What Is a Saucepan? Uses, Types & How It Differs from Pots and Pans

A saucepan is a deep, round pan with tall, straight sides and a long handle, usually sold with a lid. Its depth makes it the go-to for anything liquid-based on the stovetop.

What a saucepan is used for

• Simmering sauces, gravies, and reductions
• Boiling or steaming vegetables, eggs, and pasta portions
• Cooking rice, grains, and oatmeal
• Heating soups and small-batch stews

Saucepan vs pot vs frying pan

A saucepan has tall sides and a single long handle for stovetop liquid cooking. A pot (or stockpot) is larger and wider with two loop handles, made for big batches. A frying pan has low, flared sides for searing and sautéing where evaporation is the goal. Most kitchens need all three.

Choosing a safe one

Because saucepans hold simmering liquids for a long time, a non-reactive surface matters. Alva stainless steel is non-reactive and durable, while our PFAS-free nonstick saucepans make cleanup effortless. Ready to buy? See our best saucepan guide for what to look for, what size to get, and our pick.

Browse the best-selling sets for a saucepan plus the essentials, and take $30 off your first $200+ order. Every Alva coating is independently tested — see our safety standards.