Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Eating and Drinking => Kitchen Natter => Topic started by: RJR_38 on July 17, 2016, 19:04

Title: Saucepans
Post by: RJR_38 on July 17, 2016, 19:04
I am have been looking at saucepans for a while, deciding which ones to pay out for to be my 'forever' set. I think I am leaning towards cast iron and probably Le creuset I think. I currently have a gas hob and probably always will.

Does anyone have any pros/cons of different saucepan types?
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: mumofstig on July 17, 2016, 19:49
Le Creuset ones are just so heavy, I just can't lift them any more - bear that in mind if you are thinking of using them into old age  ::)
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: RJR_38 on July 17, 2016, 20:19
Thanks for that heads up (haven't gone to see any 'for real' yet. I am 32 so if I can get 30 years out of them I I'll be quite pleased!
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: mumofstig on July 17, 2016, 20:34
 :lol: :lol:
Deffo a try before you buy, and imagine the weight of the bigger ones when full  ;)
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: RJR_38 on July 17, 2016, 20:53
Do you have any recommendations mum?
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: mumofstig on July 17, 2016, 21:12
I went for Prestige stainless steel, which in those days had a lifetime guarantee, and they are still going strong 20 odd years later.
I can't vouch for the modern ones though since Prestige got taken over by another company - so not much help really  ::) Sorry.
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: hamstergbert on July 17, 2016, 21:39
Back in the day, Mrs HGB specified Prestige stainless steel with copper bottoms.
Gradually got the full set right down to the chip pan as finances allowed.

So far 45 years of use, just a few discolorations on the milk pan where her mum forgot to turn off the gas after emptying the pan, but still perfectly usable (and used). 

I used to enjoy periodically polishing the copper bottoms to mirror-like sheen (they used to be hung up) but now don't have the will or energy very often.  When I do attack one with the brasso though they really do come up a treat.

Actually often don't use the copper bottoms, instead these cheapo Morribog non-sticks that have clear glass lids instead as the volumes these days tend to be really small.

Regarding Le C cast irons - sister in law is in the throes of replacing hers with something lighter (and smaller) as even with modest contents they are a bit of a strain on the wrists.

HGB recommendation is to get whatever you like and enjoy using them - and accept that in thirty or forty years you may turn out to rarely use them and have some light and easies for everyday!


Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: RJR_38 on July 17, 2016, 22:21
Thanks for the detailed reply. As that is now two for prestige I will have to take a closer look. I was put off stainless steel because food tends to stick more (and we cook lean with hardy any oil etc) and also because it has poor conductivity but the copper bottoms would overcome that I suppose.... Something else to think about!
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: GrannieAnnie on July 17, 2016, 23:22
I too love Le Creusot, but at nearly 66 wouldn't like trying to lift them full either now!

If you really want something that I think would last a lifetime, bearing in mind they are expensive.  I saw these ones at a craft fair a couple of times.  They are German, and the man demonstrating them.  Cooked an egg in the frying pan with just a wipe round the pan with oil.  He cooked the egg for ages and it didn't burn.

Then he put sugar in a pan, cooked it for ages.  Let it cool, and you know how hard burnt on sugar is to get off, well he just warmed the pan up for a minute and wiped it with kitchen towel and it came off!

I would love even just the frying pan, but beyond my purse at the moment!

http://www.runcookware.co.uk/demonstration.asp
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: jaydig on July 18, 2016, 08:30
My saucepans are stainless steel, and must be about 20 years old now.  Food only occasionally sticks to the bottom (usually my fault when I have walked away from something that needs continual stirring), but I just put them to soak in washing up liquid and hot water for a while, and they are never a problem to clean. Like a lot of us, I would find le Creuset far too heavy to lift now, especially the bigger pans, so I'm quite happy to stick with stainless steel.  As MoS said, hopefully they will last a long time whatever you choose.   A set of good pans is an investment, and needs careful consideration before you buy.
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: madcat on July 18, 2016, 09:25
I agree with the stainless...  soak and they come clean, you dont worry about giving them a good scrub etc.  Mums are going on 60 years and still strong.  Her 'new' smaller stainless pans which are 25 years old are like new and even with arthritis can still be lifted.  Trade off the weight of the pan against speed of heating up and burning ...
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: RJR_38 on July 19, 2016, 22:53
Thanks for your thoughts everyone!

