Best saucepans in Australia

The best saucepans in Australia

• Best overall saucepan set: Le Creuset 3-ply Stainless Steel 3-piece Saucepan Set
• Best induction saucepan set: Pyrolux Pyrostone 3-piece Saucepan Set
• Best cast-iron saucepan set: Lodge 3.2-quart Cast Iron Combo Cooker
• Best stainless steel saucepan set: Scanpan Impact 3-piece Saucepan Set
• Best copper saucepan set: Scanpan Coppernox Saucepan Set
• Best aluminium saucepan set: Circulon Infinite Saucepans and Frypan Set
• Best non-stick saucepan set: Le Creuset Toughened Non-stick 3-piece Saucepan Set
• Best cheap saucepan set: Tefal Ingenio Essential 7-piece Saucepan Set with Lids
• Best saucepan set for camping: Coleman Family Cook Set

Saucepans are typically rounded, deep pans with a short handle used for cooking sauces. You can also use saucepans to prepare soups, stews and even gravies. Having a couple of saucepans is essential in any kitchen as they are important in preparing a huge range of dishes.

There are different types of saucepans in the market – non-stick, cast-iron, aluminium and copper. To pick the best ones for your household, consider the cooktop you're using, the number of saucepans you need, their sizes and cleanability. Price, warranty and other inclusions are other factors you should consider.

For this list, we examined saucepan sets from brands such as Le Creuset, Tefal, Lodge and Pyrolyx. We then chose sets based on customer reviews and ratings. We also considered key product features when picking options for each category.

Read our full methodology below.

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Why we chose it

Le Creuset's Classic 3-ply Stainless Steel 3-piece Saucepan Set is our pick for the best overall saucepan set. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Le Creuset is a popular, well-loved brand of cookware. It has gained a reputation for producing durable pots and pans that will last you a lifetime. This classic saucepan set is made of stainless steel for a rapid heat-up time and even heating. Each pan comes with a close-fitting lid to retain moisture so you can cook with less water. The set contains a 16cm, an 18cm and a 20cm saucepan. All have helper handles.

While this set is pricey, it remains a favourite among customers. Each pan is made of 3-ply material, providing even heating across its base and sides. Users added that the saucepans heat up quickly, while others loved that they are dishwasher-safe. The set comes with a lifetime warranty.

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Why we chose it

With a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, we recommend the Pyrolux Pyrostone 3-piece Saucepan Set as the best induction set.

Made using high-quality materials, this 3-piece saucepan set is suitable for all cooktops, including induction. Each pan has a non-stick coating that is abrasion-resistant and has superb conductivity. You can use the pans in the oven at temperatures of up to 180°C.

Customers praised the product's versatility and value for money. The saucepans use heavy-gauge stone technology for even heat distribution, ensuring you get the optimal heating every time. Each pan also has an ergonomic handle with a soft-touch grip. A few buyers said the lids are a bit tricky to clean, but this seems to be a minor concern.

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Why we chose it

The Lodge 3.2 Quart Cast Iron Combo Cooker is our choice for this category. It has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 15,000 Amazon reviews. While technically a combo cooker, this set is the best option we could find given the rarity of cast-iron saucepan sets online.

Lodge's cast iron combo contains 2 oven-safe cast iron pans seasoned with 100% natural oil. You get a Dutch oven where you can create a wide range of dishes and sauces. The lid also doubles as a skillet or griddle that you can use on the grill, stove or over a campfire. The set works on induction cooktops as well.

This set is a versatile workhorse for cooking meals and sauces for 1–5 people. They are foundry seasoned and ready to use out of the box. The set is made of high-quality cast iron for heat retention and even heating.

Users loved that they are small enough to bring during camping, while others loved that they work superbly on induction stoves. But because they are made of cast iron, cleaning can be quite tricky.

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Why we chose it

For the best stainless steel option, we selected the Scanpan Impact 3-piece Saucepan Set. Amazon customers gave it a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Scanpan's saucepan set comes with 16cm, 18cm and 20cm saucepans made of stainless steel for durability. They also feature stainless steel handles and tempered glass-domed lids with stainless steel knobs and trips. The set has a 10-year warranty.

With an impact-bonded base and thick stainless steel walls, these saucepans ensure rapid heat up and even heat distribution so you can cook your favourite sauces to perfection. The set is suitable for a wide range of cooktops, including induction. Users said the pans are relatively lightweight, although the handles are a bit slim and unsupportive. The lids also don't have steam outlets.

