Ask any home cook and you’ll quickly find that there’s more to cookware than the basic stainless steel pots and pans one can get at neighbourhood shops. Though they are pricier, quality cookware will make cooking so much easier, and not to be dramatic, they’re frankly life-changing.
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Which cooking pots and pans should you buy?
Before you go all out and splurge on the trendiest cookware in the market, it’s pertinent to first asses what your cooking habits are, before figuring out which pots and pans will best suit your needs.
| Pros | Cons | Best for | |
| Cast Iron | – Has excellent heat retention
– Is naturally non-stick – Super durable – Can be used on both stove top and in the oven |
– Heavy
– Requires regular maintenance – Can’t be tossed in the dishwasher – Can react with certain foods |
Stove, induction |
| Non-Stick | – A breeze to clean
– No need for oil, healthier cooking – Heats up evenly |
– Coating wears off over time, and will need replacing over time
– Not recommended for high-heat cooking |
Stove, induction (not all non-stick pans are induction friendly) |
| Stainless Steel | – Durable
– Good for high-heat cooking – Low maintenance, suitable for all types of cooking |
– Can be heavy
– Food might stick to the pan |
Stove, induction |
Best cooking pots & pans to buy in Singapore for everyday cooking
1. Modori Nesting Pot set
Image credit: Modori Singapore
Price: $188.80 for their Sodam Cookware set
Modori first burst onto the scene with its gorgeous egg shell-coloured handle less pans, and we couldn’t help convince ourselves that nesting pots and pans were what we’d be needing in our lives all along. Beautifully crafted and with impressive features to match, Modori quickly became a homeowner favourite thanks to its non-toxic 5-layered ceramic coating.
Brownie points were awarded for the fact that it came with a matching detachable handle for easy stacking and storage; and its pots and pans looked so good, they could easily pull double duty as serving bowls.
“My favourite cookware is the Modori nesting pot set. I bought this secondhand because I couldn’t bear to fork out the full price. The pots have been more than sufficient for all my pasta, fried rice, and instant ramen cooking needs. Having a removable handle means the pots don’t overcrowd my tiny stove and can be packed away easily.
They also stay true to their promise of being non-stick, and have held up over the 3 years I’ve had them – save for some scratches here and there. 10/10 would repurchase.”
Kimberly
2. Le Creuset French oven & pans
Image credit: Le Creuset
Price: ~$700+
Le Creuset is a brand so renowned, that even non-Chefs and home newbies know of its existence and want a classic French Oven in their collection. Le Creuset’s enameled cast iron pots have impeccable heat distribution, can last you half your lifetime, and can be used on all stovetops and even be popped right into the oven. All of Le Creuset’s post also come with lifetime warranty – a testament to the quality of their products. You’ll just have to be prepared to shell out for this investment. They also make pans and skillets in the same enameled cast iron for a good cook sesh, no matter what’s on the menu.
“I have a few favourites for different purposes! Le Creuset is best for braising and stewing, Scanpan for frying.”
Evon
Image credit: Food52
“The Le Creuset 24cm pan is versatile – I can use it to bake bread, make stews and Chinese soups, and more. It’s a good size for a family of 3-4, and also looks good enough to serve from. As for the Lodge Skillet, it is a really good non-stick pan for dishes such as steak and pasta.”
Si Hui
3. Staub Cast Iron French Oven
Image credit: @madaboutpot
Price: From $200+
Staub, like Le Creuset, is another cookware brand that is highly revered in the industry for its exceptional quality, durability and amazing heat retention—making them a top choice for both professionals and home cooks alike. The unique matte black enameled interior of Staub pans is esteemed for its non-stick properties, which improve with use, allowing for healthier cooking with less oil.
If you’ve ever seen a beautiful cast iron pumpkin pot…it’s a Staub. The brand is known for its collection of novelty cast iron pots that you might just find yourself yearning to collect and flex on your guests the next time you play host.
“I’d say my all-time favourite versatile pieces of cookware are the Le Creuset and Staub cast iron French ovens. They can be used for both Western and Asian recipes, placed in the oven, fry amazing steaks, and make great soups. I get mine on sale at Tangs, Takashimaya, or Isetan. They’re also extremely durable.”
Michelle
3. Yoshikawa Cook-Pal Ren Collection
Image credit: My Cookware Australia
Price: From $150
The Yoshikawa Cook Pal Ren Collection is a popular Japanese brand of woks that hit the sweet spot between quality and practicality. They are lightweight, making them easy to handle when you’re flipping stir-fries or tossing vegetables, but the brand doesn’t skimp on durability. This means you can count on their woks and pans for daily use without worrying about wear and tear.
