Rating of the best sets of pans for the kitchen: choosing a gift for a housewife

Update date: 08/30/2020 15:56:00 7293 Share:

Author: Dina Frish

*Review of the best according to the editors of simplerule.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

The quality of the food prepared depends to a large extent on the quality of the utensils used. The variety of kitchen utensils available in the market can easily become confusing and lead to choosing the wrong product. How to choose the perfect pan? Which manufacturers are considered top by experts? We will answer all questions below.

How to choose the perfect option

Volume

For those who have a busy kitchen and no pots at all, the simplest option would be to purchase a whole set. If we are talking about 1-2 products, you need to be more careful when choosing a certain volume:

1. Large capacity (3-5 l) is an ideal solution for preparing compotes, cold dishes, and first courses in large quantities. But for a family of 2 people, this option is probably not practical.
2. Medium capacity (2-2.5 l) - a universal model - for preparing and heating first courses, stewing, boiling pasta, etc.
3. A small container (1 l) - as a rule, such products are equipped with a long handle - are convenient for boiling eggs, sausages, and vegetables.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the thick-walled models of pans. This option will certainly come in handy on the farm. Kazankas are ideal for cooking porridge, pilaf, etc. (products that require long simmering).

Metal type

1. Aluminum

   - an unpretentious, inexpensive option, which 20 years ago was prevalent in any kitchen. The main advantage of this metal is its high thermal conductivity, which allows you to speed up the cooking process and save on energy or gas costs. Cons: unsuitable for preparing foods with a high acid content and storing dishes, darkening of the metal over time, poor resistance to deformation.

2. Stainless steel

   - a durable, practical option that is lightweight and moderately priced. Main advantages: durability, heating speed, applicability for any stove, suitable for preparing acidic foods and storing ready-made dishes. Cons: it is difficult to remove stains from overheating; abrasive compounds cannot be used for cleaning.

3. Enameled metal

   – is a metal base with an outer coating of glassy enamel. Main advantages: light weight, aesthetics, ease of maintenance, inertness to acidic environments. Cons: long heating time, sensitivity to temperature changes, shocks and abrasives, not suitable for preparing cereals or boiling milk (food will burn).

4. Cast iron

   – a strong, durable, functional material that holds heat excellently, is ideal for stewing, baking, and is safe for health. Main advantages: durability, quality of cooking, environmental safety. Disadvantages: significant weight, fragility (with high strength, cast iron is afraid of impacts - it can burst), susceptibility to the corrosion process (if you do not wipe the metal dry after cleaning).

5. Glass

   – fire-resistant glass used in the production of pans is resistant to high temperatures and environmentally friendly. Main advantages: aesthetics, ability to store food, suitable for cooking in the microwave. Cons: unstable to shock, fear of temperature changes, not suitable for cooking on the stove (in most cases).

6. Ceramics

   - an environmentally friendly, natural material that is highly valued for its heat-resistant and thermally conductive properties. Ceramic pans are suitable for boiling, stewing, and baking dishes. Main advantages: excellent heat retention, environmentally friendly, oven-safe, aesthetically pleasing. Disadvantages: if the glaze layer is damaged, the food will begin to burn to the bottom; it requires delicate handling (it is afraid of impacts, sudden temperature changes).

Material

To begin with, it is worthwhile to dwell in detail on the types of material. Typically these are stainless steel, aluminum, ceramics, glass, cast iron, copper. Each product has special properties.

Stainless steel products are in first place in popularity. Almost all the largest Russian and foreign manufacturers of kitchenware are engaged in the production of such pans. This is a universal device suitable for preparing any dishes. Steel does not have a negative effect on the taste of products. In addition, this material is durable and lasts longer than others. It is recommended to wash steel utensils only with a soft sponge; brushes with a metal cleaning surface will only damage the surface, leaving scratches.

Another popular material that was once the most in demand is aluminum. Aluminum cookware is usually inexpensive. Pans made of extruded aluminum are very light in weight, but are subject to deformation. Products made of cast aluminum, on the contrary, are durable and noticeable in weight, but they are also more expensive. The water in such a container boils very quickly, and the material is absolutely harmless. Aluminum products are great for everyday use - boiling eggs, potatoes. If the product is equipped with a non-stick coating, you can cook full meals in it, as well as cook compotes - the products here do not have direct contact with aluminum.

Heavy cast iron pans with a non-stick coating are good for frying, sautéing and baking.

Such cookware has thick walls and is equally suitable for the stove and oven (if its surface is not covered with enamel).

Pots made of impact-resistant fireproof glass cannot be placed on the stove; they can only be used in the microwave or oven. If you need to use it on a gas stove, you need the burners to have a fire spreader, since heat-resistant glass requires uniform heating. For the same reason, it is recommended to place the pan in a cold oven, gradually heating it, otherwise the glass may burst. The finished dish can be served in it, as glassware looks aesthetically pleasing and not bulky.

Ceramic pots can hold heat for a long time. The material is safe and does not interact with products. Such dishes can be placed on the stove or used in the oven, and dishes cooked in them have a special taste. At the same time, ceramics is one of the most expensive and fragile materials.

Enameled cookware is inexpensive and heats up quickly. Enamel acts as a protective layer between the metal base and the products. However, the enamel coating can chip from impacts, and rust can form at the chip site over time, releasing harmful substances.

Copper pans are reliable, but have a high cost. The dish is preserved better in such dishes, but it is not recommended to cook vegetables, fruits or sour dishes in it.

Copper pans have an attractive appearance; details such as handles and lids are elegantly shaped and often made by hand.

Rating of the best manufacturers of saucepans according to experts

Comparison table

The best stainless steel pans

WMF

Rating: 5.0

Innovative German quality embodied in a strict design is the ideal solution for a modern kitchen. WMF pans are made of stainless steel of the highest quality - resistant to wear, mechanical stress, incredibly durable and aesthetically pleasing. Brand products retain their original properties throughout their entire service life.

The cookware is equipped with special heat-resistant handles for user safety, and the wide edge of the pan allows you to carefully drain the liquid. The inside of the cookware is covered with a protective enamel layer. The products come complete with a convenient durable glass lid, which increases their functionality. The product line includes models with an original lid, supplemented with a silicone seal of 4 sections for optimal steam formation and liquid drainage (depending on the type of product).

WMF stainless steel pans are compatible with any type of stove, comfortable to use and very easy to clean (even the dishwasher is suitable for cleaning them). The manufacturer provides a 30-year warranty on its products, subject to proper use.

Nadoba

Rating: 4.9

All products of the Czech manufacturer are made of high-quality materials processed using modern technologies. The result is a durable, safe and easy-to-use product. A unique feature of the company is the ideal combination of high quality and reasonable prices. It was this factor that enabled the brand to become one of the popular manufacturers of tableware and kitchen accessories.

Nadoba pans are made of durable stainless steel (18/10). The three-layer capsule bottom ensures fast, uniform heating of the metal. The pans come complete with a heat-resistant glass lid (there is a hole for steam to escape). Some models are equipped with a lid with a handle made of thermally insulating metal, some with a handle coated with a layer of silicone.

All models of Nadoba pots have a capacity marking on the inside of the walls, which makes it as easy as possible to determine the optimal amount of water or food. Products from the Czech manufacturer are suitable for all types of cookers.

Silampos

Rating: 4.8

A regular winner of international competitions and one of the darlings of the global kitchenware market, the Portuguese brand is famous for the quality and elegance of product design. Soft lines, perfectly smooth, polished surface, high strength – the company’s specialists create not just kitchen utensils for every day, but an elegant addition to the interior.

The main feature of Silampos stainless steel pans is the use of unique Impact Disc technology in the production process, which has become an excellent alternative to classical welding. An aluminum disc (diameter 6.5 cm) under a pressure of 1500 t is connected to a solid stainless steel shell and bottom.

This is a 100% guarantee that Silampos cookware will last a long time. Pots from a Portuguese manufacturer do not oxidize, do not deform during use, and are easy to clean. The pots come with two types of lids - stainless steel or heat-resistant transparent glass.

Fissler

Rating: 4.7

The products of the German manufacturer are not cheap, but they are definitely worth the money. It’s not for nothing that the brand has become popular all over the world – consumers associate Fissler pots with practicality, durability and a neat, stylish design. All product models are universal: they are suitable for absolutely any type of kitchen stove. They can be safely cleaned using the dishwasher, which is also a significant plus.

The brand's products are represented by a wide range. It is especially worth highlighting several branded lines. Intensa - the pots have a non-standard conical shape, which makes their storage more convenient, two levels of lid fixation (for storing and releasing steam) and a built-in drain.

Solea - products in this series are equipped with a measuring scale, come complete with a convenient sieve (optimal for cooking pasta) and a tightly fixed lid to prevent liquid from leaking onto the stove during cooking.

Fiamma is a series of pans with an elegant design and excellent heat-accumulating properties (and this characteristic applies not only to the bottom of the products, but also to the walls. There is also a professional series of stainless steel pans for cooks on sale - Original pro collection.

Tescoma

Rating: 4.6

It’s not for nothing that pots from a Czech manufacturer are especially popular on the domestic cookware market. For more than 20 years, the Tescoma brand has been producing a variety of series of pans made from the best quality materials. Stainless steel models are one of the best sellers on the market.

The company's production process is divided into several important stages. The first is the development of an original design. The second is to carefully consider the design of the model. The third is the launch of production and testing of the finished product. The majority of pan models from the Czech manufacturer are suitable for all types of cookers.

The manufacturer uses exclusively certified materials in the manufacture of pots, the quality of which is confirmed by the excellent performance characteristics of the product. The only complaint from consumers is the price is above average.

Tescoma not only strives for ideal results in the process of making kitchenware, but also regularly expands its range, delighting consumers with “delicious” new products.

Advanced Bronze Anolon 7 Piece Cookware Set

The set includes:

• Casserole with lid, 8 l,
• Bucket with lid, 2 pcs., 3 l and 1.5 l
• Frying pan, 2 pcs., 24 cm and 20 cm,
• Grill pan, 30 cm,
• Saucepan with lid, 3 l.

The multifunctional set will allow you to complete most kitchen tasks, while it is quite compact: it folds into two neat stacks.

The cookware is made of anodized aluminum - a durable and lightweight material. DuPont Autograph non-stick coating is a premium coating and has exceptional performance in all major criteria - non-stick properties, abrasion and scratch resistance, and withstands more than 180 cycles of the "tiger paw" test (where a heated surface is tested for scratch resistance using rods with tungsten tip), and more than 30 thousand cycles of abrasion test with a dish sponge. The coating can withstand heating up to 205 °C.

The handles, made with Anolon SureGrip technology, have a non-slip surface and stay cool while cooking.

The disadvantages of this cookware include the fastening of the handles with rivets, which can create some difficulties during washing, and incompatibility with induction cookers.

The best manufacturers of cast iron pans

GIPFEL

Rating: 5.0

The reliable Belgian manufacturer has proven itself throughout its existence as an exceptionally high-quality brand, creating practical, durable kitchen utensils with a neat, discreet design. The impressive range of GIPFEL products includes more than 3,000 product items. These include excellent quality cast iron pans with durable heat-resistant glass lids and steel handles.

The peculiarity of these products is their non-standard shape, which makes it possible to achieve perfectly uniform and, most importantly, rapid heating of the metal. And the combination of advanced technologies with the quality of raw materials used in the production process gives an unsurpassed result - reliable and durable cookware. Most GIPFEL pan models on the market have a patented ILAG non-stick coating.

Lodge

Rating: 4.9

The company began its activities at the end of the 19th century: in 1896, a family company was created, named after its founder. For more than 125 years of history, Lodge has specialized in producing cookware made from highly durable materials. Constant modernization of equipment and applied technologies, regular expansion of the product range and sales markets allowed the manufacturer to quickly enter the world stage.

Since 2002, the company has been producing pans from both black treated and gray untreated cast iron. In the first case, the product undergoes a special treatment even at the production stage - an analogue of oil is injected into the structure of the material. This allows you to minimize oil consumption during cooking using such a cast iron pan. In the second case (with untreated cast iron), it will not be difficult for the consumer to calcinate the product at home.

Most models (and there are over 80 of them on the market), including enamel-coated options, have a cast design (this eliminates the possibility of the handles overheating or tearing off). There are pots with steel handles.

Vitesse

Rating: 4.8

Initially, the famous French manufacturer specialized in the manufacture of stainless steel cookware. Over time, the company has significantly expanded its product range, focusing on lightweight aluminum, practical steel and durable cast iron. The latter has become a kind of highlight of the brand - the products are distinguished by a truly original, bright design.

The manufacturer made sure that the coating was perfectly smooth - this simplifies the process of caring for the product as much as possible. All models are equipped with a tight-fitting lid, which allows you to create ideal conditions for high-quality stewing of dishes.

Vitesse cast iron pans are coated with a layer of high-quality enamel, which provides not only protection for the coating, but also a neat aesthetic effect. The brand's products are suitable for cooking in the oven and on any type of cooker (including induction).

LE CREUSET

Rating: 4.7

The joint brainchild of two enthusiasts - a foundry worker and an enamels specialist - LE CREUSET is a magnificent combination of cast iron strength and durability with enamel aesthetics. The manufacturer produces simple models of cast iron pans, presented in a wide color palette - this is an ideal solution for connoisseurs of discreet, timeless classics (options made from other materials are also available on sale).

The brand's assortment is represented by models of oval, round shapes, and sometimes even non-standard shapes (for example, in the shape of a heart), made of smooth heat-resistant cast iron with a glass-based enamel coating (matte/glossy). Such products are suitable for all types of cookers (including induction). The LE CREUSET cast iron pan is the best option for stewing, baking, and even cooking over an open fire.

A pleasant feature of the products is that the inner surface is not afraid of mechanical stress, oxidation upon contact with products and rust. French cast iron pans are not only easy to use, but also easy to clean (they can even be washed in the dishwasher).

Additional recommendations for choosing a product

To choose a good pan, you should pay attention to the presence of the following elements that are responsible for additional comfort and safety of use:

• glass lid allowing you to control the cooking process;
• measuring scale for measuring liquid level;
• steam outlet;
• comfortable side handles;
• three-layer material.

The quality of the prepared dishes directly depends on the quality of the dishes. It is best to give preference to well-known brands and highly specialized stores. It is not necessary to select separate dishes for each type of dish; one universal, high-quality pan can replace many less expensive and reliable options.

The best manufacturers of aluminum pans

Kukmara

Rating: 5.0

It is no coincidence that the famous Russian manufacturer was included in our rating: for more than 70 years, the brand has been creating kitchenware of decent quality. Aluminum pans are the highlight and source of pride of the company. Models made from food-grade aluminum are perfect for any type of cookstove. The Kukmara assortment includes several hundred items, combined into a number of product lines.

The main features of the product are a thick-walled body, a thickened bottom (about 6 mm) with improved thermal conductivity properties (due to the material being grooved). Multilayer products are created on modernized equipment with mandatory quality control in several stages.

Among the main advantages of pans from domestic manufacturers, consumers especially highlight ease of use and a practical non-stick PFOA free coating (without the dangerous compound perfluorooctanoic acid), applied by spraying. Such products allow you to preserve the taste of food for a long time and are dishwasher safe. Aluminum pans with enamel coating are also available on sale.

TEFAL

Rating: 4.9

One of the world's leading companies producing tableware and household appliances. The famous French brand has long been synonymous with durability, style and reliability. Thanks to unique production technologies, the use of advanced equipment and strict quality control, the company's products are among the best-selling on the market.

TEFAL pans have several important advantages. The first is the TefalThermo-Spot option - a “temperature indicator” (a round sector in the center that changes its color depending on the degree of heating of the metal) for perfectly cooked dishes. The second is the ultra-durable TitaniumExtra coating made of titanium, the purpose of which is to prevent food from burning during the cooking process.

Third, a unique and varied design that allows you not only to choose a pan for cooking, but also to stylishly complement the interior of the kitchen. All pans from the French manufacturer are suitable for induction cookers.

BergHOFF

Rating: 4.8

Aluminum products of the famous Belgian brand are recognized by both culinary amateurs and professionals - the products of the manufacturer BergHOFF are distinguished by a thoughtful, ergonomic design, practicality and ease of use. Since the company pays special attention to the safety of the product it creates, only high-quality, environmentally friendly materials are used for its production.

A distinctive feature of BergHOFF pans is cast aluminum. It provides maximum speed of cooking, while more nutrients are retained in the products. The products are equipped with cool handles for user safety. The product line includes models with a safe non-stick coating and a heat-resistant glass lid with a silicone rim. Holes in the rim allow you to quickly drain the liquid without removing the lid.

Rondell

Rating: 4.7

A legendary German brand that manages to combine the time-tested tradition of tableware production with innovative technologies. All models of Rondell pans are distinguished by their quality, environmentally friendly materials, and high strength. German products come complete with heat-resistant glass lids with a hole for steam release. It is convenient, practical and aesthetically pleasing.

The handles are fixed to the products using riveted fastenings made of steel, heat-resistant material, or a combination of both. The special feature of the aluminum coating of Rondell products is the uniform heating of the metal surface and the presence of a protective antioxidant layer: in such cookware you can safely cook dishes with “aggressive” ingredients such as vinegar. The product range of the German manufacturer is incredibly wide, however, the manufacturer tirelessly pleases consumers with luxurious new products.

Other options

It is also worth dwelling on some of the technical characteristics of the cookware, which play an important role in the selection process.

Lids. Glass or steel are best. The transparent fireproof glass lid allows you to observe the cooking process. But such lids must have good throughput, otherwise steam will accumulate. Steel lids are durable and reliable, and some are equipped with a special funnel for adding ingredients to the dish while it is cooking. There are also models with built-in temperature sensors for process control.

Coating. One of the essential characteristics. It is best to give preference to cookware with a non-stick coating on the bottom. It makes the surface smooth, as a result, you can add a minimum of vegetable oil and the food will not burn.

Pens. Usually made of bakelite, plastic, silicone or the same material from which the pan itself is made. But, no matter what they are made of, the main requirement is that the handles do not heat up. However, in the case of cast “ears” of enameled and cast iron devices, this is not possible. And materials such as silicone or plastic can melt and deform if caught in a fire. Handles attached to the product with rivets can quickly become loose with intensive use. A more reliable method of fastening is spot welding.

Thickness of walls and bottom. The standard bottom thickness is considered to be from 1.9 mm to 8 mm. This bottom heats up quickly, due to which the dish is cooked quickly, and its heating occurs evenly. There are also products with a multi-layer bottom; they cool slowly, so the dish remains warm for a long time.

As for the walls, their thickness ranges from 0.4 mm to 5 mm, and the greater the thickness, the longer the heat of cooked products is retained.

Slab type. You can place pots made of almost any material on a regular gas stove. It is not recommended to place glass products on an electric stove. And the induction cooker works well with special pans, the bottom of which is equipped with a magnetic plate.

Volume. This parameter directly depends on what type of food will be cooked in a particular vessel. For example, for soups, compotes, and various pickles, a large saucepan with a capacity of 18-20 liters is suitable.

The best manufacturers of enamel pans

Kochstar

Rating: 5.0

The famous German brand OMERAS, since its inception back in 1839, has been famous for its signature metal kitchen utensils. The Kochstar trademark is currently part of the company's structure. The main feature of the manufacturer’s products is the specific composition of the glassy enamel used as a top coating for the manufactured pans. Enamel is applied on both sides of products to improve their performance properties and extend their service life.

The perfectly smooth surface of Kochstar products is easy to clean both in the dishwasher and by hand. Bacteria and microscopic food debris do not accumulate on the enamel coating.

All models of pans on the market are made of durable steel with a thickness of 1.25-2 mm: it perfectly withstands temperature changes and is suitable for use on any type of stove (even for the oven). The containers have a thickened bottom, thanks to which the food does not burn during the cooking process. Another important advantage is the resistance of the enamel coating to acids, salts, and mechanical damage (cracks, chips).

METROT

Rating: 4.9

The main distinctive feature of the cookware can be safely called the original design - it is simply impossible not to notice the products of the Serbian manufacturer Metalac (METROT represents it in Russia). The company's rich design line includes several dozen different models to suit every taste: there are rich, bright designs on sale, as well as delicate, neutral colors.

The decor is not limited to simple elements: fruits, flowers, original ornaments, even miniature paintings - all this can be found among METROT products. Every year the manufacturer pleases consumers with several new models. Any housewife will be able to choose the ideal option for her kitchen.

