Best saucepans 2024: sets for cooking up a storm in the kitchen

When you have a family to cook for every night, a high-quality and effective set of saucepans is a must. Whether you’re cooking everyone’s favourite pasta dish or getting creative with a Thai curry, you’ll need a couple of easy-to-use saucepans inside your kitchen cupboard alongside your trusty frying pan and wok.

There are fantastic saucepans out there to suit every budget, but with pans made from various materials and in a range of different finishes, you might not be sure which are the best saucepans to suit your family’s needs.

To help you choose, we’ve consulted the Mumsnet forums – the UK's biggest online parenting network where many authentic recommendations are posted every day – to find tried-and-tested saucepan sets you can trust. We've got you covered for all sorts of saucepans, from non-stick to stackable, for induction hobs and use in the oven, so whatever you need, you’ll find the most suitable pans here.

Are you kitting out your kitchen? Mumsnet has your back – check out our guides to the best knife sharpeners and the best chopping boards, as recommended by real parents.

Best saucepan 2024: at a glance 

• Best overall: Ninja ZEROSTICK Saucepan Set, £149

• Best budget: IKEA KAVALKAD Saucepan Set, £15

• Best stainless steel: Stellar 7000 Saucepan Set, £102

• Best professional: Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless Steel Set, £299

• Best for an induction hob: Lakeland Classic Pan Set, £147

• Best for easy storage: Tefal Ingenio Essential Saucepan Set, £81

• Best sustainable: GreenPan Mayflower Healthy Ceramic Saucepan Set, £99

• Best range: Zwilling Classic Stainless Steel Saucepan Set, £144

• Best for students: Scoville Neverstick Starter Set, £55

• Best luxury: Anolon Smart Stack Hard Anodised Saucepan Set, £491

1. Best overall saucepan set: Ninja ZEROSTICK Three Piece Saucepan Set 

Price on writing: £149 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs 

Material: Aluminium, stainless steel | Size: 16cm, 18cm, 20cm | Non-stick?: Yes | Suitable for induction hobs: Yes | Oven safe: Yes - up to 260°C | Dishwasher safe: Yes

What we like 

• Durable

• Easy to clean

• Effective non-stick 

What we don’t like 

• Heavy

• Pricey

What Mumsnet users say 

“Ninja pans are really good in my experience. They are pretty solid and have an excellent non-stick coating. I've got much more expensive pans but I plan on replacing them as needed with Ninja.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Macaronnotmacaroon) 

Our verdict 

This Ninja Foodi ZEROSTICK Saucepan Set is brilliant for use on all types of hob, including induction. They are crafted from rugged, rust-resistant stainless steel and an aluminium core that provides even heat distribution and high heat capability. 

Mumsnetters love the non-stick coating. It’s made from a reinforced ceramic and plasma mix, which makes cooking with only a tiny amount of oil a breeze and means that the pans won’t flake or peel.

These great value pans are impressively durable, and they are even safe to use with metal utensils like spatulas. In addition, they are scratch resistant and can go in the dishwasher and the oven. Ninja also offers extra peace of mind with their ten-year replacement guarantee that they will honour as long as you’ve used the pans as directed in the user manual.

2. Best budget saucepans: IKEA KAVALKAD Saucepans

Price on writing: £15 | Buy now from IKEA

Key specs 

Material: Aluminium | Size: 1 litre, 1.5 litre, 2 litre | Non-stick?: Yes | Suitable for induction hobs: No | Oven safe: No | Dishwasher safe: No

What we like 

• Great value

• Easy to clean 

• Good range of sizes

What we don’t like 

• Not suitable for induction hobs

• Not suitable for the dishwasher 

What Mumsnet users say

“IKEA has a set of three lightweight pans. A milk pan, a larger one I cook my main meals in and the medium one for rice or pasta.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Rummikub)

Our verdict 

Whether you’re just starting out or need a new set of saucepans on a budget, these IKEA KAVALKAD pans are a great option. You get three different sizes of saucepans in the set, and they’re all made with a PFOA-free Teflon non-stick coating for easy cooking and cleaning. 

These affordable pans are lightweight but still super sturdy and are ideal for everyday use. They are hand wash only, but the non-stick coating means they’re still easy to clean; just ensure you follow the instructions on what utensils to use with them while cooking. 

KAVALKAD pans don’t come with lids, which some reviewers found disappointing, while others see this as a positive as it means there’s one less thing to store in a small kitchen. 

