Last Updated On September 19th, 2022
Whether you’re a newbie cook or a culinary master, getting your hands on one of the best saucepans is the key to cooking heaven. But with a myriad of choices on the market, it can be tough to know which set is the right match for your needs.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by options, read our top saucepan reviews and make your purchase with confidence. Completely impartial and unbiased, we’ve reviewed ten of the best saucepan sets money can buy to ensure you’ll find the perfect pick for your home cooking.
Our Favourite Saucepans Compared
Best Saucepan Reviews – Top 10 Picks
1. Tefal Ingenio Expertise (Editor’s Choice)
Looking for a highly versatile cookware set that takes up minimal storage space? The Tefal Ingenio Starter cookware set not only stacks away in an ingenious space-saving manner, but also provides high-performance and easy-to-use pans.
Features
This 13-piece set includes a 22cm and 28cm Ingenio induction frypan, 16cm and 20cm saucepans, a wok, a saute pan, five lids, and two handles. The pans are suitable for use on all types of kitchen hob. Plus, it can even go in your oven for up to 260 degrees. This makes them a highly versatile range that can go from hob to oven, then from table to fridge for maximum efficiency. They are also dishwasher safe. However, take care when washing the handle. Submerging the locking mechanism may cause it to malfunction.
The frying pans feature Tefal’s renowned Thermo-spot technology. Thus, you can see at a glance when your pan is at the optimum cooking temperature. Unlike most other non-stick pans, this set is metal-utensil compatible. You can use them with metal spatulas and stirring spoons.
Unfortunately, you may find that attaching and detailing your handle causes some light scratching. However, all in all, this set is one of the best non-stick saucepans the UK has to offer. An ideal, practical choice for any small kitchen with limited storage space.
- Great 13-piece set with removable handles
- Space-saving removable handle design
- Thermo-spot Technology
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven safe up to 260 degrees
- Scratching may occur where the handle attaches
- Handles are difficult to clean
- The coating may start to peel off over time
2. Cusibox (Best For Gas Hobs)
If you have a gas hob, we recommend considering these pans by Cusibox – our best set of saucepans for gas.
Features
This 10-piece set featuring six pans and four lids, is also suitable for all hob types – thanks to its durable aluminium construction. The ceramic non-stick coating makes for a healthier, chemical-free choice. These pans are also ovenproof, allowing you to use them for a wider variety of dishes.
While this is an extremely popular pan set, bear in mind that these pans are fairly lightweight and the saucepans could be a little deeper. The main flaw, however, is the handles which tend to trap water when being washed.
- 10-piece set: six pans and four lids
- Ceramic non-stick surface
- Aluminium construction
- Good for all hob types
- Oven safe
- Waters gets trapped in handles when washing
- Rather lightweight
- Saucepans could be deeper
3. Tefal Essential (Best Value)
If you are looking for a basic, budget cookware, then the Tefal Essential 5-piece set is a great value for money choice. Gas, ceramic and electric hob compatible, this set features two frying pans and three saucepans complete with transparent lids. This makes this model an excellent starter pack for anyone who is setting up a home.
Features
All pans are coated with a highly non-stick surface, and the two frying pans are also designed with Tefal’s Thermo-spot technology system. Hence, you will know straight away when your pan has reached its optimum cooking temperature. These pans are also ovenproof up to 175 degrees. It’s an ideal set if you don’t have many baking dishes.
Dishwasher safe and with exterior non-stick coatings, these pans are easy to clean, too. However, it should be noted that the exterior coating can wear away easily with regular use. Also, the handles trap water inside when submerged. Therefore, you’ll have to be careful to tip out any residue after each wash. Otherwise, corrosion could occur.
If you’re after the best pot and pan set that comes with a budget-friendly price, the Tefal Essential set makes a good choice. While it is not as well designed nor as durable as more expensive versions, it does cost considerably less and has excellent non-stick interiors. All in all, we think this is a good budget option for any small household without an induction hob.
- Gas, ceramic, and electric hob compatible
- Two frying pans and three lidded saucepans
- Thermo-spot technology
- Highly non-stick surface
- Dishwasher safe
- Not induction hob compatible
- Exterior coating wears off with use
- Handles trap water when submerged
4. ProCook Gourmet Set (Best Heat Distribution)
If you are looking for a set of good saucepans offering excellent value for money, we recommend taking a look at this set by ProCook.
Features
Comprising of four saucepans complete with four lids, you won’t have to worry about food sticking or burning – thanks to the Five-Star Ultra Double Layer non-stick coating. Your hands will also be protected from the heat because of the secure, non-slip, cool silicone handles.
Suitable for all hob types as well as being ovenproof, this unbeatable set also features a 10-year guarantee for your peace of mind. Just remember that the handles can be a little narrow if you have large hands and the lid handles can get very hot. Unfortunately, the exterior is also prone to chipping, so caution is needed to keep these pans looking their finest.
