Kitchenware is a broad term that encompasses all the items used in the kitchen for cooking and serving food. Two of the most common kitchenware items are POTS and PANS. POTS are typically large, deep vessels with a handle and a lid, used for boiling, simmering, and steaming food. PANS are shallow, flat-bottomed vessels with a handle, used for frying, sauteing, and baking. Both POTS and PANS are usually made of metal, such as stainless steel or aluminum, but can also be made of ceramic, glass, or other materials.