All models of pans are manufactured directly at the Serbian factory. The main feature is that the body and lid (in most cases) are made of high-quality stainless steel coated with heat-resistant enamel. It does not weigh down the structure, does not crack, and at the same time protects against rust.

Mayer&Boch

Rating: 4.8

The company confirms the statement that true quality is German. The famous manufacturer of tableware has long been popular in the global kitchen utensils market. Mayer&Boch designers take a creative approach to developing the shapes and decoration of pan models, which allows them to obtain products with an interesting design without sacrificing functionality.

Made from durable carbon steel, the models are coated with multi-layer heat-resistant enamel. High temperature-resistant designs are applied to it, which do not change their original appearance throughout the entire life of the product. Each model comes with a heat-resistant glass lid with a metal rim (stainless steel) or an opaque version with an enamel coating.

The pans are suitable for any stove and are quite easy to clean (can be cleaned in the dishwasher). If desired, the consumer can select suitable dishes and accessories for the purchased pan from more than 7,000 product positions of the brand.

What is the difference between expensive and cheap saucepans

Often the difference in price depends on the percentage of alloy elements. If the composition contains manganese or copper, these are affordable models that may become deformed or crack over time. When nickel is included, the cookware is one of the higher quality and more expensive options.

The cost is affected by the number of layers of the bottom and walls of the pan. The more there are, the stronger and more reliable the product. Additional elements and devices that simplify work in the kitchen also affect the cost of cookware.

The best manufacturers of glass pans

Simax

Rating: 5.0

The Czech Republic is known to be famous for its glass products. This means that the Czechs have practically no equal in the production of glassware. The famous brand Simax specializes in the production of a variety of kitchen utensils made of glass: pots, salad bowls, teapots, vases, etc. The company even took the liberty of creating laboratory glass, the quality of which is subject to increased requirements.

Simax pans are distinguished by their versatility of use - suitable for boiling, baking, cooking in the microwave, storing in the refrigerator and even serving. Impact-resistant, environmentally friendly glass ensures the quality and speed of cooking, and prevents food from burning not only to the bottom, but also to the walls of the pan. All models are equipped with a practical flat lid that can be used as a full-fledged plate. The only inconvenient feature of glass pans is that they cannot be used for cooking on the stove.

Dinamica Silga 12-piece cookware set

The set includes:

• Pan with lid with temperature indicator, 3 pcs., 1.8 l, 2.8 l, 5.6 l
• Frying pan with domed lid, diameter 24 cm.
• Colander insert, diameter 24 cm.
• Bowl, 2 pcs., diameter 20 cm and 24 cm.
• Grating grid, diameter 20 cm;
• Basket insert, diameter 20 cm;
• Plastic cover, 2 pcs., diameter 20 cm and 24 cm.
• Transformer for dishes 20 cm - 24 cm.

The Italian brand Silga is not very widely known on the Russian market, but among experienced chefs, it enjoys well-deserved popularity for its excellent ratio of price, quality and functionality.

The modular system of this stainless steel set is thought out to the smallest detail. By assembling a multi-level installation, you can cook several types of products in a water bath or steam on one burner. What is important is that thanks to the insert hoop-diameter converter and special Silga inserts, any other kitchen utensil can be used for cooking in a water bath and steamed. The lids of the dishes are equipped with a temperature indicator (thermal sensor), which allows you to control the heating level (low, medium, high), this allows you to use popular low-temperature cooking methods, creating vitamin-rich, tasty dishes.

Those wishing to diversify their home menu and try new culinary techniques will undoubtedly find the set interesting.

Selecting cookware for the hob

Yes, you read that right. This is really very important - not every pan can be placed on a glass cover or a gas burner. Let's figure it out together:

• For electric stoves with a glass-ceramic surface, you cannot use any pans with a rough surface, such as cast iron. Suitable utensils made of stainless steel, glass, Teflon or ceramics, enameled steel.
• For induction panels, it is important that the bottom has magnetic properties - choose metal cookware.
• It is not advisable to use glass pans for gas stoves. But everything else is without restrictions. True, it is better to place the ceramics on low heat first so that it warms up evenly.

As you can see, this is a really important point: it will be a shame to buy an expensive pan that simply won’t heat up or will burst on the first day.

What else is worth paying attention to?