Stovetop Pressure Cookers

• Non-stick frypan. Non-stick cookware is coated in a finish that releases food easily, prevents stuck bits and is easy to clean.

• Cast iron. Cast iron cookware can withstand intense heat and retains it well for even cooking. It's also virtually indestructible and porous.

• Silicone. Silicone cookware is flexible, non-stick and easy to clean.

Cookware sets vs. individual items - what's right for you?

If you're someone who cooks a lot or who loves to experiment with a wide range of cooking, a cookware set is an excellent investment. It will give you a variety of saucepans, frypans and specialised cookware in different shapes and sizes to save time and money. If you're a casual cook or tend to stick to one cooking style, buying items individually may be a more cost-effective option.

High-quality cookware sets available

For those who love to cook up a storm, a cookware set is the way to go. There are twin packs with the Scanpan Classic 2pc Frypan Set for cooking pancakes and eggs and more comprehensive sets with specialised cooking items including the Wolstead Steeltek 8 Piece Cookware Set with saucepans, frypans, stockpot, steamer, saute pan and roaster with rack.

Features to consider when choosing cookware

These features can make or break your new cookware purchase. Consider whether they are important to your cooking needs before buying:

• Appearance + design - Stainless steel cookware is stylish and modern, cast iron is charmingly old-fashioned and enamelled cast iron is typically bright and bold

• Flat base - A flat base will provide more even heat distribution

• Oven-safe - Oven-safe cookware can go from the stovetop to the oven to finish cooking

• Dishwasher-safe - A dishwasher-safe pot or pan makes cleaning up a breeze!

• Heat conductivity - This refers to how quickly cookware adapts to temperature changes. Copper, cast iron and anodised aluminium are excellent heat conductors.

• Price - Should you start with the basics and grow your collection or do you have the budget to purchase an extensive professional cookware set?

• Durability - A durable piece of cookware will last you many years

• Reactivity - Reactive metal cookware can impart a metallic taste to food when cooking with acidic ingredients

• Maintenance - Stainless steel cookware is renowned for being easy to maintain while cast iron cookware needs to be seasoned to retain its non-stick surface

• Pouring lips - A lip will make pouring hot liquids safer and mess-free

• Stay cool handles + knobs - This will prevent accidental burns and injuries

• Lid - A lid is essential for steaming and great at keeping food hot for longer

• Hole in handle for easy storing - Save space by hanging these pots and pans on the wall