2 quart saute pan, is it worth it?

[hikerbj]

I've been cooking more and more lately and really enjoying the experience. Most of my cookware is All Clad stainless steel and cast iron. I've been eyeing a 2 quart saute pan for a couple of months but I'm not sure I actually need it. Most of my meals during the week are just for me and the amount of leftovers I have are ridiculous. I'd like to make more individual meals and my 3 quart saute doesn't cut it.....would a 2 quart be a good investment?

hiker

[hikerbj]

UPDATE: Thanks to everyone and their advice! I did get the 2qt saute pan and I can honestly say I'm in love with it! I haven't used my 3qt since I made the purchase but I will this weekend (guests). This has worked out in the best way! Thanks again!!

[ziggylu]

I think a 2 qt would be great for one person. I use a 3 qt a lot for the two of us. I just nearly ordered a 2qt in copper when we had our yearly chance to order some at a discount(I work in a kitchen shop). I only decided it against it to finish out my saucepans but made a note to get one for us next year as I think for small batches it's a great size for the two of us. For one I think it would be the perfect size! (I'm not much of a fan of leftovers though so prefer to cook things in small quanities. If you like leftovers you may want to go for a 3 qt).

[blondelle]

You might want to look at the A-C small braiser instead. It's a more versatile pan than the 2 qt. saute as it has the domed cover. Good for braising, roasting, steaming, baking, frying or sauteing smaller sized potions. It's the same size I think as their 10" frypan.

[ccbweb]

It is the same size as their 10 inch skillet. I only use it if it's going into the oven, though. Otherwise, the two loop handles make it difficult to use on the stove top. I thought I was going to get rid of it for a bit, but it turns out that it fits into my Delonghi convection toaster oven. So it's perfect for starting something on the stovetop and moving it to the convection oven which will come up to temperature in the time it takes me to start the dish on the stove top.

[blondelle]

Yes, it's the same as the 10" skillet but with two loop handles instead. I don't do that chefie flip thing, so two loop handles isn't a problem on the stovetop, and it makes a nice serving piece, and it's easier to store in the fridge, and easier for oven use.

[MEH]

I have the AC 2 qt saute pan, but I don't really use it that often. There are only 2 of us, but the 2 qt often isn't big enough. I usually go for the 3 qt instead. Of course, maybe we just eat too much!

Good Luck!
Mary
www.BestinKitchen.com

[HaagenDazs]

I agree with MEH - The 2 qt seems too small. There's really no advantage to getting something that small. I would upgrade the size within reason and go with at least a 3 qt if not a 4 qt. In normal cooking, what CAN"T you do in a 4 qt that you CAN do in a 2 qt?

[hikerbj]

It's not so much what I can't do, I have a 3 qt pan, but I want to have the option of cooking one meal with no leftovers....just one chicken breast for one meal if I want to.....I like having leftovers, just not all the time....

[hikerbj]

Thanks for the response! It's just me so maybe the 2 qt would be just right!

[ccbweb]

Yeah, from your reply above it sure sounds like it'd be a good size for you.

[ccbweb]

Since you're cooking just for you, I'd say yes that a 2 qt pan would be a good size.

What's wrong with the 3 qt pan, though? What do you cook that it's too large for?

[hikerbj]

It's not that my 3 qt is too large, it's just anytime I cook with it I make enough to fill it (noodles dishes, braisings etc)....I always cover the surface, can't help it!

[Caralien]

We use the 2Qt All Clad sauce pan regularly, but there are only 2 of us.

If you're cooking for many people and need more pans, considering what you currently have, it might be a nice investment. But if the 3Qt doesn't cut it, a smaller pan probably wouldn't help.