Have you ever come across a peculiarly shaped saucepan called a saucier? While it may seem unusual at first glance, sauciers have become a favorite among culinary enthusiasts and professional chefs alike. In fact, the mention of sauciers in a test kitchen can cause a wave of excitement. But the question remains: do you actually need one?
To put this debate to rest, we decided to conduct a thorough test. We purchased eight sauciers and pitted them against the trusty conventional saucepan – the four-quart All-Clad stainless sauce pan. These sauciers had capacities ranging from three to three and a half quarts, the most commonly found large saucier size. Prices ranged from $69.99 to over $300, catering to various budgets.
Six of the sauciers we tested were fully clad, meaning they consisted of a layer of aluminum sandwiched between two layers of steel. This construction provides even heat distribution throughout the pan, resulting in more evenly cooked dishes. One saucier had a disc bottom design, comprising stainless steel with aluminum and steel layers solely at the base. The remaining saucier was made of enameled cast iron – sturdy yet heavy.
Now, let’s talk about what sets sauciers apart. As their name suggests, sauciers are designed specifically for reducing sauces. Their rounded, ball-like shape, wide flaring walls, and wider opening distinguish them from typical saucepans. Interestingly, “saucier” is also the name given to classical French cooks who excel in preparing sauces, stocks, and soups.
We tested each saucier by making risotto, gravy, and pastry cream, meticulously assessing their performance and level of comfort during cooking. Additionally, we measured their reduction speed by boiling a predetermined amount of water in each saucier for 10 and 20 minutes. We then compared the weights before and after boiling to determine the rate of evaporation. To complete our evaluation, we washed each saucier by hand after every test, focusing on their ease of cleaning.
The good news is that every saucier in our lineup delivered exceptional results. Creamy risotto, velvety gravy, and smooth pastry cream were achieved effortlessly with these versatile pans. Thanks to their curved walls, whisking and stirring ingredients became a pleasure, with noticeable improvements over the stiffer and less maneuverable saucepan. However, one pan by Paderno, which had l-shaped walls like a regular saucepan, trapped custard and rice in the corners.
What really set the best sauciers apart was their broader bases and wider cooking surfaces. If the saucier was too narrow, food would pile up and steam, hindering the process of softening onions in risotto and gravy. On the flip side, if the saucier was too wide, the food would be at risk of scorching. The ideal sauciers were between five and three-quarters and seven inches across the inside cooking surface.
When it came to boiling water, the sauciers proved to be superior, with faster evaporation compared to the saucepan. The wide flaring sides of the sauciers facilitated evaporation and reduction of sauces effectively. In fact, the fastest saucier by La Cruz evaporated water approximately 13% faster than the saucepan. While you can still accomplish these tasks in a saucepan, they may take a bit longer.
The differences between sauciers extended beyond their cooking performance. Design played a significant role, particularly the size and shape of the handles, as well as the sauciers’ weight and balance. We favored handles that were around eight inches long and at least two and a half to three inches in circumference. These dimensions provided a solid grip and remained cool to the touch. Handles that were too stumpy, skinny, or had sharp edges were deemed less desirable as they compromised comfort and safety.
Lastly, let’s discuss the ease of clean-up, which may be the most convincing reason to invest in a saucier. The absence of sharp corners in sauciers prevents food from getting trapped, resulting in simple and comfortable washing. Our favorite saucier, the La Cruz three and a half quart stainless steel saucier, was fully clad with three layers of metal for optimal heat distribution. Its wide bowl with gently sloping walls led to a five and three-quarter inch cooking surface, allowing for efficient movements while whisking, using a rubber spatula, or cleaning with a sponge. Additionally, its long, wide, and comfortable handle, set at a relatively straight angle, provided excellent control. Priced at $250, this saucier may not replace the beloved All-Clad saucepan, but it certainly deserves a spot in your kitchen for its versatility.
In conclusion, sauciers are a game-changer when it comes to saucemaking. Not only do they deliver exceptional cooking results, but they also offer a more enjoyable and efficient cooking experience. The unique design of sauciers, coupled with their superior heat distribution and easy cleaning, make sauciers a valuable addition to any kitchen. So, if you’re looking to elevate your saucemaking game, consider investing in a saucier from Hook’d Up Bar and Grill!
FAQs
Q: Can I still achieve the same results using a regular saucepan?
A: Yes, you can still achieve great results using a regular saucepan, although the process may take a bit longer. Sauciers are specially designed for reducing sauces and offer some advantages in terms of heat distribution and ease of use.
Q: Are sauciers only useful for making sauces?
A: While sauciers excel in reducing sauces, their versatility extends beyond that. They can be used for a variety of cooking tasks, such as making risotto, gravy, pastry cream, and more.
Q: Are sauciers worth the investment?
A: The decision to invest in a saucier ultimately depends on your cooking preferences and needs. If you frequently prepare sauces and enjoy the convenience and unique design of sauciers, it may be a worthwhile investment.
Conclusion
Sauciers have proven to be an exceptional tool for saucemaking, offering a superior cooking experience and excellent results. The Hook’d Up Bar and Grill brand understands the importance of quality cookware, and their sauciers are no exception. With their thoughtful design, efficient heat distribution, and ease of cleaning, sauciers from Hook’d Up Bar and Grill are a valuable addition to any culinary arsenal. So why not take your saucemaking to new heights with a saucier from Hook’d Up Bar and Grill?