Cookware Buying Guide: Your everyday guide to pots & pans

Every kitchen is different and so is the way we cook but there are some cookware essentials that we know you’ll reach for again and again, no matter what the flavour.

• Saucepans are perfect for boiling pasta, simmering sauces or heating soups. A good cooking pot is an everyday must-have.

• When it comes to whipping up eggs and pancakes for brekky or stir-fries and quick sears for dinner, a great fry pan (especially non-stick) or wok makes life easier.

• Sauté pans are ideal when you need a little extra depth for one-pan meals, curries or saucy dishes and stock pots are perfect for batch cooking, soups, stews and family-size meals.

• Cast iron casseroles are great for slow cooking, oven-to-table meals and comfort food classics when winter rolls around.

Build up your kitchen supplies piece by piece or grab a complete pots and pans setup to fill your cooking space with essential cookware that fits your food routine!

Not all cookware is made the same. Here’s a simple breakdown of common materials and why you might choose them:

• Non-stick is easy to cook with and even easier to clean. Great for low-oil cooking and everyday meals and ideal if you’re after the best non-stick fry pan for quick cooking.

• Aluminium is lightweight and heats up fast, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you just need to get dinner on the table.

• Hard anodised is tougher than standard aluminium and is designed to last a little longer.

• Stainless steel cookware is a staple as it's strong, longer-lasting and great for even heating. A stainless-steel pot is a must-have kitchen staple that handles everything from boiling to browning.

• Cast iron cookware retains heat well and is perfect for slow cooking and stirring up hearty winter home-cooked meals.

• Ceramic is a popular option if you're looking for a non-stick surface with a smooth, easy-to-clean finish (because nobody likes spending hours scrubbing the dishes!).

Many of these materials support healthier cooking by requiring less oil, offering even heat distribution and being free from unnecessary coatings.

Before first use:

Wash your cookware in warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly. For non-stick and cast iron items, a light seasoning can help for best cooking.

Our cookware cleaning tips:

• Let your cookware cool before washing.

• Use soft sponges to protect the cookware surfaces.

• Don't use harsh cleaners on non-stick and ceramic cookware.

• Dry stainless-steel cookware straight away to keep it looking fresh and new.

• A little care goes a long way in making your cookware last.

Before buying, it’s important to check that your cookware works with your cooktop:

• Gas works with most cookware types and gives great heat control.

• With electric flat-bottom pots and pans are best for even contact and heating.

• Ceramic & halogen work best with smooth, flat cookware bases to help prevent scratching and improve heat transfer.

• Induction requires cookware with a magnetic base, such as stainless-steel cookware and cast iron.

Always check product details to make sure your cooking pot or pan works with your cooktop.

Great meals start with good preparation. The right accessories help save time and make cooking more enjoyable (especially on those extra busy days!). From classic chopping boards to reliable utensils and easy-to-read measuring tools, these kitchen essentials help everything run smoothly from prep to plate.