Related: Make life easier with the best can opener, as recommended by Mumsnetters

3. Best stainless steel saucepans: Stellar 7000 Three Piece Saucepan Set

Price on writing: £102 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs  

Material: Stainless steel | Size: 16cm, 18cm, and 20cm | Non-stick?: No | Suitable for induction hobs: Yes | Oven safe: Yes - up to 240°C | Dishwasher safe: Yes

What we like 

• Oven-safe handles 

• Even heat 

• Good range of sizes 

What we don’t like 

• Heavy

What Mumsnet users say 

“ I researched this on Mumsnet... Stellar 7000 got the most positive comments so we bought two and are planning to add more. Criteria: induction compatible, dishwasher safe, no plastic parts, straining lid, handles that don’t collect water in the dishwasher, not stupidly expensive. Got to say, the Stellar are excellent so far. Highly recommend them.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user NotMeNoNo)

Our verdict 

This set of Stellar 7000 saucepans has everything you need from a hard-working piece of kitchen kit. They’re made with tough-wearing stainless steel, with a thick ‘hot-forged’ base that provides fast, even heat each time you cook. The handles are oven safe, so you can transfer the pans to the oven to crisp up a dish or keep your food warm once it’s cooked.

We love that these pans are suitable for all types of hob, including induction, and that you can put them in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. They also have a handy lip and a lid with a built-in strainer so you can easily drain pasta or veg without using a colander. 

Mumsnetters who own Stellar pans highly recommend them thanks to how long-lasting they are and the fact that they meet every requirement they have for a set of saucepans.

4. Best professional saucepans: Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless Steel Set

Price on writing: £299 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs 

Material: Stainless steel | Size: 16cm, 18cm, and 20cm | Non-stick?: No | Suitable for induction hobs: Yes | Oven safe: Yes - up to 260°C | Dishwasher safe: Yes

What we like 

• Great quality 

• Attractive design

• Suitable for all hob types 

What we don’t like

• Expensive 

What Mumsnet users say 

“Le Creuset. Expensive but indestructible.” (Loved by Mumsnet user pumpkinmash)

Our verdict 

From their baking trays to their cast iron skillets, Le Creuset products are always an investment, and at £299 for three saucepans, this set is no different. If it’s within your budget though, it’s worth splashing out as they will last you for years. 

These pans are made from 3-ply stainless steel with an aluminium core, so they heat food quickly and evenly without any hot spots. They’re also incredibly versatile as you can use them on all kinds of hobs, in the oven, and under the grill.

Mumsnet users have described the brand's saucepans as indestructible, precisely what you want when cooking for your family every day. We also love that they are dishwasher safe, look great, and have handy moisture-retaining lids so you can cook with less water.

5. Best saucepans for an induction hob: Lakeland Classic 5-Piece Pan Set

Price on writing: £147 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs 

Material: Stainless steel, aluminium | Size: 14cm, 16cm, 18cm and 20cm saucepans, plus a 24cm frying pan | Non-stick?: Yes | Suitable for induction hobs: Yes | Oven-safe: Yes - up to 180°C | Dishwasher safe: Yes, but hand wash recommended

What we like 

• Great for induction hobs

• Large set of pans - five included

• Sturdy design

• Good non-stick coating

What we don’t like 

• Although they're dishwasher safe, hand washing is recommended

• Oven safe maximum temperature is lower than some other sets

Our verdict 

If you have an induction hob, you'll need to make sure your pans are magnetic so they can be fitted and used correctly. Luckily, this robust set of Lakeland saucepans works beautifully on induction hobs, and they heat up quickly and evenly. 

While they're pricey initially, we think the set offers fantastic value for money as you get four saucepans, plus a frying pan as a nice extra. We also like that the saucepans have a pouring lip, too – it makes draining pasta a doddle.

Reviewers love how lightweight these pans are compared to the likes of Le Creuset and report that they are a joy to cook with. They're also dishwasher safe for easy maintenance, but hand washing is strongly recommended instead to keep the impressive non-stick coating in tact.

6. Best space-saving saucepan set: Tefal Ingenio Essential Saucepan Set

Price on writing: £82 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs 

Material: Resistium | Size: 16cm, 18cm, and 20cm | Non-stick?: Yes | Suitable for induction hobs: No | Oven safe: Yes - up to 260°C | Dishwasher safe: Yes

What we like 

• Space-saving design

• Non-stick

• Oven safe 

What we don’t like 

• Not suitable for induction hobs

What Mumsnet users say 

“I've just bought a set of Tefal Ingenio pans and I love them. They're really good pans and the cupboard is so tidy because they're so good to stack.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user flashpaper)

Our verdict 

If you’re short of storage space in your kitchen, Tefal Ingenio pans are ideal as they are stackable and space-saving. This clever set of three pans comes with one detachable handle that clicks on when you need it and off again for neat storage. 

