which saucepans to buy?

WychWillow

Hi,

Are these... http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/8605689/Trail/C%24cip%3D50160.Kitchen%2Band%2Blaundry%3EC%24cip%3D50265.Cookware%3EC%24cip%3D50267.Saucepans.htm pans any good? or would I be better off with a different set?

Sorry I know nothing about pans but I have just been converted to OS and need something decent to cook with. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

poohzee

My hubby has just given me the go ahead to get a new set of pans - all suggestions appreciated. I have no idea in pan land as to what is good or not - wasn't wanting to spend a hiddeous amount maybe £50 ish? Is that too much or too little?

~Chameleon~

£50 isn't a lot to spend if you're looking to get a decent set. My last aluminium set cost around £200 for a basic 3 pan plus steamer set and I'm looking now to add a few pieces of Le Creuset, but they often start at around £50 per pan

vixtress

if you could stetch to it the £100 set is amazing value (look at seperate pan prices) and they are fantastic pans, well i think they are! it might be worth waiting until you can afford to spend a little more than £50, or buy a pan or 2 at a time (although may nd up more expensive)

hope this helps
http://www.hartsofstur.com/acatalog/Anolon_Professional_Cookware.html

poohzee

:think: Hmm well as I said I am no pan expert - lets raise the bar to £100 - will these pans go into me dishwasher? how long will they last? thanks

vixtress

i was initially put off buying these as they aernt meant to go into the dishwasher but they are totally non-stick so they only need wiping so to be honest i wouldnt waste dishwasher space even if they were ok to go in, and i really am the laziest person in the world when it comes to washing up!!

my friend got the same pans as a wedding pressie about 10 years ago and hers are like new still, it was her that convinced me to buy them!!

~Chameleon~

I can't think why I said aluminium in my first post, I meant stainless steel

My stainless steel pans all go in the dishwasher no problem, and still look as new after 4 yrs use. They have black handles (can't remember what the material is) but at least you don't burn your hands on it like the steel handles, and can be put in the oven up to 180C too.

I have a stainless steel frying pan too but only ever use it for risottos, or low heat cooking, as I find things easily catch at high temps. Prefer cast iron/non stick frying pans/woks.

PS whilst on subject of pans, can anyone recommend cheap sites for Le Creuset please? I'm wanting the shallow casserole/frying pan and the oval deeper casserole to start with, preferably in granite or similar colour

Gingham_Ribbon

It depends on what you're looking for.

I had pans that were fairly rubbish but did the job if I was careful with them so rather than shell out all at once, I started to collect decent ones one at a time. I've been getting the Classic range from John Lewis and I think they are FANTASTIC. It's taken me 2 years but so far I have a large pan and lid, the largest frying pan and lid, a medium non stick frying pan and a small non stick frying pan (which I also boil milk in and make scrambled egg.)

The non stick ones are new but I like them. The others are older and I can tell they are going to LAST. I put them in the oven, especially the big frying pan, and it's perfect for doing pasta bake in as I just move it from the hob, bung some mozzarella on top and put it the oven and I can put a lid on it to keep it warm if one of us has to eat later.

scrimperjan

I bought a pan from the QVC 'Cook's Essentials' range a few weeks ago and I have been very impressed. If I could justify it I would buy the six piece set (item 823172 on their website, www.qvcuk.com - there's a video of this set in action, too!) The non-stick is guaranteed for life and you can use metal utensils on it. The set is £60 which seems very good value judging by the quality of the pan I bought. Unfortunately my other old pans still have plenty of life in them yet so I can't justify the expense...

Magentasue

I watched ebay for months to get a set for £50ish - they are heavy but they are a joy to use. I also have a couple of their casseroles (cocottes) and they're even better 'cos they go in the oven and are better when it comes to getting the food out. My only regret is that I didn't get them years ago - used to see them at car boots and walked past!