Cookware accessories

What you need to know about cookware accessories

Accessories are not an afterthought. A suitable lid retains heat and steam, allowing dishes to cook faster and saving energy. Pan protectors prevent scratches when stacking pans. A replacement handle gives a pan with a worn or loose handle a second life, instead of throwing it away. Induction protectors keep your ceramic cooktop scratch-free, and seasoning oil builds up a natural non-stick layer on cast iron and carbon steel. Together, they determine how long your pans will last and how pleasant they are to cook with.

The most important principle for accessories is that they match the type of pan you have. A lid must have the correct diameter, a handle must fit the model, and seasoning oil is only relevant for untreated cast iron and carbon steel, not for a pan with a non-stick coating. Not sure yet which pans are right for you? In our blog which pan do I need? and what material should I buy pans made of?, we lay it out clearly. Want the complete picture first? Then view the entire cookware range.

Buying cookware accessories: what to look for?

When buying accessories, compatibility is the most important factor. Always measure the diameter of your pan before ordering a lid, check that a replacement handle fits your brand and model, and choose pan protectors that are large enough for your largest pan. If you cook on induction, make sure that an induction protector is resistant to the temperatures your cooktop reaches. The material and size specifications are always on the product page, and if you have any doubts? Then our cooking specialists are happy to help.

In addition, it pays to pay attention to quality. Thin, cheap pan protectors wear out quickly and offer little protection, while a sturdy pan protector or a glass lid from a quality brand will last for years. Preferably choose accessories from the same brand as your pans: they are designed with the right dimensions and materials in mind and thus provide the best fit. For maintenance tips, also view our knowledge base or the blog how do I maintain my pans?.

Which pan accessories do you choose?

Each accessory has its own function. These are the types you need most often, and what you use them for.

Lids are essential in every kitchen. A lid keeps heat and steam in the pan, speeds up the cooking process, and prevents splattering on your stove. Whether you are stewing, simmering, or keeping dishes warm: with a suitable lid you cook more efficiently and energy-efficiently. At Braadbaas you will find separate glass lids with which you can keep an eye on the dish without opening the pan, such as the glass lid from Le Creuset and the glass lid from Demeyere. If you are looking for a lid that fits multiple pans, then the universal glass lid from GreenPan is a practical choice. Pay attention to the stated maximum temperature when using a glass lid in the oven; if you want to heat it up high or use the grill, a fully metal lid is often more suitable.

Pan protectors prevent scratches, dents, and damaged coatings when you stack pans. They are soft felt or silicone layers that you place between two stacked pans, so they do not touch each other. They are especially valuable for pans with a non-stick coating or an enameled coating, where even a small scratch can damage the layer; for bare cast iron or stainless steel, they are mainly a matter of neat storage. At Braadbaas you will find pan protectors in convenient sets from Le Creuset, Demeyere and DUCQ.

Handles and grips do not have to mean the end of your favorite pan. If a handle is loose or damaged, you can give the pan a second life with a replacement handle. This is also more sustainable than throwing away an entire pan. Le Creuset offers silicone handles in multiple colors, which are comfortable to hold and protect you from the heat of a metal handle. The Buyer provides a neoprene handle for its carbon steel and copper pans. Both are heat-resistant, but not intended for use over an open flame or under the grill. So always check the stated maximum temperature.

Induction protectors are a smart addition for anyone who cooks on a glass or glass-ceramic cooktop. You place the heat-resistant silicone mat between the pan and the cooktop, where it protects the sensitive surface from scratches from rough pan bottoms and from baked-on boil-overs. Combekk offers induction protectors at Braadbaas in convenient sets, suitable for different pan sizes. However, keep in mind that an intermediate layer can slightly slow down heating. Therefore, use the mat mainly as protection, and not as a permanent base during every cooking session.

Seasoning oil is essential if you want a cast iron or carbon steel pan to last longer. By seasoning a thin layer of oil at a high temperature, a natural protective layer forms that prevents rust and makes the pan release food better. The Skottsberg seasoning oil is made from 100% grapeseed oil: a neutral oil with a high smoke point that hardens nicely into a smooth layer. Apply the oil very thinly, wipe away the excess, heat the pan until the oil smokes, and repeat this a few times for the best result. You can read how exactly to do this in our blogs about seasoning a cast iron pan and seasoning a carbon steel pan.

What do you do with pan accessories?

With the right accessories you get more out of every cooking session. You use a lid for simmering stews, steaming vegetables, or quickly bringing water to a boil: anywhere heat and moisture need to be retained. You use seasoning oil for seasoning a new cast iron pan or carbon steel pan, so that you can later fry a steak, egg, or fish flawlessly without it sticking. Pan protectors and induction protectors are not cooking utensils, but protect your pans and cooktop between cooking sessions, so everything is ready for the next dish. Looking for inspiration to use your pans? Browse through our recipes.

What are the best pan accessories?

The best accessories are those that suit your cooking style and the type of pans you use. For most home cooks, a suitable lid and a set of pan protectors form the basis; if you have cast iron or carbon steel pans, a good seasoning oil certainly belongs there, and if you cook on induction, a protective mat is a sensible addition. Brands like Le Creuset, Demeyere, and Combekk offer accessories that are proven to last a long time and fit perfectly.

Anyone looking for the very best chooses accessories that actively contribute to the lifespan of the pan. Skottsberg seasoning oil is popular with users of cast iron and carbon steel pans, the glass lids from Demeyere are known for their fit and quality, and the felt pan protectors from Le Creuset are ideal for protecting expensive enameled pans. Which accessory is best for you therefore depends on your own pans and way of cooking. At Braadbaas you will find these brands side by side, with honest advice about what fits. View the full range in the collection of pan accessories.