12 French Cooking Essentials Every Cook Has in the Kitchen
The country known for its delicious cuisine also has a few good pieces of cookware you should own if you want to cook like the French. Here are the must-have pieces of French cookware you need to have for your kitchen!
French Cookware Essentials
Here is a list of essential French cookware pieces including the best French cooking equipment.
If you’re ready to take your cooking to the next level, you’ll need some basic French cookware essentials that will help you prepare healthy meals at home. The trick to successful meal preparation is having the right tools, and this list of cookware essentials for the modern home will give you everything you need to create delicious recipes in your own kitchen.
Le Creuset Cast Iron Dutch Oven
You can get a cast iron dutch oven by Le Creuset in a round or oval shape, depending on your preferences and needs. Le Creuset is one of the most sought after French home goods brands for dutch ovens. With products crafted in its French workshops since 1925, the brand is relied upon by professionals and French families alike. A French Oven is the perfect pot for slow cooking, roasting, baking, frying, braising and much more. The design has been perfected over time to offer effective heat retention and even distribution while in use. It locks in moisture and flavor whether you use it on your stove or in the oven. With good care, this piece can last through the generations of your family. It can be washed in the dishwasher without a problem.
Staub Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven
Unlike some other brands, Staub cookware isn’t made in China—it’s made in France. This classic round Staub Dutch oven comes in a few sizes: a 4-quart model, a 5-quart model, and a 7-quart version. All can go from stovetop to oven, making them ideal for soups, stews, and braises.
In addition to being insanely durable, enameled cast iron cookware is versatile and resistant to chipping. Cast iron may take longer to heat up than stainless steel but it maintains temperatures better and lasts for generations. If you care for it properly, it won’t rust or chip even if you drop it on your tile floor (just don’t do that on purpose!)
Cristel Cooking Pans
For an uncomplicated cooking experience, cast iron is tough to beat. It’s naturally nonstick, so there’s no need to spray your pan with oil before cooking, and you can use metal utensils without damaging them. The Cristel Castel Pro line even allows you to cook with induction cooktops—making it a versatile addition to any kitchen. A Cristel Castel Pro pan can work for just about anything from eggs to searing steaks.
de Buyer Choc Non-Stick Crepe Pan
If you’re a fan of making crepes (we are), then investing in a non-stick pan is a smart move. They’re absolutely essential when it comes to making perfect crepes, and because they last forever, you can buy just one.
De Buyer makes several sizes of crepe pans, but we prefer its 10-inch model because it provides plenty of space while still being manageable in size. It’s also oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit so if you like to bake with your crepes—hello breakfast sandwiches!—you can do that too. Bonus: Because they’re made from carbon steel, de Buyer Crepe Pans are suitable for use on induction stovetops as well!
Mauviel Copper Triply M’3 S 7-Piece Cookware Set
Copper cookware has been around since at least 7000 BC. While metal pots and pans have come a long way since then, it’s not always clear which sets are worth your money. Mauviel is one of the best French cookware brands you can trust.
We decided to take a look at some of France’s most highly recommended brands, namely Mauviel. A classic favorite among professional chefs, this company produces high-quality pieces that will last you a lifetime (or two). Our favorite pick which gives you all the basics is the M’3 S 7-Piece cookware set.
Duralex Glass Bowls
When cooking in small batches, it can be tough to find a measuring tool that provides both volume and weight. Duralex Glass Bowls solve that problem with stackable bowls made from tempered glass; they’re microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher safe. Each bowl holds one cup of liquid or three cups of dry ingredients. Perfectly sized for tossing pasta with two hands or mixing up a pie dough by hand.
Emile Henry Modern Classics Rouge 9×13 Baking Dish
This Emile Henry baking dish is a perfect combination of classic style and modern functionality. With a beautiful red glaze and distinctive rimmed edges, it’s sure to be a talking point at your next dinner party.
But don’t let its good looks fool you; underneath that beautiful exterior is an incredibly high-quality cooking surface that will serve you well in any kitchen! The dish itself is made out of heat-resistant earthenware so that it can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius).
That means it’s safe for use in both conventional and convection ovens. The French-made Emile Henry line is known for its innovative clay construction, which allows them to create an unbelievably smooth surface with uniform heat distribution properties.
Gobel Tarte & Quiche Pans
The Gobel tarte and quiche pans use a double-walled design to bake a pie or tart while also keeping them from getting soggy. This pan uses a double-walled design to bake a pie or tart while also saving them from getting soggy. The pan can be used in an oven up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and its nonstick surface makes it easy to clean and maintain.
If you’re looking for a way to make your pies look as beautiful as they taste, you’ll want to check out these pans. You’ll find these French cookware essentials at Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table.
Silpat Silicone Muffin Pan
Say goodbye to sticking, falling muffins and hello to easy clean-up. The Silpat nonstick muffin pan comes with 12 well-spaced molds that ensure even baking every time.
The best part? You can take these bad boys right out of your oven and pop them in your dishwasher—no scrubbing necessary! These will quickly become one of your favorite pans around. They’re ideal for so many recipes and make baking much easier. Shop from Sur La Table.
Opinel Knives
The main thing on any list of cookware essentials needs to be a good set of knives. Think about it: you’re far more likely to use a dull knife than a sharp one, and most people don’t know how to sharpen knives at home (and they shouldn’t attempt it).
Opinel cutlery has been making its traditional styles since 1890. The best thing about these beautiful knives is that they get better with age! They are made from solid Beechwood, so even though they are very lightweight, they can stand up to years of hard work in your kitchen.
Try the Les Essentials set which includes a paring knife, serrated knife, peeler, and vegetable knife, all of which are made of high carbon steel, corrosion-resistant, and lovingly made in France!
Laguiole Steak Knives
There’s no better way to start your dinner than with some fresh cuts of meat and vegetables. The only way to make sure your meal is done right is with a solid set of knives—and Laguiole steak knives are a cut above other knives on the market.
While most knives have one cutting edge, Laguiole steak knives have three: two edges curve into an S-shape, while a third sits perpendicular. This design makes it easier to create clean slices through any type of food and keeps your fingers away from sharp blade tips. From bone-in steaks to hearty casseroles, these utensils will make light work of any meal.
Jean Dubost Kitchen Knives
High-quality kitchen knives are a great investment to make, both because they’re often cheaper over time and because they’re safer to use. While it may seem like buying a knife is just about picking a blade type, handle material, and price point—it’s really about all of those factors plus much more.
This is why you should consider buying knives made by trusted French cookware brands. French chef knife manufacturer Jean Dubost offers an extensive selection of cutlery from chefs to paring knives. Their range includes beautiful designs in many different materials such as bone or wood handle choices. Their blades are manufactured with high-quality stainless steel that keeps their edge longer than many other makes.
Peugeot Paris Pepper Mill
The Peugeot Paris Pepper Mill is no ordinary pepper mill. It has some special features that help it stand out from all of those other spice grinders.
Its adjustable ceramic mechanism allows you to choose between fine and coarse grinds. The base is made of pebble stone, a material that maintains its color even after several years of being in use!
This durable grinder by Peugeot gives any kitchen a warm modern feel. Place it on your table next time you have friends over or bake a delectable dessert; with it by your side, everyone will be amazed by what you can accomplish in your kitchen!
If you’re feeling intimidated by your lack of basic cookware, don’t worry – start with these items and expand your collection as needed!
