Professional Chefs' Home Cookware: What They Use

When it comes to cooking at home, professional chefs don't necessarily reach for the same high-end, industrial-grade cookware they use in their restaurant kitchens. Instead, they opt for durable, versatile, and easy-to-use pieces that can handle their culinary prowess while being practical for everyday use. So, what cookware do professional chefs use at home? Let's explore their preferences.

Chefs, like any home cook, want their cookware to be reliable, long-lasting, and capable of producing great results. They also value versatility, as they often experiment with new recipes and techniques. Here are some of the cookware pieces they swear by for their home kitchens.

Stainless Steel Cookware

Stainless steel is a popular choice among professional chefs for its durability, even heat distribution, and ease of maintenance. It's also a safe option for cooking acidic foods, unlike aluminum or cast iron.

Many chefs prefer tri-ply or multi-ply stainless steel cookware, which has an aluminum or copper core sandwiched between layers of stainless steel. This construction ensures even heat distribution and quick heating, making it ideal for various cooking techniques.

Saucier or Saucepan

Every chef needs a good saucepan or saucier in their home kitchen. These versatile pots are perfect for making sauces, cooking grains, and even boiling eggs. A saucier, with its curved sides, is particularly useful for stirring and deglazing.

Chef Thomas Keller, for instance, uses All-Clad's stainless steel sauciers for their durability and even heat distribution. He appreciates the wide, flat base that ensures even cooking and easy pouring.

Skillet or Frying Pan

A high-quality skillet is essential for sautéing, searing, and frying. Many chefs prefer skillets with a stainless steel exterior and a non-stick interior for easy food release and quick cleanup.

Chef Daniel Boulud swears by his All-Clad d5 stainless steel skillets, which feature a five-ply construction for even heat distribution and a stainless steel interior for durability and easy maintenance.

Cast Iron Cookware

Cast iron cookware is beloved by chefs for its excellent heat retention, even heat distribution, and versatility. It's perfect for searing, braising, and baking, and it can even go from the stovetop to the oven.

Many chefs own a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven, which they use for everything from frying eggs to baking bread. These pieces are also highly durable and can last a lifetime with proper care.

Cast Iron Skillet

A cast iron skillet is a must-have in any home kitchen, and many professional chefs agree. They appreciate the skillet's ability to create a beautiful sear on meats and vegetables and its versatility for cooking a wide range of dishes.

Chef Sean Brock, for example, uses Lodge cast iron skillets in his home kitchen for their durability, even heat distribution, and affordability. He swears by them for cooking everything from fried chicken to cornbread.

Dutch Oven

A Dutch oven is an essential piece of cookware for slow-cooking, braising, and baking. Its heavy, thick walls and tight-fitting lid make it perfect for cooking dishes that require long, slow cooking times.

Many chefs, including Chef Yotam Ottolenghi, own a Dutch oven for its versatility and durability. Ottolenghi uses his for everything from stews and braises to baking bread and even roasting vegetables.

Non-Stick Cookware

While many chefs prefer stainless steel or cast iron cookware for its durability and performance, they also appreciate the ease of use and cleanup that non-stick cookware provides. Non-stick cookware is particularly useful for cooking delicate foods, like fish or eggs, that can stick to other surfaces.

Many professional chefs own a non-stick skillet or two for these very reasons. They appreciate the quick cleanup and the ability to cook without adding as much oil.

Non-Stick Skillet

A non-stick skillet is a versatile piece of cookware that every home cook, including professional chefs, should have in their kitchen. It's perfect for cooking eggs, fish, and other delicate foods without the need for excess oil.

Chef Gordon Ramsay, for instance, uses ScanPan's non-stick skillets in his home kitchen for their durability, even heat distribution, and easy cleanup. He appreciates the PFOA-free, ceramic-titanium non-stick coating that allows for cooking with less oil.

Non-Stick Saucepan

A non-stick saucepan is useful for cooking delicate sauces, risottos, and other dishes that require gentle cooking. Its non-stick surface ensures even cooking and easy cleanup.

Many chefs, including Chef Jamie Oliver, own a non-stick saucepan for these very reasons. Oliver appreciates the quick cleanup and the ability to cook without adding as much oil.

In the end, the cookware a professional chef uses at home depends on their personal preferences, cooking style, and the dishes they like to prepare. However, they all agree on the importance of durability, versatility, and ease of use. By investing in high-quality, versatile pieces, home cooks can create delicious meals and enjoy the cooking process just like the professionals.