Looking for a good stainless steel cookware (pots and pans etc) set...

Richdog · 10 Nov 2019 at 08:17

Hi guys,

I did some searching and found a few older threads discussing the various merits of non-stick vs stainless steel, but this is a thread specifically about choosing a stainless steel cookware set. The reason is that after years of non-stick I feel it's time to buy something more durable and permanent and I am an experienced enough cook to handle their quirks.

So, can anyone please recommend a good stainless steel pan set with the following requirements:

Less than £300 (required)
Small, medium, large pan sizes and preferable frying pans too (required)
Durable and thick-bottomed (required)
Tempered glass lids with steam holes/vents (required)
Straining lids (optional)
Pouring notches (optional)
Measuring marks (optional)

Recommendations appreciated please!

Cheers,

Rich.

Well guys, thanks for all of the recommendations I really appreciate it. After all that palaver I have now ordered the following:

Procook Elite tri-ply stainless steel 4-pan set (14cm, 16cm, 18cm, 20cm) https://www.amazon.co.uk/ProCook-St...Y8ZJRNCWKNE&psc=1&refRID=6TB50XKMCY8ZJRNCWKNE
Cooks Standard Multi-Ply Clad Stainless-Steel 5-Qt/4.7L 11-Inch Covered Deep Saute Pan (for cooking sauces and acidic foods) https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00421AYK4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
De Buyer 22cm and 30cm carbon steel lyonnaise frying pans (for omelettes and large-scale frying/searing) https://www.amazon.co.uk/Buyer-5110-24-Carbone-Lyonnaise-Diameter/dp/B000ECO7TY/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=de+buyer&qid=1574743186&sr=8-1&th=1

UPDATE 19/03/2020:

In the end I also bought:

Wusthof Classic 3-Piece Knife Set https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00005MEGJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Denby Dutch Oven 26cm in red https://www.amazon.co.uk/Denby-Roun...ven&qid=1575968645&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&sr=8-1
Dexam 34cm Professional Gauge Carbon Steel Wok https://www.hartsofstur.com/dexam-34cm-professional-gauge-carbon-steel-wok-12108514.html
Stainless steel colanders set (16/22/28cm) https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07JGRGNSL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I think that more or less covers me now.

Update 07/11/2020:

To summarize, I bought the following stuff:

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Procook Elite tri-ply stainless steel 4-pan set (14cm, 16cm, 18cm, 20cm) https://www.amazon.co.uk/ProCook-St...Y8ZJRNCWKNE&psc=1&refRID=6TB50XKMCY8ZJRNCWKNE

These are the daddy, I love them. Thick, pretty heavy, tons of cooking space and they cook very evenly. The handles are comfortable and the lids are fine. When researching I was worried as the lids didn't have vents and I was worried that they would steam up too much to see through and always rattle etc etc. Well, they don't generally rattle (unless they are boiling like mad under high heat) and you can see through them after a few minutes when the initial steam build-up turns to water. You can also easily tilt the lids to let a bit of steam out... it's a non-issue. Pouring liquids is also fine and I have had no issues so far. There is a pan size for every need and as I said... they are VERY deep and spacious and this makes such a big and positive difference when cooking sauces vs my old Tefal stuff.

When you are researching and buying it's easy to get drawn into all of the marketing BS and start stressing about if they have pouring spouts, lids with vents and sieves blah blah blah... but in the end it's a non-issue and these pans are the dogs nadgers. If you do want to replace the lids I have found that lids from other pan sets will fit them, so just buy universal ones with vents if it bothers you.

If I could make one addition to these pans it would be to put a helper handle on the two largest ones as they are damn heavy when full of liquid, but still, it's not unmanageable and you just need to use a silicone glove to steady it if it's really full.

I cannot recommend them highly enough. Buy them.

