Pots & Pans Archives - Cooker Base

Whether you’re updating your cookware or looking for a set that’s compatible with your new induction hob, it can be tricky to find the right set of induction pans. This is because we each have our own favourite recipes or processes that require different shapes or features. When it comes to effective induction cooking there is no ‘one size fits all’, so, I’ve selected a variety of pan sets and individual pieces with a broad range of functions. They all meet impressive standards of quality, safety and durability, but vary in how they’re made and designed. To help you quickly find what you’re looking for I’ve highlighted some as the best in specific categories. These include best overall, best non-stick, best induction saucepans, best budget set and best induction frying pans. First up some background information. If you want to skip this then use the contents table to jump to a different place on the list. When you buy through links on Cooker Base, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more here. What is Induction Cooking? Induction cooking uses magnetic conduction (also known as electric induction) to pass the current to the pan. This energy transfer heats the pan directly and has a number of advantages. Pros More energy efficientHeats water quicklyCool to the touchEasy to clean Cons More expensiveTakes time to get used toTop more likely to scratchRequires specialist pans Advantages Uses less energy – Cooking with an induction hob is more energy efficient than both gas and electric. Induction cooking can transfer up to 90% of the energy used to heat the food. Whereas, gas is a mere 40% and electric peaks at around 74%. Over time this can help you save on your fuel bills.Faster to heat– Due to the efficient nature in which heat is transferred to the pan, heating water and other items is somewhat quicker when compared to other hobs. Some studies have suggested up to a 50% increase in speed.Safety – If you have children, restricted mobility or are maybe just a little clumsy, using an induction hob is much safer. This is because the hob itself does not get hot and there is no open flame like with a gas or electric ring. Please note that the pan will still be hot!Easy cleaning – An induction hob will be flat; this makes cleaning much easier as you won’t have to remove rings and clean inside all the nooks & crannies as with a traditional cooker top. Related Article: Best Cleaners for Induction Hobs Disadvantages Higher price – On average an induction hob will cost more than gas or electric hob.Learning curve – It will take some time to learn how to use your induction hobs effectively. Controlling your temperature and getting pans in the correct position will take a few attempts. My first attempt using an induction hob was pretty stressful.Scratching – Most are pretty hard wearing, but if you don’t take care when cooking they are more likely to scratch.Requires specialist induction pans – You will require pans that are suitable for an induction hob. If yours are not, the heat transfer won’t work and your pans won’t get hot. If you have not yet purchased your hobs, check your pans are suitable, if not you will need to replace them too. Related Article: Best Induction Hobs Related Article: Best Gas Hobs IMPORTANT NOTE: Pacemakers can be affected by the electromagnetic fields of an Induction Hob. Here’s what the British Heart Foundation say: “Induction hobs do generate electromagnetic fields, so keep a distance of at least 60cm (2ft) between the stovetop and your pacemaker. Most people should be able to use a hob if they follow these precautions, but if you are choosing a new cooker, it may be easier to pick one that is not an induction hob.” Why Do You Need Specialist Induction Pans? Induction cooking uses magnetic conduction to heat the pan. If your pans are not made from a magnetic material, the connection won’t be formed and no heat will transfer, leaving you with a cold dinner. How Can I Tell If A Pan is Suitable for Induction Cooking? The quickest way to check if your current pans are suitable for induction cooking is to test them with a magnet. If the magnet is attracted to the bottom of your pan, they will work. If not, you will need a new set of induction pans. You can also check the manufacturer information to see what materials have been used. If the pan is made from iron or steel, it will be suitable for induction cooking. Also, some pans will include bases that have been adapted for use on induction hobs. You can also look out for the induction logo (above) and phrases such as “induction ready”. Note: Glass, Pyrex, copper and aluminium (unless it has an iron bonded base) pans are not suitable for induction cooking. What to Consider When Buying Induction Pans Budget Before