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10 best pan sets for delicious home cooking, from just £40
Cook up a feast with these tried and tested cookware picks, including the Always Pan
Few items of cookware work as hard as your pans, which is why cooking without a trusty five-piece pan set is frankly unthinkable. Wobbly handles? No thanks. Food sticking to the base? Hard pass.
If you're ready for an upgrade, let's run you through the best pan sets on the market right now, including that lusted-after Always Pan.
How many pans do you really need?
It depends what you’ll be cooking, but you can’t go wrong with a frying pan and a couple of different sized saucepans. The ones in our roundup suit all hob types (whether that’s induction, electric or gas) so you’ll be able to take them to your next rental.
When it comes to materials, the need to know is: aluminium equals tough, easy to clean and resistant to scratching and staining. Got a bit more cash? Hard-anodised aluminium is even stronger so will last longer (we’re talking decades).
Copper doesn't only look gorgeous, but these guys also conduct heat really efficiently. But be warned, cleaning can be a bit of a faff as they need special polish to keep them looking sweet.
Note also that a non-stick coating will seriously reduce how much fat or oil you need to use. Depending on how much kitchen space you’ve got to play with, you could opt for either a three- or five-piece set. Or that Always Pan again, swoon.
How we test pan sets
Our expert team tests by cooking like you do at home; they flip pancakes, fry eggs, brown mince and sauté onions, checking every pan's non-stick credentials and that everything’s cooked evenly.
Food done, our testers judge how easy each pan is to clean, either by hand or in the dishwasher depending on the manufacturer's recs.
So, now you know what to look out for, let’s get cooking...
Ninja Foodi ZEROSTICK 5-Piece Pan Set C35000UK
Budding chefs, our winner's got your name on it (if you've got £200 to spare, that is).
Our testers found all the pans a joy to use, even when tired midweek, thanks largely to their stellar non-stick coatings and easy stackability.
They proved super durable, emerging from our dishwasher looking as fresh as new, and feel built to last. So yeah, not cheap, but a solid investment buy.
Key specs
Items in set: 16cm milk pan, 16cm, 18cm and 20cm saucepans with lids, 24cm frying pan
Material: Hard-anodised aluminium
Non-stick: Yes
Oven-safe: Yes, up to 260C
Dishwasher-safe: Yes
Hanging holes: Yes
Suitable for all hob types: Yes
Ah, the Always pan, aka the one you’ve had your eye on. And who can blame you? This Instaworthy bit of kitchen kit is the definition of a multipurpose buy; we’re talking a frying pan, steamer, sauté pan, saucepan, skillet and spoon rest in one.
Not all style over substance, it cooked everything from mince to caramel brilliantly, with no sticking whatsoever. It quickly rinsed clean (do not bung this beauty in the dishwasher) and since it's compact it's a cupboard-friendly dream if you’re flat sharing.
You’ll obvs need to keep different components warm in the oven if you’re using it prep a whole meal, but that’s its only con. Choose from nine beaut colours.
Key specs
Items in set: 24.5cm x 6.86cm deep pan with beechwood spatula and stainless steel steamer basket
Material: Aluminium
Non-stick: Yes
Oven-safe: Yes, up to 260C
Dishwasher-safe: No
Hanging holes: No
Suitable for all hob types: Yes
Prestige Eco 5-Piece Pan Set
We all want to make Sir David Attenborough proud, right? Right. And everybody’s favourite nonagenarian (joint with Her Maj) would surely rate this sustainably made set.
Every pan is made from 75% recycled aluminium, with a plant-based non-stick coating that’s totally palm oil free. They’re all recyclable, and Prestige plants a tree for every product sold.
Oh and they did actually cook well! Just wash them up by hand if you can bear to, as the dishwasher roughed ours up.
Key specs
Items in set: 16cm, 18cm and 20cm saucepans with lids, 20cm and 24cm frying pans
Material: Aluminium
Non-stick: Yes
Oven-safe: Yes, up to 150C
Dishwasher-safe: Yes (but we say no)
Hanging holes: Yes
Suitable for all hob types: Yes
These matt black pans will suit any modern kitchen. They look far spennier than they are and feel pleasingly lightweight to use.
Despite claimed non-stick coatings, some food stuck to their bases on test, but they survived both the oven and dishwasher unscathed.
Though currently out of stock, Dunelm has promised us that they’ll be back soon. In the meantime, check out the 3-piece set.
Key specs
Items in set: 14cm, 16cm and 18cm saucepans with lids, 20cm frying pan
Material: Aluminium
Non-stick: Yes
Oven-safe: Yes, up to 220C
Dishwasher-safe: No
Hanging holes: Yes
Suitable for all hob types: Yes
If spag bol and chilli con carne are among your go-to dishes, the 18cm saucepan in this good-looking set scored full marks for cooking mince and onions.
Every pan felt sturdy in use, but not too heavy, and their trusty non-stick coatings made clean-up easy (phew, eh?). Their lids rattled when boiling water, but even our notoriously fussy testers decided they could cope with that.
Only need the saucepans? Grab the 3-piece set for just shy of £80.
