On Chris Loves Julia, Chris explains that great cooking isn’t about one perfect set—it’s about using the right pan for the right recipe. In a post titled “Best Cookware For Every Cooking Occasion”, he outlines ten essential cookware items he relies on regularly—and why each earns its place in the kitchen .
- The Always Pan.
Chris describes this as the everyday workhorse—lightweight, nonstick, and versatile. He uses it for everything from breakfast eggs to quick sautés. Easy to clean and great for tossing ingredients around without spillover, it’s the go-to for fast, one-pan meals.
- Le Creuset Cast Iron Dutch Oven
A staple for stews, braises, soups, and roasts. Chris trusts its durable enamel coating and heat retention for slow-cooked favorites like Swedish meatballs and whole roasted chicken—perfect for hearty, moist-heat dishes .
- Sauté Pan .
If Chris could own only one piece aside from his Dutch oven, he’d choose this—because it can sauté, sear, braise, and even roast. With raised sides and stove‑to‑oven use, it handles nearly everything needed for cooking for two to four people .
- Baking Sheet with Cooling Rack
Simple sheet pans used for years still perform exceptionally. Chris uses them for high-heat roasting and baking—even with discoloration, they remain his most trusted roasting tools.
- All‑Clad Perforated Multipot
Initially a pasta pot, this eight-quart multipot has become a chestnut in Chris’s routines—for boiling potatoes, making stock, blanching vegetables, and straining pasta. Perfect for big batches and multi-step cooking .
- Our Place Perfect Pot
Larger than the Always Pan, this nonstick pot is ideal for rice, tomatoes, curries, and acidic cooking. It’s the go-to for meals without company and quick weekday soups .
- Material Coated Pan
Chris loves this surface for cooking eggs, steaks, fried rice, and vegetables—all in one pan. After eggs, he’ll continue cooking directly in it—making it another essential multi-tasking piece .
- Our Place Oven Pan
A versatile sheet with taller sides, nonstick coating, and silicone mat. Chris uses it for roasting, baking, and even stovetop cooking like pancakes and eggs. He’s impressed with its convenience and easy cleanup .
- Mauviel Copper Saucepan
Though largely decorative on his rack, when used—especially in simmering or poaching tasks—the copper saucepan responds instantly to temperature. Chris uses it for boiling eggs, soups, or sauces .
- Black Cube Hybrid Wok
Chris embraces this as a no‑fuss alternative to carbon steel. It’s ideal for stir-fry, deep-fry, or Asian-style dishes—while resisting rust in humid climates. A standout for dishes like Sweet & Sour Shrimp.
Maintenance and Use Tips
Chris emphasizes cookware technique: for stainless steel, use the “cold oil + hot pan” method to prevent sticking. Nonstick pans need only silicone/plastic utensils and gentle cleaning. He avoids high heat on coated pans and never follows restrictive manufacturer usage that hampers practicality.
Why This Isn’t a One‑Size‑Fits‑All List
Chris believes cookware deserves purpose, not blind ranking. Each piece is chosen for its function—some are ideal for quick weekday meals, others for comfort food or entertaining. He shares a philosophy: cookware should empower, not constrain the cook .
Final Thought
Chris Loves Julia’s cookware picks highlight tactile utility, thoughtful design, and approachable performance. From the versatile Always Pan to the commanding Dutch oven and specialized wok, there’s something for every cooking style.
