Cookware Guide - Buying the right pans for your needs

If you have an idea of what you're looking for, please see our Cookware Comparison Chart for a summary of each of our brands' features. Alternatively, use the following quick links to list the corresponding items:
Pan Sets, Saucepans, Frying Pans, Casseroles or International Cookware.

For many people cooking is an enjoyable experience and so try to make choosing a pan fun, take your time and consider all the various options before choosing which cookware suits you.

If you find that cooking is a chore, it's just as important to choose the correct pans. Consider if you want to put the pans in the dishwasher, which type of hob/cooker you use and if you prefer a modern hi-tech look or traditional design.

Most importantly don't hesitate in mixing the type of pans you have - there is nothing wrong in having an all steel pan for making soup, a non-stick pan for a 'fry-up', a cast iron ribbed grill pan for a steak and a hard anodised pan to make a sauce.

The key point is there are no hard and fast rules, just choose the pans you'll enjoy using and that suit your needs. However, customers with induction cookers should be aware that the type of pans they use is more important than with other heat sources - read more about induction here.

Cookware Materials

Stainless Steel Pans

Stainless steel is a hardwearing material, but is not a very good conductor of heat, so a good quality steel pan will have an aluminium base either sandwiched or fully encapsulated between a thin layer of stainless steel. Aluminium is a good conductor of heat but is not as hard wearing as stainless steel so the benefits of each material are utilised by using them together. Tri-ply pans extend this concept further by having the aluminium core in the sides of the pan as well as the base. A thick base is best to ensure even heat distribution and, used correctly, food will not stick to the base of the pan. Pans with thinner bases often have 'heat spots', and it is the uneven heat which tends to cause food to stick. Tri-ply pans improve on this by promoting even heating all over the pan. Stainless steel pans are usually suitable for all heat sources, including induction hobs.

We stock: Le Creuset 3-Ply, Jamie Oliver Stainless Steel, James Martin Lamina, Stellar 1000, Stellar 7000, Meyer Circulon Steel Elite, Commichef, Stellar Specialities, Judge Vista, Judge Steamers, Judge Cookware Accessories, Aga and Clearview by Kitchen Craft.

Hard Anodised Pans

These are aluminium pans which undergo an electro-chemical process which change the molecular structure of the base metal making it twice as hard as stainless steel. The end result is that they are very hardwearing but still conduct heat efficiently and are usually quite light in weight. The inside is usually coated with a non-stick material. Hard anodised pans are suitable for most hob types, but do need a special base for induction hobs, which very few ranges have.

We stock: Jamie Oliver Hard Anodized, Meyer Anolon Professional, Meyer Infinite Circulon, Meyer Circulon 2, Stellar 6000 Hard Anodised, Stellar 3000, Stellar 3000 Black, and Prestige SmartPlus pressure cookers.

Cast Iron Pans

Cast iron cookware is much heavier than other cookware and is also very hard wearing. Iron is a good conductor of heat which, though slower to heat up, retains heat longer than other materials. We stock traditional style French cast iron cookware with an enamelled exterior with either an enamelled or non-stick finish inside. It is suitable for all hob types.

We stock: Le Creuset and Chasseur.

Copper Pans

Copper is an excellent conductor of heat and the. Many top chef's use copper cookware because of their heat control. The disadvantages are that they are more difficult to clean (copper can tarnish) and they are more expensive than most other pans. Copper cookware is also unsuitable for induction hobs.

We stock: Mauviel M'Heritage (This range was previously called Cuprinox).

Aluminium Pans

Aluminium is another good conductor of heat and is also a lightweight material, which is resistant to many forms of corrosion. Aluminium cookware tends to have a non-stick finish on the interior. The exterior is not as hard wearing as stainless steel or cast iron cookware, though it is available in enamelled finishes. The latest cast aluminium technology aims to rectify this. Suitable for most hob types, except induction.

We stock: Jamie Oliver At Home Cast Aluminium, Meyer Professional Choice and KitchenAid Gourmet Essentials.

