Figuring out which cookware set will work best for you

Whether you’re a home cook or a professional chef, one of the best investments you can make for your kitchen is a cookware set. Cookware sets bundle a variety of cooking pots and pans into one purchase, saving you money and allowing you to experiment with different cookware pieces. When it comes to choosing the perfect cookware set, you should consider these factors:

• Material: Cookware sets come in a variety of materials including stainless steel, non-stick, cast iron, hard anodised and cast aluminium. It is important to choose a material which compliments your cooking ability as this will ensure the longevity of your cookware set.

• Type: Whether you need a complete kitchen cookware refresh or just a specialised two piece frypan set, you will want to consider the types of cookware pieces required as not every cookware set will work for every cook or kitchen.

• Size: Depending on the size of your family you will want to consider the size of cookware pieces within a set as some are focused on smaller cooking tasks, whereas others are designed for larger families or those with greater cooking ability.

• Space: Cookware sets can take up quite a lot of space within a kitchen, therefore, it is wise to consider how much space you have. Smaller kitchens will benefit from compact, space saving sets, such as the Wolstead Succinct range.

Common cookware materials

Cookware sets come in a variety of different materials which each offer different cooking benefits. The most common types of materials cookware sets come in include:

• Non-stick: Non-stick cookware sets are a great option if you want to cook with less oils and fats as the cooking surface is coated with a non-stick layer which makes cooking delicate cooking foods like eggs or fish super easy and also assist with cleaning up as food won’t stick to the surface.

• Stainless steel: Stainless steel cookware sets are non-reactive, non-toxic, lightweight and very durable. Stainless steel cookware is also dishwasher safe and oven safe.

• Cast iron: Cast iron cookware sets provide even heat distribution and heat retention. Cast iron can be either enamelled or seasoned with both types being incredibly durable and designed to last a lifetime.

• Cast aluminium: Cast aluminium cookware sets are lightweight, affordable and offer good heat retention.

• Hard anodised: Hard anodised cookware sets are harder than stainless steel and are largely resistant to corrosion. Hard anodised are also non-reactive which is great when cooking acidic food.

What’s included in a cookware set?

Cookware sets come with a variety of pots and pans in different sizes. Saucepan or frypan sets contain one product in an assortment of sizes, whereas other cookware sets contain a range of different pieces for the kitchen, from frying pans, to saucepans, saute pans, stock pots, steamers and woks. Some common items you may find in a cookware set:

• Frying pans and skillets

• Saucepans

• Steamer baskets

• Sauté pans and chef pans

• Woks

• Stock pots

• Roasters and roasting pans

• Casserole pots

• Grill pans

Different types of cookware sets available

Here at Kitchen Warehouse, we have a large variety of cookware sets for frying, baking, boiling, steaming, searing, grilling and everything in between. If you’re after a new non-stick cookware set, the Wolstead Stonetek 10 piece Non Stick Cookware Set is the one stop product for absolutely everything you will need in the kitchen. It comes with various sized frying pans, saucepans, a steamer and more. If you’re after a stainless steel cookware set, then you can’t go past the Scanpan Impact cookware range. Coming in a variety of sizes from a two piece frying pan set, all the way up to a 10 piece full cookware set, every cooking task will be covered. If you are after induction compatible cookware sets, the Jamie Oliver Cook's Classic Hard Anodised Induction set is suitable for a variety of stovetops including induction as well as gas, electric, halogen and ceramic.

The difference between frying pans and sauté pans

There are a couple of differences between frying pans and sauté pans. Frying pans have a flat bottom base with sloped edges which makes it easier to stir ingredients when cooking. In comparison, a sauté pan has a larger surface area with high edges at a 90 degree angle. They are the ideal cooking pan when you need to sear meat or for cooking sauces, as the design of the pan means that liquids won’t spill over the edges.

Features to look out for when buying a new cookware set

Knowing these handy features before purchasing your new cookware set will help you understand how to use your cooking equipment and make it more convenient for cooking:

• Glass lids to retain heat and flavour

• Removable handles, to go from cooktop to oven to table

• Non-stick coating to prevent food from sticking

• Dishwasher safe to make cleaning up easy

• Oven safe for greater versatility

• Induction compatible

Products to complement your cookware set

• Chopping board

• Kitchen knives

• Tongs

• Splatter guards and screens

• Kitchen utensils and gadgets

• Roasting racks

Brands we know and trust

Discover the most beloved brands in kitchenware at prices below RRP at Kitchen Warehouse, including Wolstead, Tefal, Victoria, Scanpan, Anolon, Essteele, Swiss Diamond, Chasseur and Le Creuset.

Buying your new cookware set at Kitchen Warehouse

Update your cookware set with our spectacular range of cookware at Kitchen Warehouse. Other ranges to explore include kitchenware, drinkware, kitchen appliances, bakeware and more - right from the comfort of your own home! Shop online and save your favourites to a wishlist for later or add them to the shopping cart for fast checkout and free delivery over $100 Australia-wide. Our gift card option makes it easy to spoil someone you love on any special occasion.

FAQs:

What size pots and pans come in a cookware set?

The best part about cookware sets is that they combine pots and pans of a variety of sizes to accommodate individual cooking needs. Every cookware set is different when it comes to the pots and pans you will receive, the Analon Endurance+ Cookware Set is a great choice for getting a variety of products at different capacities in one set. The six piece set includes a 28cm sauté pan with a lid which is perfect for cooking up family sized meals, a 16cm saucepan for making sauces, and even a 20cm French skillet for making omelettes in the morning.

What is the price range for cookware sets?

Kitchen Warehouse caters to all budgets. We have affordable, quality cookware sets available within the range of $50 to $100 up to extravagant cookware sets that range from $640 to $950 with absolutely everything your kitchen will need. Many of our cookware sets are under $400 and are far below RRP. Plus, if you spend over $100, you'll also receive free delivery right to your doorstep no matter where you live in Australia!

What are some of the benefits of buying a cookware set?

There are many benefits of buying a cookware set. They are a fantastic investment which saves you money by combining multiple pots and pans into one purchase. You can find sets that contain specialised equipment for cooking certain types of food, such as saute pans for simmering sauces, woks for stir fry and strainers for pasta. Plus, they come in different materials and finishes to suit any preference and heat source, from stainless steel to non-stick and anodised aluminium.