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Why we chose it

Our best pick for this category is the Scanpan Coppernox Saucepan Set, which has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Everten.

With a copper-infused base and stainless steel exterior, this saucepan set provides rapid and even heat conduction to avoid uneven cooking and burnt spots. The handles have silicone inserts lining for safety, while the thick glass lids give you a clear view of your dishes without releasing the heat within.

The set contains 16cm, 18cm and 20cm saucepans, all of which are oven-safe for up to 180°C. They are also suitable for induction and all other cooktops. After you're finished, simply put the pans in a dishwasher for an easy and convenient cleaning experience. There were complaints about the saucepans being a bit cumbersome to handle, but this seems to be a minor concern.

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Why we chose it

With a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon, we recommend the Circulon Infinite Saucepans and Frypan Set as the best aluminium set.

With 16cm, 18cm and 20cm saucepans and a 24cm skillet, this aluminium set suits most cooktops, including induction. Each pan has a non-stick coating and a stainless steel handle with an ergonomic grip, plus close-fitting lids to retain moisture while cooking.

Customers gave positive feedback on the set's value for money and ease of use. The set comes with versatile pans for cooking tasty sauces and a durable skillet for frying. Users added that the handles are easy to grip and supportive when carrying the pans. The non-stick coating is easy to clean using soap and water.

However, users cautioned against using abrasive cleaning materials as these can damage the coating. The pans evenly distribute heating, but they don't heat up as quickly as other saucepans do.

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Why we chose it

We recommend Le Creuset's Toughened Non-stick 3-piece Saucepan Set as the best option for this category. It has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

Designed for everyday use, this saucepan set is made of durable non-stick coating that the brand claims to be 4 times stronger for exceptional release. The pans also have an anti-abrasion layer in the middle, plus a hard-anodised heavy gauge aluminium body. The set comes with Le Creuset's lifetime warranty too.

This set contains 16cm, 18cm and 20cm saucepans to help you cook your favourite dishes to perfection. Not only do they look sleek, but the pans have full-disk magnetic bases, making them suitable for all cooktops. They also come with heat-resistant glass lids. For added versatility, you can use the pans on the grill or in the oven up to 260°C.

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Why we chose it

For the best cheap saucepan set, we picked the Tefal Ingenio Essential 7-piece Saucepan Set with Lids. It has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 4,800 Amazon reviews.

This stackable saucepan set contains 16cm, 18cm and 20cm saucepans. You also get 3 glass lids and a removable handle. The saucepans have a durable non-stick coating and are also oven-safe up to 260°C.

Numerous buyers were impressed by the product's value for money, durability and compact design. Since the pans can be stacked, they are ideal for small kitchen spaces. The pans are dishwasher-safe and fridge-friendly too. You can pop them in your fridge without being damaged.

Customers said that the handle is comfortable to grip, adding much-needed support when carrying a heavy saucepan.

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Why we chose it

For the best set for camping, we selected the Coleman Family Cook Set. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

This nesting cooking set from Coleman comes with a 10-inch frying pan, 2.4-quart saucepan and a 6.9-quart stockpot – all of which you can use to make tasty sauces and delicious dishes outdoors. The pans have a non-stick handle, while the removable handle offers an ergonomic grip. Built using commercial-grade steel, the pans heat quickly and distribute heat evenly for a pleasant cooking experience.

Designed with outdoor adventures in mind, this set is compact enough for your camping bag. They are durable and withstand high heat and have a non-stick coating to ensure you avoid random burnt spots on your food. However, the pans are quite small to make portions for more than 5 people.

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Amazon prices last updated on 19 December, 2024 at 05:09 pm

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eBay prices last updated on 19 December, 2024 at 06:09 pm

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When to get a new saucepan

A couple of good saucepans (at least) are essential in any kitchen. Saucepans are likely to see more use than any other piece of cookware in your kitchen.

Sometimes it's hard to say goodbye to your old pots and pans after their many years of service. Here are a few telltale signs that it's time to upgrade:

• Chipping and flaking

  Is the non-stick coating on your favourite pan peeling or flaking off? Are there chips in your enamelled cast-iron cookware? Can you see the copper in your stainless-steel pan? If so, it's probably time to buy new cookware.

• Rust

  If your ageing cookware is covered in rust, it's time to throw it in the bin.

• Permanent stains

  Has your cleaning negligence or many years of hard use resulted in a thick layer of caked-on mess that no amount of scrubbing will get rid of? It could be time to go shopping.