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De Buyer 22cm and 30cm carbon steel lyonnaise frying pans https://www.amazon.co.uk/Buyer-5110-24-Carbone-Lyonnaise-Diameter/dp/B000ECO7TY/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=de+buyer&qid=1574743186&sr=8-1&th=1

Everyone should have these in their collection, the cooking is even and the browning is phenomenal. Amazing for omelettes, meat etc... they give professional results. Buy buy buy.

Oh and yeah... they have to be seasoned. Use this guide and do 6 layers (repeat the process 6 times). https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-season-a-cast-iron-skillet-cleaning-lessons-from-the-kitchn-107614

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Wusthof Classic 3-Piece Knife Set https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00005MEGJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Amazing quality knives and so sharp. I am very happy I bought them and have not needed to buy anything other than the 26cm bread knife which is awesome. Fantastic knives.

-------------------------

Denby Dutch Oven 26cm in red https://www.amazon.co.uk/Denby-Roun...ven&qid=1575968645&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&sr=8-1

Works a treat and is very solid. I have chipped it but no biggie and I am sure it will alst years. Great value!

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Rosle stainless steel bowls: https://www.amazon.co.uk/ROSLE-Cooking-Utensils-stainless-Silver/dp/B0002F7O9S

Built like tanks with an elegant design and I use them for baking, whisking omelettes or mixing/serving salads. They will last years. Funnily enough I rarely use the silicone lids but I am sure I would if I made larger portions of salads. These bowls are definite purchase recommendation!

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Stainless steel colanders set (16/22/28cm) https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07JGRGNSL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Again, built like tanks yet surprisingly light and the generous sizes and delicate holes means that they are amazing for large quantities of rice, pasta, salad etc. They were a great buy and I use them all the time.

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Cooks Standard Multi-Ply Clad Stainless-Steel 5-Qt/4.7L 11-Inch Covered Deep Saute Pan https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00421AYK4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Haven't used it yet so I guess it wasn't as essential as I thought it would be, but I am still glad I bought it for future frying of large items.

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Dexam 34cm Professional Gauge Carbon Steel Wok https://www.hartsofstur.com/dexam-34cm-professional-gauge-carbon-steel-wok-12108514.html

Used it a couple of times but had a lot of uneven cooking and sticking food even though I had kind of seasoned it as best I could (it doesn't fit in my oven). it's not ideal on my old ceramic hob, sadly. On a gas or an induction I am sure it would be better.

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Any questions let me know.

Richdog · 10 Nov 2019 at 18:33

What do you guys think of the Tefal Ingenio Stainless Steel set? Seems to be well made and extremely space-conscious with the stacking design. https://www.tefal.com.au/Cookware-&...ess-Steel-Induction-13-Piece-Set/p/2100096250

Reviews seem pretty awesome on Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tefal-Inge...XY8N3TM5Z37&psc=1&refRID=X5JX8B3PAXY8N3TM5Z37

Richdog · 11 Nov 2019 at 05:28

Steampunk said:
Only having two handles would drive me nuts.

I've had good experiences with a Meyer Select set that meets all your criteria except the measuring marks. When I did have a problem with a pan (manufacturing fault) I just emailed them a picture and they shipped me a replacement out in a couple of days. I've been abusing these pans regularly for nearly ten years (including always sticking them in the dishwasher), and they've only got scratches where I've jammed them up against other pans in the drawers. Obviously the two non-stick pans will wear their surfaces over time, but the stainless ones are pretty indestructible. We bought them for our induction hob, and they work very well for that, I'm not sure what they would be like on gas.

It's worth noting that the lids don't have steam holes as such, but you can chose to turn the lids so the strainers align with the lips, and this will allow steam to escape. If you turn them the other way, the lids are on without holes, so for instance you can steam cook rice without letting the steam escape, or turn the lids to boil and let the steam out. The strainer lids have small and large holes, so you can strain without losing small things.

They do have plastic grips under the handles/lids, so you probably can't put them in very hot ovens. The lid handles can get hot, so you either use a cloth or sort of hook your fingers under the handle so you only touch the grips, not the top stainless part, but I've never had the pan handles get too hot to hold with induction, I don't know if that would be the case with a gas flame going up the side.

