Stainless steel has long been the pan material of choice for professional chefs and now it can be yours for as little as £11.99 with Lidl’s shiny new cookware range.
Available in stores from Sunday 12th April, the range includes frying pans and large stockpots, all of which are non-toxic in their construction, meaning they are free of traditional non-stick coatings.
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Lidl
Silvercrest 28cm Stainless Steel Frying Pan
Suitable for all hob types and dishwasher safe, this stainless steel pan is oven safe up to 250°C and can be yours for less than £15.
The cookware is made in the UK
Stainless clad frying pan
Our expert reviewer and home economist Helen McCue recently tried Made In’s stainless steel cookware set. Review – She called the set ‘pricey’, but it’s an investment in reliably sturdy cookware that’s well-made and should last a lifetime’
the crucible
Le Creuset 3-ply uncoated stainless steel frying pan
Helen also put this point Le Creuset is set for testing recently And I also got a chance to try out the brand’s frying pan – the quality of each piece is truly something to behold.
This range from Lidl includes four pans, a set of stainless steel sieves and a range of food containers in similar materials.
If you’re in the market for a frying pan, the smallest and most affordable offering is the Premium Stainless Steel Frying Pan 24cm, which will set you back £12.99. If you’re cooking in large batches, there’s also a 28cm version for just £2 more.
(Image credit: LIDL)
On stockpots, which are available in 2.5 liter or 5 liter sizes and come with glass lids. They have liter markings on the inside as well as pouring rims to make stuffing easier. The large pot is available for £16.99 while the small is £11.99.
The base of the stockpots is 6mm thick, and like the frying pan, it is compatible with any type of hob and the pieces are also dishwasher safe.
In general, the biggest advantage of stainless steel cookware is its resilience, with the material offering a strength that can withstand even the hottest temperatures. But it’s not without its learning curve, especially if you’re used to using pens with non-stick coatings.
Tests of Helen’s Le Creuset 3-Ply Frying Pan.
(Image credit: Future)
Our expert reviewer Helen McCue’s advice is to use all the resources you can before you use your stainless steel pan for the first time – whether it’s via YouTube or your favorite cookbook.
If you’re wondering about the difference between Lidl’s stainless steel pan and Le Creuset’s and Made In’s (as well as the respective RRPs), the difference is how much stainless steel you’re getting for what you spend.
Take Le Creuset’s 3-ply frying pan for example. Not only does it have a stainless steel core throughout its base but throughout its construction, including its sides. Comparably only encapsulated in Lidl base of stainless steel, where heat will most likely accumulate.
(Image credit: LIDL)
Given the price difference between the two, that difference in quality is to be expected – and that doesn’t mean Lidl’s version can’t do a solid job in your kitchen when used properly. Unless you are frying extremely delicate foods, the difference may not be obvious to your eye.
The range at Lidl also has stainless steel food containers, the perfect pair if you’re going for those bargain pans. You can choose that Set of them for just £6.99 – A total bargain – with the huge added bonus of the lunchbox being microwave safe (without opening its lid).
(Image credit: Lidl)
I’m going to try one Meal preparation sets from Black & Blum (available from £29.95) To see if it’s worth swapping the stainless steel material over the glass container (which I like, but which can be seriously annoying to lug around).
Once I left plastic containers behind for non-toxic alternatives, there was no going back for me, so if you’re looking for a budget way to make the change, Lidl’s set might be worth a look.
If it’s non-toxic kitchen utensils you’re after, these affordable options might be the place to start!
