What is a Sauteuse Pan?
French frying – not french fries.
Whether you’re an avid foodie or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ve probably wondered, what’s the difference between a saute pan and a sauteuse pan? Though these two cookwares are similar in names and purpose, their subtle differences set them apart for specific kitchen uses. In this guide, we’re going to answer “what is a sauteuse pan” and give you all the details you need for your delectable culinary endeavors.
What Is a Sauteuse Pan?
The word “sauteuse” derives from the French and their term for “frying pan.” A sauteuse pan can be used as a traditional saute pan, for frying foods, or for simmering sauces. These pans are generous in space, holding 3 quarts – the perfect capacity for feeding up to four people – up to over 6 quarts, which can feed seven or more people. Most sauteuse pans come with a tightly-fitting lid that helps distribute heat evenly while cooking or simmering. Designed with handles on both sides of the pan, a sauteuse pan is easy to transfer from your oven top to your table (remember to put a potholder down to protect your table top first!). Also remember to use oven mitts as you grab both handles to protect your hands from any transferred heat!
If a sauteuse pan can be used for frying foods and sauteing, what makes it different from a saute pan? For starters, their construction – sauteuse pans have sloping sides that are slightly rounded out, while saute pans have shorter, straighter sides that are not as tall. Both sauteuse pans and saute pans have an elongated handle on one side, but only sauteuse pans are made with an extra handle on the other side. This extra handle makes it easier to pour sauce over another dish – one of the main reasons we recommend using a sauteuse pan to simmer your sauces. Another big distinction between a sauteuse pan and a saute pan is that a sauteuse pan more closely resembles a pot. With their tall, sloping sides, sauteuse pans – especially the higher quart ones – appear stockier than lower, flatter saute pans.
What makes a sauteuse pan mighty in the kitchen is that it’s a pan meant for all-around usage. Though they have the perfect capacity for simmering and reducing sauces, these dishes are also excellent for one-pot wonders like pasta meals, rice bowls, or casseroles – even soups. You can also use their capacity for pan-frying your meats and trust that the tall sloping sides will catch the grease splatter, reducing build-up on your stovetop and your cleanup later! Plus, if your sauteuse pan is made solely from metal, it’s safe to go in the oven to bake as well. With this pan functioning as a one-pot tool, you’ll love how easy meal-prepping and cleaning up after dinner becomes!
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Now that we’ve answered “what is a sauteuse pan”, it’s time to pick out your new frying buddy!