They look nice but only oven safe to 180c is a little limiting and I am guessing that is due to rubber/silicone on the handles?

Flibster said:
We recently bought a 20 piece set of the aluminium pans with teflon nonstick back from France, we already have some good stainless pans from 15 or so years ago, but needed some more pans. We paid €70. So far, pretty impressed. The lack of a handle on each isn't an issue as it takes second to move the handle, plus they're not hugely expensive if you decide you need more. Also picked up some lids too. Everything just stacks so neatly. Other half is so happy with them.

May go for some stainless later, same lids, handles and other accessories so no need to change them. Plus can import from France through friends/family where they are a lot more reasonably priced and common, they're available from supermarkets over there.

Hmm thanks for the feedback, I will consider them. As Steampunk said though, the lack of handles would mean I would have to buy a couple extra. Seems like lids are extra too.

Richdog · 11 Nov 2019 at 10:35

200sols said:
Le Creuset 3 ply.

They don't have tempered glass lids form what I can see? Also they are more than I want to spend for just a 3 pan set.

Richdog · 11 Nov 2019 at 15:17

HeadlessChicken said:
I've had the pro cook professional stainless steel for about 8/9 years now, still next to perfect. Ticks your boxes except the steam hole (interested as to why that's a deal breaker?).

Because it helps to prevent overboiling, especially on inaccurate and hard to manage electric hobs!

Richdog · 18 Nov 2019 at 13:44

Well guys, I have been researching like crazy during the last days and looking at a mix of inexpensive and expensive stuff and when I aggregate all of the reviews and feedback I can't find much better than this set from Amazon:

Velaze Cookware Set, Series Motti, 12-Piece Stainless Steel Pot & Pan Sets, Induction Safe, Saucepan, Casserole, Casserole, pan with Glass lid (Set of 12) https://www.amazon.co.uk/Velaze-Coo...7CNN2RD5/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_sims?ie=UTF8

12 PIECES PRODUCT INCLUDES – Pot 18 cm x 8.5cm (2.1L) and Casserole 24 cm x6.5cm, 16 cm x 7.5cm, 20cm x 9.5cm, 24cm x 11.5cm with tempered glass lid . A good lid to conserve heat, you can easily monitor your cooking progress.

BUILT TO LAST – The Classic cookware set is made of premium quality 18/10 stainless steel, the mirror polished cooking surface is perfect for the kitchen worktop, does not fade, reacts with food or alters flavors. The aluminum encapsulated in the base ensures fast and uniform heating, zero hot spots. The handles with solid rivets offer maximum durability even with full and heavy pans.

PRACTICAL DESIGN – Tightened tempered glass covers with stainless steel edges seal the natural juices and nutrients of the food for healthier and tastier results. Practical signs of engraving for easy measurement. The glass lids allow you to clearly monitor the cooking process. The pot is suitable as a pot for soups, pot for vegetables, pot for pasta; casserole stew for the preparation of milk or sauces; pan and plate for frying and brazing.

VERSATILE PERFORMANCES – Cookware Set is suitable for all configurations of kitchens and hobs (including induction). Safe oven up to 430 ℉ (220 ℉ with tempered glass lid); the dishwasher is safe and easy to clean; the refrigerator is safe for better food storage

QUALITY ASSURANCE – Velaze covered with 180 days refund, full lifetime replacement warranty and 24-hour friendly and prompt customer service. We guarantee a simple and enjoyable culinary experience. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your cookware set, contact us and we will solve any problem you may have. An affectionate greeting to the chef!

Reasons are:

Design is nice
Has every pan size I will need.
Has all the features I need such as glass lid, measuring markers and rounded pouring sides. Also oven-proof to 220c.
Made from 18/10 stainless steel
User reviews are awesome

Anyone see any genuine, non-subjective downsides to such a well-built and well-featured set for less than £50...