The saucepans also boast Tefal’s durable Powerglide non-stick coating, meaning that food slides right off and cleaning them takes little time and effort. 

The one downside is that these pans aren’t suitable for induction hobs, but they work perfectly with all other hob types and are oven safe up to an impressive 260°C. Mumsnet users rate how they stack together so neatly to keep the kitchen clutter-free, and we love how versatile they are.

Related: The best kitchen scales for accuracy

7. Best eco-friendly saucepan set: GreenPan Mayflower Healthy Ceramic Saucepan Set

Price on writing: £99 | Buy now from Wayfair

Key specs 

Material: Aluminum with a ceramic coating | Size: 16cm, 18cm, and 20cm | Non-stick?: Yes | Suitable for induction hobs: Yes | Oven safe: No | Dishwasher safe: No

What we like

• Stylish 

• Eco-friendly 

• Hard-wearing

What we don’t like

• Not oven safe

• Hand wash only

What Mumsnet users say

“GreenPan! I love them!” (Rated by Mumsnet user FluffEverywhere)

Our verdict 

If you’re trying to be more eco-friendly and are conscious of what you buy and use at home, then you’ll love these saucepans from GreenPan. Not only do they look amazing, but they have some impressive green credentials. The factory they’re made in is run on 30% solar energy, they’re crafted with recycled aluminium, and the non-stick coating is free from PFAS and PFOA.

This affordable set includes three good-sized saucepans with carbonised Ashwood handles that are comfortable, non-slip, and won’t overheat. We love the look of these stylish pans, too. 

They can be used on all types of hob, including induction, and unlike a lot of non-stick pans, you can use metal utensils with them. Just bear in mind that they're not oven safe, and they can only be hand washed.

8. Best set for a range of saucepans: Zwilling Henckel Classic Five-Piece Stainless Steel Saucepan Set 

Price on writing: £145 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs 

Material: 18/10 stainless steel | Size: 2 x 16cm, and 2 x 20cm, 24cm | Non-stick?: Yes | Suitable for induction hobs: Yes | Oven safe: Yes | Dishwasher safe: Yes

What we like 

• Attractive

• Hard-wearing

• Good value 

What we don’t like 

• Heavy

What Mumsnet users say

“We have a set of Zwilling Henckels pots, which I suspect would be one of the few things in this house to survive a nuclear apocalypse. They are ovenproof up to 200°C. Although they are dishwasher safe, the care guidance recommends washing by hand. Maybe that's a hint as to longevity.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Otherpeoplesteens)

Our verdict

This Zwiiling Henckel Classic Saucepan Set is a brilliant choice if you’re an accomplished home chef. The different shapes and sizes, from a stockpot to a milk pan, mean you can tackle all kinds of delicious recipes. 

We're impressed with the superior quality of these pans; they are crafted from hard-wearing 18/10 stainless steel and are scratch resistant. They can even be washed in a dishwasher, though to maintain a high shine, the manufacturer recommends hand washing. 

If you need lightweight pans, these sturdy pans are not for you. However, reviewers were impressed with the quality of them. If you follow the care instructions, this German-engineered cookware could last for decades.

9. Best saucepan set for students: Scoville Neverstick Five-Piece Starter Set

Price on writing: £55 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs 

Material: Aluminium | Size: 18 cm saucepan, 20cm wok, 26cm frying pan, 35cm baking tray | Non-stick?: Yes | Suitable for induction hobs: Yes | Oven safe: Pans are not oven safe, but the baking tray is | Dishwasher safe: Yes

What we like

• Sturdy yet lightweight

• Great value

• Impressive non-stick

What we don’t like

• The pans are not oven safe

What Mumsnet users say

“Scoville pans are great.” (Loved by Mumsnet user MrsPelligrinoPetrichor)

Our verdict

With a saucepan, a wok, a frying pan, and a baking tray, this set has everything you need to cook for your family. The Scoville Neverstick Set would also be great for setting up a student at university – just pair with the best cutlery set and a decent roasting tin and they’re all good to go! 

All the items have Scoville’s non-stick coating, which is five times stronger than other non-stick coatings, so you can use less oil when you cook and washing up is made really easy. The saucepan is a great size for everyday family cooking and comes with a glass lid so you can easily keep an eye on your food as it cooks.

