The number of pots and pans a home cook should have can vary depending on their cooking style, the number of people they typically cook for, and personal preferences. However, there are some essential pots and pans that most home cooks find useful. Here's a general guideline:
Saucepan: A small to medium-sized saucepan is great for heating liquids, making sauces, and cooking small portions of vegetables or grains.
Sauté Pan/Frying Pan: A medium-sized sauté pan or frying pan is versatile and can be used for searing, sautéing, frying, and making stir-fries.
Stockpot: A large stockpot is ideal for making soups, stews, boiling pasta, and cooking large batches of food.
Dutch Oven: A Dutch oven is a heavy, deep pot with a tight-fitting lid, perfect for braising, slow cooking, and making one-pot meals.
Baking Sheet/Pan: A baking sheet or pan is essential for roasting vegetables, baking cookies, and other oven-based dishes.
Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet is great for achieving a perfect sear on meat and can also be used for baking and frying.
Non-Stick Pan: A non-stick pan is useful for cooking delicate foods that might stick to other surfaces, like eggs or fish.
Grill Pan: A grill pan allows you to achieve grill marks and a charred flavor on food, even if you're cooking indoors.
Steaming Basket/Insert: For healthier cooking, a steaming basket or insert that fits into your saucepan can be used to steam vegetables and other foods.
Wok: If you enjoy making Asian dishes, a wok can be a valuable addition to your kitchen for stir-frying and deep-frying.
Remember, the quality of cookware is essential. Investing in durable and well-made pots and pans can make a significant difference in their performance and longevity. Start with the basics and add specialized cookware as you expand your culinary repertoire.