Richdog · 19 Nov 2019 at 10:13

jpaul said:
due diligence .. you've looked at the handle attachments and metal folding in its vicinity ? ergh why is that there ?
they don's seem to give metal thickness either ... doubt it would stop a 45 like demeyere 5mm
£8/pan is cheap, and like similar thread on buying sets of knives just buy the sizes you really need in a, last for life, guaranteed for 25years quality.

like these £30/pan, or earlier suggestions
ProCook Professional Stainless Steel Saucepan Set - 4 Piece - Induction Pans with Toughened Glass Lids and Heat-Resistant Handles
even though valaze are fulfilled by amazon 2years plus, and you're on your own ... ok companiesa can go bust.

I get your point although thre Valeze reviews seem very positive. The Procook stuff looks like a good balance of price and performance for better quality stuff. However annoyingly they don't have a stainless steel uncoated and straight-sided saute pan, only non-stick. https://www.amazon.co.uk/ProCook-Pr...ProCook+saute&qid=1574158390&s=kitchen&sr=1-4

Richdog · 21 Nov 2019 at 05:55

Hey guys I am back after more research...

I have seen the following set of pans on Amazon from a company called Stellar and they seem to be just the ticket... https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stellar-Sa...GG1GBJV&qid=1574315093&rnid=3147411&s=kitchen

Great reviews (only complaint being the weight and lid handles getting hot), heavy and durable with all of the features I want. However I do have one concern... with heavier SS pans is it really better to have an additional handle on the front to supplement the long one at the back? I do suffer a little from RSI which flares up now and then so I am wondering if the additional weight of SS will take its toll. I currently have aluminium ones which cause me no issues so maybe I am worrying about nothing here...

Richdog · 22 Nov 2019 at 12:08

Well guys thanks for all the advice. In the end my choice surprised me... I went for the Tefal Ingenio Stainless Steel set from Amazon UK (big saving vs CH) and I added a couple of extra handles at crazy cheap prices (literally around 30% of the swiss price per handle) as they were on sale for £11. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B008P6YWM8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
So, what made me choose them?

Reviews are universally fantastic across all consumer websites.
People praise the build quality and even heating.
The space saving stacking design is phenomenal and will make a huge difference to my cluttered pot cupboards. Not only that but you can whack it in the oven or fridge without worrying about any handles taking up space.

I will then choose either other items from the Ingenio range and will be free to choose other more premium or specialist products for things like Saute pans and woks. The plan is to only use non-stick pans for things like eggs, or maybe I'll just buy a cast-iron skillet and learn to season it like the pros.

Mason- said:
@Richdog I have that exact set, they're really good. My mum recommended them to me, she got hers as a wedding gift set 2 years before I was born (I'm 26) and they're still going.

The big one when full of water and spuds is quite heavy but it's manageable. The handles big enough that you can put two hands on it if you're really struggling. The vent holes are really handy for draining water when boiling rice/pasta etc.

I've never had a problem with hot handles, unless you have the handle angled over another hob that's on. I always angle my handles out of where the burners are.
Edit: just reread what you wrote "lid handles" yes they do get hot, depends on your tolerance, I can grab it to take it off and it's okay. If you held it for a long period of time it would probably burn you, sometimes I take the lids off with a tea towel.

I want to get one of their SS frying pans now as my frying pan was a cheap one I bought for uni nearly 8 years ago and it's seen better days.

jpaul said:
Stella ones are good have one 7000, picked up in TKmax a couple of years ago, but even so, with a ceramic hob, which along with induction, have one ring beneath,
I can scorch stuff ... that never happened with gas before; electric is probably good too though, since heat source is spread.
(oven cleaner is great for removing burnt stuff!)
that's the main reason I will probably try a tri-ply the next time round, or some good friday deal jumps out at me.

not sure you can't get the stella ones individually for ~ the same price
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stellar-Draining-Stainless-Steel-Saucepan/dp/B015B23XT6

the real big one we have gets little use so I wouldn't replace it.