considering what the best induction pans for you are, come up with a budget of how much you can reasonably afford to spend. This will make choosing a set easier because it will narrow down your options immediately. Keep in mind that induction pans are usually more expensive than their regular counterparts. So, we have added some budget options to this piece as we know not everyone either wants to, or can afford the higher priced induction pans. Guarantee There’s a good chance that you will be spending a fairly sizeable amount on a new set of induction pans. So, ensure there is some form of guarantee and check what it covers. Often, the guarantee will only cover the engineering, this means that any accidental damage will not be covered. Materials Used As mentioned earlier, only a few (ferrous) metals are magnetic and will work with an induction cooker. So, you should look for pans made with: Cast Iron – Note that these are slower to heat and cool than other materials. They are also the heaviest choice.Stainless Steel – Not all stainless steal pans are suitable. Look for those with an additional layer of aluminium or copper used to conduct heat. Note that cheaper pans of this type may vibrate when used on an induction hob.Non-stick pans with a magnetic base – These are specially made for use on induction hobs. Non-Stick or Seasoning Some pans will come with a non-stick coating and others will require regular seasoning. If you want to avoid seasoning your pans then it will be best to purchase a set of non-stick pans. If like me you don’t mind doing this occasionally, a cast-iron or stainless-steel pan is the better choice. This is because that non-stick coating won’t last as long as a stainless steel or cast-iron pan. Dishwasher Safe If you use a dishwasher at home, look for a set that is dishwasher safe. There will usually be a symbol (like that above) to indicate this is the case. If you prefer non-stick pans, using a dishwasher will wear this coating down over time, reducing the pans’ overall lifetime. Some non-stick induction pans are dishwasher safe, but if you prefer to clean in this way, it may be better to go with an uncoated set. PFOAs Look for non-stick induction pans that are PFOA free. PFOA’s are man-made chemicals that are sometimes included in Teflon coatings. If they leach into your food they can stay in your body for a long time and in high amounts have been linked to cancer. Suitable Size Make sure the pans are the right size for your induction hobs. Many are designed so that they do not work if the pan is a different size. Unless your hobs include a smart sensor that can detect different sizes. In this case, size is not an important issue, unless you lack cupboard space, in which case you will need to think about storage before making a purchase. Flat Bottoms To get the best contact and heat transference, induction pans with a flat bottom are a must. A curved bottom, like on a wok, will not heat as efficiently or as quickly. The Best Pans for Induction Hobs Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless Steel Saucepan Set Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless Steel Saucepan Set £484.99 BUY NOW Robertdyas.co.uk Tefal Jamie Oliver Hard Anodised Premium Series Tefal Jamie Oliver Hard Anodised Premium Series £208.00 BUY NOW Amazon.co.uk Circulon Infinite Hard Anodised Cookware Set Circulon Infinite Hard Anodised Cookware Set £158.49 BUY NOW Circulon.uk.com Circulon Premier Professional Circulon Premier Professional £149.00 BUY NOW Amazon.co.uk Tefal Premium Non-stick Cookware Set Tefal Premium Non-stick Cookware Set £85.06 £125.00 BUY NOW Amazon.co.uk ProCook Professional Stainless Steel Cookware Set ProCook Professional Stainless Steel Cookware Set £149.00 BUY NOW Procook.co.uk Prestige Everyday Cookware Set Prestige Everyday Cookware Set £67.92 BUY NOW Prestige.co.uk All-Clad 4110 NS R2 Frying Pan All-Clad 4110 NS R2 Frying Pan £140.94 BUY NOW Amazon.co.uk Sky Light Frying Pan - No Longer Available Sky Light Frying Pan - No Longer Available £29.97 BUY NOW Amazon.co.uk Best Overall: Le Creuset 3-Ply Set The Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless Steel set has individual pans that cost as much as some of the five-piece sets on this list. Which begs the question: Can such an expensive induction pan set be worth the money? The answer is Yes! The difference these pans make compared to their lesser counterparts is nothing short of extraordinary. As the name implies, these pans are made from 3-ply stainless steel with an aluminium core. Painstaking attention to detail in the construction ensures that the heat is distributed quickly and evenly with no hot spots. You may not have even noticed this issue with cheaper pans, but once you use a Le Creuset, cooking immediately becomes easier