Grannie Annie those pans look very interesting - and if the celebrity endorsements are to be believed then we'll....
I am just a bit wary about having non stick again and having all those chemicals in my food if the coating starts to come off (which is beginning to happen with my mid-priced pans of 7 years)

Even more confused now haha!
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: Auntiemogs on July 20, 2016, 01:14
Just to confuse you even more..... :D

I've had a Stellar set (stainless steel, copper bottoms) for many years now, and they are still going strong.  However, if I really don't want something to stick (and can't be bothered to soak) I use my fairly inexpensive Tefal non-stick set.

As for Creuset, far too heavy for me, had to give them away...
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: snowdrops on July 20, 2016, 07:42
I have a set of Fagor stainless free pans that came free with my induction hob. The frying pan was coated with non stick & is on its last legs but that was because our daughter used it all the time on as high as she could get it. I like them for another 2 reasons, they have detachable handles so they stack neatly inside each other & they came with a second set of plastic lids so you can store them full in the fridge for instance. The metal lids have steam vent holes which are great for draining water etc from the contents. Oh & ive had them 10 years in october
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: RJR_38 on July 20, 2016, 11:07
Just to confuse you even more..... :D

I've had a Stellar set (stainless steel, copper bottoms) for many years now, and they are still going strong.  However, if I really don't want something to stick (and can't be bothered to soak) I use my fairly inexpensive Tefal non-stick set.

As for Creuset, far too heavy for me, had to give them away...

I've got a couple of stellar knives which are good actually...

I don't have the space for 2 sets of saucepans in my current kitchen (maybe when we move house next year but....) so they have to be able to do everything. I am also very impatient/time poor and don't really have the time to be soaking things which is why stainless steel didn't appeal hugely...

I think I am going to go and try some Le creuset pans for the weight and then if not I might be tempted by Grannie Annie's suggestion. I am not going to buy them all at once but build up a set over time so I don't mind them being expensive (like my knife collection)
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: wapello on July 20, 2016, 13:09
 I go with stainless steel as well BUT not with metal handels they just get to hot   :nowink: :(
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: GrannieAnnie on July 20, 2016, 13:30
Thanks for your thoughts everyone!

Grannie Annie those pans look very interesting - and if the celebrity endorsements are to be believed then we'll....
I am just a bit wary about having non stick again and having all those chemicals in my food if the coating starts to come off (which is beginning to happen with my mid-priced pans of 7 years)

Even more confused now haha!

Although I don't own one (yet!) I have seen them demonstrated like he did on that video.  And as far as I can remember, they aren't coated like Tefal.  They also have a 25 year guarantee.  Once I move house, I will save up for a frying pan at least!    lol
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: mumofstig on July 20, 2016, 14:07
They are non stick, although a 25 year guarantee for non-stick would be wonderful if true?

http://www.runcookware.co.uk/nonstick-pans.asp
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: RJR_38 on July 20, 2016, 18:53
Well we went to a Le creuset outlet store today where I got to 'test them out' and yes they are heavy but I love them - and so did my husband!!

They were weren't hugely reduced in the outlet store and I had seen a good deal on Monday on a website where the 3 pack of saucepans was reduced from £325 to £200 - got home and went on the same website... today they are back to full price GRRR  :mad:  So will need to wait now until either a) I see the same deal again or b) we go back to the outlet centre
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: snowdrops on July 20, 2016, 20:10
Sainsburys do a similar to Le Creuset, or check out TK Max, I've seen some in the there
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: Lardman on July 20, 2016, 22:56
I love my Le Creuset but you really do need arms like Popeye to lift them when full.  :nowink:  I picked mine up from Macro when they were on special offer they didn't require a second mortgage to buy  ;)

Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: GrannieAnnie on July 20, 2016, 23:18
They are non stick, although a 25 year guarantee for non-stick would be wonderful if true?

http://www.runcookware.co.uk/nonstick-pans.asp

Oh I know they are non stick MoS, but I'm sure the demo man told us that it wasn't coated with anything like tefal is, so nothing to come off like other pans can at times.