.. never had one with a spout .. picture show spout on left .. which seems wrong for me, rhanded, usually carry saucepan in left ?

Thanks for the detailed feedback on the Stellar pans guys much appreciated!

Richdog · 23 Nov 2019 at 18:34

Freakbro said:
I've been keeping an eye on this thread since I'm looking to replace my pans, and so far it's down to the :-

ProCook Elite Tri-Ply https://www.amazon.co.uk/ProCook-Stainless-Induction-Construction-Heat-Resistant/dp/B00WI1WKYI/ref=sr_1_1?crid=248QW5XERYGEW&keywords=procook+elite+tri-ply&qid=1574512734&s=kitchen&sprefix=procook+elite,kitchen,139&sr=1-1 or the

Stellar 7000 set https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stellar-S7C4D-Piece-Saucepan-Draining/dp/B07KL2Y13F/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2CHOKA4V4M1F0&keywords=stellar+pans&qid=1574504766&sprefix=stellar+,aps,141&sr=8-6

Though the other Stellar 7000 set https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stellar-S7...ords=Stellar+7000+S7C1D&qid=1574512795&sr=8-1 is cheaper as it has a milk pan instead of a saute pan, though it has a much larger frying pan than the other set.

I'm using an induction hob

Based on my research if I were you I would buy the Procook (£150) or the Tefal Ingenio stainless teel set and then buy a carbon steel frying pan or two to go with it https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000FCOVAS/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&psc=1

I have done a lot of research the last few days and carbon steel pans seem to really be the chefs choice and get very non-stick and easy to maintain.

I am doing my best not to buy anz non-stick Teflon pans from now on!

Richdog · 24 Nov 2019 at 17:39

Hmm damn I am regretting ordering the Tefal Ingenio set... reasons being that a) I didn't realise that the lids were so damn awful as a result of the clip-on handle and b) the capacity is really low per pan. I think I may send them back and instead get the STellar 7000 or Procooks.

My thoughts are:

The Stellar 7000 are feature-packed (steam vents, pouring spouts, lid filters, measuring marks) and have decent capacity but are not tri-ply (does it really matter?) and apparently the lid handles get really hot.
The Procook Elites look bombproof and have great capacity but don't even have damn steam vents on the lids (seriously, wtf).

Sigh, I never imagined it would be this tough to fine a pan set I like.

Richdog · 25 Nov 2019 at 14:29

Ok guys I am sorry to multipost as I know it's annoying but the Procook Elites are now 20% off for Black Friday, making the total £100 for the 4-piece set, all of which and tri-ply anre have lids.

My only niggle is that the lids do not have steam vents... but in the end is that really a problem? I figure I can just tilt the lid if needed to let out steam and its actually advantageous to have a lid that completely seals and doesn't let any moisture out to trap in the flavour and stop things drying out?

EDIT - Ok screw it i just bought the Procook Elites and am confident they will be great. If needed I have some vented lids from an old set and also I could buy universal stainless steel ones if ever that was an issue. They seem a great set of pans with very generous capacity.

EDIT EDIT - I also bought the Cooks Standard 3-ply saute pan 11 inches... https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cooks-Stan...ds=cooks+standard+saute&qid=1574699492&sr=8-3

Richdog · 26 Nov 2019 at 04:50

Well guys, thanks for all of the recommendations I really appreciate it. After all that palaver I have now ordered the following:

Procook Elite tri-ply stainless steel 4-pan set (14cm, 16cm, 18cm, 20cm) https://www.amazon.co.uk/ProCook-St...Y8ZJRNCWKNE&psc=1&refRID=6TB50XKMCY8ZJRNCWKNE
Cooks Standard Multi-Ply Clad Stainless-Steel 5-Qt/4.7L 11-Inch Covered Deep Saute Pan (for cooking sauces and acidic foods) https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00421AYK4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
De Buyer 22cm and 30cm carbon steel lyonnaise frying pans (for omelettes and large-scale frying/searing) https://www.amazon.co.uk/Buyer-5110-24-Carbone-Lyonnaise-Diameter/dp/B000ECO7TY/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=de+buyer&qid=1574743186&sr=8-1&th=1

I also plan to buy:

14-inch carbon steel wok (for stir fry's, duh)

That 'should' do me fine I think as a set for the majority of my needs. If you identify anything else you think would be really useful though, please tell me.

