Why the Right Pan Matters
If your chicken sticks to the pan, your veggies steam instead of getting crispy, or your eggs don’t turn out the way you want, the issue might not be your cooking skills—it could be your pan.
Whether you’re using the MyFitnessPal meal planner to simplify your life or diving into MyFitnessPal recipes, learning how to use different pans can make a big difference. Choosing the right cookware is one of the easiest ways to improve your cooking results and boost your confidence in the kitchen.
As a registered dietitian who cooks most nights of the week, I didn’t grow up cooking for myself. It took countless meals (and some epic failures) for me to realize that the right pan truly matters.
You don’t need a huge collection of pans, but having a few well-chosen pieces that align with your cooking style can help you achieve the results you’re aiming for. If you’ve ever wondered why your chicken never looks as good as it does in photos, keep reading. I’ll guide you through some popular types of pans and when to use them, so you can create consistently delicious meals.
No Pans? Start with One
You don’t need a dozen pans to make great meals at home. In fact, if you’re just starting out, one versatile pan is often all you need (source).
If I had to choose, I’d go with a cast iron skillet. It holds heat beautifully, works on the stovetop and in the oven, and can handle a variety of dishes (source). I use mine for everything from perfectly seared salmon to flatbreads and fried eggs.
What I love most is that a well-seasoned cast iron skillet becomes naturally non-stick and is easy to clean. It’s a pan that improves with age and can last a lifetime.
The best starting pan depends on what you want to cook. So, start with a pan that matches your cooking style and expand from there.
Nonstick pans are another excellent choice for your first purchase. They’re great for beginners and those who prefer simple recipes.
Nonstick Pans: Best for Gentle, Low-Heat Cooking
When I’m making scrambled eggs or flipping protein pancakes on a weekend morning, I always reach for a nonstick pan. These pans are ideal for delicate foods that are prone to sticking. They’re also a solid choice for cooking tofu or flaky fish without making a mess.
Pros:
- Food releases easily and stays intact
- Requires less oil or butter, which can help reduce calories
- Makes cleaning a breeze
- Great for beginners
Cons:
- Not suitable for high heat—it can damage the nonstick coating
- Scratches easily if used with metal utensils
- The coating wears over time and eventually needs replacing
Care Tips:
- Hand wash only, even if labeled as dishwasher-safe
- Use silicone, wood, or plastic utensils to protect the coating
- Avoid stacking pans unless you use a protective layer between them
- Replace the pan if the surface becomes scratched or food starts sticking more often
Stainless Steel Pans: Great for Browning, Searing, and Sauces
If you’re looking for a pan that can handle high heat and give you a golden-brown crust on chicken or steak, stainless steel is the way to go (source).
Pros:
- Perfect for searing, browning, and frying (source)
- Ideal for building flavorful sauces (source)
- Durable and often dishwasher-safe (source)
- Can handle high heat without damage (source)
Cons:
- Food sticks unless the pan is properly preheated
- Requires more technique compared to nonstick options
- Can involve more cleanup if not used correctly
Care Tips:
- Preheat the pan before adding oil and food
- Consider hand washing to extend the pan’s lifespan
Cast Iron: The Crispy, Flavor-Building Workhorse
“I use my cast iron skillet for 99% of what I cook daily,” says MyFitnessPal dietitian Emily Sullivan. Here’s why it’s a great choice:
Pros:
- Excellent heat retention for even cooking at high temperatures (source)
- Great for searing, baking, roasting, and one-pan meals like frittatas
- Safe on the stovetop and in the oven (source)
- Becomes naturally non-stick as it ages (source)
Cons:
- Heavier than most pans, making handling more difficult
- Requires regular maintenance to maintain its non-stick properties (source)
- Not dishwasher-safe and shouldn’t be soaked (source)
Care Tips:
- Wipe or rinse with hot water (source)
- Dry thoroughly and wipe with a thin layer of oil to maintain seasoning (source)
Sullivan emphasizes that cast iron is especially great for recipes like chicken. “It retains and distributes heat evenly, ensuring the chicken cooks uniformly. Its heavy construction allows for high-heat searing, giving the chicken skin a beautiful, crispy, golden-brown crust. Plus, you can start it on the stovetop and finish it in the oven—all in the same pan,” she explains (source).
Dutch Ovens: Ideal for One-Pot, Slow-Cooked Meals
Dutch ovens are superstars for making comforting meals. If you’re someone who enjoys meal prep or cooking in large batches, a Dutch oven is a must-have in your kitchen.
Pros:
- Excellent heat retention and even cooking (source)
- Ideal for soups, braised meats, chili, pasta, and even baking
- Can go from stovetop to oven (source)
- Great for meal prep and batch cooking
Cons:
- Heavier and bulkier than many other pots
- Traditional cast iron versions require seasoning to maintain non-stick properties
Care Tips:
- Choose enamel versions for easier maintenance, as they don’t require seasoning (source)
- For cast iron, dry thoroughly and regularly wipe with a thin layer of oil (source)
If you’re a fan of weekend meal prep, a Dutch oven is a worthy investment. Sullivan uses hers to make beef stew. “The tight lid helps trap moisture, keeping the meat and vegetables tender during long cooking times,” she says. “An even bigger bonus is that you can start it on the stovetop and transfer it to the oven to cook for hours while you tackle other tasks.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need more than one type of pan?
Not necessarily. You can cook a lot of meals with just one or two pans—start with what matches your cooking style and build from there (source).
Can I use a nonstick pan for everything?
Not entirely. It’s great for delicate foods but can’t handle high heat, so it’s not ideal for browning or searing (source).
What’s the most versatile pan?
I’d recommend a well-seasoned cast iron skillet because it can go from stovetop to oven and handle a wide range of meals (source).
Is cast iron difficult to maintain?
It requires a bit of care, but it’s not hard. Just clean, dry, and wipe it with oil after use—it actually improves over time (source).
When should I replace a pan?
If the coating is scratched, food sticks more than usual, or the pan heats unevenly, it’s probably time for a new one (source).
The Bottom Line
You don’t need a fully stocked kitchen to cook delicious and satisfying meals—just a few reliable pans that fit your cooking style. With the right cookware, cooking becomes easier and less frustrating, allowing you to prepare meals with confidence. As your skills grow, you’ll be able to tackle a wider variety of dishes, making it easier to maintain healthy eating habits and achieve your goals (source).
This post, “Don’t Know Which Pan to Grab When It’s Time to Cook? A Dietitian Explains,” first appeared on the MyFitnessPal Blog.