Key specs
Items in set: 18cm, 20cm and 22cm saucepans with lids, 20cm and 28cm frying pans
Material: Aluminium
Non-stick: Yes
Oven-safe: Yes, up to 280C
Dishwasher-safe: Yes
Hanging holes: Yes
Suitable for all hob types: Yes
Stainless steel is a strong heat conductor, meaning these pans will cook up your weekday dinner sharpish.
Easily stackable for cupboard storage, our testers liked their classic polished finish that should stand the test of time.
The non-stick coatings let this set down slightly, and the frying pan's honeycomb design trapped dirt, but it stood up to the dishwasher like a champ.
Key specs
Items in set: 14cm milk pan, 16cm and 18cm saucepans with lids, 24cm and 28cm frying pans
Material: Stainless steel
Non-stick: Yes
Oven-safe: Yes, up to 180C
Dishwasher-safe: Yes
Hanging holes: Yes
Suitable for all hob types: Yes
For the bargain sum of £40, you can get your mitts on these soft grip pans with the most comfortable handles we've ever had the pleasure of holding (trust us).
Their bowl shapes helped our testers stir and pour without slopping food all over the place, while the honeycomb design on the base of the frying pans helped their dins slide out effortlessly.
Tragically, the handles and dishwasher did not get on, so hand wash them if poss. Though OOS right now, George tells us more are on the way.
Key specs
Items in set: 16cm, 18cm and 20cm saucepans with lids, 20cm and 24cm frying pans
Material: Aluminium
Non-stick: Yes
Oven-safe: No
Dishwasher-safe: Yes (but we say no)
Hanging holes: Yes
Suitable for all hob types: Yes
Tefal Jamie Oliver Ingenio 9-Piece Pan Set
If you love a space-saving solution (who doesn't?), you'll be all over this stackable set like a Phoebe Bridgers fan over gig tickets.
The frying pan was the star, cooking eggs and pancakes with zero sticking, and they all fared just fine in the dishwasher.
If you share kitchen cupboards and need some unique pans that are obviously yours, these Jamie gems are worth the splurge.
Key specs
Items in set: 16cm and 18cm saucepans with lids, 24cm sauté pan, 28cm frying pan, 1 silicone vacuum lid, 2 handles
Material: Stainless steel
Non-stick: Yes
Oven-safe: Yes, up to 260C
Dishwasher-safe: Yes
Hanging holes: Yes
Suitable for all hob types: Yes
Tower Cerastone Non Stick Frying Pan and Saucepan Set
This is a great price for five pieces (including two sizes of frying pan). It particularly impressed when it came to boiling, with effective steam vents and non-rattly lids even when going at full pelt – ideal if you're a pasta fiend like us.
It aced out non-stick tests and the soft touch handles saved us from absentmindedly burning our hands. You can chuck these in the dishwasher but the brand recommends hand-washing. Either way, this is a nice little starter set.
Key specs
Items in set: 18cm, 20cm and 22cm saucepans with lids, 20cm and 28cm frying pans
Material: Aluminium
Non-stick: Yes
Oven safe: No
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Hanging holes: Yes
Suitable for all hob types: Yes
Circulon Momentum Hard Anodized 5-Piece Pan Set
Know your jus from your choux? You’ll be covered for every cooking eventuality with this five-piece non-stick set, which includes a frying pan.
Made with that trusty hard-anodised aluminium, these have a super effective non-stick coating, which got top marks from our testers. Handles were grippy and kept cool, too.
Key specs
Items in set: 14cm milk pan, 16cm, 18cm, and 20cm saucepans with lids, 25cm frying pan
Material: Hard-anodised aluminium
Non-stick: Yes
Oven safe: Yes (up to 204C)
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Hanging holes: Yes
Suitable for all hob types: Yes
Jess is our Acting Multiplatform Editor, directing our digital content strategy across all sections and platforms, as well as editing and writing about fashion, entertainment, wellbeing and travel.
Jess joined Red as Deputy Multiplatform Editor in 2023, having spent the previous six years freelancing for a wide range of leading publications, including Good Housekeeping, ELLE, Harper's Bazaar, Esquire, Stylist, The London Standard and The i Paper. Prior to this, she was Senior Culture Reporter at The Independent, covering TV, film and music. Jess has an Interactive Journalism MA from City University London and an English Literature BA from Durham University.
When she isn't busy scouring the new collections, sales and preloved marketplaces for beautiful pieces to add to her wardrobe, Jess can be found binge-watching the latest buzzy series, immersed in a good book, entertaining friends, enjoying live music or planning her next holiday (usually to her favourite Spanish hideaway).
Stacey looks after all food and drink reviews — from coffee pods and veg boxes, to natural wine and tequila. Stacey is also founder of Crummbs, where she’s written nearly 2,000 restaurant and hotel reviews since 2013. Prior to this, Stacey wrote hundreds of in-depth buying guides for the Independent, i newspaper and BBC Good Food, as well as reviewing restaurants and interviewing celebrities in her column at Balance Magazine. Stacey has also appeared in BAFTA-nominated BBC documentary Blood, Sweat & Takeaways, where she investigated South East Asia's food production industry, appearing on both Newsnight and BBC World Service to share her findings. Regularly checking out the latest restaurants, bars and product launches, Stacey also loves experimenting with recipes at home, and is a WSET-certified wine and spirits expert, with over 10 years of experience in the business. You can follow Stacey on Instagram @crummbs_uk
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