Cleisthenes said:
I went with le pentole when I was looking at the start of the year. I've been really happy with them, I always expect the handles to not be comfy but they've been great

I do wonder whether I should have gone with le creuset tri ply instead but decided I wanted to try something I bit different. That, and that everywhere that I looked up le pentole seemed to rave about them

They seem like good solid pans.

jpaul said:
...
I think steam vents are often counterproductive ~~this one time at bandcamp~~ the stella has one and it will boil off steamer basket water faster than other pans with heavier fitted lids, which don't jiggle either.

Yeah I agree. It's amazing how sometimes the more features we are presented with, the more we forget that we did without them before perfectly fine.

Richdog · 1 Dec 2019 at 08:10

Well, I received my De Buyer carcon steel pans (man they are heavy duty) and am now starting the seasoning process... will take a few days I guess as I have to coat them in a light layer of oil then heat them at 250c for 2 hours then let them cool down naturally in the oven. Can probably only do one coat per day, hah.

Merlin5 said:
I just came home with an Ikea stainless steel saucepan. 2 litre capacity. Only £8. Nice quality, reasonable weight although obviously not as heavy as their more expensive pans, and has cup and litre measurements printed on the inside. I mostly want it for my steamer gadget so it doesn't scratch a non stick surface, and to caramelise sugar which shouldn't be made in non stick pans.

Wow, £8?

that is crazy good value, let us know how you get on with them.

Freakbro said:
I went for the ProCook Elite Tri ply in the end, they've just turned up and I must say they look excellent, feel a good weight and I really like they are a one piece construction instead of the separate thick base.

I'll use them tonight, on the new hob which I need to get used too as well, so that's going to be fun

Good man, if you can give me some feedback on them that would be much appreciated as I won't get to use mine till after Christmas! Is your new hob induction? Mins is sadly still glass ceramic electric.

Good info would be:

How quick to heat up
How even the heat distribution is
How hot the lid handles get and if they steam up to the point you can't see through them (as they have no vent holes)
How the clean-up is (I will be handwashing)

Cheers.

Richdog · 2 Dec 2019 at 05:52

Hmm I kind of feel a bit silly for missing something obvious during my research...

I was so focused on checking out the top tests for winning cookware that I completely forgot to check IKEA, assuming it would be purely stainless steel stuff without the sandwiched aluminium layer. But no, the IKEA 365+ cookware is actually Tri-ply https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/cat/ikea-365-cookware-series-14888/?sort=priceAsc :eek:

Thick base with one layer of aluminium between two layers of stainless steel. Gives an even and energy-efficient heat, which reduces the risk of food burning and sticking.

For less than £90 (half the price of the Procook Elites) you can get a full set of tri-ply pots and pans and they are very well reviewed. The only negative seems to be the handles are not the comfiest.

Richdog · 2 Dec 2019 at 07:02

silverblack said:
If only someone had told you earlier

Sorry I didn't mention that of course people in the thread mentioned IKEA (*doffs cap* but I automatically assumed that they would be low-cost or stainless steel only and I was so blinkered on looking at "high-end" tri-ply stuff that I didn't think to just go and check. My bad, but still I don't regret buying the Procooks as they have deep, larger capacity saucepans and the handle looks way more ergonomic..

The IKEA 365+ knives also seem worth checking out... https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/search/products/?q=ikea knife

Richdog · 2 Dec 2019 at 09:13

jpaul said:
The, referenced, pro tri-ply set for £100 was a deal ..I missed that on Amazon, but maybe it will recur.

