The Minimalist Cookware Set

Did you recently decide to start cooking more often so that you can eat healthier or spend less money on take-out? But then realized that you really only have those random pots and pans you got that one time in Target - the ones that were under $20 and said they were non-stick. Those cheap, non-stick pans will only get you so far. Not to mention, the teflon coating on those cheap non-stick pans have been shown to release carcinogens when heated up to a high temperature (aka don’t cook a steak on those things).

The great news is that you don’t need to buy a whole new set of cookware just to elevate your cooking game. You really only need 2 items to make cooking at home 10x more enjoyable and your food 10x more tasty. Get ready to throw those teflon pans into the dumpster where they belong, because you’re going to be amazed at how much easier it is to cook regularly and you’ll feel much better about your health afterwards.

The Only 2 Pieces of Cookware You Actually Need

When you cook at home, you’re not cooking to make some super-elegant, restaurant-quality dish that you’d expect to see on MasterChef or Chopped. You’re making it to feed yourself and your family. You’re making it because it’s healthier than eating out or buying take-out. You don’t need a whole cookware set that includes 3 differently sized frying pans, 5 pots of different shapes, a sauce pan, a sauté pan, and a griddle. For one, that’s a whole lot of pots and pans that not everyone can store in their kitchens. Secondly, those sets aren’t very cost-effective unless you’re a seasoned cook that knows how to use each and every one of them. Realistically, most of us really only need 1 pot and 1 pan to turn ourselves from a novice cook to a decent cook that can make delicious meals at home.

The Instant Pot is the Only Pot You Actually Need

It’s actually not really a pot, not in the traditional sense where you place it on the stove. Realistically, you’re only going to use a pot to boil water for pasta, cook rice, make soups, braise meats, or steam something. All of those things can be done with an Instant Pot. Not only does it do all of those things, it’s also electronic which means you don’t have to manage the heat level or even have to be near your kitchen while it works its magic.

Instant Pots are also relatively affordable. You can pick up a 3-quart one for about $80 or a 6-quart for $100. Personally, I use the 6-quart more than the 3-quart because I like to have leftovers for lunch the next day. There’s also a model that includes a combo lid which works for the pressure cooking as well as air frying, called the Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid, but it gets pretty pricey for that option. I actually went with a 3rd party air fryer lid and it works just as well in my opinion. Having the air fryer lid lets me use the instant pot for baking or roasting which expands its usage even more.

Nice cookware sets usually go for $149 or more. Really nice ones can be $300 or more. Although they’re really nice to have, the convenience of the Instant Pot is a total game changer in the kitchen. Especially if you can’t spend too much time in the kitchen focused only on cooking (don’t try to cook and watch a child at the same time). Pick one up, you won’t be disappointed!

The Cast Iron Skillet is the Only Pan You Actually Need

Aside from the Instant Pot that’ll basically do everything you need, having a cast iron skillet is well worth the money. They’re pretty darn affordable and they last a lifetime. There’s a bit of a learning curve to maintaining one, but I promise that it’s not as hard as it sounds. The more you cook with a cast iron pan, the easier it becomes to maintain its seasoning.

The reason you want a cast iron pan is because you’ll use it for hard searing. What I mean by “hard searing” is when you sear at a really high temperature to get the Maillard effect which is the golden brown crust that you’ll see on a restaurant quality steak. In order to get that beautiful crust, you need something that’ll heat up to a high enough temperature and maintain that temperature when you put in your raw food. Cast iron is, by far, the best pan for heat retention and it heats up to beyond 500°F which makes it the ideal tool for searing anything.

Also, cast iron can go straight into the oven without any issues. Unlike other pans where the handles might melt off in the oven, cast iron pans are all metal and usually made of one piece (no rivets or screws). Being able to use it in the oven also opens up the world of baking and roasting. You can roast chicken, bake a pizza, make bread, you name it. The one thing to keep in mind is that cast iron doesn’t do well with sitting liquids, but that’s why you’ll have the instant pot for that.

Lodge sells a range of sizes and is going to be the best starter option for anyone new to cast iron. I personally use the 10.5 inch Skillet and it has lasted me for over 2 decades without any issues now. It took me a bit to get used to the weight, but I consider it strength training for my wrists. For those who are more acquainted with cast iron pans, you might want a higher-end product such as the 10.5 inch Skillet from Stargazer or a Smithey cast iron pan. They’re more expensive, but they’re really pretty and can be considered heirloom-quality pieces.

The Right Tool for the Right Job

With both the Instant Pot and a Cast Iron Skillet, you’ll cover all of your cooking needs. Each one has its purpose though, so make sure you’re using the right one for the right job. Here’s a cheat sheet: