Cooking on a gas stove is a preference for many home cooks. Not only does a gas stove tend to distribute heat more rapidly and evenly than an electric cooktop, but gas also allows for more precise temperature control. And while it's true that you can technically use just about any cookware on a gas stove that you would on an electric cooktop, the reality is that not all cookware is designed to stand up to the direct flame of a gas stove.
If you’re looking to equip your kitchen with the best cookware for use on gas stoves, we're going into detail on the best cookware materials for gas stoves, as well as the importance of choosing the right cookware for your kitchen.
Does Certain Cookware Need to Be Used on Gas Stoves?
Whereas an electric cooktop heats up slowly, a gas stove delivers immediate and intense heat directly through a flame that is emitted from the burner itself. This sudden exposure to high levels of heat can cause damage to some cookware over time, especially if it has been cheaply made. Usually, this damage will show up as scorch or burn marks along the bottom and/or sides of the pot or pan.
Meanwhile, gas cooking differs from induction cooking in that the latter transfers heat directly to metal cookware. As a result, induction cooking requires that cookware be made of very specific materials.
You can technically use any cookware on a gas stove, but the results may vary based on the quality of the cookware itself. When cookware isn't made to stand up to gas cooking, you may also notice that it warps over time, becomes discolored along the outer surface, or even develops holes. Poor quality cookware may also result in uneven cooking, leaving your food burnt in some areas and undercooked in other parts.
Best Cookware for Gas Stoves
Now that you know why some materials are recommended for cooking on gas stoves while others aren’t, let’s explore some options that are well-suited for usage on gas stoves.
Easiest to Use: Non Stick
Non stick pans come equipped with a durable coating atop another material, usually aluminum or stainless steel, to provide a no-stick coating perfect for delicate ingredients.
These are preferred by many cooks because food doesn't easily stick or burn to the bottom of the pan, even when cooking with direct gas heat. Non stick pans are also lightweight and easy to work with, in addition to providing easy clean-up.
Best Heat Retention: Carbon Steel
Another great option for gas cooking is carbon steel cookware, made of a durable material that offers many of the benefits of cast iron, but without the heavy weight and higher maintenance. Carbon steel also offers a non-stick coating once properly seasoned (or when you purchase a preseasoned pan), which makes for easy cooking, cleaning, and maintenance, no matter if you're using a frying pan or griddle.
Best for Experienced Home Chefs: Stainless Steel
Typically, stainless pots and pans are layered (or "cladded") with other materials, such as copper or aluminum, since stainless steel on its own is a poor heat conductor. Home and professional chefs alike enjoy that this cookware is lightweight and easy to work with, while retaining a sleek look in the kitchen. Likewise, stainless cookware is versatile in that it can be used both on the stovetop and in the oven itself.
One factor to be aware of when using stainless is that food can easily stick to the bottom of a stainless pan and burn—be sure to follow the visual cues of your food and flip it when it's released from the pan instead of forcing it up. If you're looking for a stainless steel pan or pot to use on a gas stove, look for an option that's bonded for the most even distribution of heat.
Best Classic Option: Cast Iron
Made of a combination of iron and carbon, cast iron pots and pans are the most durable out there. They're also great for conducting heat evenly, making them ideal for use on gas stoves. Plus, they're durable enough to be used on both stove tops and in ovens.
Despite being heavier, cast iron cookware offers excellent heat retention. With a little care, this type of cookware can easily last for generations.
Cookware Qualities for Use on Gas Stoves
When shopping specifically for cookware to be used on a gas stove, you should generally look for options that will deliver the best heat retention, stand up to rapid temperature changes, are made of multiple plies (layers of material), and, if aesthetics are important to you, are darker in color to avoid discoloration.
Ready to Cook?
When you choose the right cookware for a gas stove, your dishes will turn out even better. Whether you end up going with Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, or Non Stick, we have you covered with options that are designed to last a lifetime.
