Recommend me a good pan set on a budget

K9sandFelines

I currently have a Tefal Bistro ( i think) set but the non stick is coming off the inside/slightly scratched.

Pun

How about this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tefal-Bistro-5-Piece-Cookware-Set/dp/B004SNMXXM/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1400452477&sr=1-1&keywords=Tefal+Bistro+5-Piece+Cookware+Set

Also loads at Asda, Wilko and Sainsburys at budget/reduced prices.

A.Penny.Saved

Personally I avoid non stick pans because of their safety risks and the fact that they have a very short lifespan and can shed the non stick layer into the food.

Stainless steel will last for many years, even a relatively cheap set will last longer than non stick.

A reasonable quality stainless pan should do the job quite well. Get one with a thickish aluminium layer which covers the whole bottom of the pan to dissipate heat evenly which should avoid too many problems with food burning if used on a low heat.

B&M stores were supposed to be selling a Morphy Richards 3 pan set which looked quite decent for about £7.95 and one person got them for £1! They retail at considerably more than that as can be seen on many online stores. However I very much doubt that there are any left at that price now.

rach_k

We messed around with supermarket pans for ages, throwing them away every 6 months, then got some from Ikea that are lasting so much better and really nice to use. It's the SKÄNKA ones we have. This set: http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/60149531/ and a couple of these: http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/00129461/

K9sandFelines

Pun wrote: »

How about this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tefal-Bistro-5-Piece-Cookware-Set/dp/B004SNMXXM/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1400452477&sr=1-1&keywords=Tefal+Bistro+5-Piece+Cookware+Set

Also loads at Asda, Wilko and Sainsburys at budget/reduced prices.

They're the exact ones i have already. I generally rate them, but think i may have caused initial damage by not using plastic utensils on the inside.

K9sandFelines

A.Penny.Saved wrote: »

Personally I avoid non stick pans because of their safety risks and the fact that they have a very short lifespan and can shed the non stick layer into the food.

Stainless steel will last for many years, even a relatively cheap set will last longer than non stick.

A reasonable quality stainless pan should do the job quite well. Get one with a thickish aluminium layer which covers the whole bottom of the pan to dissipate heat evenly which should avoid too many problems with food burning if used on a low heat.

B&M stores were supposed to be selling a Morphy Richards 3 pan set which looked quite decent for about £7.95 and one person got them for £1! They retail at considerably more than that as can be seen on many online stores. However I very much doubt that there are any left at that price now.

I have a SS set aswell by Dome; but copper based which i hate, except for the steamer part. I'm assuming aluminium is better? I must have missed the offer in B and M, and have been in several times this month too.

K9sandFelines

rach_k wrote: »

We messed around with supermarket pans for ages, throwing them away every 6 months, then got some from Ikea that are lasting so much better and really nice to use. It's the SKÄNKA ones we have. This set: http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/60149531/ and a couple of these: http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/00129461/

We don't have an Ikea nearby but may be worth looking into ordering a few bits if they deliver.

A.Penny.Saved

K9sandFelines wrote: »

I have a SS set aswell by Dome; but copper based which i hate, except for the steamer part. I'm assuming aluminium is better? I must have missed the offer in B and M, and have been in several times this month too.

It is important that you don't get this wrong. It's an aluminium insert\sandwich surrounded by stainless steel in the base of the pan and not an aluminium pan!

The aluminium part affects the heat absorption and many SS pans use it to some degree but some are better than others. Some have a small aluminium section which does not cover the whole base and the heat can transfer unevenly causing burning of food around the edges. I purchased some cheap pans that did this.

I have a copper based SS pan myself which got passed down and it is okay but not something I used very often because of it's age and condition.

Aluminium pans, where aluminium is exposed to the food surface, can be very harmful and should not be used IMO.