In cooking you not only have to make sure that you are using the right ingredients, but you also need to make sure you are using the right tools. Picking out the perfect pots and pans for your cooking needs is an important first step.

Although it might be tempting to purchase an expensive set of pots and pans, you might want to rethink that. You could end up spending money on a set that doesn't meet all of your cooking needs, which results in purchasing additional cookware. Or, you could wind up with pots and pans that you will never use, which is simply a waste of money.

Personalizing Your Pots and Pans

Unless a cookware set contains exactly what you need, forfeit that idea and try personalizing your pots an pans to what best suits your cooking needs. One frying pan may not be enough. You may need a particular size pot, depending on what type of cooking you do. A deep-dish skillet may be better than a shallow pan. It all depends on the type (and amount) of dishes you like to cook.

Keep in mind that personalizing your pots and pans could end up being more expensive than a set. You don't have to necessarily go out there and purchase every type of pan you like. Start off with at least 3 essential pots and pans: a skillet, a larger-sized pot and a medium-sized pot. From there you can slowly begin to build on your collection until you have everything you need.

Picking Pots and Pans Based on Cooking Techniques

Your cookware doesn't just depend on what you cook but the techniques that you use in cooking. For instance, if you like to sauté your food, you want a pan that works best for that technique. Some techniques require a double-boiler. Think about the techniques you frequently use in cooking and purchase cookware that meets those needs.

Picking the Right Type of Pots and Pans

It's important that you also pick the right type of pots and pans. Stainless steel isn't the best choice for cooking food on high heat as they tend to burn at high temperatures. They can also cook unevenly unless the bottoms are coated with aluminum or copper. However, stainless steel pots and pans are generally inexpensive and are great for steaming and boiling.

Nonstick pans like Teflon make for easier cleaning. However, they don't work with all techniques of cooking either. For instance, if you are caramelizing and deglazing onions in a nonstick pan, they will more than likely burn. Nonstick pans also don't crisp very well, so they are best used for softer foods.

The best type of pan to use for frying is a cast iron pan. They are great for evenly cooking foods at high heat. Caring for a cast iron pan can be a little challenging at first, as you must first season it before use. Cast iron pans are not meant to be scrubbed and washed like other pans. They are supposed to be left with a little grease on them which serves as a coating. So all you need to do for clean-up is a quick swipe with a clean towel.

Aluminum pots and pans are probably the most popular choice in cookware. They are able to handle metal utensils and it's OK to scrub an aluminum pot. A good tip is to get a thicker aluminum pot and pan because it helps the heat to distribute more evenly, lessening the chance of burning.

If you want to kick it up a notch, invest in anodized aluminum cookware. They are made with a super hard surface that allows for better heat distribution. If you are cooking a sauce, it allows you to leave it on for longer and at a higher heat so you don't have to stir as much.

Depending on your cooking needs, you will need to pick the best pots and pans to meet them. Sauce pans are best for steaming vegetables, boiling water, or cooking sauces. These types of pans also work great for reheating food. Canned vegetables and soups also work well in sauce pans. They are probably the most versatile type of pans any household could have.

Larger kettles or stock pots are great for cooking larger quantities of food. They are obviously good for soups and stews, as well as cooking pasta. If you are up for a lobster, they fit well in a larger-sized kettle.

Sauté pans are perfect for sautéing foods like fish, chicken, steak or vegetables. These pans also work great as a wok for cooking a stir-fry and make for a great frying pan.

Cooking a Stir-Fry

One of the most enjoyable uses you can get out of a sauté pan is stir-fry. With a stir-fry, you are the creator of your recipe. There is no "right" way to cook a stir-fry. It can be whatever you have on hand or whatever you most prefer in the way of vegetables and meat. A stir-fry can be made with shrimp, chicken or beef (or pan-fried tofu for vegetarians). They can be made with a wide variety of vegetables as well, including carrots, sugar snap peas, peppers, broccoli, onion, green beans, or mushrooms.

Your ingredients are usually cooked in olive oil. Start with the meat and then push it off to the side of your pan to keep warm. Finish up the cooking with the vegetables in the middle.

You can also create a variety of sauces that are sweet-and-sour, savory, salty or tangy. Use garlic, orange juice, ginger, soy sauce, or your own favorite seasoning and flavors. Top with diced canned pineapple, chopped cashews, Sriracha (hot) sauce, or fresh mung bean sprouts for a textural and flavor explosion.

Picking the right pots and pans is essential for great cooking. A good cook considers more than just what the right ingredients are in a meal; a good cook knows the right tools to use to make it all come together.

You can pick the perfect pots and pans by personalizing your collection, considering the cooking techniques you use most often, and knowing the right types to use and the level of care you want to invest in your cookware. This will help make your cooking experience far more enjoyable and your food turn out even more delicious.

Don't underestimate the importance of your pots and pans when purchasing them. When it comes to cooking, they serve as an important investment. Make your decisions carefully and purposefully when picking out pots and pans.