Need a new set of pans.Which are THE best ones?

[said]

Mine are nearly 20 yearsold, offer from the back of a magazine job. One pan now has no handle at all. Am happy to get one at a time if very expensive.

So, which are the best makes?

[Itsjustafleshwound]

Go with ones that suit your pocket and your lifestyle...

What sort of cooker do you have and what sort of cooking do you do??

I found Lakeland ones really reasonable

[RunningUpThatBill]

Here's an article about a Which? test done recently.

I have Circulon and am very happy with them, the non-stick is much needed in our house!

[GinandChocolate]

Don't have an answer but would love to know as I am also planning to replace my pans.

[bran]

I have a couple of Stellar pans that were wedding presents nearly 20 years ago and they are still going strong. Stellar (and Prestige and other makers) have several ranges, it would probably be best to avoid the cheapest as they tend to have thinner bases so won't heat as evenly.

Recently I have been hugely impressed by my M&S Autograph pans, but I only bought them in September so can't say how long they will last. They have lovely thick copper bases, and a very clever lid for draining the pan. The handle is a good shape and stays nice and cool when the pan is hot.

[Bunbaker]

I like Circulon, although you would need a second mortgage to buy a whole set in one go.

Their customer service is fantastic. I had reason to return a couple of pans to them and they replaced them with new ones as a goodwill gesture. The new pans were ten times better than the old ones because the design makes them easier to clean. When my current saucepans (Tefal) start to go I will gradually replace them with Circulon.

A word of warning: Do not put them in the dishwasher.

[rebmadrid]

Fissler

[said]

Circulon - yes, I've heard of those.

itsjust- yes, you're right. I should have asked for the best pans within reason. But if I know the benchmark I work my way down to affordability.

Cooker will be changed in hew year but will still be gas (I assume!)

[BlackBag]

Not Aga, the black outside coating has flaked from smallest pan twice now despite being carefully treared, the others are fine .

[reallywoundup]

ikea... don't laugh, seriously, not the cheapy ones, but some of their 'premium' ranges are bloody fantasic i have thse absolutely beautiful and really sturdy!

[ChippyMinton]

here it says that argos pots are the best!

[PandaNot]

IKEA 365 range are fab! I've got a set of Stellar ones too which are also good but the IKEA ones match them.

[said]

Just been reading that Which article linked to earlier. Think Prestige actually come out best of all

That IKEA one looks cute but how do you take teh lid off?

[reallywoundup]

theres a handle on the lid- it blends in in that pic... but it's def there! I've got some ikea 365 stuff too- very good!

[WhatsWrongWithYou]

I have Aga pans, but not the the black coated ones. They're fantastic - you can use them in the oven as casseroles as well as on top.

[MrsCrafty]

I have a set of Viners (Argos) which are still going strong 11 years on. They also give a 10 year guarantee.

[JetLi]

Meyer stainless steel, with stainless steel handles & lids. I cook a lot & mine are 14 years old & still look like new.

[BlackBag]

The Aga pans are a great design, two small handles, flat lids so you can stack them. V good, don't know why more pople don't copy them, the Aga shops do regular discounts and knock a third off but go for the stainless steel ones without the coloured coating.

[moragbellingham]

Circulon pans are fantastic.
I have the small and large wok for stir frys, curries etc. and nothing sticks.

Having said that, my pans are Tefal (always half price in Debenhams before Xmas) and I don't think I need anyhing more. Boiling potatoes etc. doesn't need an expensive pan.

[said]

Thanks for more recommendations. Looked in John Lewis on Sunday and their own brand seemed very similar to the Circulon and the Raymond Blanc ones

[ClaireDeLoon]

I have Prestige pans, had them about 15 years. They are all metal (just looked it says pro-clad stainless steel) including the lid handle and pan handle. They are still pristine, come up clean easily, dead easy to go from hob to oven if you need to because no plastic. Love them.

But I think any all stainless steel pans would be great.

[spilttheteaagain]

I adore my Meyer Anolon pans (I have an older version of these, a 5 piece set).

Not dishwasher safe, but NOTHING sticks to them, and there is no non stick layer to lose.

[skorpion]

I've had my Amway pans for 13 years now and they are as good as new.

[Orissiah]

I have two different sizes of Le Creuset for stews/curries/soups and Meyer Anolon for everything else. Have lasted years and no sticking. Well worth the investment (and both brands bought from John Lewis though Amazon do them cheaply too).