I made a mistake, they were around £143 with the black friday deal.

jpaul said:
as i said, thats what I have too, and it is the most tricky .. 20yr pans - the milk pan - that had never scorched on gas will catch if I don't pay attention.

Ok cool, thanks!

Freakbro said:
I went for the ProCook Elite Tri ply in the end, they've just turned up and I must say they look excellent, feel a good weight and I really like they are a one piece construction instead of the separate thick base.

I'll use them tonight, on the new hob which I need to get used too as well, so that's going to be fun

Still waiting for that review!

Richdog · 2 Dec 2019 at 20:04

Wow, I really need to adjust to how hot carbon steel pans get and how well they retain heat! I got my pan ready and hot to fry a steak and decided to also put some potatoes in that I had just roasted, to give them some 'extra browning'. To ym surprise they started to char within seconds so I took them out and put them into a dish sharpish and ended up with lots of black potato bits in my pan. Thankfully though the steak cooked perfectly and almost immediately started to brown and caramelize like you see on cooking shows. Then when I was finished it all wiped off super easily with hot water and a soft sponge (and paper towel to dry), proving that my seasoning attempts were indeed a success!

My current ans soon-to-be-replaced Tefal aluminium teflon non-stick saucepans in comparison are paper thin, slow to heat up and far too quick to cool down... the heat transfer and retention are terrible! When cooking with them I have to set the hob to maximum (it has 9 levels) to really get things frying in them. In contrast, the carbon steel pan gets crazy hot pretty quickly even on the 4 or 5 setting and just keeps the heat for ages. Mind blown. :eek:

My only concern is that the 22cm frying pan that I bought seems a bit too small in terms of cooking area for omelettes, but I will wait and make a few before making my mind up whether to get a 24cm or 26cm "medium " size.

Richdog · 10 Dec 2019 at 09:10

I have also bought this week:

Wusthof Classic 3-Piece Knife Set: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00005MEGJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Denby Dutch Oven 26cm in red https://www.amazon.co.uk/Denby-Roun...ven&qid=1575968645&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&sr=8-1

Dexam 34cm Professional Gauge Carbon Steel Wok https://www.hartsofstur.com/dexam-34cm-professional-gauge-carbon-steel-wok-12108514.html

Stainless steel colanders set (16/22/28cm) https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07JGRGNSL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I think that more or less covers me now.

Freakbro said:
Sorry!

Cooking has been so much better, but I'm guessing a lot of that is down to my new hob as well, and yes it is induction. My old induction one had finally bitten the dust. It's an AEG IKE64450FB with Maxisense, so it detects the size of the pan heats the correct size for the base which helps with even heat spread.

So I did an experiment last night with the P boost setting to quickly heat water and tested 3 pans, all 16cm with 500ml of water.

Pan 1 : Old generic non-stick pan with metal base for induction. Even heat across the pan base, time to boil 1 min 55 secs

Pan 2 : S.Steel pan with metal base (old and knackered, base has started to lift off - these are what I replaced). Visibly smaller contact patch of heat due to knackered base, time to boil 3 mins +

Pan 3 : Elite Tri ply S.Steel pan. Even heat across the base, time to boil 1 min 20 secs

So yes, the speed of heating from the Tri ply is very very good leading to a significant decrease in the boiling time in that experiment. Also the distribution seems very even (but like I say, my hob is facilitating that too tbh), and the sides of the pan heat up extremely well too.

I haven't found the lid handles getting hot at all really, though the longest they have been used so far is about 20+ mins of boiling. The glass lids do steam up of course, but enough steam escaped to still allow visibility of the food.

I did notice the lid on the 18cm one 'rattled' due to no steam hole, whereas the 16cm didn't.

Hand washing them after has been a doddle.

Overall very pleased with the saucepan set and chuffed to bits with the new induction hob!

Thanks for the positive review, much appreciated! I also think that the lids from my Tefal cookware should also fit if I ever need the steam vent, so I will try that when I get them.