Enamelled Steel Pans

Enamelled steel pans are very much at the budget end of our cookware range. They are made from thin steel without a quality base, and frequently have a non-stick coating on the interior. There is nothing wrong in using cheaper pans as long as not too much is expected from them. They are ideal for students moving into a flat or caravans and boats. Suitable for all hob types.

We stock: Judge Induction.

Cookware Comparison Chart

Range	Description	Features	Induction	Dish-washer safe
Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless Steel	High grade stainless steel and a dash of aluminium are the ingredients - the technically advanced 3-ply metal sandwich uses an aluminium core to spread the heat evenly, so there are no hotspots.	Tri-ply construction Continuous pouring rim to prevent drips Capacity markings on saucepans and casseroles Can be stacked for easy, space saving storage Oven and dishwasher safe	Y	Y
Le Creuset Cast Iron	Enamelled cast iron, traditional French style cookware with phenolic heat resistant handles. Available in various colours and a large range of sizes.	A diverse range of cookware Hand finished, unique pieces ‘Silverstone’ non-stick items available Oven safe to 400ºF/200ºC, Gas Mark 6 Dishwasher Safe	Y	Y
Jamie Oliver Professional Stainless Steel by Tefal	Endorsed by Jamie Oliver, the range features high quality stainless steel, a heavy gauge aluminium core base and riveted soft touch handles. Suitable for all hob types.	18/10 stainless steel Oven safe to 500ºF/260ºC, Gas Mark 10 Thermo-Spot® heat indicator Stay cool riveted handles Lifetime guarantee Dishwasher safe	Y	Y
Jamie Oliver Hard Anodized by Tefal	Hard Anodised pans are considered to be the most hard wearing of non-stick pans - this range is one of the best. Also features Thermo-Spot® heat indicator on frying pans.	Pro-metal bonded anodised interior Oven safe to 500ºF/260ºC, Gas Mark 10 Thermo-Spot® heat indicator Stay cool riveted handles Lifetime guarantee Dishwasher safe	N	Y
Jamie Oliver Cast Aluminium by Tefal	Durable, heavyweight, cast aluminium body and base for excellent heat conduction and retention. Stay cool, riveted stainless steel handles designed for maximum comfort and strength. Also features Thermo-Spot®.	Cast aluminium Pro-metal non-stick interior Oven safe to 500ºF/260ºC, Gas Mark 10 Thermo-Spot® heat indicator Flared pouring lips Dishwasher safe	N	Y
James Martin Lamina	Made by Stellar to James Martin's specifications, the range is constructed from a tri-metal stainless steel and aluminium sandwich for excellent heat conduction.	Ovenproof stainless steel fittings Tri-metal sandwich for outstanding performance Extra deep saucepans available Dishwasher Safe	Y	Y
Stellar 1000	A comprehensive range of all steel pans produced from 18/10 stainless steel which has been perfectly mirror polished. Attractive 'Domus' design.	Ovenproof stainless steel fittings All round pouring lip on saucepans Extra deep saucepans available 6.7mm fully encapsulated base Dishwasher Safe	Y	Y
Stellar 3000 and Stellar 3000 Black	Heavy gauge hard anodised pans with a specially designed induction suitable base for all hob types. Available in matt dark grey anodised finish or glossy black enamel finish.	Teflon Platinum Pro non-stick surfaces Stainless steel handles with anti-slip inserts Induction compatible base Oven safe to 350ºF/180ºC, Gas Mark 4 Standard hard anodised or black enamel finishes Lifetime guarantee	Y	Y
Stellar 6000 Hard Anodised	Stronger than stainless steel, this extremely durable heavy gauge hard anodised range is further enhanced by riveted handles. This is Stellar's original hard anodised cookware.	Teflon Platinum Pro non-stick surfaces Stainless steel lids and riveted handles Matt grey hard anodised finish Oven and dishwasher safe Lifetime guarantee	N	Y
Stellar 7000	This Stellar range has been produced to their usual high standard and has a modern design, finished in gleaming stainless steel with sculptured cast handles.	18/10 mirror polished stainless steel Elegant straight sided design Thermic base for even heating Suitable for all hobs Oven and dishwasher safe	Y	Y