and less stressful. Cook with confidence that your food is always the right temperature no matter where it is in the pan. Dishwasher safe and easy to maintain, these non-stick pans will never show water damage or wear from washing. Should anything ever happen to your Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless Steel pans, however, they come with a lifetime guarantee. Luckily, they are so well built that there’s not much that will be able to put a dent in these formidable induction pans. For these prices, however, I feel the right to be critical. One common complaint is that the pan lids are entirely metal, like the pans themselves. I would prefer to be able to choose tempered glass to make it easier to monitor what I’m cooking. The handles being metal also means they will get warm. It’s also worth noting that there is no non-stick coating so you will need to season these pans regularly. These small nit picks ultimately pale under the overall unbeatable performance and style of a Le Creuset pan set. Buy just one to test out the quality or purchase an entire set to change the way you cook at home forever. Pros These can be bought individually or as a setThree-ply stainless steel construction with an aluminium coreEven heat distributionBuilt to lastLifetime guarantee Cons No tempered glass option for the lidsNo non-stick interior Best Non-stick: Tefal Jamie Oliver Premium Whether you want one specific induction pan or if you need a whole set, the Tefal Jamie Oliver Premium Series is an inclusive range of heavy-duty pans for every occasion. My favourite is the five-piece set, which includes two saucepans, one stew pot, one frying pan and one sautéing pan. This set is suited for any-sized family or cooking style, though of course, you may also purchase pans individually. Several things make the Tefal Jamie Oliver Premium Series special. First, each pan is emblazoned with the Tefal logo at its centre. This is Thermo-spot technology and glows bright red when the pan is at the best temperature, which is a helpful feature for home chefs young and old. Additionally, while lesser pans coat their interior with cheap ceramic or chemicals for a non-stick surface, the Tefal Jamie Oliver Premium Series uses titanium instead. These textured titanium surfaces are both non-stick and highly resistant to abrasion. That means you may use metal utensils with this pan set without destroying the non-stick surface! Made with hard anodised aluminium bodies, titanium cook surfaces, and rugged stainless steel handles, these pans are designed to last a lifetime. Keep them looking as good as the day you bought them by simply cleaning them in the dishwasher. The non-stick surface even helps the pans come clean easier with less pre-scrubbing. My only complaint was that the sides of the frying pan are too high for some styles of cooking, particularly if you need to flip pancakes or turn things over with a fish slice. However, if you’re looking for pans to last you 10, 20, even 30 years into the future, the Tefal Jamie Oliver Premium Series is a wise investment. Pros Can be bought individually or in a setThermo-spot technologyTitanium, non-stick coatingMade from anodized aluminium with stainless-steel handlesHardwearing and built to last Cons The frying pans high sides make some cooking tricky. Circulon Infinite Cookware Tired of replacing your pans every few years due to cosmetic damage or flimsy craftsmanship? The Circulon Infinite Cookware Set aims to set your mind at ease with this robust induction pan set. Complete with a lifetime guarantee, these pans are built tough to survive even the harshest cooking conditions. They are available in a variety of configurations from three-pieces to a full seven-piece set. For me, the five-piece set hits a sweet spot, it includes two frying pans and three saucepans, all in varying sizes to suit most home chefs. The pans are all made of hard anodised aluminium, which Circulon claims is twice as strong as stainless steel. Uniquely, these pans are not only treated with a non-toxic non-stick coating, but the cooking surfaces are also ribbed. This helps protect most of it from being scratched by kitchen utensils and preserves the non-stick surface for longer. All pans and lids are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. The pans are aluminium, but the bottoms and handles are stainless steel. That means they work perfectly with induction hobs. On the downside, stainless steel bottoms and handles are so thick that a major complaint is how heavy they are, so be mindful of that fact before buying. Pros Different set sizes are available from 3 pieces to 7 piecesNon-stick surfaceRibbed cooking surfacesThe pans are stable and well-madeMade from aluminium with stainless-steel bases and handles Cons The thick