Richdog · 19 Mar 2020 at 12:08

Well guys, I have now had most of my new set for a few months so can give some further feedback on them:

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Procook Elite tri-ply stainless steel 4-pan set (14cm, 16cm, 18cm, 20cm) https://www.amazon.co.uk/ProCook-St...Y8ZJRNCWKNE&psc=1&refRID=6TB50XKMCY8ZJRNCWKNE

These are the daddy, I love them. Thick, pretty heavy, tons of cooking space and they cook very evenly. The handles are comfortable and the lids are fine. When researching I was worried as the lids didn't have vents and I was worried that they would steam up too much to see through and always rattle etc etc. Well, they don't generally rattle (unless they are boiling like mad under high heat) and you can see through them after a few minutes when the initial steam build-up turns to water. You can also easily tilt the lids to let a bit of steam out... it's a non-issue. Pouring liquids is also fine and I have had no issues so far. There is a pan size for every need and as I said... they are VERY deep and spacious and this makes such a big and positive difference when cooking sauces vs my old Tefal stuff.

When you are researching and buying it's easy to get drawn into all of the marketing BS and start stressing about if they have pouring spouts, lids with vents and sieves blah blah blah... but in the end it's a non-issue and these pans are the dogs nadgers. If you do want to replace the lids I have found that lids from other pan sets will fit them, so just buy universal ones with vents if it bothers you.

If I could make one addition to these pans it would be to put a helper handle on the two largest ones as they are damn heavy when full of liquid, but still, it's not unmanageable and you just need to use a silicone glove to steady it if it's really full.

I cannot recommend them highly enough. Buy them.

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De Buyer 22cm and 30cm carbon steel lyonnaise frying pans https://www.amazon.co.uk/Buyer-5110-24-Carbone-Lyonnaise-Diameter/dp/B000ECO7TY/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=de+buyer&qid=1574743186&sr=8-1&th=1

Everyone should have these in their collection, the cooking is even and the browning is phenomenal. Amazing for omelettes, meat etc... they give professional results. Buy buy buy.

Oh and yeah... they have to be seasoned. Use this guide and do 6 layers (repeat the process 6 times). https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-season-a-cast-iron-skillet-cleaning-lessons-from-the-kitchn-107614

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Wusthof Classic 3-Piece Knife Set https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00005MEGJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Amazing quality knives and so sharp. I am very happy I bought them and have not needed to buy anything other than the 26cm bread knife which is awesome. Fantastic knives.

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Denby Dutch Oven 26cm in red https://www.amazon.co.uk/Denby-Roun...ven&qid=1575968645&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&sr=8-1

Works a treat and is very solid. I have chipped it but no biggie and I am sure it will alst years. Great value!

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Rosle stainless steel bowls: https://www.amazon.co.uk/ROSLE-Cooking-Utensils-stainless-Silver/dp/B0002F7O9S

Built like tanks with an elegant design and I use them for baking, whisking omelettes or mixing/serving salads. They will last years. Funnily enough I rarely use the silicone lids but I am sure I would if I made larger portions of salads. These bowls are definite purchase recommendation!

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Stainless steel colanders set (16/22/28cm) https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07JGRGNSL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Again, built like tanks yet surprisingly light and the generous sizes and delicate holes means that they are amazing for large quantities of rice, pasta, salad etc. They were a great buy and I use them all the time.

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Cooks Standard Multi-Ply Clad Stainless-Steel 5-Qt/4.7L 11-Inch Covered Deep Saute Pan https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00421AYK4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Haven't used it yet so I guess it wasn't as essential as I thought it would be, but I am still glad I bought it for future frying of large items.

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Dexam 34cm Professional Gauge Carbon Steel Wok https://www.hartsofstur.com/dexam-34cm-professional-gauge-carbon-steel-wok-12108514.html

Used it a couple of times but had a lot of uneven cooking and sticking food even though I had kind of seasoned it as best I could (it doesn't fit in my oven). it's not ideal on my old ceramic hob, sadly. On a gas or an induction I am sure it would be better.

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Any questions let me know.