Square One vs. Big Deal: Which Great Jones Pan Should You Buy?

Quick answer

Choose Square One if you bake brownies, sheet cakes, or need a versatile 9x9-inch pan for oven dishes. Choose Big Deal if you cook for a crowd, boil pasta, or braise large batches on the stovetop. They serve different purposes, so pick based on your primary cooking style.

Great Jones offers two very different workhorses: the Square One baking pan and the Big Deal stock pot. While both are built to last, they solve different kitchen problems. Square One is your go-to for oven baking, while Big Deal handles stovetop cooking at scale.

This comparison breaks down what each pan does best, where they fall short, and how to decide which one deserves a spot in your kitchen. We'll look at size, material, and everyday usability so you can match the pan to your actual cooking habits.

Size and capacity: baking vs. boiling

Square One is a 9x9-inch square baking pan. That size is perfect for brownies, cornbread, and small batch cakes. It fits in most ovens and toaster ovens, and its square shape makes portioning easy. You won't cook a turkey in it, but for everyday baking it's just right.

Big Deal is an 8-quart fully clad stock pot. That's a serious amount of capacity. You can boil a pound of pasta, braise a whole chicken, or make a big pot of soup. It's tall and wide, built for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week. The tradeoff is that it takes up more storage space and is heavier to handle when full.

• Measure your oven and cabinet space before choosing between a 9x9-inch pan and an 8-quart pot.

Material and construction: nonstick vs. clad

Square One features a custom nonstick, nontoxic coating with a signature wavy, corrugated bottom. That design helps release baked goods easily and promotes even browning. It's oven-safe and dishwasher-friendly, so cleanup is simple. The nonstick surface means you can skip greasing most of the time, but you should avoid metal utensils to protect the coating.

Big Deal is fully clad, which means it distributes heat evenly and holds it well. It's safe for all stovetops, including induction, and has welded handles with no screws or rivets. That makes it easy to clean and hygienic. It's a stovetop workhorse, but it's not nonstick, so you'll need oil or butter for cooking.

• Use silicone or wooden utensils with Square One to keep the nonstick coating in good shape.

Versatility and everyday use

Square One is a baker's best friend. Use it for brownies, cake bars, roasted vegetables, or even a small lasagna. Its nonstick surface and easy release mean you can bake and serve from the same pan. It's not designed for stovetop use, so keep it in the oven.

Big Deal is a cook's multitasker. Boil pasta, make stock, braise meat, or cook a big batch of chili. It goes from stovetop to oven (check the lid's temperature rating) and handles high heat without warping. The oversized handles give you a confident grip even when the pot is full and heavy.

• If you bake more than you boil, Square One is the clear winner. If you cook big meals on the stove, Big Deal is worth the space.

Tradeoffs to consider

• Nonstick convenience vs. stovetop versatility: Square One's nonstick coating makes baking and cleanup effortless, but it can't go on the stove. Big Deal handles stovetop cooking but requires oil or butter to prevent sticking. Choose Square One if you bake often; choose Big Deal if you cook savory meals on the stove.
• Size and storage: Square One is compact and easy to store. Big Deal is large and heavy, requiring more cabinet space and careful lifting. Check your storage and strength before committing to Big Deal.
• Oven vs. stovetop: Square One is oven-only. Big Deal works on all stovetops and can also go in the oven (check lid temperature rating). Decide which cooking method you use most.

Product facts

• Square One: It’s always wise to start at Square One, our 9x9-inch square baking pan with our signature wavy, corrugated bottom for easy release. Our custom nonstick, nontoxic coating releases baked goods effortlessly, resists scratching, and ensures an even, golden finish every single batch. The corrugated bottom and nonstick coating mean your brownies and cakes come out cleanly without sticking, and you can skip heavy greasing. It's built for easy cleanup and consistent results.
• Big Deal - Base: Our 8-quart fully clad stock pot is designed to boil water fast and distribute and hold heat evenly. Our oversized handles allow you to get a confident, four-finger grip on your heaviest hauls of pasta. The fully clad construction ensures even heating, so your sauces and boils won't scorch. The oversized handles make it safer and easier to lift a full pot, which is crucial when cooking large batches.

Which one fits you?

Best for

• Bakers who make brownies, sheet cakes, and roasted veggies in the oven.
• Small households or those who want a versatile, easy-to-clean pan for everyday baking.

Not for

• Anyone who needs a stovetop pot for boiling pasta or braising large batches—choose Big Deal instead.

Both Square One and Big Deal are quality Great Jones pieces, but they serve different roles. If your kitchen revolves around baking, Square One is the practical pick. If you often cook for a crowd or love one-pot meals, Big Deal will earn its place. Choose based on what you cook most, and you'll get the most value from your purchase.