At a glance

• Rust, scratch and corrosion resistant
• Durable and long-lasting
• Non-porous and non-reactive
• Usually non-stick

Use it for

• High heat cooking: It's excellent for cooking methods that require high heat, like searing meats and frying, due to its ability to withstand high temperatures without warping.
• Even heat distribution: The cookware provides even heat distribution, making it ideal for cooking dishes that need consistent heat, such as stir fries and sautés.
• Non-stick cooking: Many hard anodised cookware pieces come with a non-stick coating, making them suitable for cooking foods that tend to stick, like eggs, pancakes, or fish, with less oil.
• Acidic foods: Unlike traditional aluminium pots and pans, hard anodised cookware does not react with acidic foods, so it's safe for cooking tomato based dishes or recipes with lemon juice or vinegar.

Shop hard anodised aluminium cookware

Anolon Endurance+
Jamie Oliver by Tefal

At a glance

• Several layers of non-stick
• Introduction of minerals to create extra hard surface (diamonds, sapphires, titanium)
• Even heat distribution
• Metal utensil safe
• Withstands high temperatures

Use it for

• Even and quick heating: Cast aluminium heats up quickly and evenly, making it great for recipes that require a consistent temperature, such as sauces and gravies.
• Frying and sautéing: It's ideal for frying and sautéing due to its excellent heat response, allowing for quick changes in temperature as needed.
• Baking: Cast aluminium's heat properties make it suitable for baking, as it ensures even cooking throughout.
• Braising and stewing: It can be used for slow-cooking methods like braising and stewing, as the material retains heat well.
• Grilling and roasting: Some cast aluminium cookware is suitable for grilling or roasting, particularly if it's coated with a non-stick layer.

Shop Cast aluminium cookware

Tefal Ultimate
Swiss Diamond Classic XD

At a glance

• Rapid heating
• Durable and tough
• Metal utensil safe
• Dishwasher safe
• Suitable for all stovetops
• Oven safe

Use it for

• Searing and browning: Stainless steel is excellent for searing meats and fish, achieving a perfect browning due to its ability to withstand high heat.
• Sautéing and stir frying: It provides a good surface for sautéing vegetables, meats, and stir frying, offering even heat distribution.
• Boiling and simmering: Ideal for boiling pasta, grains, and simmering soups and sauces, especially since it doesn’t react with acidic ingredients.
• Deglazing and making pan sauces: The fond (browned bits) that forms on stainless steel pans is perfect for deglazing to make flavourful pan sauces.
• General cooking and frying: Its non-reactive nature makes it suitable for a wide range of cooking tasks, including frying.
• Oven cooking: Many stainless steel cookware items are oven safe, making them suitable for recipes that start on the stove and finish in the oven.
• Cooking acidic foods: Unlike cast iron or aluminium, stainless steel doesn’t react with acidic or alkaline foods, so it's safe for cooking tomatoes, vinegar based sauces or citrusy dishes.

Shop Stainless steel cookware

Scanpan Impact
Scanpan STS
Scanpan HaptIQ

Enamelled stainless steel

Enamelled stainless steel cookware combines the strength and durability of stainless steel with a hard, glossy enamel coating. This coating, typically made of a type of glass, is applied to the surface of the cookware and fired at high temperatures to bond it to the metal. The enamel coating provides a non-reactive surface, preventing the metal from interacting with acidic or alkaline foods, thus preserving flavours and preventing discoloration. It also adds a layer of protection against rust and scratches, while offering a variety of vibrant colours and designs that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your cookware.

Though not naturally non-stick like some other coatings, the enamelled surface is relatively easy to clean and maintain. Enamelled stainless steel cookware is suitable for most types of cooking and is often oven safe, but it's important to check the manufacturer's guidelines for temperature limits and care instructions. This type of cookware works well on all stovetops, including induction, making it a versatile and decorative choice for many kitchens.

At a glance

• Non-stick
• Rapid heating
• Durable and tough

Use it for

• Simmering and boiling: It's excellent for simmering sauces, soups, and stews, as well as for boiling pasta and vegetables. The enamel coating prevents reactions with acidic foods.
• General sautéing: Great for sautéing vegetables, meats, and other ingredients, especially when you want to avoid the sticking that can occur with regular stainless steel.
• Slow cooking and braising: The enamel coating can provide a somewhat non-stick surface, making these pots and pans good for slow cooked dishes and braises.
• Baking and roasting: Enamelled stainless steel can typically be used in the oven, making it suitable for baking or roasting.
• Cooking acidic foods: The non-reactive nature of the enamel makes it safe for cooking acidic dishes like tomato sauce.
• Serving and storing food: The enamel coating makes it a visually appealing option for serving food at the table, and it's also safe for storing leftovers in the refrigerator.