I couldn't see how the demos could be faked.  we were right in front of him.
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: snow white on July 21, 2016, 08:53
I have had lots of different saucepans.  Ceramic - hated them, food stuck constantly and a nightmare to clean.  Non stick, great while the non stick was working but hard to clean without removing the non stick.  My friend had Le Creuset and I could not lift them when full (I was in my 20's and fit, but a girl).  Needs a man to lift them.  I felt this was dangerous, lifting really heavy saucepans full of burning hot stuff.   I now have Stainless steel.  Have had them 15 years and still going strong, and looking as good as when I bought them.  I bought an expensive set so the handles never get hot.  Mine have solid pan tops so when I drop them they will not break (I am a bit clumsy).  I cook allsorts in them and if anything burns then a quick scrub with a metal scourer and they are as good as new.  For frying I have a really good large wok and a small frying pan with non stick coating for the small things. I also have a griddle pan for cooking meats which is fantastic. I cook a lot and for me my collection really works. 
Before you buy anything look for the reviews on them.
Tip - if frying on stainless steel, don't have the temperature on the highest setting, then you shouldn't burn it.
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: mumofstig on July 21, 2016, 09:47
Oh I know they are non stick MoS, but I'm sure the demo man told us that it wasn't coated with anything like tefal is, so nothing to come off like other pans can at times.

I couldn't see how the demos could be faked.  we were right in front of him.
I'm sure the demos aren't faked, Grannie - I was just saying that they are coated with something Their site says
Quote
the non-stick coating is durable and high quality
be wonderful if they've found a coating that  lasts 25 years. I'd start saving up for some myself  :)
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: RJR_38 on July 22, 2016, 17:04
Thanks for your thoughts everyone. I know the Le creuset are heavy, I tested it in the shop (they filled the largest one with water for me) and if I used the other handle as well I could lift it well.

I don't want cheaper brand alternatives ( I have read the reviews) so will just need to wait for the right deal to come along again - I am in no rush!

My wok is from china town - thin steel and I love it. It wasn't even super expensive!
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: GrannieAnnie on July 22, 2016, 21:10
Oh I know they are non stick MoS, but I'm sure the demo man told us that it wasn't coated with anything like tefal is, so nothing to come off like other pans can at times.

I couldn't see how the demos could be faked.  we were right in front of him.
I'm sure the demos aren't faked, Grannie - I was just saying that they are coated with something Their site says
Quote
the non-stick coating is durable and high quality
be wonderful if they've found a coating that  lasts 25 years. I'd start saving up for some myself  :)

I missed that bit MoS!  Well, once I've saved up enough for the frying pan, after another 25 years, if I'm no longer on this world, I'll get my daughter to let you know how it got on, as I'm leaving the frying pan to her in my will!    :lol: ;) ;) ;)

I also bought a ceramic non stick frying pan Snow White, it wasn't the cheapest one either, and they said it really wouldn't stick, but you're right, its awful!

Strangely enough, the best one I have at the moment, is a tiny Tefal hot spot fry pany that I've had for years.  The red hot spot in the middle doesn't work anymore, and it is only big enough for 2 eggs, and although I really wanted it just for eggs, it has cooked sausages and fish fingers over the years.  If an egg sticks a bit, I only have to move it a tiny bit and the whole egg then slides around the pan beautifully!  (It was also the cheapest one of the 4 pans I've got at the moment!)    ;) ;)
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: GrannieAnnie on July 22, 2016, 21:11
RJR, what about a day trip to France.  I know they are cheaper over there.  I think John and Val got their Le Creusot from France years ago and said they were really cheap!   :D :D ;)
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: jaydig on July 23, 2016, 14:33
Here was me thinking it was only my ceramic frying pans that were useless.  As Grannie says, they are incredibly expensive for what they are, and everything - particularly eggs - sticks to them, plus they are a nightmare to clean. Talk about being had!
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: GrannieAnnie on July 23, 2016, 20:19
Here was me thinking it was only my ceramic frying pans that were useless.  As Grannie says, they are incredibly expensive for what they are, and everything - particularly eggs - sticks to them, plus they are a nightmare to clean. Talk about being had!

My friend in Kent first told me how good they were.  But I think her fry pan was quite new, becaseu now, whenever i stay with her, she always has trouble getting her eggs out whole!    :D :D ;)
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: mumofstig on July 23, 2016, 20:27
I know that feeling  :lol:
I scrapped a new ceramic omelette pan and bought another Tefal 'red spot' one. It's just a shame they need replacing every 3 or 4 years. They aren't that expensive if you wait for a special offer  ;)
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: RJR_38 on July 23, 2016, 22:45
RJR, what about a day trip to France.  I know they are cheaper over there.  I think John and Val got their Le Creusot from France years ago and said they were really cheap!   :D :D ;)

Ooh good idea!!
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: mumofstig on July 24, 2016, 00:10
But not anytime soon with the 14 hr queues on the M20 trying to get to Dover  :ohmy:
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: RJR_38 on July 24, 2016, 08:30
Tell me about it!! I decided to visit my parents this weekend who live in a village in between Folkestone and Dover....