stainless steel base and handles make them very heavy. Circulon Premier Professional Also from Circulon is their professional range of anodized aluminium cookware. These are heavy gauge pans made to withstand the rigours of busy professional or home kitchens. This range is an ideal blend of function and comfort. The pan and lid-handles all feature heatproof silicon grips whilst the lids have a precision seal to prevent steam escaping from around the edges. They also feature the incredible ‘Total non-stick’ system which combines a non-stick coating with circular ridges. The ridges give a greater surface area to transfer heat and protect a large portion of the non-stick coating from the usual wear and tear from utensils. This system also reduces the need for oil which is particularly useful if you’re aiming to make your cooking healthier. Safe for use in the oven and to be cleaned in a dishwasher this is a versatile set that will have minimal staining or scratching over the years. These are heavy-duty pans that make for stable cooking with minimal risk of spills or tipping. However, they are heavier than cheaper pans which may put some people off. I also found that to get the best out of them for a longer time, it’s best to treat them with care. Hand washing and only using non-metal utensils isn’t essential but is a good idea if you want to keep them looking like new throughout their lifetime. Pros Total non-stick systemOvenproofDishwasher proofSturdy and heavy-duty constructionRidged base reduces the need for oilLifetime guaranteeComfortable silicon handlesTempered glass lids Cons May be too heavy for some Tefal Premium Non-stick Perfect for everyday use, the Premium induction cookware set comes with five pieces in black with chrome edged lids. Tefal do have single pans available but these can only be bought in a set. Included in the set are two large frying pans and three saucepans in sizes 16cm, 18cm and 20cm. They are made from lightweight aluminium and finished with a pro-metal non-stick coating. In addition, you get Thermo-spot technology on the frying pans to make it instantly clear when they’ve reached their optimum temperature. This set is affordable on any budget while still providing excellent value. Fitted with stainless-steel, magnetic bases, these pans are thin and light, heating to temperature in mere seconds on induction hobs. They also cool off quickly, making them safe to throw in the dishwasher as soon as you’re done cooking. The nonstick coating is also very good, it’s reinforced with hard minerals and can withstand most utensils, even those made of metal. These are seriously hard wearing pans and the coating will last for years to come. The solid, ergonomic handles are also designed to last for years without becoming rickety and unsafe. There are cheaper sets available but when it comes to value for money, it's hard to beat Tefal’s Premium non-stick five-piece cookware set. Pros Three saucepans (16cm, 18cm, 20cm)Two frying pans with Thermo-spot technology (20cm and 26cm)Prometal non-stick coatingSolid ergonomic handlesLightweight and made from aluminiumStainless steel base Cons I’d have preferred at least one of the pans to be larger. ProCook Professional This stunning six-piece cookware set from ProCook, looks incredible with its brushed steel exterior and toughened glass lids. All bases have been covered here with pans for every eventuality. They include 14cm, 16cm and 18cm saucepans, a 24cm frying pan, 24cm casserole pan, plus a 20cm stockpot. If you don’t need all these pans, ProCook also offers a three-piece saucepan set. These are designed to an exceptionally high standard to make them durable, stable and capable of delivering fast, even results. The 7mm bases are impact bonded to ensure that they last longer and transfer heat efficiently. They are also treated with a triple-layer non-stick coating which makes cleaning super-easy and reduces the need for large amounts of fat in your cooking. What really completes these pans for me is that the lids fit well and the stainless steel handles are ‘CoolTouch’. This means that in action, you have so much more control. A tight-fitting lid means that you can seal in the flavour and reduce moisture loss in those dishes where it can be crucial. Not only are these pans great at the basics, but those extra touches take them into the professional level. You get a 25-year guarantee, but be aware that to make a claim you may need to provide extensive photographic evidence to demonstrate you used and stored them correctly before your claim is successful. If you’re looking for a pan set with the wow factor but you don’t have the budget for Le Creuset, then these are the ones for you. Pros 7mm impact-bonded baseImpressive brushed steel exteriorTriple-layer non-stick