Mauviel M'Heritage Copper	A lovely range of traditional French copper pans - good to use, great to look at. Copper has excellent heat conducting properties, so it's a favourite with professional chefs.	Heavy duty catering copper Cast iron handles on the majority of pans Stainless steel lining on the majority of pans Manufactured according to family tradition and expertise	N	N
Chasseur Cast Iron	Traditional French style cast iron cookware with wooden handles. The enamel finish is available in five colours.	Cast iron bodies with two enamel coats for protection Wooden or cast pan handles Oven safe casseroles up to 400ºF/200ºC, Gas Mark 6	Y	Y
Meyer Infinite Circulon	Hard anodized pans with encapsulated, stainless steel and aluminium bases for use on all hob types. Also incorporate the leading Total hi-low non-stick system.	Patented base design for use with ALL hob types Stylish cast stainless steel riveted handles Patented Total Hi-Low non-stick Oven safe to 475ºF/240ºC, Gas Mark 9	Y	Y
Meyer Circulon 2	A range of heavy gauge hard anodized cookware with unrivalled non-stick performance. Circulon is the largest selling brand of non-stick hard anodized cookware in the world.	Phenolic heat resistant handles 18/10 stainless steel lids Patented Total Hi-Low non-stick Oven safe to 475ºF/240ºC, Gas Mark 9	N	N
Meyer Circulon Steel Elite	Each piece is finished in high quality stainless steel with impact-bonded base for even heat distribution. It ensures even heat distribution whilst eliminating 'hot spots' and trouble free cleaning with ease.	Close fitting stainless steel and glass lids seal in flavour and nutrients Stainless steel and silicone handles for comfort and safety Oven safe up to 180ºC/350ºF Gas Mark 4 Patented Total Hi-Low non-stick	Y	Y
Meyer Anolon Professional	A hard anodized range used by Raymond Blanc in his world famous cookery school. The most advanced durable Autograph non-stick interior by DuPont.	Heat toughened glass lid Stainless steel riveted handle Oven safe to 475ºF/240ºC, Gas Mark 9 without glass lids DuPont Autograph non-stick Used by Raymond Blanc in his cookery school	N	N
Judge Vista	An ever popular range, 18/10 stainless steel with phenolic heat resistant handles and clear glass lids in a large range of pans at very low prices.	6.1mm encapsulated base for even heating Excalibur non-stick items available Deep and draining lid versions available Vented glass lids	Y	Y
Judge Induction	A range of budget pans available in four colours: vanilla, green, blue and black. Ideal for student flats, offices, etc.	Enamelled steel construction Teflon non-stick coating Heat resistant phenolic handles	Y	Y

Induction Cooking

Discovered by Michael Faraday towards the end of the 19th Century, but remained only of academic interest until the 1930's when the British steel industry needed a fast way of heating steel. With advances in electronics, by the 1990's the first induction hobs were being produced but were difficult to repair. Today they are much less expensive than before and much more readily available.

Induction is probably the cleanest and fastest way of cooking. Under the ceramic top heat is generated from an electric current induced by an electric coil. Cookware with a magnetised base reacts with this energy and becomes hot. As soon as you remove the cookware from the hob it stops reacting and immediately starts to cool. This gives the cook as much control as if cooking with gas but without gas emissions.

With no open flames, an induction cooker is safer than a conventional hob - the ceramic top reaches the temperature of the cooking vessel - only the pan becomes hot. We have tested this ourselves by placing a bank note between the base of a pan and the top of a portable induction hob - although the note heated up, it was not scorched, even though the pan of water above it was boiling! This safety aspect also makes for easier cleaning, as the cooking surface is not usually hot enought to burn on spilt food.

See the pan comparison chart above for cookware that is induction compatible.

We try to offer the lowest prices available - if you find it cheaper, let us know and we'll try and price match.

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