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Original poster

Calling all cooks, question about saucepans....

21 replies

Skyler · 03/01/2007 23:05

Would you find a Wok or a large deepish frying pan with a lid more useful?
I am trying to choose a new set of saucepans and different sets come with with either a free wok or 'sauteuse'. Decisions decisions, which will be more useful?

OP posts:
Original poster
Skyler · 04/01/2007 09:37

Bump for anyone who might be around. Off to start my slow cooker casserole now so won't be around for a bit....not ignoring anyone who might have an opinion, honest. TIA.

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MrsBadger · 04/01/2007 09:49

Large deep sauté pan with lid is IME the most useful pan in the world ever - we have two and use them for everything except spuds, pasta and oven casseroles.

Wok only useful if you really stir-fry a lot and they can be awkward to store as the wretched things won't stack.

TheArmadillo · 04/01/2007 09:50

agree with MRs B - you can stir fry things in other pans if you don't do it often.

Carmenere · 04/01/2007 09:51

Definitely go for a sauteuse and buy a real wok in a Chinese supermarket, they are incredibly cheap.

aDad · 04/01/2007 09:52

I swear by a sauté pan as well. So useful for so many things.

SherlockLGJ · 04/01/2007 09:56

Woks for thwonin at wabbits.

Ulysees · 04/01/2007 10:01

I have 2 woks that I never use so agree with others.

sunnywong · 04/01/2007 10:02

god how I covet a saute pan
why don't I just go and buy one? I saw one on sale but it was 36 cm and non stick. I need a proper Italian maximum size 25cm one

Don't get a wok if you don't have gas and if you do get one don't get a non stick one. It is a heresy. Carm is right, get one from Chinese supermarket and a big F off metal utensil that looks like a coal shovel, and never ever ever ever wash it, just wipe clean with kitchen paper immediately after use.

This is the thread for kitchen equipment soft porn is it not?

Ulysees · 04/01/2007 10:05

seem to be good deals on here?

Original poster
Skyler · 04/01/2007 11:01

Oh I am so glad you have all said the same thing. That was my gut feeling too. The one I am looking at is here
I have another thread running on the best saucepans and the virtues of non stick vs stainless steel and do I need glass lids....?

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Original poster
Skyler · 04/01/2007 11:02

Thanks for the links too, especially the woks!

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sunnywong · 04/01/2007 14:42

no you don't need glass lids. I only use one on the pan I pop popcorn in so the kids can see.

alibubbles · 04/01/2007 16:21

Skyler, My pans are all Meyer Analon and the Saute pan is the most used, bolognaise, stir fry, everything, and the Analon pans only need a rinse and wiping round, they never ever stick. I did treat myself to the huge stockpot, useful for past for all the family.
Debenhams have really good deals on Meyer

zippitippitoes · 04/01/2007 16:30

I have a cast iron wok which I use and if i need a lid i just use any old pan lid..I also make curry in it as i rarely stir fry but actually ds girlfriend uses it

generally speaking i don't use pan lids much

can't see mcuh merit in glass ones they are steamed up anyway

Original poster
Skyler · 04/01/2007 16:45

Yes, I like to watch the food cooking, but actually this wastes alot of time.....
Ali - I am so glad I have a reviewer of the Anolon. I am looking at this set here. Would I miss the 20 cm pan??? Do they seem to wear well? TIA
I have an old wok that I use to brown stuff in before using the slow cooker but it is not ideal as I tend to scoot bits out over the side as I stir...

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Indith · 04/01/2007 17:23

I have a set of 3 of those pans! We just have the 3 sauce pans. Mainly because that was the st on special offer at the time. They are great I adore them. I just have an old wok and we have a beautiful hard anodised heavy bottomed skillet for other frying needs.
For things like bol sauce or stews, soups etc I tend to brown things off in the big pan anyway, saves on washing up! (or the le creuset, my newest baby but only for BIG stews!)

Indith · 04/01/2007 17:26

sorry I should say we have the 16, 18 and 20. Though looking at that set we would probably use the stock pot for most things we use the 20 for so you probably wouldn't miss it. Depends how fussy you are about using pans for their named purpose!

Indith · 04/01/2007 17:26

sorry I should say we have the 16, 18 and 20. Though looking at that set we would probably use the stock pot for most things we use the 20 for so you probably wouldn't miss it. Depends how fussy you are about using pans for their named purpose!

alibubbles · 04/01/2007 19:22

I have 2 milk pans, 5 others going up in size, don't know what they are in cms, the stock pot, the saute, the wok, the frying pan in 2 sizes, the ridged skillet, and love them all to bits!

I kow someone who has had them for 20 years, mine are between 1 and 7 years. I often pick up one in TK Maxx really cheap, hence so many!,

Original poster
Skyler · 04/01/2007 19:28

Wow you have the lot Ali! Thanks for that. I think I will check out TK Maxx tomorrow just on the off chance. Debenhams had a great deal that Breadgirl linked too on my other thread but are now sold out .
Indith thanks for your info too. I think you are right that I won't miss the 20cm pan. The capacity on the other two is more than I have on my biggest pan at the moment anyway! (apart from my current stock pot which is rather bashed about too)

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Original poster
Skyler · 04/01/2007 19:29

Ahem, linked 'to'

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