What type of pan is best for making delicate sauces?

For making delicate sauces, a non-stick pan or a stainless steel pan is the best choice due to their ability to control heat effectively and prevent the sauce from sticking or burning. Non-stick pans are particularly advantageous for their smooth surface, which allows for easy stirring and incorporation of ingredients, essential when trying to achieve a smooth consistency in sauces.

On the other hand, stainless steel pans provide excellent heat conductivity, which is important for even cooking and preventing hot spots that could scorch delicate sauces. Additionally, they allow for the creation of fond – the browned bits left in the pan after searing meats or sautéing vegetables – which can enhance the flavor of sauces through deglazing.

The other options would not be ideal for this task. A cast iron pan, while great for heat retention, can leave an iron taste and is harder to control at low temperatures due to its heavy construction. A baking tray is not suitable because it doesn’t facilitate even heating or stirring; it is designed for baking rather than stovetop cooking. A wok, while versatile for stir-frying, has a curved surface that isn't conducive for reducing sauces where uniform heat distribution and easy stirring are required.