We all like to do our bit for the environment and increasingly, we are becoming more aware as consumers what effect our buying choices have on such issues. Recycling household packaging waste has become the norm, with many local councils and authorities providing dedicated refuse bins and recycling days. But what about the products we buy and use in our homes every day that, once they come to the end of their useful life, we then feel bad about not being able to recycle them?
Step forward the Prestige Eco Pans range (RRP £89.99).
Billed as 'the world’s friendliest plant-based, non-stick cookware' they are touted as easy clean, multi-layer scratchproof, non-stick pans. Too good to be true? Throw in the fact that they are made from recycled materials, are palm oil and PFOA (a chemical that was previously used to manufacture Teflon) free, from respected brand name Prestige – and can be recycled themselves once you no longer need them – and the respect grows.
But guess what? It's true!
So... let's get the credentials out of the way first...
I tested the 3-piece cookware set comprising 16cm, 18cm and 20cm saucepans with soft grip, stay cool handles, offering perfect heat distribution, oven safe up to 150C/300F/Gas mark 2, dishwasher safe, shatterproof glass lids and a five-year guarantee.
Phew.
One more juicy fact - for every pan sold, Prestige will plant one tree with Tree Aid, a charity that helps people in the drylands of Africa lift themselves out of poverty and protect their environment.
Armed with these facts and a smug feeling of doing my bit (however small) for climate change, I set about using them as intended - in my kitchen to cook family meals. It's all very well being green but do they stand up to family cooking?
First thing, the look... A green-speckled pan would not have been my first choice for kitchenware but they actually look like they have been made from recycled materials and that's a comforting thought. It's not to say they don't look smart - they are just not what I'm used to.
Starting to cook, I noticed that you don't need to use cooking oil to fry food as the non-stick coating is so capable, the food literally glides around the pan. That's an unexpected health advantage!
They are surprisingly light in weight (especially compared to my old Circulon pans which I am replacing) and the handles are a good size, offering a comfortable grip. They stay cool when the pan is hot and felt safe in my hand. This is great for those with reduced strength in their hands or who suffer from arthritis. Even full of food, they are a manageable weight and I could carry them with one hand.
If you are one of those people who always get rice stuck to the bottom of the pan, you'll be delighted to hear that doesn't happen here. The non-stick coating ensures food cooks evenly with no stickiness and your rice will be cooked to perfection.
The lids are a snug fit and made from shatterproof glass, a bonus if you drop them on the hard kitchen floor. The transparent lids allow you to keep an eye on what's cooking (handy if you tend to let things boil dry) and the lid handles are wide with a ridge, making them easy to get a grip of. There's also a steam hole in each lid so they don't get too fogged or hot when cooking.
I have an electric ceramic hob and these pans work like a dream on it. They have very smooth bottoms (!) so don't leave any residue or marks/scratches on the hob surface.
When it comes to cleaning, there's no scrubbing required; the non-stick surface works as well on cleaning as it does on cooking, and you'll find a wipe round with a bit of kitchen paper and a gentle wash in warm water will keep them looking spanking new.
If I have one gripe, it's that the 20cm pan is not quite large enough. My old pans are a few centimetres bigger and that seems to make a difference. If Prestige are listening – a 22cm or 24cm pan as part of the set would be grand, thanks!
But because I am so impressed by the quality, design and green credentials, I am going to invest further in the 24cm stockpot (£49.99) and 28cm wok (£29.99) so I have all areas covered and can cook larger portions when catering for more people.
So, if you're looking to replace your old saucepan set, give these Prestige Eco pans a try - you won't be disappointed - and neither will the environment.
For more information visit, www.prestige.co.uk
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