- Four saucepans plus four lids
- Interior double-layer non-stick coat
- Non-slip, cool silicone handles
- Suitable for all hob types and oven safe
- 10-year guarantee
- Enamel exterior chips easily
- Narrow handles
- Lid handles can get very hot
5. Salter Megastone Collection (Best Aluminium)
Dishwasher-safe and suitable for use with metal utensils – thanks to their rugged non-stick coating, this excellent quality product from Salter is among the best saucepan sets on the market today.
Features
Consisting of three saucepans plus three lids, the strong forged aluminium construction and soft-touch Bakerlite handles set these pans apart. They are also 100% Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) free, making them perfect if you’re concerned about harmful chemicals penetrating your dinner.
Unfortunately, you may find that the handles begin to loosen over time. Also, as they are rather lightweight you’ll need to be careful not to inadvertently tip them up whenever you’re cooking a smaller quantity of food.
This set requires priming with oil before use for optimum results. Therefore, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions before cooking. Overall, this is a great buy for any household.
- Three saucepans plus three lids
- Dishwasher-safe
- Strong forged aluminium construction
- Soft-touch Bakelite handles
- Rugged non-stick coat
- Lightweight and may tip easily
- Requires priming with oil before use
- Handles may loosen
6. Tefal Ingenio (Best Stackable Set)
If you need a full set of pans, but just don’t have enough space, take a look at this comprehensive Tefal cookware set.
Features
Presenting eight pans, two handles, and seven accessories – this set provides everything you need in an easily stackable, space-saving arrangement. It’s perfect for freeing up cupboard space or fitting in deep drawers. Tefal’s Thermospot Technology lets you know when your pan is at an optimal temperature for cooking, while the Powerglide non-stick coating ensures your food won’t stick and burn. Furthermore, these pans are also dishwasher safe for extra convenience.
Bear in mind that this set is not suitable for induction hobs. Also, while they are great for stacking, the handles can be a little stiff to attach and when doing so, you risk scratching the coating of your pans.
- 8 pan set plus two handles and seven accessories
- Stackable
- Powerglide extra non-stick coating
- Dishwasher safe
- Thermospot Technology
- Not suitable for induction hobs
- Stiff handle operation
- Attaching handle causes scratching
7. Tefal Comfort Max (Best Easy to Grip)
Another worthy competitor on our list, this cookware set from Tefal Comfort Max comes with five pans with two lids.
Features
Compatible with all hob types, these stainless steel saucepans also make use of Tefal’s Thermospot technology to let you know when your pan has reached the recommended cooking temperature.
The soft-touch, stay-cool pan handles are easy to grip and ensure that you won’t burn your hands. Furthermore, this 5-piece stainless steel set is dishwasher safe.
On the downside, these pans are a little small. Therefore, they are less suitable if you have a large family to feed. In addition, the handles are not very sturdy and may work loose over time. Like many stainless steel pans out there, they also tend to discolour fairly quickly.
- Five pans plus two lids
- Thermospot Technology
- Stainless steel construction
- Compatible with all hob types
- Soft-touch, stay-cool handles
- Fairly small
- Handles not very sturdy
- Saucepans discolour easily
8. Morphy Richards Equip (Best With Dual Spouts)
If you’re looking for the best saucepans, why not take a look at this cookware set from Morphy Richards?
Features
This three-pan set complete with three lids features aluminium Thermocore encapsulated bases to ensure an even heat distribution. They are also suitable for use with all hob types. Complete with double-pouring spouts, whether you’re left or right-handed, you’ll be able to cook with these pans at ease.
It offers a 10-year guarantee for your peace of mind and as a testament to their high-quality construction. Unfortunately, the low-grade plastic lid handles do not match this cookware set’s general superiority. They also have an annoying tendency to retain water after washing. Furthermore, you may find that these pans discolour fairly quickly like the stainless steel saucepan sets in the list.
- Three pans plus three lids
- Suitable for all hob types
- Double pouring spouts
- Aluminium Thermocore bases
- 10-year guarantee
- Lid handles retain water
- Low-quality plastic lid handles
- Easily discolour as compared to other saucepan sets
9. Circulon Premier Professional (Best Non-Stick Interior)
If you’re looking for high-quality saucepans, take a good look at these saucepans by Circulon.
Features
Composed of four saucepans and one frying pan, this set is compatible with all hob types. The total non-stick interior provides superior performance even at high temperatures. Likewise, the hard and durable anodised aluminium construction ensures durability and even heat distribution. Should you want to use these in the oven, you can do so with peace of mind that they’re oven safe up to 180°C. Furthermore, once you have rustled up a delicious meal, these pans are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.
Whilst this set is our overall favourite, there are a few drawbacks you should be aware of. At 20cm across, the frying pan may be considered a little on the small side and the milk pan isn’t always recognised by induction hobs. This non-stick pan set lacks steam vents in the glass lids, so you’ll need to keep an eye on them when boiling.
