What Cookware Do Restaurants Use: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to professional kitchens, a common question is, “What cookware do restaurants use?” Restaurants operate under intense conditions, requiring cookware that can withstand constant use, high heat, and rigorous cleaning. The choices chefs make in cookware are based on practicality, durability, and performance rather than aesthetics or trends.

In this article, I’ll dive deep into the types of cookware that restaurants use, why they prefer certain materials, and how these choices might influence your own kitchen decisions. We’ll also explore some frequently asked questions to clear up any doubts. Let’s get started!

Why Does Cookware Matter in Restaurants?

Cookware is one of the most critical tools in any professional kitchen. Unlike home cooking, restaurant kitchens churn out dishes at an incredibly fast pace. They need cookware that:

1. Heats Evenly: Uneven heating can ruin a dish. Professional chefs rely on cookware that distributes heat consistently to ensure perfect results every time.
2. Handles High Temperatures: Whether it’s searing a steak or caramelizing sugar, restaurant cookware must endure extreme heat without warping or degrading.
3. Is Durable and Easy to Maintain: With constant use, restaurant cookware must be tough enough to resist scratches, dents, and discoloration.
4. Is Cost-Effective: Restaurants have budgets to consider. While quality is important, chefs often choose cookware that provides the best value for money over time.

Materials Preferred by Restaurants

1. Stainless Steel
   • Why It’s Popular: Stainless steel is a favorite among restaurant kitchens because it is durable, non-reactive, and resistant to rust and corrosion. Chefs use it for sautéing, boiling, and frying without worrying about flavors being altered.
   • Ideal Uses: Saucepans, stockpots, and frying pans.
   • Benefits: Low maintenance, dishwasher safe, and suitable for all cooktops, including induction.
2. Cast Iron
   • Why It’s Popular: Cast iron retains heat exceptionally well, making it perfect for tasks like grilling, frying, and baking. In professional kitchens, it’s often used for searing meats or baking cornbread.
   • Ideal Uses: Skillets, griddles, and Dutch ovens.
   • Benefits: Excellent heat retention and durability; can last for decades with proper care.
3. Aluminum
   • Why It’s Popular: Aluminum cookware is lightweight, affordable, and an excellent heat conductor. Many restaurants use anodized aluminum to prevent warping and enhance durability.
   • Ideal Uses: Roasting pans, baking sheets, and sauté pans.
   • Benefits: Quick heating, cost-effective, and available in a variety of sizes.
4. Carbon Steel
   • Why It’s Popular: Carbon steel pans are lighter than cast iron and provide similar benefits. Chefs love them for their versatility, especially in tasks like frying or tossing vegetables.
   • Ideal Uses: Woks, frying pans, and crepe pans.
   • Benefits: Durable, naturally nonstick when seasoned, and suitable for high heat.
5. Copper
   • Why It’s Popular: Copper is known for its superior heat conductivity, which makes it a prized material in gourmet kitchens. However, it requires regular maintenance to prevent tarnishing.
   • Ideal Uses: Sauce pans and specialty pots.
   • Benefits: Precise temperature control and even heat distribution.

Types of Cookware Restaurants Use

1. Stockpots
   Used for boiling, steaming, and making soups or stocks, these large pots are usually made from stainless steel or aluminum.
2. Frying Pans and Skillets
   These come in various materials, including stainless steel, cast iron, and nonstick-coated aluminum. They are versatile and used for everything from frying eggs to searing meats.
3. Sheet Pans
   A staple in every restaurant, sheet pans are typically made from aluminum and are used for baking, roasting, and food prep.
4. Woks
   Common in Asian restaurants, woks made of carbon steel are perfect for stir-frying, deep-frying, and steaming.
5. Saucepans
   Restaurants use heavy-duty saucepans for making sauces, reheating, and small-scale boiling.
6. Dutch Ovens
   Often made of cast iron, Dutch ovens are used for slow cooking, braising, and baking.

Why Nonstick Isn’t Common in Restaurants

While nonstick cookware is convenient for home cooks, it’s not a popular choice in professional kitchens. The primary reasons are:

• Durability: Nonstick coatings can scratch or wear off with heavy use.
• Heat Tolerance: Nonstick pans aren’t suitable for high-temperature cooking.
• Longevity: Nonstick pans need frequent replacement compared to stainless steel or cast iron.

FAQs

1. What is the most commonly used cookware material in restaurants?
Stainless steel is the most commonly used material due to its durability, versatility, and ability to handle high heat.

2. Do restaurants use nonstick pans?
Nonstick pans are rarely used in professional kitchens because they are less durable and can’t handle the high heat required for many cooking techniques.

3. Why do chefs prefer cast iron?
Chefs prefer cast iron for its ability to retain heat, which is essential for tasks like searing and frying.

4. Are aluminum pans safe for restaurant use?
Yes, anodized aluminum is commonly used because it’s lightweight, conducts heat well, and is more durable than untreated aluminum.

5. Can I use restaurant-grade cookware at home?
Absolutely! Many home cooks invest in professional-grade cookware because of its durability and performance.

Conclusion

So, what cookware do restaurants use? The answer lies in a mix of practicality, performance, and cost-effectiveness. From stainless steel and cast iron to aluminum and carbon steel, each material serves a specific purpose in a restaurant kitchen. Whether you’re a home cook or an aspiring chef, understanding these choices can help you make better decisions for your own cooking needs.

By investing in durable and efficient cookware, you can elevate your cooking experience to restaurant-quality levels. So, the next time you wonder what cookware do restaurants use, remember that their secret lies in selecting the right tools for the job!