Cooking fudge is a serious business, and the chances are high that you will be doing anything you can to make sure that your sweet treat turns out perfectly.
There is one key piece of equipment to remember when you are cooking and preparing your fudge: the pan you cook it in. This can make a huge difference to the end result and should be a major consideration.
The bakery and treat markets, however, are very busy ones, and there are a huge number of fudge pans available, each of which claims to be the very best.
So just how do you go about making the right selection to ensure that your fudge is of the very best quality?
Fortunately for you, we have taken care of the hard work, and put together the ultimate guide to finding the best pan for fudge – read on for everything you need to know!
1. Cook N Home Stainless Steel Stockpot With Lid
When it comes to the best multifunctional pot, this five-quart pot is an ideal choice. Crafted from stainless steel polished to a perfect mirror shine, this is a pot that is easy to clean – no matter how many times you accidentally burn the fudge!
The decision to use stainless steel also helps to increase the durability and versatility of the pot, meaning that this will be perfect for making fudge for many years to come.
An aluminum disc is also layered within the base, and this helps to increase heat efficiency, offering more regular, even heat distribution as you cook – this means that the end result will be smooth and evenly cooked all the way through, with no need to worry about hot spots.
The lid is crafted from tempered glass and includes a small vent to allow steam to escape when required. Silicone-wrapped handles are sturdy and secure and will keep your hands safe from any burns or scalds.
As an added bonus, this is a pan that can be used on a wide range of surfaces and types of stove, including glass, ceramic, gas, and electric. Even if you upgrade your oven or stove, you can still make the most of your pan!
Pros:
- Large capacity – create large batches of fudge at once
- Riveted handles are wrapped in silicone to stay cool and safe
- Can be used with the majority of stove types
- Uses aluminum and stainless steel for efficiency and durability
- Very versatile, and can be used for a range of tasks
Cons:
- Can dent quite easily, so care must be taken!
2. Mauviel M’Passion Copper Sugar Saucepan
While the previous pan was a great all-rounder, this Mauviel pot is ideal if you have one goal in mind: to make quality, delicious fudge that your friends and family – and even customers – will be begging you for.
This stunning pan is constructed from 2mm gauge unlined copper, and this makes it ideal for both conducting heat, and maintaining an even temperature throughout the duration of the cooking period.
With a five-quart capacity, you can enjoy more than enough space, and the shape of the pan is designed to help your fudge cook and melt evenly with straight sides and a smooth, flat bottom.
A riveted handle – also made from copper – keeps your hands safe while you transport your hot fudge, and the inclusion of a narrow spout on the edge makes it easy to pour from the pan into another container.
Pros:
- Unlined copper cooks quickly and easily
- Shape and design offer even heating throughout the fudge
- Small spout makes it easy and safe to pour fresh fudge without issue
- Copper design is stunning and stylish
- Designed for cooking fudge and candy
Cons:
- Not suitable for general cooking – not versatile
- Can be quite heavy
3. Michelangelo Saucepan With Lid
Looking for a perfect fudge pan, but also struggling for space? This Michelangelo pan is the answer to all your worries.
At three quarts in capacity, you can rest assured that you have more than enough space to cook your sweet treats, without having to worry about storing a large, bulky pan when you are not baking.
An aluminum alloy material combines with a titanium and ceramic interior, and this offers a smooth, super conductive non-stick surface to work on, making it easy to clean up after every use.
As an added bonus, the inclusion of aluminum keeps your pan at an even temperature while you are cooking, and ensures that your fudge is cooked completely and evenly throughout.
The lid is designed to be heat-resistant for safety, and the inclusion of a generous ergonomic handle lets you keep a firm grip as you move the pan around the room, without having to worry about burning your fingers.
As another plus, you can even place this pan in the oven without risk of damage!
Pros
- Small enough to be stored without issue
- Combination of materials offers a conductive, non-stick surface
- Longer handle makes it easy to grab and move the pan
- Can be placed in the oven for extra versatility
- Free from PTFE
- Quite lightweight yet sturdy
Cons
- The lid of the handle can get quite hot quite quickly
4. Stone & Beam Sauce Pan With Lid
If you need a pan that does the job without blowing the budget, this Stone and Beam pan is a perfect pick – it comes at an affordable price, without asking you to compromise on quality.
Crafted from hard-anodized aluminum and stainless steel, both aspiring and confident bakers can make the most of the four-quart capacity to enjoy great heat conductivity right the way through the pan, reducing the risk of hot spots and offering you a smooth-as-silk final product.
The surface is also designed to be non-stick for extra convenience – this way, it doesn’t matter if you burn it!
The pan comes with a small, glass lid, and this includes a small steam vent for ventilation.
As an added bonus, you can enjoy a long handle for safety and flexibility, allowing you to keep a tight hold of your pan even when it is hot, and an easy-pour spout makes it super safe and easy to pour from the pan into your container of choice.
Making fudge has never been more convenient with the Stone and Beam Sauce Pan!
Pros:
- Very easy to pour fudge from the pan into another container
- Lower in price than other options
- Non-stick surface makes it easy to clean
- Uses a combination of materials for an even, temperature-controlled result
- Small enough to store easily
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
5. Gotham Steel Stock Pot With Lid
Who said that your pan can’t be fabulous as well as functional?
This stunning hammered copper design from Gotham proves that you can tick both boxes with aplomb, and offers a five-quart capacity made from solid aluminum for smooth, even heat distribution throughout the pan.
