Spec Me Some Pots and Pans!

[a1ex2001]

I imagine that's because they're used and abused on a daily basis, unless you're cooking 50 odd covers a night then I don't think you'll have any problems.

No but the stainless will last me a lifetime the Anodised won't as the coating will definitely go eventually be it 3 or 10 years.

 

[Imy]

Those were my thoughts too Alex.

Although non-stick still has it's uses (eggs, pancakes, etc).

 

[pitchfork]

Bourgeat are top notch pans, le creuset tri ply stuff is also really nice (the saucepans are fantastic for heat distribution)

Bourgeat non stick coating doesn't wear off, and if it does they replace the pan no quibble under a lifetime warranty.

Don't get anything without oven safe handles whatever you do. And remember, pans are supposed to be heavy, a light pan is rarely a quality one, think about heat distribution and retention.

In my head £500 isn't a lot for a set of pans, baring in mind they'll last you a lifetime and do a damn good job.

 

[Glaucus]

Stainless still gets scratched and unless looked after will stick.
I'm a fan of hard anodised as ts truly non sick. However I have accepted they will need replacing every 5-10 years, but it really depends on how you treat them.

Any pan is the same, if treated well will last ages, if treated badly they won't. Copper, stainless steel, cast iron, hard anodised, ceramic. Will all get damaged and ruined if miss treated.
And a fair bit of personal taste as well.
I like ceramic for casserols etc, I find you get more to deglaze, where hard anodised is supper non stick so you don't get those extra flavour bits in them.
And anything super hot or want to retain heat, cast iron.

Like knifes it may not look as nice, but get the best for the job, rather than sticking to a matching set.

 

[Imy]

I'm leaning towards a mix at the moment. A couple 3-ply SS pots, a 3rd cheaper SS pot that's non 3-ply with drainer in lid for boiling only and 3-ply non-stick frying pans (SS on outside).

Edit: had a quick look at Bourgeat pans and well, the handles don't look very comfortable at all.

 

[pitchfork]

You'd be surprised with regards to the bourgeat, not my usual cuppa but they're surprisingly nice to handle.

Plus the added bonus of oven save handles. It's highly practical.

 

[Kuni D]

Another vote for Circulon for a good day to day range.

If you want to splurge a bit more check out SKK Cookware, similar to Swiss Diamond.