8 best saucepan sets for gas, ceramic and induction hobs

If your saucepans have seen better days, or you just fancy having a matching set for once, we've found the best cookware sets whether you're cooking with gas, on induction or electric. When looking at a saucepan set, there are two key things to remember – don't go for style over substance, and variety is key. Luckily, we have put in some research and found durable and good value sets.

Although it can be tempting to buy the sleekest-looking pans (particularly if they're affordable), make sure you're still buying from a reputable name. Saucepans should last you years, not months. Follow the age-old saying: 'If it looks too good to be true, it probably is'. Look out for named and recognisable kitchen brands and 5-star reviews from verified purchases. Have you heard of the Always Pan?

Best saucepan sets at a glance

• Best induction pan set: M&S 5-Piece Stainless Steel Pan Set - view at Marks and Spencer
• Best budget pan set: Morphy Richards 3-Piece Saucepan Set - view on Amazon UK
• Best non-stick pan set: Scoville Neverstick 5-Piece Pan Set - view at Argos

With regards to variety, most saucepan sets will come with a good range of pan sizes and options, although the selection can vary from set to set. Get out your tape measure and take note of what sized pans you actually use now. That way, you'll end up with a usable set for you. Without further ado, here's our pick of cast iron, copper, stainless steel and non-stick pans and the best saucepan sets you can buy.

Our verdict: which is best?

It was a tough one picking our favourite but after careful consideration, our top saucepan set has to be the Tower T81276 Frying Pan and Saucepan Set. Receiving rave reviews, we love that it's suitable for all hobs - making it ideal for a gift for a friend or family member if you don't know what hob type they have.

We also appreciate the different sizes in this set, suitable for a variety of dishes as well as the non-stick coating which means you don't have to use as much oil as traditional pans. It's also a reasonable price, coming with one one-year guarantee plus an extended three-year warranty upon registration of the pans.

Buyers guide

When searching for saucepan sets, we've looked at the material they are made from, whether they're dishwasher-safe and if they're non-stick or not. We've also included what hob types they are suitable for, as well.

What type of hobs are there?

Did you know that there are five different hob types? Knowing which yours is can help you to decide what saucepan set you should buy.

Ceramic hobs

These are electric and have a smooth and easy-to-clean surface. They heat up quickly and are simple to use, however, the heat distribution isn't as good around the bottom of pans.

Induction hobs

Working by creating a magnetic field between the induction element in both the hob and pan, this means that only the pan heats up as opposed to the cooking surface. These are cheaper to run as they only use the exact amount of energy required. You can even boil water on the now with induction hob kettles.

Electric plate hobs

Using traditional solid electric plates to heat your pots and pans - these are generally much cheaper, but you will usually only find four-ring electric plate hobs available.

Gas hobs

Giving instant heat: gas hobs are easy to control, and you'll find they distribute the temperature well across pans.

Glass on gas hobs

A stylish option, this hob type has gas burners mounted on top of ceramic glass.

What type of material are saucepans made of?

Saucepans are available to buy in different materials including the following:

Copper

Copper is the best heat conductor material used to make cookware because it heats rapidly and then cools down as soon as it's removed from the heat. It's worth bearing in mind, however, that copper cookware is usually lined with a non-reactive metal in order to create a safe barrier between copper and its food contents, as copper reacts with the natural minerals and acids found in a lot of foods.

Aluminium

Inexpensive, aluminium is a popular option for pots and pans. It's a lightweight choice but like copper, natural aluminium reacts to acidic foods giving a metallic taste. This is why many aluminium pans are lined with a non-stick coating or clad with stainless steel.

Stainless steel

Highly anti-corrosive, stainless steel pots and pans do not react with acidic or alkaline foods. Durable and attractive, it doesn't scratch easily and is usually dishwasher-safe.

Cast iron

Unfortunately, cast iron is a poor conductor of heat so it's slow to cool down and slow to heat up. This does, however, make it ideal for grill pans and frying pans. Le Creuset is infamous for its long-lasting cast iron pots, but they're a little pricey. Why not look at some Le Creuset casserole dish dupes?

Are stainless steel pans better than non-stick?

Both stainless steel pans and non-stick pans have their pros and cons, but they shouldn't be seen as a one-or-the-other choice.

Stainless steel is great for browning ingredients, they're durable and you won't usually damage them with your choice of utensil. They can withstand much higher heat than non-stick pans, giving you that perfect crispy result. They do, however, require more oil or butter, and can be a nightmare to clean.

Non-stick pans are convenient and perfect for cooking things quickly and efficiently. You can cook healthier meals as you'll need to use less grease, plus they're a dream to clean. They can be damaged by utensils and during cleaning, though, so care should be taken to preserve them. You may not feel like a master chef with a non-stick pan, as they don't give you the versatility that a stainless steel pan does.

The best option? Have a variety of pans in your kitchen, so you'll always have the right one for the job.

Are cookware sets worth it?

In a word, yes. You're almost always going to save money when buying kitchen utensils as a set, and saucepans are no different. You'll get a great variety of pans, plus matching lids, all for a great price.

For more expert advice on the best accessories and cookware visit our sister site A Modern Kitchen, a destination for homeowners and renters looking for a solution to their kitchen problems. Whether you're looking for advice on how to save money on appliances or the latest models to buy.

Stephanie Spencer is the Deputy Digital Editor for Yours. Having worked across a variety of topics, from travel and food to pharmaceuticals, she also has a particular interest in mental health and wellness having studied biosciences at University.