Kitchen/living aids...

Savvy_Sue

Prinzessilein wrote: »

(I'm not on commission from lakeland honestly! I just think they're a terrific company!)

We ALL think Lakeland are a terrific company, and they really do mean their money back guarantee. Also if you email them and ask a question, they will ANSWER! :j I emailed to ask about taking lids off some of their storage containers one handed (this was before I knackered the arm, you understand, and was for the work tea bag supply). They actually sent someone to the test kitchen to find out if these lids could easily be taken off with one hand! :rotfl:

Some of their stuff is available cheaper elsewhere. And you can get cheap imitations of much of their stuff elsewhere. And some of it appears to be a solution to a problem you never knew you had. But some of it is just genius!

Quackers wrote: »

Oh, it certainly does...I'm ok about it...honest, I am...no really, Its ok, its going to be fine

:rotfl: I know. DS1 is moving back to work in his Uni city after spending 18 months at home, and I've just realised this year will be the first time EVER that one of my boys hasn't been 'within reach' on his birthday. How do I get his cake to him?

Quackers wrote: »

Those pans look ideal from Lakeland - I actually think they are a reasonable price and she will LOVE the colours The clicky on and off handles is, as Savvy Sue said too, a great solution for in and out of the oven.

I've just looked again at those saucepans. You must let us know how [STRIKE]you[/STRIKE] [STRIKE]get[/STRIKE] she gets on with them. I don't need new saucepans (especially as there's no-one at home to cook for most of the time!) because I bought some indestructible ones with straining lids a couple of years ago, but DS3 might need mine next year, and then I would need some, wouldn't I? They 'looked' heavy to me, because they reminded me of Le Creuset (which I would say is absolutely the WORST kind of pan in the world for those with limited dexterity and strength), but they say they're aluminium so probably OK?

And having a plastic lid for putting leftovers in the fridge is great too.

Anyway, I'd email or phone them and ask about leaving the handles on when you're cooking on the hob. I'm sure they'll answer, properly.

My remaining doubts would be about sizes and lids - the smallest one with a lid seems a bit big for cooking a couple of portions of frozen peas, and there's no lid for the smallest one.

Careful_with_that_Axe

Savvy_Sue, The saucepans are on the heavier side for my preference, but I had previously been using cheap thin ones. I would say they are sturdy, thick, well-made and the non-stick coating seems to be Axe proof! I am able to lift even the biggest pan using just one handle without my arm splints and that is some achievement!

As I mentioned, I do take off the handles when the pans are on the hob. It feels wrong to do it iyswim, but for safety, it is a bonus when you are a terrible clutz like I am.

The smallest pan is just the right size for frozen peas etc. I often use it for this and I only cook for myself.

The only thing I don't like is that the set of pans doesn't come with lids for use when cooking on the hob. The plastic lids are for storage only. Luckily I have a cupboard full of pan lids, so can find one to fit, but I would suggest trying to find a set of lids to go with the pans for everyday use.

I actually added to this set of pans last week with a teeny tiny frying pan - just over fried egg and sausage size - in bright red and a slightly smaller saucepan in lime green. It's not that I cook a lot, I just don't wash up much. *grin*

In terms of the quality and ease of use, I don't regret getting the pans at all and I'm not thinking they were such an extravagant purchase now you are all onside!

ETA: I suspect they do mean to not use the handles even when on the hob. I can see the heat of the body of the pan radiating onto the handle and making it brittle over time.

Careful_with_that_Axe

An alternative to an electric Tin Opener, I have a Good Grips one which I find easy enough to use at the moment. I think it's always a good idea to have a back up plan if you rely on an electric gadget!

Careful_with_that_Axe

formaldehyde_perfume wrote: »

Those pans look great! Actually, all the advice on this thread is great. I'm on the council waiting list for my own place so knowing what's out there to help me in the kitchen is great. I especially like the electric tin opener idea as lunch is a terrible meal for me, I never know what to have and end up eating crap, there are lots of things in a tin so even thought I'd be having a tin every day it would vary my lunches and use a lot less spoons. Woop!

When I offered you my old set of pans, it didn't occur to me to tell you about these. Sorry!

formaldehyde_perfume

Careful_with_that_Axe wrote: »

When I offered you my old set of pans, it didn't occur to me to tell you about these. Sorry!

Don't worry, I can't afford those pans with all the rest of the things I'll need to get, I'll have to save up! I don't quite know how I'm going to buy everything I need, I guess I'll have to make a list of the very most important things, then work down from there.

Savvy_Sue

Careful_with_that_Axe wrote: »

The only thing I don't like is that the set of pans doesn't come with lids for use when cooking on the hob. The plastic lids are for storage only. Luckily I have a cupboard full of pan lids, so can find one to fit, but I would suggest trying to find a set of lids to go with the pans for everyday use.

I'd feed that back to Lakeland, I'm sure they would be more popular with more lids!