Finding The Best Pans For A Gas Stove Or Hob

Picking the best pans for a gas stove has been made easy, thanks to A Modern Kitchen’s cookware expertise. Those of us who have a gas hob burner will need to find the right pans and pots for our culinary delights. Whether you’re looking to replace a specific piece of cookware or overhaul your entire set, the new addition to your cupboards will surely help you cook up a storm in no time at all. Overall, a gas hob-friendly pan needs to reflect the way you cook and, most importantly, like to eat.

When using a gas burner hob, it’s very important to ensure you have bought the correct pan set, says appliance brand Beko. Unlike induction hobs, which need “ferrous metal pans to work”, most pans will be compatible with your gas hob – no problem, “unless the manufacturer of the pans specifies otherwise.” After all, flat-bottomed pans are “not essential for gas hobs thanks to the pan supports,” meaning they’re highly flexible. Whereas, induction-friendly pans are a little harder to source.

Pans with thin metal surfaces are “thought to be the most compatible for gas cooking,” explains Beko, due to the thin metal surface allowing a quick heat-up and cool-down. This way, you have a little more control over your cooking. With the precision and control from gas hobs, comes a responsibility to not damage your pans’ handles by keeping the flame inside the pan’s base. Despite this, a gas hob will offer fantastic versatility to your trusty frying pans – and beyond.

In our quest to find the best pans for a gas stove, A Modern Kitchen has come across countless pieces of cookware to help you master any dish you wish. From grill pans for toasting succulent meats to deep woks for experimenting with pan-Asian dishes, we have a whole host of pan-tastic choices. Below, we have answered some questions you may have about these pans; and a buyer’s guide – to steer you in the right direction by considering your culinary skills, household and diet.

Best Pans For A Gas Stove

Verdict: Which Is The Best?

We love the Le Creuset Toughened Non-Stick 3-Piece Saucepan Set. Though pricey, this non-stick is reinforced and of great quality. Safe and ways for use, this set features PFOA-free coatings that resist metal utensils. Plus, the stainless steel handles are strong and designed to remain cooler during use. We're obsessed with this high-end set.

Buyers Guide

Cooking on a gas stove can be a delightful experience, offering precise control over the heat and allowing you to prepare a wide range of dishes. To make the most of your gas stove, this buyer's guide will help you understand what to consider and look for when buying your cookware.

Material

Perhaps, the most important element of a pan is the material it makes use of. After all, the material of the pan affects its performance and durability. Gas stoves generate intense heat, so you need pans that can withstand high temperatures. Here are some of the best pan materials for gas stoves:

Stainless Steel – pans are durable, non-reactive, and resistant to staining. Look for pans with an aluminium or copper core for supreme heat distribution. Plus, they look flashy.

Cast Iron – cookware is excellent for even heating and heat retention. They are suitable for high-temperature cooking but may require a little TLC to maintain their non-stick properties.

Non-Stick – is a great option for novices, arriving with a coating (usually PTFE or ceramic) that makes cooking and cleaning easier. However, avoid overheating non-stick pans as it can cause damage.

Aluminium – pans are lightweight and heat up quickly. They may not be as durable as stainless steel or cast iron, but they are often budget-friendly. However, they don’t often have non-stick.

Copper – pans are lightweight and heat up very quickly. They may not be as durable as stainless steel or cast iron, but they are often affordable. Plus, they’re very on-trend now with country kitchens.

Size and Shape

Consider the size and shape of a pan based on your cooking needs:

Size – matters. Choose pans that match the size of your burners. A 28 cm pan is versatile for most cooking tasks and will help you achieve great dishes. With gas hobs, your pans will likely be resting on hob supports – make sure it’s a well-balanced pan that isn’t too small for your burners.

Shape – can vary between gas-friendly pans. For example, griddle pans are primed for sautéing and frying, while thin cookware makes the ideal pan for pancakes. Stockpots are suitable for boiling pasta and preparing large batches of soup or stews. Make your decision based on what you cook.

Base - is the final important factor. Ensure that the pan has a flat bottom and a heavy base. A flat bottom ensures even contact with the burner, while a heavy base helps distribute heat evenly and prevents hot spots.

Handles

For many of us, the comfortable grip of a handle is only one deciding factor when buying a pan:

Long Handles – are useful for the pans you need to lift and manoeuvre.

Helper Handles –appear on the adjacent side of the pan for better balance and control.

Stay Cool Handles - are heat-resistant and mostly oven-safe to prevent burns while cooking.

Maintenance

For many of us with hectic lifestyles, standing at the sink and scrubbing at our cookware is less than ideal. So, if you’re strapped for time and prefer an easy clean, consider dishwasher-safe cookware:

Dishwasher Safe – pans are more common than ever. Check if the pan is dishwasher safe, although hand washing is often recommended to prolong the lifespan of non-stick coatings.

Seasoning – is important when considering a cast iron or carbon steel pan. For this, you may need to season them regularly to maintain their non-stick surface. A little TLC for great results.

Budget

Set a budget that matches your needs and preferences. Like most cookware, quality pans can last for years, so it's often worth investing in higher-quality options if your budget allows.

FAQs

What Are The Best Pans For A Gas Stove?

Usually, gas hobs are a versatile option, which can work well for a variety of cookware. You may not even need to change your pan set when switching to gas cooking. That being said, there are some materials that work better than others, such as stainless steel and aluminium-forged cookware.

Luckily, for you, we covered the best materials for gas-friendly pans in the buyer’s guide.

What Pans Should Not Be Used On A Gas Stove?

Most sources say no! Any issues may come from manufacture, rather than material.

Piper Huxley is a Homes, Gardens and Wellness Product Writer for A Modern Kitchen, specialising in cookware. When she’s not cooking up a storm in the kitchen, Piper is re-watching a TV show or listening to a podcast.