Anyone recommend pan sets that last?

[CurlyhairedAssassin]

I have been through about 3 different sets of pans in the last 7 or 8 years. Surely they should last longer than that?

They have all been aluminium bases (I think!) - glass lids with plastic knobs and plastic handles. In the past I've preferred this type because you don't need to use any oven gloves/cloth for the knobs and handles, but they all seem to end in the same way - with the plastic knobs cracking or the screw housing breaking in some way or other.

My mum uses all aluminium ones - i.e. metal handle and knob but every time I've used them there I've forgotten to use a cloth and burnt my fingers on the lid or handle! So I am loathe to buy some for myself, but maybe would I get used to using an oven mitt each time I handle them and it would become second nature?

God, this seems like such a boring topic, but honestly, I have just nearly had a nervous breakdown finding ONE pan in the cupboard that has a matching lid which isn't falling to pieces to cook the tea.

It is TIME to invest in a new set!

AGA pans are good - you don't need to have an AGA to use them. They are in stainless steel with really good thick bases. Downside, for you, is that they have metal handles and lids. The handles are hollow, so they stay a little cooler.

My mum was gonna chuck a set of prestige pans, so I had them - over 30 years old, and still fab. They are stainless steel with a copper bottom, and black plastic handles.

Funnily enough, stinkypinky, I've just been doing a bit of googling and seen a Prestige set. Think Prestige ones come with a lifetime guarantee, and the ones I saw had "soft touch handles". Said they were dishwasher safe, but I'm sure all the sets I've had before have said that but I'm convinced it's the dishwasher that has caused the plastic to break apart eventually.

Thanks for the AGA suggestion, tb, will google it and investigate.

woll - very good but very expensive too

I've had mine for 12 yrs - Bhs with a 25 yr guarantee. They are completely stainless, so there isn't an issue with handles, as I always put them in the dishwasher. No need for any oven gloves etc.

I think you do have to pay quite a lot, but if you get the most basic possible, they'll last and last.

I had a couple of Stellar saucepans as a wedding present. They are still going strong after nearly 20 years. I have recently bought a couple of M&S Autograph saucepans that I am also very impressed with. Both the M&S and Stellar have metal handles but they don't get hot. I suspect that cheaper pans have a poor method of handle attachment that conducts heat.

It's definitely worth buying good quality IMO. Cheaper pans are a false economy as you have to keep replacing them.

The best ones I've ever had are Habitat's Denver Range. They never stick, the handles don't get hot - they're just fab! They are expensive but I bought them one or two at a time. Now have all my husband's stuff in the kitchen and hate his even more expensive metal supposedly non-stick things which are a nightmare to clear.

I have a nice set of Le Crueset!

They are in the cellar gathering dust as were crap - bought a set from John Lewis - kitchenaid ones and they are fab - nothing sticks and handles do not get hot.

Think they were about a hundred pounds for the whole set and they are a lovely cream colour.

I've got two of Habitat's completely stainless steel pans and they are great, as is a stainless steel pan from Woollies of all place - all three clean brilliantly and never get damaged, this after more than 10 years of regular usage.

If you are going to buy non-stick you have to buy the most expensive you can afford to ensure the coating doesn't degrade, and avoid putting them in the dishwasher. Stainless steel pans are fine in the dishwasher, though.

Thanks for the advice all! Sorry, have only just seen the posts since 6.30pm - been eating dinner and then 7 year old has had major fire/burglar issues so have been up and downstairs seeing to him. He is STILL awake worrying! Wonder where he gets his neuroticism from?

In between neuroses-assuaging I have ordered a 5 piece Prestige Cuisine set from Tesco. Bargain at 80 quid compared to elsewhere. And I get clubcard points! Stainless steel all over apart from handles and lid gripper thing. They've got really good reviews from everyone all over the internet.

Definitey not non-stick (I have experience of the coating coming off, as has been mentioned!)

I had no idea that you could get metal handles that didn't get hot! Pity I missed those posts before I ordered, but I will certainly bear that in mind in case these Prestige ones ever let me down.

Much obliged to everyone who posted.

x

I have been married nearly 24 years and still have the pans my grandparents bought us as a wedding gift - they are still like new. I use them every day.

STELLAR

Ohhhhh......I saw some Stellar ones on a professional website and they looked good! Am now a bit worried that I might have jumped in and ordered the Prestige ones too soon...... Still....hopefully, Bellavita, I will next be posting on MN about new pan sets 24 years from now!

I have just one of these (the saucier) and I think it will last forever. I use this for most things needing a solid pan (sauces, risottos etc). Can go hob to oven so very handy. They also clean very easy if something should happend to get (very) burned . Quite expensive - I got mine as a Christmas present from DH.

I also have a le creuset cast iron oval casserole that I use for casseroles (obviously!) and anything else on a larger scale that needs to go from hob to oven.

Most other cooking (boiling, steaming etc) gets done in a couple of cheap Wilkinson's pans. We've had them around 10 years and they're still going strong.

We have a couple of non-stick le creuset milk and frying pans which we got as wedding presents three years ago and I would NOT recommend these at all as they are not holding up particularly well.

So I suppose I don't have a 'set' as such but this random collection does everything I need really. Any recommendations for a good frying pan that will last much appreciated though!

Oops, just realised that you've already decided. Oh well, gave me a chance to wax lyrical about my all-clad pan!

Le Creuset. Last you lifetime

We have Le Creuset Trivita, bought at an outlet place, and they are fantastic. For some reason, even though they aren't non-stick, they come clean really easily (no dishwasher here). And they work on an induction hob.

I've had Stellar and Circulon pans since I got married 12.5 years ago.. still perfect. I also won a set of Stellar pans 3 years ago via MN which were a welcome addition to the ones i had .. they are fantastic, can use them stove top and in the oven

having said that, if money was no object, i'd get a full set of Le Creuset!

I've got prestige pans, they were massively reduced in Debenhams to something like £70 rather than £300 for the set. 6 years later they are still like new and they go through the dishwasher all the time.

Oven things I will only use Le Creuset.

Interesting that Madame's Le Creuset set is gathering dust when other people rave about it....

Madame, I would like to see a set of LeC for 100 pounds
Wht don't you like it?

My Mermaid pans have lasted over then years and still look great.

Circulon pans are fab, Debenhams have them on sale every so often, think I got 4 in a set for about £90.

Well, got my Prestige 5 piece "Cuisine" set. They look really solid and fab. Will be interesting to see how many years I can get out of htem!

I have Mand S stainless steel ones about 14 yrs old and still going stromg