Finding The Right Cookware For You.

It doesn't have to be confusing choosing the best cookware for you.  Non Stick, Stainless Steel or Cast Iron?  We've come up with a useful guide to help you choose the most suitable cookware for your needs.

Stainless Steel Cookware.

Everyone needs at least one piece of stainless steel cookware.  The main reasons are they are perfect for cooking foods at high temperatures.  Searing meat or fish and sauteing vegetables.  Quality 18/10 stainless steel will last you many years and can still be easily cleaned.  These will last far longer than a non stick pan.  Virtually indestructible where you can use any type of kitchen utensil while cooking.

Le Creuset 3ply - One of our most popular ranges in Stainless Steel.  Le Creuset are long-time experts at cookware and it shows.  Extremely durable, easy to clean and they heat up quickly!  Tried, tested and loved by our staff due in part to their versatility. The shallow casserole in this range also makes a great pie dish and the functionality of oven-to-table with certain items from this range makes 3ply an ideal choice

Scanpan Axis - Another best seller. Made with 18/10 premium stainless steel including Aluminium and Copper layers sandwiched in between. The Copper layer runs up the side of the pan unlike the Scanpan Coppernox which is only in the base of the pot.  These pans heat up quickly and work on all hob types including induction.

Scanpan Coppernox - Popular range due to its similarity to Scanpan Axis but with some key differences. This range has a copper bottom. With silicone grips on the lid and handles these pans are safer to handle while cooking.

Scanpan Impact - The Scanpan Impact is an affordable  go-to range, extremely popular and hardwearing. It's an 18/10 stainless steel range with emphasis on its simplicity.  A plentiful selection of  pots and pans to choose from, this is Scanpan's biggest range.

Stainless Steel Features:

• Great for cooking on all hobs including Induction cooktops 
• Durable and longer last lasting than Non-Stick. 
• Great for cooking at higher heats and rapid cooking. 
• Most of our ranges are made from 18/10 Stainless Steel making them rust resistant and easier to clean than most stainless steel cookware you can find at other big brand retailers. 
• If you wish to sear meat, fish or saute then we suggest you cook with stainless steel. 
• 18/10 stainless steel is easier to clean due to the higher quality materials used. 
• Dishwasher and oven safe.
• Most stainless steel cookware are made with layers of metal. The Scanpan Coppernox and Axis ranges have stainless steel on the outside but have aluminium and copper sandwiched between for a higher heat performance.
• Copper and Aluminum are the best metals for rapid cooking. 
• Stainless steel by itself is a poor heat conductor which is why you will find either of these metals Aluminium or Copper encapsulated in the layers of all stainless steel cookware.

Non-Stick Cookware.

For mess free and easy cooking, everyone needs a piece of non-stick cookware. To get the best out of this pan, always  cook with a low to medium heat which will keep the surface in good condition.  Non-stick pans are ideal for low fat cooking and easy food release. While some non sticks can carry a price tag, they are a worthy investment, particularly if you like to cook.  There is no substitute for quality and if you choose a good quality pan, it will remove the need for continual replacement, saving you money across the long term.

Scanpan TechnIQ - We currently think this is the best non stick range out there due to its impressive new coating technology Stratanium Plus.  Cooking food beautifully, with long handles which keep cool and so easy to clean, this range comes highly recommended by our staff.

Le Creuset Toughened Non Stick - This range is superb.  It heats and cooks rapidly.  The Non stick on this range is fantastic.  We rate this range highly at The Homestore.

Scanpan Evolution - One of our best non-sticks in store.  Made with Scanpan's superior non-stick coating of Ceramic Titanium technology. These pans can withstand the use of metal utensils.  PFOA free and 100% recycled squeeze cast aluminium.  They will heat up very quickly and are heat resistant up to 260 degrees celsius.  Suitable on most cooktops, but not induction. These pans compliment the Scanpan Axis range nicely.  

Cuisinart IA+ - Made from Hard Anodized Aluminium which distributes heat evenly while cooking.  This material is great for rapid heat and is harder than stainless steel.  PFOA Free Non-Stick coating for mess free cleaning and easy food release.  Works on all hobs including induction.  An affordable option for good quality cookware

Pyrolux HA+ - Same as above but with a different styled handles.  Made from Hard Anodized Aluminium which distributes heat evenly while cooking.  This material is great for rapid heat and is harder than stainless steel.  PFOA Free Non-Stick coating for mess free cleaning and easy food release.  Works on all hobs including induction.  An affordable option for good quality cookware.

Non-Stick Features:

• Durable nonstick coatings effortlessly release even delicate foods, including eggs and pancakes. Because little or no oil is needed, nonstick pans are a good choice for low-fat or nonfat dishes.
• Extremely easy to clean.  Food does not stick.
• Always cook at low to medium heat.  Ideal if you wish to make your Non-Stick last longer.
• Dishwasher safe but handwash is recommended by us.  Because our non-stick pans are higher quality, it's always best to let them soak for 5 to 10 minutes after you have finished cooking.  Give a quick scrub with a nylon brush or pad and dry your pan. If you follow this method then you will find that the non stick will last you a good 10 to 15 years.
• Oven safe  - 160 to 180 degrees.
• Always use utensils that are safe for non stick.  Silicone, wooden or nylon tools.  These will not scratch or damage your non stick surface.
• Cooking oils - Try to use a little oil when cooking with non stick pans.  We recommend using vegetable oil.  From our experience, we have found that Olive oil burns more quickly than vegetable oil which can leave a layer of oil on top of your non stick.  This can build up over time and make your non stick less effective.
• Always safely store your non stick pans with pan protectors - Don't store other pans on top as they can end up scratching the non stick surface.

Cast Iron Cookware.

You can get enameled cast iron from Le Creuset or the seasoned cast iron from Lodge.  Cast iron is extremely durable, versatile and tough!  Cast iron cookware is slow to cook but it retains its heat far longer than other materials.  This is ideal for slow cooking or baking. 

Le Creuset Cast Iron - Who doesn't want a piece of cast iron Le Creuset in their kitchen!  Each piece is unique and made in France.  With a huge selection of colours to choose from, you can style your cookware around your kitchen.  Enameled cast iron is cast iron that has a vitreous enamel glaze applied to the surface. The fusion of the glaze with the cast iron prevents rusting, eliminates the need to season the metal, and allows more thorough cleaning. Enameled cast iron is excellent for slow cooking and drawing flavor from foods.

Lodge Cast Iron - Pre-seasoned cookware creates a slick and glassy coating by baking on multiple thin coats of oil. This will protect the cast iron pan from getting rusted and makes for a non-stick cooking surface.   Lodge uses soybean oil to season their traditional cast iron. There are no synthetic chemicals added at all. The oil is highly refined, and all proteins that cause soy-related allergies are eliminated. The oil contains no animal fat, peanut oil, or paints.  Lodge cast iron is one of our fastest selling brands due to its affordability and range available.

Cast Iron Features:

• Versatile - Use for searing, slow cooking , baking and cooking
• Tough and durable - You'll rarely have to replace any cast iron you buy.  They tend to be with you for life.  You buy once, you buy well.
• Le Creuset has a range of colours that match their stoneware and utensils.  There's no limits.  If you love colour then you'll adore Le Creuset.
• Available in skillets, casserole pots, fry pans, grill pans, roasters & more.  Cast iron can used for anything!
• Dishwasher is not recommended.  Always let your cast iron cool down before washing.  
• Cleaning & re-seasoning your Lodge Cast Iron is easy - There is some helpful tips here from Lodge USA
• You can cook at any heat and they work on all hobs including Induction hobs.