Ceramic hobs are easy to clean, but also easy to scratch if you use the wrong pans. If you’ve recently installed a new ceramic hob, you’ll want to make sure you’re using the right pans so that you can keep it looking new and shiny.
In this article, we’ll recommend a few of the best products on the market and also look at how to choose saucepans for ceramic hobs.
Best Pan Sets for Ceramic Hobs in the UK
1. Circulon Infinite Saucepans and Frypans
Set includes: Three saucepans with stainless-steel lids (16, 18 and 20 cm), two skillets/frying pans (20 and 24 cm)
Since launching in 1985, Circulon have been one of the leading innovators in the world of non-stick cookware.
The pans in this 5-piece set are all made using PFOA-free non-stick materials.
These pans are suitable for induction hobs and can be put in the oven at temperatures up to 240°C.
The frying pans use what Circulon refer to as “Hi-Low wave technology”. What this means is that the base of the pan has a several raised circles that take the brunt of any potential damage from cooking utensils, protecting the rest of the base from damage. According to Circulon, this helps their non-stick coating last longer than on rival products.
The non-stick coating on these pans is impressive, and works much better than some of the cheaper alternatives.
Since these pans have a non-stick coating, you need to be careful when cleaning them. Scrubbing with a scourer will damage them; it’s best to just wipe them clean with a soft cloth. Looking after these pans is key to maximising their longevity.
2. Tefal C972S544 5 Piece Pots and Pans Set
Set includes: 14 cm milk pan, 16 and 18 cm saucepans with glass lids, 24 and 28 cm frying pans
Tefal is a common household name when it comes to pots and pans. This five-piece set of stainless steel pans are sturdy and ideal for use on a range of hob types, including ceramic and induction.
For easy cleaning, these Tefal saucepans are dishwasher safe, and they are even oven safe for up to an hour at 175°C too.
Tefal frying pans are renowned for their non-stick ability, and the frying pans in this set are no different. The frying pans also benefit from Tefal’s Thermospot technology that changes to a solid red colour once the pan is up to temperature.
Users love that the non-stick carries on working for a long time even after harsh use, and that the pans can be used in the oven for short periods of time. However, the maximum oven temperature of 175°C is lower than some other pans on this list can handle.
Overall, this set of Tefal pots and pans are good quality, and present good value for money too.
3. Tower Cerastone T81276 Forged 5 Piece Pan Set
Set contains: 18 cm, 20 cm and 22 cm saucepans, 20 cm and 28 cm frying pans
The Cerastone five-piece set from Tower all benefit from a non-stick coating and soft-touch handles for a comfortable, stress-free cooking experience.
The aluminium construction of these pans traps the heat for rapid cooking, and makes them ultra-durable too. The steel base not only makes for even heat distribution during cooking, but it also means the pans are suitable for use on all hob types.
Whilst these pots and pans are technically dishwasher safe, Tower do however recommend that they are hand washed.
Overall, these pans look great and perform well. However, some people do find that the non-stick coatings struggle with some difficult foods. Some people have also found that the non-stick hasn’t lasted as long as they would have liked.
4. Stellar 7000 S7C1D 5 Piece Saucepan Set
Set contains: One 14 cm milk pan, three draining saucepans (16, 80 and 20 cm), one 26 cm non-stick frying pan
Bristol-designed Stellar 7000 pans are some of the most highly regarded pans for ceramic hobs.
This set of five stainless-steel pans is suitable for both induction and non-induction hobs.
The pans have some clever features including perforated lid sides which allow you drain water safely and without losing any of the food you’ve been cooking.
The pans also have internal measuring guides so you don’t have to measure quantities out separately.
These pans are dishwasher safe and oven safe up to 210°C. Some nice things about these pans are that you can see what you’re cooking thanks to the glass lids, and the handles don’t get hot.
Stellar’s pans are very well made, look classy and are backed by a lifetime warranty.
5. John Lewis & Partners Classic Pan Set
Set contains: One 14 cm milk pan, two saucepans with lids (16 and 18 cm), two frying pans (24 and 28 cm)
John Lewis is one of the UK’s most trusted retailers, and their Classic range is a great place to start if you’re looking to buy something that offers quality, reliability and a good returns and warranty policy.
This set is made up of five pans constructed from 18/10 stainless steel, with stay-cool handles. They could be a good choice for a regular ceramic or induction hob.
The pans are dishwasher safe and can also be safely put in the oven at temperatures up to 180°C. The frying pans and milk pan have a non-stick coating.
These pans are sturdy without being too heavy. They’re also easy to clean. While they’re not exactly cheap, they offer good value for money considering you get a complete set of pans that should last for years to come.
Choosing Pans for Ceramic Hobs
Here are some tips to help you choose the right type of pans for your ceramic hob.
What sort of pans should you use on a ceramic hob?
- Bottom of pan must be flat – The pan needs to come into direct contact with the hob in order to heat up, so the bottom of the pan must be flat.
- Choose aluminium or stainless steel – Good materials for ceramic hobs include heavy-gauge coated aluminium and hard anodised stainless steel. They conduct heat well and are unlikely to scratch the surface.
- It’s ok to use heavy pans – Many people worry about using heavy pans on ceramic hobs, but this is fine as long as you place them on the hob carefully. The ceramic glass is quite tough, and won’t crack just because the pan is heavy.
What sort of pans should you avoid?
- Glass, ceramic and stoneware – These materials don’t conduct heat well.
- Cast iron – Cast iron is rough and can easily scratch the hob.
Do you have an induction hob?
Many (but not all) ceramic hobs are induction hobs. If you have an induction hob, you will need to buy magnetic metal pans. Copper and aluminium pans won’t work on an induction hob.
If a saucepan set is suitable for induction hobs it will normally be labelled as such.
How is the diameter of a pan measured?
The diameter (distance from one side to the other) of a pan is usually measure from the outer edges, rather than the internal cooking area. This means that a 24 cm frying pan may actually offer less than 20 cm of cooking space once you take the edges of the pan into account.
How to Care for a Ceramic Hob
Here are some tips for keeping your ceramic hob in good condition:
- Make sure the bottom of pans is completely dry before you use them.
- Avoid pans boiling over by not filling them too high.
- Clean spills quickly: If a pan overflows, turn the heat of and wipe it dry. This will prevent marks that will be harder to remove in the future.
- Make it a habit to clean the hob after every use.
- Never scrub the hob with an abrasive cleaning implement. Use a soft cloth instead.
- Use a special ceramic glass cleaner to clean hard-to-remove marks.
The combination of the right pans with regular cleaning and maintenance will keep your hob looking new and shiny.
Conclusion
If we had to recommend just one set of pans for a ceramic hob it would be the Circulon Infinite Saucepans and Frypans set. This versatile set includes three saucepans and two frying pans, all of which are made from PFOA-free non-stick materials and are oven safe up to 240°C.
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