Perfect pan for reheating stuff?

November 2, 2021 12:04 PM

Just ditched the microwave and I’m wondering if Ask has a perfect pot for reheating small portions (say, a 1 quart Tupperware) on a gas stove without burning. Either soups or chunky curryish stuff.

Obviously some stirring will always be required but I’m wondering if some option is better than others! Other reheating hacks welcomed.

posted by ftm to Food & Drink (15 answers total)

I love my little Farberware stainless steel pot. It's not non-stick, but nothing sticks to it, and the rolled lip means that stuff pours out of it nicely. Being not non-stick means I can use a metal spoon without worry. Mine is over 20 years old, and still looks the same as the day I got it. (I'm not quite sure if mine is the 1qt or 2qt though. It's pretty small.)
posted by hydra77 at 12:11 PM on November 2, 2021

I don't have a microwave either. I think the easiest way to reheat most things is in the oven, in a pyrex casserole. Give everything a stir halfway through. The only thing I reheat on the stove is soup, which....I just reheat it in the pot I cooked it in? I've never had any issues! The only thing that really is a pain to reheat sans microwave are mashed potatoes.
posted by cakelite at 12:11 PM on November 2, 2021 [1 favorite]

I know this is trading one appliance for another, but the Crock-pot 2qt warmer (for like, hot dips and stuff) is pretty great, and the inner bowl is removable for eating out of and washing.
posted by ApathyGirl at 12:49 PM on November 2, 2021

Pricy, but reliable (and I got mine at a tag sale): Calphalon stainless steel 2.5 quart saucepan. The bottom is fairly thick and I haven't burned anything in it. Just keep an eye on liquid levels and heat. I cook on gas, too.
posted by carrioncomfort at 1:02 PM on November 2, 2021

I think you would find a classic Corningware pan particularly useful for this purpose. Something like this, although it's 1.5 pints. The classic Corningware can be used on the stovetop and in the oven, which is surprisingly handy, and they clean up very easily. They aren't made anymore, but you can usually find them on eBay or in antique/resale shops. I absolutely cherish my Corningware.
posted by DrGail at 1:04 PM on November 2, 2021 [3 favorites]

I too have a little stainless steel pot, and will recommend. I don't remember the brand, but it is quite heavy for its size, and I think that's what you want to look for. If I'm busy with other stuff while I'm reheating things, I put it on a diffuser over the gas. It's also very good for boiling eggs, melting butter, cooking porridge for one, cooking one big potato or two small, cooking rice for one person, heating a tin of beans, boiling water when your kettle ends its life. It has a steel handle, so it can go in the oven, and the dishwasher, and it looks as good as new though I don't even remember when I bought it. If you change to induction, it will perform all its magic just as well. In other words, everyone needs a small, heavy steel pot.
posted by mumimor at 1:38 PM on November 2, 2021

I prefer Anolon for this. Heavy and nonstick (this matters if you want to avoid burning), handle won't heat up even when you crank the flame. Comes in a 1 qt if you prefer.
posted by fingersandtoes at 1:54 PM on November 2, 2021

Also if you don't have a toaster oven, you can pick one up for around $30. If you want to reheat for one or two, it is less costly to go with that, rather than firing up a big, stove oven. I often use a small, 6 inch cast iron pan with a lid to reheat small portions.
posted by Oyéah at 2:19 PM on November 2, 2021

If it doesn't have to be a pot, I'd recommend an air fryer. I have one similar to this one. Mine has a "reheat" option which it looks like they've now replaced with "warm". Same thing, I'm sure. No exaggeration, it changed my life. You can cook raw vegetables to perfection in literally 4 minutes (8 if it's more dense, like small potatoes or chopped carrot).
posted by dobbs at 2:33 PM on November 2, 2021

I often reheat things in a non-stick saute pan with a lid. Depending on what I'm reheating I add a couple of tablespoons of water to start, put the lid on and steam the contents over low-medium heat, then remove the lid to finish cooking. This works well if I am reheating a take-out thing that includes rice. I put the water in, curry-type thing on the bottom, rice on top. Lid on, heat on low. Sauce heats directly, rice steams and I don't do much stirring until the end. It's sort of second nature because I haven't had a microwave for well over 15 years now.

The key to not burning things is to use low heat and pay attention. A heavy bottom pan can help but it's more technique than tool IMO.
posted by oneirodynia at 3:36 PM on November 2, 2021

My Farberware 3qt is the perfect size for a lot of things but my All-Clad 1.5qt and 4qt are better pans and easier to clean. So my recommendation is an All-Clad 3qt.
posted by vunder at 5:09 PM on November 2, 2021

I have a small enameled cast iron Dutch oven that has been serving this function for me for decades now. It’s 2 quarts, which is a great size for quick and even reheats of 1-ish quart meals. I do it on the stove top if I can keep half an eye on it, or with the lid on in the oven if I’ve got other stuff going on.
posted by minervous at 5:47 PM on November 2, 2021 [1 favorite]

Cast iron skillet 100%
We use our cast iron skillet for this and near every thing else. It's nine in the morning, and the thing has made toast, collards for our lunches, and now warmed up a couple of tortillas for second breakfast.
If you have one, try it. It cuts down on decision making here as an added bonus. They are available used for cheap. Lids from some other frying pans and soup pots fit fine.
Fine in the oven. Other features include: unrivaled lifespan, no moving parts, not teflon non-stick- so any utensil goes, also not teflon for other reasons
posted by politicalmachineshop at 6:15 AM on November 3, 2021 [2 favorites]

Double boiler is perfect for not burning things. If you get a small one you can eat comfortably out of the upper pot. You can also improvise them, although a well fitted set is that much faster.
posted by clew at 6:51 AM on November 3, 2021 [1 favorite]

This may be a bit small for your needs, but I absolutely love this tiny little pot. I use it for making chai on the stove but I think it would be perfect for reheating small portions. It's completely non-stick, but the best part is it pours without dripping, ever.

I never thought I'd have a favorite saucepan, but here we are.
posted by Space Kitty at 7:06 PM on November 3, 2021