Types of pots and pans for every need
Choosing the right pot or pan starts with the cooking technique you use most often. Below are the main categories available in our catalogue.
Non-stick frying pans
They are the most versatile in the kitchen: they reduce fat usage, clean quickly and work well for eggs, sautéed vegetables, crêpes and quick cooking. Guzzini Cook&Color offers them in diameters from 24 cm — ideal for 1-2 servings — with a matching curved glass lid. Agnelli offers tall non-stick aluminium frying pans compatible with induction, from 24 to 32 cm in diameter.
Cooking pots and casseroles
The cooking pot with one handle is the classic choice for sauces, risottos and wet preparations. The cooking pot with two handles (or tall casserole) is easier to manage when the contents are abundant. Agnelli offers a tall 24 cm aluminium casserole with double handles, robust and suitable for preparations for 3-4 people.
Wok
The 32 cm Guzzini Cook&Color wok is designed for high-temperature cooking over high heat: perfect for stir-frying vegetables, rice or noodles in minutes. The concave bottom allows you to move ingredients without them spilling out of the pan.
Grill pans and baking trays
The grill pan creates the characteristic grid marks on the hob, drains fat into the grooves and gives meat a more intense flavour than a flat pan. The rectangular Agnelli baking sheets in blue steel — available in sizes 35x28x3 cm and 45x35x3 cm — are designed for the oven: pizza, bread, savoury pies and leavened products. Agnelli conical cake tins in aluminium (D 32 cm) cover sweet preparations.
Matching accessories
Tempered glass lids (such as the 24 cm curved Cook&Color lid by Guzzini) allow you to monitor cooking without lifting the lid and losing heat. WD LifeStyle ceramic pot stands complete your set-up by protecting your work surface.
How to choose the right pot or pan
For the type of cooking
- Quick and healthy cooking → non-stick aluminium frying pan, size 24-26 cm
- Roasts, meat and high temperatures → grill pan or cast iron pan
- Stir-fries and Asian cooking → 32 cm wok with concave bottom
- Sauces, stews, soups → cooking pot or tall casserole with two handles
- Oven: sweet and bread → conical cake tin or steel baking sheet
For the number of people
24 cm frying pans cover 1-2 servings. The 28-32 cm size is suitable for 3-4 people. The 24 cm cooking pots with two handles and 45x35 cm trays are designed for abundant preparations or large families.
For the type of hob
Not all aluminium pans are compatible with induction: a magnetic bottom is required. The tall non-stick Agnelli pans for induction are explicitly designed for this type of hob. Cast iron is compatible with all hobs, including induction. Always check the specifications of your chosen model.
For the durability of the non-stick coating
Correct use greatly extends the life of the coating: avoid metal utensils (use silicone or wood), wash with a soft sponge, do not overheat when empty. Ballarini offers professional aluminium pans with long-lasting coatings even with intensive use.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a non-stick pan and a cast iron one?
The non-stick pan is light, requires little oil and cleans easily: ideal for quick everyday cooking. Cast iron is heavier, retains heat for long and is suitable for browning meat or prolonged high-temperature cooking.
How do you choose the right size?
For 1-2 people: diameter 16-24 cm. For 3-4 people: 24-28 cm. For abundant preparations or large families: 28-32 cm or rectangular trays such as Agnelli (45x35 cm). Also consider the space on your hobs or burners.
Are pots and pans compatible with induction hobs?
It depends on the material. Agnelli tall non-stick pans are designed with a base suitable for induction. Cast iron works on all hobs. For the Guzzini Cook&Color ranges, check the specifications of the individual product before purchasing.
Are glass lids universal?
Lids specific to the range (such as Cook&Color Guzzini lids) match aesthetically with the cooking pots of the same series and guarantee optimal closure. Universal lids fit multiple diameters thanks to flexible locking systems.
How do you maintain a non-stick coating over time?
Use silicone or wooden utensils, avoid abrasive sponges, do not heat the pan when empty over high heat and do not put in the dishwasher unless expressly indicated. With these precautions the coating lasts significantly longer.
What is the difference between a grill pan and a normal frying pan?
The grill pan has a grooved bottom: it creates grid marks, allows fats to drain into the grooves and gives a more intense flavour to meat, fish and vegetables. The flat pan instead guarantees uniform contact with the food, suitable for delicate cooking.
Why choose L'Arcolaio for pots and pans
In L'Arcolaio you will find Italian brands such as Ballarini, Guzzini and Agnelli brought together, with a selection that covers both everyday needs and more elaborate preparations. The catalogue ranges from entry-level non-stick pans to semi-professional steel baking sheets, with clear formats and technical specifications to choose without uncertainty.
If you are setting up a complete kitchen, also explore the Alessi collection for accessories, cutlery and Italian design objects that match your cooking tools.