Saucepan advice please

[PoppityPing]

I need some new pans, at least two saucepans (one large) and a frying pan.

I have no idea where to start with deciding, other than I have heard negative things about non-stick.

I don't want to spend too much, but don't want super cheap either.

Anyone a pan expert?

Decide what the main things you want from them are.

For me no matter what else

1. they can't be very heavy as I have weak wrists and struggle to lift heavy weights - plus you have to factor in how heavy they are when filled.

2. I have to have heat resistant handles because I am an accident prone idiot

And then the things you would like but are willing to compromise on like mine is glass lids - I prefer them but would be willing to compromise on that.

Also remember you need to check it is suitable for your hob type, whether you want them to go in a dishwasher, whether you want the frying pan to go under grill as well.

I would love le cresuet cookware - it is my dream. But then someone sensible pointed out I'd never be able to lift the damn things

I can only buy cheap saucepans (cos of the weight thing) but most people I know recommend TEFAL. Not too expensive but good and last well. And for what it's worth I've never had a problem with non stick but know what it's like to have non non stick ones (IYSWIM) and would never go back.

Ok,

I have a gas hob

They HAVE to go in the dishwasher

Heavy isn't a problem (I have a couple of very old le creuset) but the Le Creuset price is!

I make a lot of sauces and other things which always seem to require heavy based pans (although haven't really ad too much problem so far, but if it makes things easier, great)

I would like heat resistant handles, but not essential

I guess frying pan under the grill would be nice, but no problem if not

I would prefer glass lids, but again not essential

I got the John Lewis 'Classic' range pans (not non-stick incidentally) about 20 years ago and, apart from one accident that required a new lid, they are absolutely as good as new despite most of them getting daily use and a turn every night in the dishwasher.

They are heavy (6mm aluminimum sandwich) based with metal lids and metal handles which means they can go on the hob (mine's gas), under the grill or in the oven no problem. I think the fact that they're all metal is why they've lasted so well. I thought they were expensive 20 years ago.... £50 for a 24cm saute pan with lid .... but they've definitely been worth the money.

The one that has been disappointing was the non-stick omelette pan... definitely didn't like going in the dishwasher! Hand wash the replacement.

Le Creuset do Stainless Steel 3 ply pans as well as cast Iron. Also I have heard from some of our Cookshop customers that the Scanpan range of 5 ply pans is very good, and I am considering those. As MrsMagnolia says, go into the shop and feel them.

MrsMagnolia, where did you get the Tphoon pan? The only ones I can find online are the Greenpans (which look good, but are like non-stick, which I too am crap with)

I think I will have to go somewhere with a proper cook shop, rather than just my nearest town. I like the look of the John Lewis classic, Scanpan and the Le Creuset stainless steel ones (although the Le Creuset is more than I wanted to spend really!)

What about other frying pan suggestions? (if Typhoon one no longer available). I really need a new one, and the more I think about it, the less I want non-stick. What is the best alternative for metal utensil wielding cooks?