The woks are also made from a thermal-treated steel plate that means you won’t have to deal with any rust or peeling. They’re also well-suited for use on large flames, and the collection’s even heat distribution is a big plus, ensuring you’ll get that nice wok hey flavour when you’re frying.
“This wok lasts pretty long if you take care of it. The feel of the wok’s weight gives a solid balance when tossing and flipping food. The heat conduction is very even, and the wok is way too versatile for its own good. When I cook steak in it, the wide brim of the wok allows for the burning off of cooking wine, soy sauce, and other condiments before they season the food.”
Mandon
4. Ninja Foodi NeverStick pans
Ninja CW102RD Foodi NeverStick PossiblePan.
Image credit: Ninja Foodi
Price: $200+ per frying pan
The Ninja non-stick pan stands out not only for its performance but also for its durable construction, featuring a ceramic coating that’s designed to last. This ceramic coating is provides a superior non-stick surface that’s resistant to scratches and makes cooking and cleanup a breeze. The pan’s exterior is just as tough, built to withstand the inevitable bumps and scratches that come with regular use in the kitchen. Another selling point of this pan is the 10-year guarantee, underscoring Ninja’s confidence in the durability of its products.
Just take note that preheating the pan is an essential step to fully leverage its capabilities, but once you have that down, you get uniform cooking and browning, whether you’re flipping pancakes or searing steaks. All in all, the Ninja non-stick pan is a solid investment for anyone serious about their kitchen tools.
“Ninja pans. They lasted the longest amongst all the non-stick cookware I’ve tried. I recommended it to my friends too.”
@the_bai_house
5. Scanpan fry pans
Image credit: urbansource1
Price: From $49.90
Scanpan really stands out in the kitchen scene for a bunch of reasons. First off, their non-stick coating is legit patented and free from nasties like PFOA and PFOS, so you can cook your heart out without worrying about harmful chemicals. Their pans are from recycled aluminum, which is a big win if you’re trying to keep things eco-friendly.
The fact that you can chuck these pans in the oven and the dishwasher makes them super practical, whether you’re whipping up a fancy bake or just hate the cleanup after. They’ve also got a wide range of products that work great on both traditional fire and modern induction cooktops.
“Scanpan can be on the pricier end but the non-stick is not just a cheap piece of coating, so it lasts long. The pans also have a heavier bottom, which is great for cooking. Plus, it’s oven safe too!”
Melvin
6. WMF cookware
Image credit: linso.home
Price: From $49
WMF pans are solid. They’re scratch-resistant, so go ahead and use your metal utensils without worrying about messing them up. They last ages and are a breeze to clean, thanks to their 3-layer non-stick coating. Basically, whatever you cook, it slides right off, making cleanup almost too easy. If you’re in the market for new pans, WMF is definitely worth a look.
“WMF cookware is super hardy and durable! I absolutely love the large pot capacity when making soups and stews for a larger group. The cookware allow room for flexibility and are oven safe too. Plus, they’re very easy to wash.”
Lisa
7. Carote non-stick pans
Image credit: Carote
Price: $89.66 for 3-piece frying pan set
Carote’s non-stick pans are all about blending style with functionality. They’ve got this minimalist vibe, coming in muted pastels that’ll look good in any kitchen setup. Taking a leaf out of Modori’s book, Carote pans are made to nest neatly in your cupboards, thanks to their smart design and detachable handles.
Globally, people are loving these pans, giving them top marks for both their looks and their performance. Plus, they’re POFA-free. Whether you’re a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, Carote’s non-stick pans are a solid pick for making meal prep easier and more stylish.
“For daily use, I choose the Carote saucepan. The size I got is perfect for my small family, and I can add a steamer basket to cook multiple things at once. The price of the pot is great and it’s durable!”
Natalie
How often should I change out my cooking pots and pans?
While non-stick pans are increasing in popularity amongst millennial homeowners, seasoned chefs will often stand by cast iron and stainless steel pots and pans for their durability, which is life-long with proper maintenance and tender loving care. This is because non-stick pans usually come with a disclaimer that the ceramic or tefal coating will likely last you 2 years at the very most, and will need replacing at the end of its lifespan.
With that said, it’s also important to note that cast iron and stainless pots and pans are not immune to scratches, damagee or warping, and under those circumstances, you might need to have them replaced.
Picking the best cooking pots and pans for your home
Oftentimes, new Singaporean homeowners may feel a little lost and confused when it comes to picking out cookware for their kitchens, but there is little reason to fret. The massive variety of cookware may feel intimidating at first, but as long as you are able to recognise your specific cooking needs, getting the right pieces should be a breeze.
Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.
Read more articles about kitchen appliances and hacks:
- Aesthetic kitchenware under $200
- Smart HDB kitchen storage solutions
- 7 Unique and practical kitchen backsplashes
Cover image adapted from: Amazon Singapore, Tefal Singapore
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