We love how easy the pieces in this set are to use, and the range has been vetted by Mumsnet users who rate Scoville Neverstick for cooking at home. As with all non-stick pans, you have to take care of these and ensure you use the right type of utensils when you cook. It’s also worth washing them by hand when you can, although they are completely dishwasher safe.

10. Best luxury saucepan set: Anolon Smart Stack Hard Anodised Saucepan set

Price on writing: £491 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs 

Material: Aluminium | Size: 16cm and 18cm saucepans and 20cm steamer, 21cm, 25cm and 30cm frying pan | Non-stick?: Yes | Suitable for induction hobs: Yes | Oven safe: Yes up to 260°C | Dishwasher safe: Yes

What we like

• High quality

• Stackable

• Impressive non-stick

What we don’t like

• Expensive

What Mumsnet users say

“We have Anolon hard anodised ones. They're fab, dishwasher safe and non-stick as well.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet SatinHeart)

Our verdict

The Anolon Smart Stack Hard-Anodised Saucepan Set looks great and would be perfect for a modern or industrial-style kitchen. They are also an excellent choice if you have a small kitchen or lack storage space, as they are stackable. 

The non-stick capability is impressive; they make cooking a pleasure. Reviewers were also delighted with how easy these pans were to clean. Even when hand washing, the food debris slides off, and no joins or rivets will harbour food and germs. 

This set of pans is expensive, but if you have the budget, they are a canny investment. They don’t take up lots of cupboard space, perform well and will last for years of everyday use. 

Related: The best salt and pepper grinders for your kitchen

What size saucepans do you need?

When you’re cooking for a family, you ideally want a couple of saucepans in different sizes so you can cook things like pasta in one and sauces in another. A set with a range of pans between 16 to 20 cm would cover all your needs, although you might also want to invest in a smaller pan for heating things like gravy and milk.

What are the different types of hob? 

Buying cookware that will work on the type of hob you have in your kitchen is essential. Here are the main hob types you will find in UK kitchens. 

• Gas hobs: These can be built in or part of a freestanding cooker. They usually have four (six or eight on a range cooker) cast iron pan stands over a gas flame. An ignition point and controls will allow you to adjust the level of flame for more or less heat. The higher the flame, the hotter the heat, but make sure it doesn’t travel too far up the side of the pan, especially near the handle, as it can burn, melt and get dangerously hot. 

• Ceramic hobs: If you have an old-fashioned ceramic hob, avoid pans that scratch the delicate surface, such as cast iron. Thick-based aluminum or stainless steel would work well if the pan base is flat and smooth so it sits nicely on the hob and heat is efficiently transferred. 

• Induction hobs: Induction hobs work using magnetism. The easiest way to test your existing pans is to see if a fridge magnet sticks to the base. Generally, stainless steel and cast iron will work well. Some aluminium pans will have a stainless steel base so that they work on induction hobs too.

• Electric hobs: An electric hob looks like an induction hob but doesn’t use magnetism, so all pans, as long as they have a flat, smooth base that sits flush with the hob, will work. 

Which saucepans work on an induction hob?

Induction hobs create energy and heat using magnetism. When cooking on them, the pan heats up, not the hob, so they are energy efficient and safe to touch very soon after being switched off. 

If you have an induction hob, your cookware must have a magnetic base. Most types of stainless steel will work well, and so will cast iron, but the rough surface may scratch your hob.

Copper and pure aluminium will not work with induction. However, some now have stainless steel bases so they will work on all hob types.

The size of your pan is also vital for induction hobs. A small pan on a large induction ‘ring’ won’t work efficiently, nor will a large pan on a small induction ‘ring.’ If you have a large array of pots, pans, fish kettles and whistling kettles, buy an induction with ‘flexi-zones’ so you’re not restricted to only using the pans that fit the rings. 

What to look for in a saucepan set

A good set of saucepans will be something you use every day, so it’s worth treating it as an investment and picking a set that will last the test of time. Many come with guarantees, so that’s worth checking for, particularly if you’re spending a lot.

Beyond that, here are some things to consider before purchasing: 

• Cleaning: Can you put the pans in the dishwasher? And if you can, should you only do it occasionally? Non-stick coatings often make cleaning easier as the food debris will slide off. 

• Non-stick: Some pans come with a non-stick coating, which means you only need to use a small amount of oil while cooking. Most non-stick coatings are made from PFOA-free Teflon, a material many people are suspicious of and can be damaged easily. A more eco-friendly alternative is ceramic non-stick. 

