Cookware & Bakeware

Top Cookware & Bakeware Picks for UK Kitchens: Best Stores and Must-Have Pieces

Why the right cookware matters more than you think

Choosing the right cookware is a bit like choosing the right shoes for a hike: the wrong pair will make the journey uncomfortable and slow, while the right pair helps you enjoy every step. In the kitchen, good pans and bakeware affect heat distribution, food release, durability, and even how quickly you can clean up afterwards. Whether you’re flipping pancakes on a Sunday morning or roasting a joint for guests, the tools you use play a huge role in the outcome.

Featured store: Nordic Nest — what they offer

Nordic Nest is well known for curating high-quality European kitchenware, and their range often includes specialty pans and lids perfect for both casual cooks and enthusiasts. If you’re into Scandinavian design and durable cookware, Nordic Nest stocks pieces like Staub and Demeyere that combine thoughtful design with serious cooking performance. Think of them as a boutique that brings pro-level cookware into a stylish home kitchen.

Staub Vintage Pancake Pan — roughly 11 inches

The Staub Vintage pancake pan with a wooden handle, listed at about 11 inches across, is a heavy-duty skillet designed to deliver even browning and easy flipping. Cast-iron fans love Staub for its enamel finish, which gives non-reactive surfaces without the need for constant seasoning. It’s ideal for delicate tasks like pancakes and crepes but can handle hearty searing too. The wooden handle adds a classic aesthetic, though it’s best kept out of the oven at high temperatures.

De Buyer Mineral B & Choc Intense pancake pans — about 10 to 10.2 inches

De Buyer’s Mineral B and Choc Intense pancake pans — about 10.6 inches and 10.2 inches respectively — are favorites for cooks who want a slightly lighter, fast-heating alternative to cast iron. The Mineral B line builds a natural patina over time, improving non-stick performance with seasoning, while the Choc Intense line is tailored for even heat and chocolate-based recipes. These pans are great if you like a quick, responsive pan that rewards regular use and care.

Demeyere Atlantis stainless fry pans & lids — from roughly 9.5 to 12.6 inches

Demeyere Atlantis fry pans and specialty glass lids cover sizes from about 9.5 inches up to nearly 12.6 inches. These multi-layered stainless steel pans are engineered for perfect heat conduction and are excellent for browning, sautéing, and finishing sauces. Heavy-gauge construction and fitted lids make them a kitchen workhorse for home cooks who appreciate precision and long-lasting performance.

Ronneby Bruk Inox lid & Tefal Ingenio handle — smart accessories

A stainless steel lid like the Ronneby Bruk Inox for an 11.8-inch frying pan and systems like the Tefal Ingenio detachable handle add practical value. A well-fitting lid traps steam and shortens cooking time, while a removable handle turns a pan into stackable cookware for compact storage and oven use. Accessories like these can dramatically change how much utility you get from a single pan.

Other specialist brands to know in the UK market

Beyond Nordic Nest carefully selected range, several specialist brands and pieces repeatedly show up on “must-buy” lists. Demeyere, Staub, Scanpan, Tramontina, Samuel Groves, and De Buyer each bring different strengths: professional-grade stainless performance, enamel-coated cast iron, durable non-stick surfaces, heavy ribbed griddles, and traditionally forged skillets. These brands are commonly available across UK retailers and online marketplaces.

Scanpan Pro IQ non-stick saute pan — roughly 12.6 inches

Scanpan’s Pro IQ non-stick sauté pan at about 12.6 inches is an example of modern non-stick engineering, built for chefs who want easy release and simple cleaning without sacrificing browning. Non-stick isn’t just for low-heat tasks; a good non-stick pan can sear and reduce sauces if managed correctly and not overheated.

Tramontina cast iron griddle — roughly 10.6 inches square

The Tramontina 10.6-inch square ribbed griddle is perfect for grill-style searing indoors — think charred marks and crisp edges on steaks and vegetables. Cast iron holds heat exceptionally well, giving consistent sear across the surface, and a ribbed profile helps excess fat drain away while creating that desirable grill aesthetic.

UK stores where you’ll find these cookware heroes

Shopping in the UK gives you lots of options, from specialist boutiques to major department stores and online giants. Knowing where to look depending on whether you want expert advice, quick delivery, or the best value can save time and money. Below are some of the top retailers where the featured brands often appear.

John Lewis — reliable department-store selection

John Lewis offers a broad selection of quality cookware brands, often with helpful in-store advice and generous guarantees. They stock professional and premium pieces that are ideal if you want to feel the weight and finish before buying. John Lewis often carries brands like Staub and Demeyere and is a go-to for many UK shoppers seeking a mix of value and service.

Lakeland — cookware for practical cooks

Lakeland is a destination for practical kitchen gadgets and solid cookware, especially if you’re equipping a first home or looking for tools designed to make cooking easier. Their range tends to include both budget-friendly and mid-range options, making them a convenient stop for everyday essentials and clever accessories like Tefal’s Ingenio system.