At a glance

• Pre-seasoning required
• Withstands high temperatures
• Develops a non-stick patina over time when seasoned
• Durable
• Lightweight

Use it for

• High temperature searing: Ideal for searing meats due to its ability to withstand and maintain very high temperatures, creating a perfect browning or crust.
• Stir frying: Its rapid heat response and high heat tolerance make it perfect for stir frying, where quick, high temperature cooking is needed.
• Sautéing: The material's lightweight nature combined with good heat conduction makes it great for sautéing vegetables and meats.
• Frying and blackening: Excellent for frying due to its even heat distribution. It's also great for blackening dishes, commonly used in Cajun cuisine.
• Grilling and broiling: Can be used for grilling or broiling in the oven, as it can handle high oven temperatures without damage.
• Making crepes or pancakes: Carbon steel pans are often used for making crepes and pancakes because they heat up quickly and evenly.
• Omelettes and eggs: A well seasoned carbon steel skillet can have non-stick qualities that are perfect for cooking eggs and omelettes.

Shop carbon steel cookware

Garcima carbon steel
Ken Hom carbon steel
D.Line carbon steel

At a glance

• Rapid heating
• Even heat distribution
• Heat retentive
• Combined with other metals for strength
• Metal utensil safe

Use it for

• Sauces and chocolates: The precise temperature control offered by copper is ideal for making delicate sauces, chocolates, and custards, where maintaining a specific temperature is crucial to avoid scorching or separation.
• Candies and sugar syrups: Copper is a preferred choice for confectionery, like candy making and sugar syrups, due to its superior heat distribution. It helps in preventing crystallisation, ensuring smooth textures.
• Jams and preserves: The even heat distribution is excellent for cooking jams, jellies, and preserves, reducing the risk of burning while achieving the right consistency.
• Searing and browning meat: While copper can handle high heat, it's particularly good for controlled searing and browning of meats, allowing for an even crust without overheating.
• Simmering and reductions: Copper pots and pans are great for dishes that require simmering over a period, such as reductions, where the even heat aids in a consistent simmer and efficient evaporation.
• Delicate proteins: Cooking delicate proteins like fish and seafood, which require precise temperature control, is another area where copper shines.
• Risottos and grains: The even heat also makes copper cookware suitable for cooking risottos and grains, ensuring they cook uniformly without sticking or burning.

Shop copper cookware

Scanpan Coppernox
Scanpan Axis
Essteele Per Vita

At a glance

• Non-stick
• Rapid heating
• Durable and tough
• Metal utensil safe

Use it for

• Even heat distribution: The aluminium or copper core provides excellent heat conduction, ensuring even cooking without hot spots. This makes it great for tasks where consistent heat is key, like making sauces or cooking grains.
• Searing and browning: The stainless steel surface is ideal for searing meats, poultry, and fish, as it can withstand high heat and promotes even browning.
• Deglazing and making pan sauces: The smooth surface allows for effective deglazing, using liquids to lift the flavorful bits left from searing, crucial for making pan sauces.
• Versatility in cooking methods: Suitable for a wide range of cooking methods, including boiling, steaming, sautéing, and frying.

Shop coated tri-ply/polished stainless steel

Stanley Rogers SR-Matrix
Wolstead Superior Steel
Essteele Per Amore
Le Creuset 3-ply

At a glance

• Highly heat retentive
• Develops a non-stick patina over time when seasoned properly
• Durable
• Designed to last a lifetime
• Use it on all stovetops, in the ove, over the campfire and on the barbeque

Use it for

• High temperature cooking: Ideal for searing meats and frying due to its ability to withstand and maintain high temperatures.
• Baking: Excellent for baking bread, pies, and pizzas, offering even heat distribution and a crisp crust.
• Grilling and broiling: Suitable for grilling steaks, burgers, or vegetables, either on the stovetop or in the oven.
• Slow cooking and stewing: Great for slow cooking stews and soups, as it retains heat over a long period.
• Sautéing and stir frying: Works well for sautéing and stir frying vegetables, meats, and other ingredients.

Shop seasoned/traditional cast iron cookware

Victoria Seasoned cast iron
Lodge Logic cast iron
Pyrolux Pyrocast cast iron

At a glance

• Durable
• Highly heat retentive
• Designed to last generations

Use it for:

• Slow cooking and braising: The heavy lid and even heat distribution make enamelled cast iron ideal for slow cooking, stewing, and braising.
• Baking: It's great for baking bread or casseroles, as it maintains a steady temperature.
• Searing and frying: It heats up slowly but retains heat well, making it suitable for searing meat at high temperatures.
• Simmering or boiling: Good for making soups, sauces, and boiling water, though the heat should be increased gradually to avoid damaging the enamel.
• General sauteing: Useful for sautéing vegetables and other ingredients.
• Oven-to-table dishes: Aesthetically pleasing and functional for serving food straight from the oven or stove to the table.

Shop enamelled cast iron cookware

Victoria Enameled cast iron
Le Creuset cast iron
Chasseur cast iron
Wolstead Endure cast iron

At a glance

• Non-toxic, free from PFOA
• Available in a range of colours
• A healthier alternative to traditional non-stick

Use it for

• Low and medium-heat cooking: Perfect for cooking eggs, pancakes, or any food that requires a non-stick surface. The ceramic coating performs best at lower temperatures.
• Sautéing vegetables: Great for cooking vegetables without needing much oil, preserving their natural flavours and nutrients.
• Cooking delicate fish and poultry: The non-stick surface is ideal for delicate foods like fish fillets or chicken breasts that might otherwise stick and break apart.
• Reheating food: Useful for warming leftovers without sticking.

Shop ceramic non-stick cookware

Tefal Renew Black
Wolstead Mineral