The Best Small Saucepans In 2023

Let's face it, there are moments in the kitchen when we just don't need a large saucepan. Not only are big saucepans cumbersome to clean, but they also tend to take longer to heat up and may not distribute heat as evenly as small pots. In addition, if you're only preparing a small amount of food, using a large pan can result in unnecessary energy consumption.

Ideal for melting butter or chocolate, warming up milk, simmering sauces, or reheating leftovers, small saucepans are ultra versatile. They also give you more control over heat distribution, which can be important if you're preparing delicate food that's easy to overcook or burn. For those with a weak grip, small saucepans are typically easier to handle since they're more lightweight — this can be particularly important when pouring out hot sauces or water. Last but not least, small pots are generally more affordable than larger cookware and take up less space in your kitchen.

Ready to add a small saucepan to your kitchenware collection? Check out our list of the best small saucepans in 2023.

Just like their larger counterparts, small saucepans can vary greatly in design, size, and material. As such, picking the right cookware for your specific culinary preferences and techniques can be a challenge. There's no need to panic, however, because we have your back. Our team has taken the time to consider the options available to bring you a list of the very best small saucepans on the market. In addition to looking at the promises of each manufacturer, we have also sought out the opinions of expert and community reviewers to ensure that you have everything you need to make a well-informed decision.

When compiling our roundup, we took into account a number of factors. Firstly, we looked at different materials; most pots are made from aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron, or granite. We then considered each product's capacity, from 0.4 to 2 quarts. Other important features that we paid close attention to during our research included ease of cleaning and storage, and whether each pot is induction stove compatible and dishwasher-friendly.

Crafted in France with everyday cooking in mind, the Cuisinart French classic tri-ply saucepan is both simple and elegant. Thanks to an aluminum core and two external layers of stainless steel, the 1-quart pot is also highly durable and can be used on induction cooktops. Additionally, the riveted handles on the saucepan and the lid are designed to remain cool during the cooking process. The Cuisinart French classic tri-ply saucepan is backed by a lifetime guarantee, so you can rest assured that you're purchasing a well-made product.

SolidSmack is impressed with the Cuisinart French classic cookware, highlighting that its tri-ply design extends all the way to the top of the pots, promoting better heat distribution across the entire surface. The platform also praises the cookware for its smooth edges and flawlessly fitting lids.

Cuisinart's French classic tri-ply saucepan is also a firm favorite with Amazon shoppers, receiving 4.7 out of 5 stars from more than 2,000 reviewers. One buyer calls the saucepan an "excellent product," elaborating, "Superb quality for the price. Don't know how it could be much better. Great heat response. Easy clean up. Lid fits well. Handle stays cool and is ergonomically excellent."

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Cuisinart French classic tri-ply saucepan from Amazon starting at $54.95.

At under $20, the P&P CHEF 1-quart saucepan easily falls within most budgets for cookware. Crafted from stainless steel, the cooking pot features rimless edges to minimize drips during pouring. The unit's riveted heat-proof handle also has a large hanging hole for convenient storage. In addition, the saucepan comes with a tight-fitting clear glass lid with a vent for releasing steam as well as a cool-touch knob. Even better, the P&P CHEF 1-quart saucepan is dishwasher-safe for effortless cleaning.

This saucepan has received positive feedback on different platforms, including 8.6 out of 10 stars on Best Views Reviews and 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon. One shopper says that they use this saucepan every day, adding, "It cooks evenly, cleans up easily, and is sturdy and lightweight as well. Great value for the money!" Another buyer agrees, saying, "Perfect size and I like the glass top so I can see what is happening. Good price, too."

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the P&P CHEF 1-quart saucepan from Amazon starting at $16.99.