- Five-piece pan set plus three glass lids
- Total non-stick system interior
- Good for all hob types
- Dishwasher-safe and easy to clean
- Tough anodised aluminium construction
- Frying pan a little small
- No steam vents in the lids unlike other saucepan sets
- Milk pan not always detected by the induction hob
10. Stellar 7000 S7C1 (Best Stainless Steel)
Moving forward with our saucepan reviews, this high-quality product from Stellar is likewise a worthy contender for our best pan set title.
Features
This solid stainless steel saucepan set includes five pans complete with three lids.
We particularly liked the internal measuring guides – an excellent feature that’s sure to save you time and effort. Both oven and dishwasher safe, this top-quality stainless steel set also features thick forged bases to ensure an unbeatable performance with an even heat distribution.
Additionally, you can use these pans on almost any type of hob including gas, induction, and halogen. Unfortunately, the lid handles tend to get very hot when in use. Furthermore, you may find that they discolour or stain fairly easily. However, this will not detract from their excellent performance.
- Five pans plus three lids
- Solid stainless steel construction
- Internal measuring guides
- Oven and dishwasher safe
- Thick forged bases
- Induction hob compatible
- Lid handles get hot
- Stain easily
Features to Consider When Choosing Saucepan Sets
Keep an eye out for these essential features when choosing your next saucepan set:
1. Pan Types and Sizes
Before deciding to buy, always check the dimensions of the pans in your selected set. This will ensure that you have enough capacity to cook for your entire household. Aside from saucepans, many sets will include a frying pan as well. In some cases, purchasing a cookware set can work out as a better value for money decision than replacing your frying pan individually.
2. Construction
The saucepan sets in our reviews are mostly made from aluminium or stainless steel. While stainless steel is strong and durable, it can discolour fairly quickly and will take a lot of care to keep it looking like new. Aluminium pans, on the other hand, tend to become misshapen when dropped.
3. Suitable Hob Types
Check that your new cookware set will be compatible with your hob type. Induction hobs require pans which are either constructed from ferrous metals or have a magnetised base. If your hob type is not specifically mentioned, contact the manufacturer or seller to double-check before hitting the buy button.
If you like to start off your oven-baked food on your hob, opting to buy oven safe saucepan sets is a smart move that will save you both time and washing up.
4. Non-stick Coating
Not only does a high-quality non-stick pans make cooking so much easier, but it also saves clean up time. When choosing a good saucepan set, confirm that any non-stick coatings are free from harmful substances such as Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Likewise, make sure that they are as durable as possible for longer life.
5. Lids
When you are selecting your cookware set, it is important to pay attention to the lids. Unfortunately, lid handles can often present major design flaws, becoming hot to the touch or retaining water.
If you do lots of boiling, having vents will prevent glass lids from steaming up, so you can check on your food without having to remove the lid and release heat. Straining lids are also useful if you often find yourself losing some of your food down the sink when draining off water.
6. Handles
The quality of the handles should be taken into consideration when choosing kitchen tools such as knives and pans.
Your saucepan handles will need to be carefully designed to stay cool. Pay particular attention to how they are attached to the pan itself. Wobbly, loose handles can be extremely dangerous for obvious reasons.
Some stackable designs come with removable handles. However, if you have any hand mobility issues, this may not be a good option for you.
7. Dishwasher-safe
If you have a dishwasher, it makes sense to buy good quality saucepan sets that you can simply put inside to wash. Not all pans are rated as dishwasher-safe, so be sure to double-check before hitting buy.
8. Stackable
If you are short on storage space, be sure to check out the stackability of your new pan set. Sets with detachable handles offer the most compact, space-saving storage designs, ideal for making the most of your cupboard or drawer space.
Conclusion
An absolute essential, no kitchen is functional without saucepan sets. Although all of the sets we have reviewed are great contenders for the best saucepan sets – our overall favourite is the Tefal Ingenio Expertise.
Featuring a comprehensive set of pots and pans, the Tefal Ingenio Expertise is highly versatile and is suitable for use on all types of kitchen hobs. Their simple style, oven-safe and dishwasher-safe design make them great for all-around use, and the clip handle allows you to stack and store them easily. Together with the renowned Thermo-spot technology, all of these features make this excellent for most kitchens.
Have you tried any of the saucepan sets mentioned in our saucepan reviews? Please share your experience with us and add your comments below.
One Response
I do wish manufacturers and retailers would include the capacity and or height of saucepans as not all 16,18,20 cm pans are the same. I have found this out the hard way, by purchasing a set of pans only to find that although the stated widths are fine the depth and therefore the capacity is too small and have had to send them back. I’ve just purchase don’t a new st of saucepans and do know that the capacity is suitable for me but what’s a job I had getting this information. I ended up emailing the manufacturer before purchase to confirm the information which is not ideal when the items I was looking at were on sale. I wonder does anybody else find this a nuisance!