Saute pan recommendations

hotcookie101

Hi everyone.

I want to buy a good, solid, large (at least 24cm, pref bigger) saute/chef's pan with a lid. I don't mind really with stainless steel or non stick (but I like hard anodised non stick as it doesn't break down) or a cast iron/le creuset shallow type thing.

Can anyone recommend me a good one? I am willing to pay for a good one (but obviously would like a bargain) although I must say I did :eek::eek: at this one from amazon

wogglemaker

I'd expect it to be gold at that price:eek:. Seriously I'd go for cast iron, if seasoned properly it's VERY non stick and doesn't take much looking after.

My ex hubby decided to clean my moms cast iron pan with a brillo pad to get it shiny :mad: bless.

floyd

I was given a Prestige two handled saute pan as a leaving gift from my first job and its still in fantastic condition despite being used 3-4 times a week and dishwashed each time. It is now 10 years old and still a brilliant pan with a very heavy base

pollyskettle

I've got this one. I won it from Swartz spices, but it's so good, I went out and bought the whole saucepan set!

thriftlady_2

I have a Le Creuset shallow pan with a lid which I absolutely adore. It can go in the oven as well as on the hob and to the table. I use it for all sorts of things from sauteeing to casseroles. Well worth the expense.

seraphina

If you don't mind a bit of trial and error to begin with, definitely go for cast iron. I have two cast iron skillets/saute pans, one 8 inch and one 12 inch in diameter and they're invaluable. I got mine in the US but they are dirt cheap here - TK Maxx and places like that usually have a range in for under a tenner. I'd love a Le Creuset one like Thriftlady's but budget doesn't stretch that far!

Brilliant at doing cooked breakfasts, apple cake and cornbread - cast iron cooked food tastes like nothing else.

However you'll need to look after them, especially in the beginning to get them properly seasoned. I use solid cooking fat (i.e. Trex) for seasoning.

*Dory*

We got this one a couple of months ago and I have been very impressed so far

recovering_spendaholic

I have several in this range http://www.procook.co.uk/shop/Cookware/Stockpots-Casseroles-Steamers/ProCook-Cream-Cast-Iron-Casserole/d32/sd250?code=4014 - they are so much cheaper than le creuset and I have to say that they seem to me to be just as good. I agree with Seraphina that cast iron cooked food tastes so much better!

System

I have several De Buyer pans, after seeing a friend's, he had originally used them in his restaurant. They just get better with use, mine are 3 years old and have become very non stick naturally.

Bought the first because I was tired of replacing non stick frying pans, even good quality ones go (in some ways that makes it worse as you have a useful pan with a useless coating)

Not badly priced either, only downside is the large ones are heavy.

http://www.auravita.com/brand/De-Buyer.range-Carbone-Plus.html

hotcookie101

Thanks everyone. I would LOVE a le creuset shallow-I am a complete addict of their cast iron (3 casseroles, and 2 griddles) but they are SOOO expensive for the shallow ones. The procook ones look perfect, but they say they aren't dishwasher safe
I have been looking at the tesco one, I reckon I need to see it to see how heavy it is. Will have a look there and in TK maxx. I just REALLY want one, and its my birthday soon (am I sad if I buy myself pans for my birthday??)

babybimbles

Hi

I'm in the same boat - looking for a 30cm saute pan with lid. I've just found this






It's a Jamie Oliver reduced to £48 at Debenhams here
but i'm not sure it's any good!