Amazon UK & specialist online retailers

Amazon UK and specialist online retailers offer the widest selection and often the best prices on specific models. You’ll find Scanpan, De Buyer, Tramontina, and more across multiple sellers — great for comparing specifications, reading customer reviews, and finding rare sizes like a 16.1-inch roasting tray.

Independent kitchen boutiques and cookware specialists

Smaller independent shops and online boutiques frequently stock curated selections and hard-to-find specialist pieces. They can be a treasure trove for brands like Ronneby Bruk or Samuel Groves, where the staff often know the backstories and best uses for each item — the kind of place you’ll leave feeling inspired.

How to choose cookware: materials, size, and intended use

Picking cookware feels like a puzzle: match the material to the task, and the results will be noticeably better. Let’s break down the main material choices and what they’re best used for so you can make an informed decision without getting overwhelmed.

Stainless steel — versatile and durable

Stainless steel, especially multi-clad pans like Demeyere Atlantis, offers durability and a clear advantage for deglazing and sauce-making. They provide even heat with a little patience and are dishwasher safe. If you want a pan for browning meat, reducing sauces, and lasting decades, stainless is a top pick.

Cast iron and enamel-coated cast iron — heat retention and depth

Cast iron, including enamel-coated Staub pieces, retains heat incredibly well, making it ideal for searing, steady simmering, and oven-to-table cooking. Enamel removes the need for constant seasoning while keeping the core heat-retention benefits. These pieces are heavy but forgiving and often the family heirlooms of the cookware world.

Carbon steel — the chef’s secret weapon

Carbon steel heats quickly and becomes naturally non-stick after proper seasoning. It’s lighter than cast iron and excellent for high-heat tasks like stir-frying or quick searing. Carbon steel pans demand maintenance, but for those who love fast, responsive cooking, they’re worth the attention.

Non-stick — convenience for low-fat cooking

Modern non-stick coatings, like Scanpan’s, make eggs, fish, and pancakes effortless. They’re not usually made for extremely high heat, so they shine in low-to-medium-heat everyday cooking and cleaning. They’re perfect for anyone prioritizing convenience and easy cleanup.

Essential cookware pieces worth investing in

When building a practical kitchen kit, focus on a few high-quality pieces rather than accumulating many mediocre ones. Here’s a simple starter set that covers most cooking tasks without breaking the bank.

Everyday frying pan — around 10 to 12 inches

A good frying pan in the 10 to 12-inch range covers the majority of jobs — from frying eggs to browning chicken. Look for a sturdy base for even heat and a comfortable handle. If you cook for two to four people, a 10.6-inch to 12.6-inch pan is ideal for handling portions without crowding.

Saute pan with lid — about 12.6 inches and 1.6 quarts

A sauté pan with taller sides and a good-fitting lid is perfect for risottos, braises, and pan sauces. A 12.6-inch sauté pan with roughly 1.6 quarts capacity is a versatile choice that handles both searing and simmering. Choose a heavy base for consistent heat and a lid that seals well to retain moisture.

Roasting tray & casserole pot — big and small workhorses

A roasting tray of about 16.1 inches is excellent for joints, roast vegetables, and sheet-bake meals, while a 2.75-quart casserole pot offers cozy stews and oven-baked pasta. These are the comfort pieces that turn Sunday meals into weeknight treasures.

Care and maintenance — how to make cookware last

Cookware longevity often comes down to a little TLC. Stainless steel benefits from a quick scrub with a non-abrasive cleaner and occasional descaling; cast iron needs seasoning and drying to avoid rust; non-stick should be kept away from high heat and metal utensils. Treat your pans right, and they’ll repay you with years of reliable service — like a trusty car that’s been well maintained.

Budget vs premium — where to save and where to splurge

If you’re on a budget, prioritize splurging on a single high-quality frying pan and a roasting tray, and save on small gadgets and specialized tools. Splurging makes sense for pieces you’ll use daily, like a 10 to 12-inch stainless or cast-iron skillet. Save on items you use rarely or that are easily replaced. Think of investment pieces as the backbone of your kitchen wardrobe; the rest are accessories.

Final tips for shopping cookware in the UK

When you shop, weigh factors like weight, handle comfort, oven-safety, and whether lids fit across sizes you own. Try to test balance and grip where possible, and read reviews for real-world feedback. If you’re buying online, compare sellers for the exact model and look for clear photos that show the base and handle attachment. A good pan is an everyday ally — pick one you’ll enjoy cooking with.

Choosing the right cookware is a personal mix of practical needs and cooking habits. Whether you love the searing power of cast iron, the precision of stainless steel, or the convenience of modern non-stick, there’s a perfect set of tools out there. Shops across the UK, from department stores to specialist boutiques and curated online retailers, make it easier than ever to find the right fit for your kitchen. Start with the essentials, invest where it counts, and enjoy the long-term payoff: better meals with less hassle.