Induction pans - I probably need to spend quite a bit?
Induction pans - I probably need to spend quite a bit?
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UTH

Original Poster:

11,332 posts

199 months

Monday 24th May 2021
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As a bit of a stopgap last year I bought this set: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07FSNNR4Z/ref...

The non-stick ability seems to have vanished from the pans I've used more than once, so I'm guessing that's just down to the fact they're not exactly very pricey.

So now I think I need to invest in a proper set that is going to last us a while, now that we've got our new kitchen up and running.
I don't really know where to begin, or what price point I should be looking at? I want them to be strong, sturdy and last a while (is it even possible to get the non-stick ability of a pan to last a long time?)

John Lewis have this set: https://www.johnlewis.com/circulon-ultimum-high-de...

But then if I want frying pans some of them are the same cost just for one: https://www.johnlewis.com/le-creuset-signature-3-p...

So, I'm a bit lost really! Any advice welcome, I don't want to chuck money at another set of useless metal!

thebraketester

15,337 posts

159 months

Monday 24th May 2021
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I would avoid anything that is “ribed” on the cooking surface. They are an arse to clean.

Simpo Two

90,729 posts

286 months

Monday 24th May 2021
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When I fitted my induction hob in 2008 I bought a set of stainless steel pans from Homebase. Big and medium saucepans and a casserole pan/frying pan wth glass lids - all for £20. They still all work perfectly. It doesn't have to be expensive unless you're a brand snob, just flat and magnetic smile

shalmaneser

6,262 posts

216 months

Monday 24th May 2021
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My favourite pans to use on my induction hob are cast iron. I've got an enamel casserole which is great (various brands available but people seem to like the French stuff...) and a thick bottomed cast iron frying pan which I seasoned with oil in the oven which is simply incredible for frying - especially steaks etc. Was dirt cheap too from Amazon (~£20).

Don't get ribbed ones they're an arse.

Double Fault

1,422 posts

284 months

Monday 24th May 2021
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I bought a Vogue saute pan and it warped pretty quickly. For induction the base really does need to be flat.

No problems though with the Bourgeat that replaced it.

CubanPete

3,759 posts

209 months

Monday 24th May 2021
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You can restore (to a degree) none stick pans by letting them sit with water and washing powder in them.

Comacchio

1,543 posts

202 months

Monday 24th May 2021
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A family friend bought us these as our wedding gift/housewarming for our new house:

https://www.lakeland.co.uk/14317/Lakeland-Classic-...

Have since added a couple of additional frying pans. Been in heavy use since November last year and not showing any signs of wear yet.

CharlesElliott

2,234 posts

303 months

Monday 24th May 2021
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I have pans from Procook which seems a good balance of quality and cost. Still non-sticky 7 months in.


UTH

Original Poster:

11,332 posts

199 months

Monday 24th May 2021
quotequote all
CharlesElliott said:
I have pans from Procook which seems a good balance of quality and cost. Still non-sticky 7 months in.
See, now this feels reassuringly expensive! HAHA. Or is it a ripoff?

https://www.procook.co.uk/product/procook-elite-fo...


CharlesElliott

2,234 posts

303 months

Monday 24th May 2021
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I went for Professional Anodised. They have cheaper ones too.

gbrown2014

231 posts

134 months

Monday 24th May 2021
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CharlesElliott said:
I have pans from Procook which seems a good balance of quality and cost. Still non-sticky 7 months in.
another vote for pro cook, had mine a year and still look brand new and don't stick, have been cooking most days too for obvious reasons

anonymous-user

75 months

Monday 24th May 2021
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The only pan you need non-stick is a frying pan, for doing eggs and the like. I just like quality but basic stainless steel pans, with a non-stick frying pan replaced when the non-stick wears out. You might get lucky and buy non-stick pans with indestructible coating, but in my experience they all fail over time, no matter how expensive. Also, if you want to cook steak and get the pan searing hot - that's not a good idea in a Teflon pan. The coating breaks down in high heat and releases toxins.

I have these (they did a different set at the time, but the same range).

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-partners-clas...