• You're upgrading to an induction cooktop

  Your current cookware may not be suited to your new cooktop. For example, did you know that you can't use glass, aluminium or copper pans on an induction cooktop? Find out more in our guide to buying an induction cooktop.

Remember, you're only as good as the tools you have at your disposal. You might be surprised by the difference a high-quality saucepan can make to your cooking.

What materials are available?

The cooking performance of a saucepan and how easy it is to clean depend on its material. Here are the main options:

• Stainless steel. Known for being long-lasting and affordable, stainless steel is widely used and is dishwasher-safe. Many options feature a thick aluminium or copper base for better heat conduction, but some pans can have problems with food sticking.
• Aluminium. Affordable, lightweight and an excellent heat conductor, aluminium is another popular choice. However, aluminium pans can stain and have problems with food sticking to the sides. A hard-anodised aluminium pan, which has a durable and scratch-resistant surface, may be your preferred choice.
• Copper. Copper is an excellent conductor of heat and copper pans warm up and cool down quickly, giving more control to the home cook. They're suitable for a wide range of cooking tasks and their good looks mean they can also double as presentation dishes. However, copper can be expensive, difficult to keep clean and can't be used on induction cooktops.
• Cast iron. Long-lasting and highly effective at absorbing and retaining heat, cast iron is another option worth considering. It's also oven safe, but can be heavy and may rust.

How to compare saucepans

Aside from the saucepan material used, there are several other factors to take into account when buying saucepans, such as:

Additional features

• Size, shape and weight. The dimensions of a saucepan are important as well. Will the pan be large enough and have high enough sides for the quantities you will be cooking? Will it fit comfortably on your stovetop? You'll also want a saucepan with a sufficiently sturdy base so it won't slide around your cooktop while you stir your risotto. Pans should also be lightweight enough to move around the kitchen.
• Oven safe. Are you looking for cookware you can transfer straight from the stove and into the oven? Check the maximum temperature to which a pan is oven safe, as some are limited to 180–200 degrees Celsius.
• Appearance. The look of a saucepan won't be a major concern for most people. However, if you're planning on using the pan as a serving dish, or if your cookware will be on display in your kitchen when not in use, remember to keep aesthetics in mind.
• Warranty. Some manufacturers offer 5-year, 10-year or even lifetime warranties. However, it's worth reading the fine print to find out exactly what incidents and circumstances that warranty covers. Other manufacturers will offer separate warranties for different features. For example, they may offer a 2- to 3-year warranty on a non-stick coating but a longer warranty for the body of the pan.
• Price. While you can pick up a cheap aluminium saucepan for less than $20, high-quality pans cost anywhere from $50 to $350. However, the longer lifespan of good-quality saucepans make them worth the extra investment.

Should I buy a saucepan or a whole set?

If you're shopping for a new saucepan, consider buying a whole new set of cookware. This is a sensible choice if you need to upgrade all your pots and pans. You can often find good value for money by purchasing multiple items at once.

However, be wary of buying items you don't really need or you don't have enough space to store. While a 10-piece cookware set may seem like a good deal, make sure you'll use most if not all of the items in the set regularly.

If the small number of pots, pans and baking dishes you currently have are more than adequate for your cooking needs, your money may be better spent investing in a couple of good-quality saucepans of different sizes.

If it's time to upgrade one or more of your pots and pans, start comparing saucepans today.

Frequently asked questions

• What's the difference between a milk pan and a saucepan?

  A milk pan is designed with a spout to pour liquid without making a mess. Its side is also typically straight. A saucepan has a rounded bottom for even heat distribution. It might also have a sloped edge for easier stirring and whisking.

• How do I clean a non-stick saucepan?

  Before cleaning your saucepan, allow it to cool completely. Rinse the pan with warm, soapy water. Then, use a sponge and dishwashing soap to remove any caked-on food. Rinse it and let it dry thoroughly before storage.

• Do I need to season my cast iron saucepan?

  If your cast-iron saucepan comes pre-seasoned, you can use it out of the box. To season a cast-iron saucepan, follow these steps:

  • Wash and dry your saucepan.
  • Rub your preferred oil on the pan and its handle. Then, buff the oil until the pan looks dry.
  • Heat the pan in the oven at about 230°C for 30 minutes.
  • Repeat the process 3–4 times.
  • Let the saucepan cool down before use.

  Check your user manual to learn more about seasoning your cast iron saucepan.