Cooking enthusiasts with cash to burn could do much worse than investing it in Le Creuset's enameled cast iron signature saucepan. Available in a wide range of colors, from white and black to more unusual choices such as deep teal and oyster, the stylish pot features outstanding heat distribution and temperature retention. It also comes with two handles to easily transfer food from the stovetop to the counter or the dining table. Plus, the 1.75-quart pot is compatible with induction stovetops and both dishwasher and oven-safe. Last but not least, the Le Creuset saucepan carries a lifetime warranty, so you can rest assured that it's going to serve you for many years to come.

Standing testament to its superior quality, Le Creuset's enameled cast iron signature saucepan has received 4.9 out of 5 stars from over 700 Amazon shoppers. One reviewer writes that they love the pot, adding, "It heats quickly and evenly. You can't really burn anything and it's super easy to clean." Another buyer supports this opinion, saying, "Everything Le Creuset makes is fabulous. This one is no exception. Great for soups, sauces, and somehow the food tastes better every time. They also will last for generations. Bravo!"

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Le Creuset enameled cast iron signature saucepan from Amazon starting at $224.95.

Designed for making sauces, heating up liquids, and melting butter, IMEEA's mini saucepan is one of the smallest pots on the market. With a capacity of just 12 ounces (0.4 quarts), the saucepan features internal measurements to help you follow recipes as well as a spout for easy pouring. It is also designed with an aluminum core and two layers of stainless steel to promote better heat distribution. The IMEEA saucepan is dishwasher-friendly and compatible with induction stoves. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can have complete confidence in your purchase.

Overall, this saucepan has received positive reviews on Amazon, with over 900 shoppers awarding it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars. One satisfied customer says that the pot works well on their electric stove, adding, "[It feels] very thick and heavy. Sits perfectly without any tipping. The handle doesn't get hot. Very easy to clean." This being said, some reviewers complain that despite the spout, the saucepan drips when they pour out liquids. Additionally, some consumers think the gadget's handle could be a little longer.

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the IMEEA mini saucepan from Amazon starting at $22.99.

Made from PFOA-free speckled granite, the CAROTE saucepan heats up quickly and evenly for efficient cooking. The 1.7-quart pot also features a smooth non-stick interior to ensure easy clean-ups. In fact, according to the manufacturer, this saucepan is five times more non-stick than ordinary non-stick pans. Last but not least, the cookware comes with a handy pouring spout and a well-fitting lid to minimize accidental spills and messes.

This saucepan has been rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by Amazon shoppers, with 83% of buyers awarding the product 5 out of 5 stars. One reviewer applauds it, saying, "I was looking around for a while for a new pot and stumbled across this beauty, and I do mean beauty! I love the look of this pot. The pot itself looks like it was made of stone and the handle is not made of wood, though it has a wood-like design." Another buyer concurs and comments, "Nothing sticks, the clean-up is a breeze and everything cooks evenly." This being said, one reviewer points out that the pot is on the heavier side and may not be ideal for those who lack grip strength.

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the CAROTE saucepan from Amazon starting at $39.68.

Blending visual appeal and functionality, Rachael Ray's hard enamel butter warmer makes a perfect gift for friends and loved ones. Available in red, orange, and purple, the tiny pot has a capacity of just 0.75 quarts, making it perfect for small tasks such as heating up sauces. Its small size also makes the pot very easy to store in compact spaces. Plus, the saucepan combines an aluminum construction with a porcelain enamel exterior, which means that it's both durable and non-stick. And if you want to use it in the oven, it can handle temperatures up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Rachael Ray hard enamel butter warmer has received high ratings on a number of websites, including 8.4 out of 10 stars on Best Views Reviews and 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon. One buyer says that they were so impressed with the pot that they purchased another one, adding, "I love this little pot to warm milk for my coffee, heat up leftovers, or boil water for tea. It's sturdy, solid, and most of all, the handle is quite long and well padded. [...] Heats up nicely without scorching the bottom."

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Rachael Ray hard enamel butter warmer from Amazon starting at $21.99.