The inclusion of a Ti-Cerama non-stick coating is convenient and makes cleaning fast and easy and, as an added bonus, this pot can be popped in the dishwasher when you are done for extra convenience.
The Gotham pot is also versatile, and compatible with the majority of stovetop types and materials, making it super convenient, and can even be used in the oven for extra flexibility.
Pros
- Stunning copper design
- Dishwasher safe for extra convenience
- Versatile and flexible – use this pan on a range of surfaces and even in the oven
- Comes with a 10-year warranty
- Solid aluminum helps distribute heat evenly
Cons
- Not pure copper
Buyers Guide
So now that we have had a chance to take a closer look at some of the best pans on the market, just how do you go about making the best selection for your fudge?
When choosing a new fudge pan, there are a number of areas that you will need to consider, and we will explore them in greater detail below to help you make a smart, informed, and confident choice.
Size
In the world of fudge pans, size really does matter, and this is largely due to the ingredients you are dealing with.
Both chocolate and sugar are renowned for being tricky, temperamental and unforgiving, and tend to go very wrong if you have them at the wrong temperature, even for a short period of time.
The trick is to match your pan to the amount of chocolate that you plan to melt – making a small portion of fudge in a large pan can cause it to cook too quickly, and this results in burnt or overcooked fudge.
Trying to cook too much fudge in a too-small pan, on the other hand, means that you are likely to achieve an even final result – some areas may be burnt, while others are still totally raw.
In most cases, a pan that is between two and three quarts should be sufficient for most personal bakers. If, however, you are planning a super large batch, you should opt for a capacity of five quarts or above.
Ultimately, you should check the recipe to see the intended serving size and make sure that you use a pan that can accommodate this.
Shape
The shape of the pan that you choose will also have an impact on how successful your fudge-making endeavors will be.
As a rule, any pan that is being used for fudge should have a flat bottom – this improves heat distribution and ensures that your pan will heat more evenly. This, in turn, helps all of the ingredients to melt at the same time, and this will improve the quality of your fudge.
It should be noted that this is particularly important if you have a ceramic or glass stove – in this case, you need to make sure that the surface is in contact with the entire bottom of the pan.
You should also select a pan with straight sides – once again, this allows for more even cooking, and will really take your final result from “great” to “gorgeous”.
Straight sides are also important for helping to reduce the risk of the fudge mixture from sticking to the side of the pan, and this, in turn, prevents the crystallisation of sugar – this can have a negative impact on the texture of your fudge.
In addition, using straight sides means that you will get more accurate readings when you use a thermometer, such as the one included in this quality kit.
Don’t forget to also check for the size and length of the handles – the longer the better, and make sure that it is heatproof! – as well as the pouring spout – a good pouring spout will make your life a lot safer, easier, and more convenient.
Material
As we have seen, fudge pans come in a wide range of materials, but the main focus when making fudge is to search for a product that offers quality and even distribution of heat – this is the secret to truly mouth-watering results.
Sugar tends to burn as soon as it hits 350°F (176°C), so you need a pot that will react as soon as you change the temperature – for example, turning it down.
At the same time, you need to make sure that the pan you choose can withstand plenty of heat – in order to get perfect results, you should be cooking your fudge between 237°F and 239°F (114°C and 115°C) – even a degree higher or lower can ruin the effect.
This tends to be higher than many other recipes, so you need to double-check that your chosen product can handle the heat.
There are four main materials to choose from when selecting a fudge pan, and each has its own pros and cons.
Copper
Copper is often considered the very best option when it comes to a fudge pan – it cools down quickly, reduces burning, and reacts very quickly to any changes in temperature. Copper is also great at distributing heat evenly throughout the pan for an even, smooth result.
Aluminum
Aluminum is another popular option, largely thanks to its excellent heat conduction properties. It can, however, be tricky to clean – especially if you are prone to burning things!
Stainless Steel
An option that tends to sit at the lower end of the budget, stainless steel is tough and durable and can be cleaned with minimal effort.
The heat conduction properties are less than ideal, however, and so it is a good idea to ensure that you have a layer of aluminum included to help improve this.
Non-Stick
In order to make a successful fudge, non-stick properties are essential. Not all can handle higher heat, however, so opt for a pan with a thick, heavy bottom to help counter this, and improve the conduction of heat.
Versatility
For many of us, space in our homes is at a premium, and so it is a good idea to ensure that the fudge pan you choose is versatile.
Many of our top options can also be used for whipping up stews, soups, casseroles and other treats, allowing you to save space and get the most out of your pan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does PTFE Mean?
PTFE refers to a chemical coating that is known as polytetrafluoroethylene – this is a specific type of plastic that is sprayed on cookware and other items, and then baked in.
The end result is a surface that is noncorrosive, waterproof, nonstick and non reactive. One of the best known PTFE coatings is Teflon.
Do You Need A Lidded Pan For Fudge Making?
A lidded pan is not required when making fudge – this can cause water and condensation to build up and damage the texture and taste of your fudge. You can, however purchase a lidded pan for versatility and simply leave it off when cooking fudge.
What Is The Best Material To Use A Fudge Pan?
As a rule, copper is the optimum material for a fudge pan – it heats and cools evenly, reacts quickly to changes in temperature, and reduces the risk of burning.
In Summary
In order to ensure that your fudge is as good as it can be, you need to ensure that you have the right tools to hand.
By making sure that you pick a pan that is the perfect size, you improve the quality of the cooking and reduce the risk of burning or undercooking your fudge.
Where possible, opt for flat bottoms and straight sides and, if the budget allows it, always opt for pure copper – your results will speak for themselves.
Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
