high temperatures to keep up with customer demands, 

Therefore, it is essential to invest in quality cookware that can handle regular use and need minimum care.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is essentially invincible, withstanding extreme temperatures and resisting oxidation. 

Not only that, but it’s also incredibly easy to clean – perfect for creating any type of dish! Plus, many stainless-steel cookware is even safe to place in the dishwasher. 

All this makes stainless steel a must-have item for professional chefs everywhere.

Experienced chefs prefer to utilize stainless steel pans for sauce preparations and to sauté; however, deep frying is not typically done with this type of pan.

To maximize its effectiveness, culinary masters opt for the thicker varieties as it provides greater stability when used in high-heat settings.

Carbon Steel

Professional French chefs unanimously agree that carbon steel pans are superior for high-temperature cooking. Not only is it lighter than traditional cast iron, but its durability and resistance to rough handling make it ideal for commercial kitchens.

Although finicky when exposed to acidic dishes – One should not attempt tomato or lemon-based recipes in these pans. 

Head chefs can easily prepare multiple dishes using a carbon steel pan. Michelin-star restaurants have relied on this cookware since time immemorial!

Cast Iron

Cast iron pans are a fantastic tool for cooking due to their heavy base, the capability to withstand scorching heat, and even heat distribution.

Plus, they can become an heirloom piece when you give attention and care! 

However, professional chefs often don’t use them in restaurant workplaces because cast irons tend to rust if not properly dried after each use.

For domestic usage, however, we highly recommend having at least one or two on hand as they provide excellent results while needing occasional maintenance. 

Many pros use cast iron cookware mainly for egg dishes, frying eggs, and making fried rice – something you could easily do at home!

Ceramic

While ceramic cookware may appear to be wholly made of ceramics, underneath the layers lies metal pans. Professional chefs favor these for their durable nature and natural non-stick abilities. 

Sadly, this exterior layer begins deteriorating as time passes and consequently loses its non-stick properties.

Ceramic pans are incredibly durable and can withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for various cooking purposes.

Moreover, they are easy to clean by hand and will last you an impressively long time with proper care. 

To maintain your ceramic cookware in perfect condition, make sure to avoid any metal utensils while using the pots or pans; instead, opt for wooden, nylon, or silicone alternatives that won’t scratch the delicate coating.

Aluminum

All professional chefs agree that Aluminum cookware is the go-to choice for cooking. Not only are they lightweight and easy to clean, but they also guarantee even heat distribution while preparing meals quickly. 

It’s no wonder why Michelin-star chefs overwhelmingly prefer it too!

Skilled chefs prefer anodized or enamel-coated plain aluminum pans for their gorgeous finish and durability. 

Not to mention, they are incredibly simple to use while also being budget-friendly compared with other materials.

Also read: Can you deep fry in a nonstick pan

What types of pans Michelin chefs?

Michelin chefs use a variety of pans, depending on the type of dish they are preparing. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types:

Frying pans

Frying pans are essential for many dishes because they hold heat and disperse it evenly across the food. They come in various sizes and materials, from small nonstick skillets to heavy stainless steel frying pans. 

Professional chefs use them for shallow frying and deep frying for their nonstick coating.

Saucepans

Saucepans are pans with a lid typically used for cooking sauces, boiling vegetables, and other items. 

They usually have two handles in different sizes, from smaller 1-2-quart saucepans to large stockpots. 

Nonstick pans

Nonstick pans are great for delicate foods, such as eggs and fish. They come in various sizes, from small skillets to large flat griddles. 

Grill pans 

Grill pans are ideal for searing meats and vegetables, as well as making grilled cheese sandwiches and quesadillas. They come in different shapes.

Griddle pans

Griddle pans are flat cooking surfaces with a grill-like texture and ridges. They’re perfect for making pancakes, French toast, bacon, eggs, and more. 

Also read: How do I know if my non stick pan is ruined

What are the best brands to buy?

We have looked at the brands Gordon Ramsay (17 Michelin Stars) recommends for cooking food. Gordon Ramsay’s top pick is HexClad, the hybrid cookware brand for its high-quality materials. Let’s look at the other best brands to buy:

 

Best frying pans/set in the market

• Lodge 12-Inch Carbon-Steel Pan
• All-Clad Stainless 12-Inch Fry Pan (With Lid)
• Circulon Radiance Deep Hard Anodized Nonstick Frying Pan – 12 Inch

Best skillets in the market

• Victoria Cast-Iron Skillet
• Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet with 2 Loop Handles
• Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Iron Handle Skillet

Best griddle pans in the market

• Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle With Handles
• All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Griddle Cookware
• Ninja foodi neverstick premium hard-anodized

Best nonstick frying pans/set in the market

• Zwilling non-stick fry pan – 10 inches
• All-Clad Nonstick Hard-Anodized 2-Piece Fry Pan Set
• Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick 10-Inch Fry Pan

Best professional saucepans in the market

• Mauviel M’Cook 5-Ply 3.7-Quart Saucepan
• Mauviel Copper Butter Warmer
• All-Clad Stainless Steel 3-Quart Sauce Pan (least expensive)

Professional cooking vs Home cooking

Home cooking and restaurant-style cooking require different techniques and tools. In a professional kitchen, many dishes are prepared in one day, so non-stick carbon steel or ceramic pans are optimal for fast switching between foods.

But I have seen many pro chefs using cast-iron or aluminum pans as well. They usually have high heat retention, are easy to clean, and work well for searing or browning meat.

By using quality cookware, chefs are confident that their food will taste its best every time!

For home cooking, non-stick carbon steel or ceramic pans are ideal. These pans are lightweight, easy to clean and maintain and can handle everyday cooking.

You can also use cast iron for home cooking – even if the pan is not non-stick. It’s because cast iron is highly durable and can last for generations. 

The only downside is that it takes longer to heat up than other materials, but the heat retention makes it perfect for slow cooking.

However, when cooking with cast iron, it is important to remember that you must season it regularly to maintain its non-stick qualities.

But I recommend non stick ceramic pan for home cooking as it is non-toxic and easy to maintain. Plus, it is great for making your favorite dishes without worrying about the mess!

In short, the kitchen tools and techniques used in professional and home cooking vary greatly. It is important to consider your own needs and preferences when deciding on the right cookware for your kitchen.

Every kitchen has different requirements, but overall, it is essential to have quality cookware for any cooking.

Whether you are a professional chef or just starting out in the kitchen, having the right cookware can make all the difference. 

It is worth investing in quality cookware that will last for years and help you create great-tasting dishes.

FAQs

Wrapping up

We hope you enjoyed learning about what kinds of pots and pans the world’s best chefs use in their kitchens. 

We know that not all of us have the same budget or access to top-of-the-line cookware, but with the right tools and a little bit of practice anyone can produce Michelin-star worthy meals in their own homes. 

What type of pan do you think is essential for any kitchen? Please let us know in the comments below!

Thank you for reading, and happy cooking!

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