In any kitchen, saucepans and sauciers are some of the most important tools to have. These versatile types of cookware do more than just make great pasta sauces and gravies. You can use them for just about any cooking that involves liquids. Whenever you're making soup, hard-boiled eggs, pasta, rice, or curry, a saucepan comes in handy.

It's pretty easy to get saucepans and sauciers mixed up because they look and sound similar. However, if you take a close look, you'll notice some key differences. Saucepans have straight sides with a flat bottom, while sauciers have rounded sides and a rounded bottom. Due to the difference in their shapes, they each have unique uses. Sauciers are great for foods that need constant stirring or whisking. Since there are no corners where food can get stuck, delicate dishes are less likely to burn. Saucepans are a little more stable, so they work well for soups, stews, and other meals that require simmering. Due to their wider bottoms, saucepans also tend to be more versatile. You can use them to quickly sear meats or caramelize onions before making a soup.

Saucepans come with a variety of great features. For example, Better Chef saucepans often have clear glass lids, so you can easily check up on whatever you're cooking. Some saucepans have a core made of copper or another material that helps to distribute heat. Another great feature to consider is oven safety. Some saucepans can withstand temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, so they can work well in an oven.

As you shop at Bed Bath & Beyond for pans to add to your kitchen, you will notice many of the products we offer are made with two main materials. While there are a few other types like ceramic, enamel, or cast-iron saucepans, the majority of the saucepans and sauciers we carry are stainless steel or aluminum with a nonstick coating. Both classic styles have their own benefits. Stainless-steel pans, such as the ones sold by Our Table™, tend to be very durable. Even if you scratch one with a metal utensil or burn food onto it, a good cleaning makes it look new again. Meanwhile, nonstick saucepans have a coating that keeps food from sticking as easily. This can make them a little easier to cook in or clean. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your personal preference.

Whether you want a small, medium, or large saucepan or saucier, we've got you covered. Bed Bath & Beyond carries a wide selection of pan sizes. The best size depends on what you're going to use it for. Planning on making a big pot of chili for the family? Try a roomy 12-quart pan. If you're cooking small servings of things like gravy, a small pan of around 1.5 quarts will keep your liquid from evaporating too soon. And don't worry if you can't decide on a single size. Brands like Rachael Ray™ sell saucepan sets that include multiple sizes. Bed Bath & Beyond is happy to offer a wide selection of saucepans and sauciers, so you can pick the perfect one for your next meal. And with free shipping on orders over $39 and Same Day Delivery for some items, we make it easy to get pans from our store to your home.