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Everything you need to know about pots and pans in your kitchen

What should I look for in pots and pans?

Investing in high-quality pots and pans made of durable, long-lasting material can make life in the kitchen much easier for you – good pots and pans can improve your cooking and give you greater flexibility in the kitchen.

The ones you choose should be lightweight and not inconvenient to manoeuvre, but at the same time should not be too flimsy and lightweight – a good indication of the appropriate weight is how well they sit well on the burner – the entire of the bottom surface of the pot or pan should cover it comfortably.

Also look for those with heatproof handles and which can withstand very high oven temperatures – while price may be an issue, it is worth investing in a good set of pots and pans, as the better the quality, the longer they will last and the better they will manage heat.

What basic essentials do I need?

All good kitchen should ideally be equipped with a few essential pots and pans, although this will of course vary depending on how often and how seriously you cook. A must-have basic is a good, sturdy pot with a lid, which can be used for anything from making soups and stocks to boiling pasta – stainless steel pots with a thick base and steam vents are oven-proof, hard-wearing and prevent food from sticking or boiling over.

Other essentials include a good frying pan, which can be used on all types as hobs as well as inside the oven, preferably with a non-stick coating; a set of saucepans in varying sizes – either non-stick or stainless steel with an aluminium core; and a sauté pan with a lid, which is incredibly versatile and will be the main appliance for anything from making pasta sauces to braising and frying food. . If you are still not sure what to purchase, a quick and easy way of equipping yourself with the essentials is to invest in a 7-piece cookware set, like this one from IKEA.

What other pots and pans are on offer besides the essentials?

Basics aside, it’s a good idea to invest in a good casserole dish, preferably one made from cast iron that comes with a tight-fitting lid and can withstand and maintain a high temperature evenly throughout the cooking time. Other useful purchases include a wok with a non-stick coating to make stir-frying easier; a cast iron grill pan or heavy-handled skillet for grilling and frying on the hob; and a good-sized, metal roasting tray with handles at the side for getting it in and out of the oven easily. More experienced or adventurous chefs may also like to invest in items such as paella pans, tagines and fondue sets. Interested in expanding your culinary horizons? Take a look at our Swedish Cooking Q&A.

Are there any added extras I should look for?

Yes – there are lots of little extras which will make your cookware more practical and useful, which in turn will make things easier for you when you’re cooking. For example, large stainless steel pots are even more useful when they come with a colander insert for draining pasta and/or a steamer insert; and some even have graduated interiors, which make it easier to see how much liquid there is in the pan. Another good idea is to look for a wok which comes with a grid to rest on top of it, as this helps keeps food hot and allows you to cook a little at a time in the wok.

What’s the best way to get rid of my old pots and pans?

If you’ve recently bought a new range of cookware, there are many other ways of disposing of your old set without simply throwing it in the bin. If they are still in perfectly usable condition, keep a few pots and pans to use in the summer on the outdoor grill or barbecue; donate them to charity shops or sell them online. If they are unusable, contact your local council for advice on recycling. For more on recycling, see our Top 10 Green tips.

See our range of pots and pans

Get cooking – put your pots and pans to good use and take a look at our suggestions for Starters.