Made from aluminum encased in a diamond-fortified ceramic coating, the GreenPan Rio ceramic non-stick saucepan ensures even heat distribution while cooking. The 1-quart pot is also PFOA, PFAS, cadmium, and lead-free, so you don't need to worry about any harmful fumes, even if you set it on high heat. As an added bonus, the saucepan is scratch-resistant and can be popped into the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Plus, it comes with a glass lid with a sturdy stainless steel edge. While GreenPan's Rio saucepan isn't suitable for induction stoves, it's oven-safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Overall, this saucepan has done well with home chefs, scoring an average of 4.6 out of 5 from more than 500 Amazon shoppers. One satisfied buyer says, "This small saucepan flares outward slightly at the top making it easier to use. It feels and acts like it's bigger than it really is. Quite ingenious."

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the GreenPan ceramic non-stick saucepan from Amazon starting at $24.99.

What sets the 1-quart HexClad hybrid pot apart from the cookware pack is its unique hexagon design. Laser-etched in stainless steel, the ridges make the pot perfect for searing meat and seafood. Plus, the diamond dust-reinforced ceramic coating ensures a non-stick performance.

Made with an aluminum core sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel, this pot heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly across the cooking surface. Suitable for induction stoves, it's also dishwasher-friendly and oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, the HexClad pot carries a lifetime warranty, so you can rest assured that it will continue serving you well for years to come.

While pricey, the HexClad hybrid pot has received praise from countless buyers, scoring an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from Amazon shoppers. One buyer says that the pot is as good as it gets, noting, " They're heavy, but not too heavy. They're exceedingly tough. Nothing sticks to them. You don't have to be particularly careful to avoid scratching them. The lids are clear, so you can see what's going on in there. [...] Not the cheapest, but worth every penny."

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the HexClad hybrid pot from Amazon starting at $109.99.

The Utopia Kitchen non-stick saucepan set comes with two pots that hold one and two quarts respectively. Made from aluminum alloy, the pots feature two internal layers of non-stick coating and a vibrantly-colored exterior, ranging from classic black to more unusual choices such as pink and turquoise. The set comes with glass lids so you can keep a close watch on your meals. While the 2-quart pan is induction-safe, the smaller 1-quart pan is only suitable for traditional stoves, and both pans should be hand-washed.

The Utopia Kitchen cooking set has received positive reviews across different platforms, including 7.8 out of 10 stars on Best Views Reviews and 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon. One buyer likes the fact that the pans are lightweight, commenting, "My arthritis makes my calphalon cookware much too heavy and cumbersome to use. I think the new aluminum pans will be just fine." Other buyers also praise the set, noting that it's easy to clean and the long handle doesn't heat up quickly like metal ones. That being said, some reviewers remark that the handle of the 1-quart saucepan is rather heavy in comparison to the pot and can cause it to tip over when it's empty.

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Utopia Kitchen non-stick saucepan set from Amazon starting at $25.99.

With a 2-quart capacity, the Anolon straining saucepan is slightly larger than the other pots in our roundup. Nevertheless, we believe that it deserves a spot on our list due to its unique strainer and lid combo. More specifically, the saucepan features straining holes in two sizes and a spout that acts like a colander once you place the lid on top of the pot.

Made from hard anodized aluminum, the sturdy saucepan features a riveted stainless steel and silicone handle that stays cool to the touch during the cooking process. It also comes with a shatter-resistant glass lid and is oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The Anolon saucepan is backed by a lifetime warranty which indicates that the manufacturer has full confidence in the product.

This saucepan has received a very impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 1,600 Amazon reviewers, with 87% of shoppers awarding it 5 out of 5 stars. One buyer calls the pot close to perfect and describes the draining process: "The straining lid is a pleasure to work with but you will have to hold it in order to fully drain the pan — so don't try to dump [the water] all at once, that's likely to release an uncomfortably big rush of hot water vapor. Slower pours — 10 sec or so to drain haven't given me any problems."

At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Anolon straining saucepan from Amazon starting at $49.99.