saucepans - i need some new ones!

[AmaraDresden]

I've currently got cheap stainless steel saucepans, but the handle holes have threaded and no amount of tightening is keeping the handles secure. I'd like some new ones that are going to last, I can't afford le creuset prices, so reasonably priced would be good.

I like stainless as well, I had non stick ones previous to these that were lame, food stuck to them and the coating came away and they rusted, tuck. However, let me know what you like in a pan, as really I have no idea if there are better things out there!

I've got hard anodised pans - they're about 8 years old now and look as good as new. Nothing sticks to them - even burnt milk wipes off. They're lovely and heavy too. I've seen similar ones for sale in Asda for decent prices.

You can usually get sets at Debenhams or Robert Dyas at "60% of normal price" (haha) There's always a sale on.

they are always cheaper in sets than individually.

I got some Judge Vista (the ones with glass lids) and am very pleased with them. Personally I don't like aluminium. I got the big casserole separately.

Debenhams own brand "le vrai gourmet"are nearly as good but their cheap line is very thin. John Lewis also has a good range.

You can get an idea of quality by the weight, the better ones have thick bases and are a bit thicker generally.

metal knobs are more likely to burn your hand that plastic ones, but are more likely to get heat damage if you use gas and aloow the flame to run up the side of the pan. Satin stainless doesn't show marks as much as Mirror.

I have some le Creuset and don't like them as much as they are so heavy (DP can't lift some when full)

Can't suggest a brand or anything, but the thing that most annoys me about the ones I have is that the handles on the lids get too hot to touch so I have to use an oven glove or cloth to lift them off or to drain the water. When I replace them it will be with some that do not do this.

I've got Stellar, and they have lasted 15 years with not a mark on them. You can usually find good dels on a set too

Have you looked on amazon?

Mind you mine are from sainsburys and lasted about 6 years so far.

We have two sets - one from John Lewis and one from a cookware shop. Both sets are stainless steel and we don't have a problem with them marking or sticking. The main thing I would suggest is that you get a set that stack. Our second set doesn't and it is a real pain.

I second the suggestion of Stellar stainless steel pans. I have had my set for 16 years and they look brand new. They are lovely to cook with, light and not much sticks to them. I also have a much newer set of expensive non- stick pans that have not lasted nearly as well.

I love my Stellar set. They're great looking and really well made. They seem to clean easier than our others too.

I have some stainless steel ones from idea. 365 range I think. they are fab and reasonably priced.

We've got Circulon Pans - they were expensive but they are great to use.

Ohhh some fabulous advice, thank you! I did pick up a judge pan in a shop a few days ago and I have to admit I am liking it so far, much better than the cheap ones that on their way out. I'm off to Google, thanks again!