coatingAvailable as a set of 3 or 6.Comes with a 25-year guaranteeToughened glass lidsCoolTouch handles Cons The larger pans may be too heavy for some peopleBe prepared to provide detailed evidence of a claim on the guarantee. Best Budget: Prestige Everyday This five-piece set from Prestige’s Everyday line is the perfect addition to any kitchen. Attractive and affordable, the real value of these pans comes from their high-grade stainless-steel construction. They work flawlessly with induction hobs for quick, even heat distribution. Some of the pans included can also be bought individually. Don’t be fooled by the price of these pans. The Prestige Everyday Stainless-Steel Cookware Set is crafted with care and skill. The handles, for example, are riveted to the inside of the pans for a safe, sturdy hold. Each saucepan comes with a matching glass lid, too, complete with large cool-to-the-touch handles. The milk pan and frying pan are even coated in Teflon for a stick-proof surface. As if all this weren’t enough, the collection is backed by a 5-year warranty. Some customers complained that the pan interiors are prone to staining. Thankfully, this problem is only cosmetic and doesn’t impact their performance or safety. Since they are dishwasher safe, it may be possible to avoid staining by washing them quickly after use. Stains or no, the Prestige Everyday Set is an excellent choice for those who need a variety of induction-friendly pans on a budget. Pros Five-piece setIdeal for smaller budgets4 saucepans (14cm, 16cm, 18cm and 20cm)1 frying pan (24cm)Dishwasher safeTeflon coated, non-stick surfaceFive-year warrantyHigh-grade stainless steel construction Cons The inside of the pans stains easily. Best Induction Frying Pans Often the most used item in your cookware set, a durable, well-constructed frying pan can make your life so much easier. All-Clad 4110 NS R2 10-inch Frying Pan This incredible 10-inch pan from all-clad is induction ready and simply the best you’re ever going to try. It’s non-stick, dishwasher safe and made with triple bonded stainless steel and aluminium in the base and all the way up the sides. All-Clad are pioneers in the use of metalwork to improve the performance of cookware. The founder John Ulam was a metallurgist in the USA and developed a method called roll-bonding. It allowed him to combine layers of alloys into single inseparable units. The result is responsive, evenly heating cookware that consistently outperforms the competition. A favourite of many of the worlds top chefs, this is a truly versatile pan that will perfectly sear that steak or help you improve your scrambled egg game. Several other sizes are available along with versions without the non-stick coating if you prefer. If you buy from All-Clad you get a lifetime service guarantee for all problems that result from the build and quality of the pan itself. The main drawback here is that you could easily get a complete set of cookware for the price of this pan. While that does put a lot of pressure on this pan to live up to its reputation, it’s up to the task. For a versatile pan that will provide consistent results every time for many years, this is the one. Pros Non-stickDishwasher safeTriple-bonded stainless-steel and aluminium constructionResponsive, even cooking Cons It is too expensive for most budgets SKY LIGHT Induction Frying Pan If your budget won’t stretch to the All-Clad, you don’t need to settle for a second class pan. This 24cm non-stick skillet is ideal for induction hobs will give incredible results at a fraction of the cost. It’s constructed with a 6mm aluminium body making it lightweight and quick to reach temperature. The triple-layer non-stick Whitford coating is free from all common chemicals and is completely safe to use. It also makes it easy to clean and if anything goes wrong it can be immediately replaced. The handle is comfortable to grip and features an ergonomic design with anti-scald features. Although it’s labelled as dishwasher safe, several people who own them have reported that handwashing dramatically improves the life of the non-stick coating. With careful use, this is an excellent non-stick pan that should last you several years. Pros Triple-layer non-stick coating6mm aluminium constructionErgonomic handle with anti0scald featureGreat value Cons The non-stick coating may not last as long as advertised unless you treat it carefully and only hand wash it. Summary Having the right pan set can make a significant difference to your meals, particularly if you have an induction hob. Whichever set you choose, you’ll be surprised at how efficient, even heating can make cooking easier and more enjoyable. Long-lasting non-stick coatings can cut down on cleaning time and sturdy, heatproof handles reduce the risk of burns and scalds.