• Storage: A five-piece pan set will take up a lot of room in your kitchen cupboards. If storage is an issue, look for pans that can be stacked inside each other, or share a single handle and lid. 

• Oven safe: A pan that can be put in the oven is a versatile addition to any kitchen. For instance, you may want to keep the contents warm as other recipe elements are finished off. If this sounds like your cooking style, buy an oven-safe pan set and check the maximum temperature they will withstand, usually between 200 and 260 degrees.

• Weight: When cooking, your pans will be full of food, such as warming soups or fragrant curries, so if the saucepans you are considering are too heavy when empty, think carefully before buying them. 

• Handles: Stay-cool, plastic or hollow handles will make moving your pans around the kitchen safer and more comfortable. Short handles will be closer to the heat so they will get much hotter, but it will make the pan easier to move as it will feel more balanced. If a pan is hefty due to its large capacity, helper handles on either side will be helpful.

What’s the best material for a saucepan?

On the Mumsnet forums, some home cooks swear by stainless steel saucepans, whereas others wouldn’t use anything other than non-stick. Both have merits and disadvantages and in the end, it comes down to personal preference and the type of dishes you cook regularly.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is a popular material for cookware; they are usually easy to clean and are ideal for everyday use. Stainless steel pans tend not to have a non-stick coating, so typically more oil will be needed during cooking. 

Aluminium

Standard aluminium pans are usually robust, and don’t need as much TLC as other materials. Often, aluminium saucepans have a non-stick coating. Aluminium will heat up fast and evenly spread that heat across the entire surface of the pan. 

Hard-anodised aluminium is very strong and looks similar to cast iron. The best thing about pans made from this is that you can usually use metal utensils because they are so tough – just check the manufacturer's guide first to ensure you don't void your warranty.  

Cast iron

Cast iron is magnetic and perfect for induction hobs. It is also a very durable material. In addition, it holds heat well so you can save money by turning down the temperature controls to a lower setting.

If you like the idea of a natural non-stick coating, cast iron is excellent as you can build one up with regular use of oil and heat to season the pan. 

Ceramic

Ceramic is usually used in a non-stick saucepan coating. It can withstand very high temperatures, is often mixed with other rigid materials such as titanium and is easy to clean. It is, however, prone to scratching, so wooden utensils are often a must; we recommend you always check the brand's care instructions if you're unsure.  

Copper

Copper pans are often beautiful but pricey. They heat up fast and retain that heat, so chefs love them. Copper pans for use in a domestic kitchen will likely include stainless steel in the materials for practicality; this may also make them induction hob safe, but pure copper pans can't be used on an induction.  

Related: The best cake tins for perfect bakes

What’s the best saucepan set to buy?

The Ninja Foodi ZEROSTICK Saucepan Set is the best one to buy. The pans look the part, and they have close-fitting lids, stay-cool handles and great heat conductivity. Mumsnetters really rate their durability and effective non-stick capability. They also work well on both gas and induction hobs.

How we chose our recommendations

Suggestions from real Mumsnet users 

Mumsnet users love cooking for their families and friends and have lots of opinions on the best tools for the job. So, the Mumsnet forums were the first stop on our journey to find the best saucepan sets. 

It was important for us to know what saucepans our users had tried, tested and loved in their own kitchens, and the ones they still rated after years of extensive use.

Expert opinions

Next, we scrutinised feedback from trusted food industry experts. We wanted to be entirely sure that all products we recommended were fit for purpose, so we focused on award-winning saucepan sets and those that were well thought of by professional chefs and food writers.

Verified consumer feedback

Finally, in our definitive list of the best saucepan sets available in the UK, we investigated comprehensive customer reviews on retailer websites such as Amazon and John Lewis to get honest opinions from a range of sources.

About the author 

Gemma Lumley is a Content Writer at Mumsnet. With many years of experience as a copywriter for her family business Urban Media Publishing, Gemma has written articles and blogs on travel, the outdoor industry, parenting and finance. 

Finding the products that will make parents' lives easier is important to Gemma. She loves the research and detective work that goes into our best buy lists, and has produced many home and kitchen guides for Mumsnet. 

Gemma is a mum of two grown-up children and has two dogs and a tortoise. Alongside her writing, she spent many years as a home and travel expert and breastfeeding counsellor at a leading nursery retailer. Gemma is also a sensory analyst (chocolate taster!). 

When she isn’t writing in-depth product reviews, Gemma loves to hike and enjoy the great outdoors.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust, and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.

Transparency is really important to us, and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones our users recommend to their friends and family.

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