The wise powers that be thought it would be a great idea to try and divert the motorway traffic through said village  :mad: (this is not what they normally do during operation stack!). A 10 minute drive from the supermarket took us over 90 minutes and they had to cancel the village fete as no one could get to it.

It was an absolute mess and disaster. Clearly done purposely by the French (at one point they only had one person working instead of 7) to make a point. However it was also handled very badly by our own police etc this time. I wish they would hurry up and build that car park!
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: GrannieAnnie on July 24, 2016, 09:26
I thought that too about the French.  Trying to show us what it would be like when we are out of the EU.

Silly sods.  It will only put a lot of people off, not perhaps going to France itself, but if they were going further afield, many may now decide to fly and rent a car the other end.  Of course, I had put the bit about a day trip on here before I heard about the traffic problem.  Horrendous!  Poor people.

Anyway, bit off topic now!  Sorry RJR_38!!!!
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: Kate and her Ducks on July 31, 2016, 22:17
I love my le Creuset pans. Some of them have already given me a decade of faithful service already. They are however really, really heavy. They are fantastic for long slow cooking, gentle sautéing, searing etc but anything that you want to be able to pick up, move round or pour I find a problem. Le Creuset have come up with a solution and they have stainless steel pans which are amazing!!! I have a set for at least 8 years, they are light, cook brilliantly and despite not being non-stick (good if you are worried about the chemicals) clean fantastically, mine still look practically new despite daily use. I think in the preceding 8 years I must have bought at least 3 sets of pans that all died so although really pretty expensive mine have been worth every penny and I would expect them to last decades more.
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: RJR_38 on August 01, 2016, 20:40
Thanks Kate! I have seen their stainless steel range. We have one stainless steel saucepan that is pretty good (no idea of the make as it doesn't say anywhere) so we will keep that but the rest need to be replaced over the next few months when I spot them at a good price!
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: Auntiemogs on September 11, 2017, 14:14
So......this post really got me thinking about my saucepans. 

I've read that Teflon nonstick coatings may not be good health-wise (particularly when old and damaged), although I'm not sure if this is true/accurate? 

Regardless, I ditched my old Tefal set (as they had seen better days, and the non-stick coating was becoming badly scored), in favour of my old Stellar set (stainless, with copper bottoms).  I now remember why I bought the Tefal in the first place  ::), as I'm finding them far too heavy for me to use them safely when full.

I like the look of the Circulon pans, but at around £60-£70 each, they're quite an investment.  My Son's partner has some Cooksmark pans, which are very light and have a ceramic nonstick interior.

I need something which will be light, nonstick, and if they are oven safe that's a bonus (but not a necessity).  Does anyone have any recommendations?

AM  :)


Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: snowdrops on September 11, 2017, 14:47
Aunti Mogs, these are light & it's now 11 years in October

I have a set of Fagor stainless free pans that came free with my induction hob. The frying pan was coated with non stick & is on its last legs but that was because our daughter used it all the time on as high as she could get it. I like them for another 2 reasons, they have detachable handles so they stack neatly inside each other & they came with a second set of plastic lids so you can store them full in the fridge for instance. The metal lids have steam vent holes which are great for draining water etc from the contents. Oh & ive had them 10 years in october
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: mumofstig on September 11, 2017, 17:32
I don't know if it's just me but my non-stick ceramic fry-pan isn't  :(
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: Auntiemogs on September 11, 2017, 18:45
They look good Snowy, but unfortunately they don't seem to make them any more.  :(  How are they for sticking (I don't need a frying pan, but would like the saucepans to be nonstick)?

That's what I was concerned about Mum.  Think I may have to wait for the sales.....  :lol:
Title: Re: Saucepans
Post by: snowdrops on September 11, 2017, 18:47
They're not non stick but I can make a roux sauce or custard without it sticking, oh & gravy. On the other hand our daughter made scrambled egg on Sunday & ive soaked the pan overnight in soap powder! It's all off now 😊