All very good. Have this frying pan in a couple of sizes https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-partners-clas...

And a milk pan, and a large pot for big stews etc, and that's more than enough.

The finest 3 star Michelin kitchens in the world often use carbon steel cheapies - you won't see a Le Creuset within a mile. All the knifes are Victorinox Fibrox.

Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 24th May 14:57


Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 24th May 14:59

Comacchio

1,543 posts

202 months

Monday 24th May 2021
quotequote all
UTH said:
See, now this feels reassuringly expensive! HAHA. Or is it a ripoff?

https://www.procook.co.uk/product/procook-elite-fo...
Between this and your home renovation... which contraband do you sell for a living?!

biggiles

2,016 posts

246 months

Monday 24th May 2021
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Anything "non-stick" is a consumable - you'll need to replace it after a period of time. With cheapies it may be months, with decent ones it might be several years.

For true longevity, you'll need to look at NOT non-stick. So probably induction-suitable stainless saucepans, cast iron frying pans, enamel (e.g. Le Creuset) casserole dishes, aluminium baking kit.

Cast iron frying pans and Le Creuset knock-offs and aluminium pans are pretty cheap. Stainless saucepans are not!

louiebaby

10,799 posts

212 months

Monday 24th May 2021
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Is it worth taking a strong magnet down to your local charity shops?

Trustmeimadoctor

14,256 posts

176 months

Monday 24th May 2021
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I have decent Tefal no stick set the handle swapping ones they work ok I have a cheap small pan from tkmaxx it's st takes ages to heat up compared to the tefals but non are as good as the enameled cast iron, genuine over priced french ones and Lidl/Aldi knockoffs

Just don't drop them or if you have weak wrists

UTH

Original Poster:

11,332 posts

199 months

Monday 24th May 2021
quotequote all
ThatGuyWhoDoesStuff said:
The only pan you need non-stick is a frying pan, for doing eggs and the like. I just like quality but basic stainless steel pans, with a non-stick frying pan replaced when the non-stick wears out. You might get lucky and buy non-stick pans with indestructible coating, but in my experience they all fail over time, no matter how expensive. Also, if you want to cook steak and get the pan searing hot - that's not a good idea in a Teflon pan. The coating breaks down in high heat and releases toxins.

I have these (they did a different set at the time, but the same range).

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-partners-clas...

All very good. Have this frying pan in a couple of sizes https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-partners-clas...

And a milk pan, and a large pot for big stews etc, and that's more than enough.

The finest 3 star Michelin kitchens in the world often use carbon steel cheapies - you won't see a Le Creuset within a mile. All the knifes are Victorinox Fibrox.

Edited by ThatGuyWhoDoesStuff on Monday 24th May 14:57


Edited by ThatGuyWhoDoesStuff on Monday 24th May 14:59
Very good point on the actual need for non-stick, as it is pretty much only cooking eggs where I curse that the non-stick has vanished! So I might bear that in mind and get a pan or two specifically for eggs, then have a rethink on what my other pans are for.

hyphen

26,262 posts

111 months

Monday 24th May 2021
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+1 to the other who have said you don't need non stick.

I use the standard Le Creuset 3 ply pans that many buy from JL or the like.

boyse7en

7,884 posts

186 months

Monday 24th May 2021
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Another one here to extol the virtues of non-non-stick pans.

I've had an induction hob for nearly 20 years and bought a set of Stellar stainless steel saucepans with glass lids (as i like to see what is going on) with it. They clean up really well, even when stuff is thoroughly baked on, as you can use a scrunchy metallic scrubber thing on them without damage. And you can take them off the hob and put them in the oven, too. They weren't too expensive.

I then have a Tefal non-stick saute pan for stir-fries and a 20cm non-stick frying pan for doing fried eggs and pancakes for the kids. I treat theose carefully (no metal implements, only a damp cloth to clean them) but i know they will only last a few years before the coating starts coming off and they need to be replaced.

UTH

Original Poster:

11,332 posts

199 months

Monday 24th May 2021
quotequote all
Cool thanks guys, good plan of attack here. Couple of non-sticks, then the rest don't need to be!