How We Researched & Tested

Why You Should Trust Us

We don’t recommend products based on trends or marketing spin. Rather, we recommend products that have proven themselves in real-world testing, which in the cookware market is critical to performance across all cooktops: gas, electric and induction. We feel that consumers deserve to have the most accurate, unbiased data available to make an informed purchase decision. Rather than relying on the marketing clout of name recognition, we examine the design, materials and features of a cookware product to determine whether it is likely to provide years of reliable performance.

The most important factor for us is that the equipment that we use is relevant to the task. Thus, even heat distribution, stability, ease of use, and low maintenance are the parameters that should be optimised in an ideal piece of kitchen equipment. Rather than selecting a piece of equipment that impresses the sales team with its design and functionality, we tend to only choose those that can be really used in our daily cooking.

Who This Is For

by Melissa Clark When we think of downsizing our kitchens and cooking, we often think of sacrifice — that we’ll have to give up on the complexity, the richness, the variety of food for a more minimalist and monotonous experience. But what if the opposite were true? What if having less space to prepare and eat your meals made you cook better, and eat better, and feel better? That was my hope when I decided to buy a tiny apartment in Manhattan, and to downscale the way I prepare and think about food in a much smaller space. The apartment is 500 square feet, with two rooms: a living and dining area with a sink and a microwave, and a small kitchen off of a hallway. It is tiny.

It’s ideal for:
First-time renters or homeowners setting up a kitchen
Families upgrading worn-out cookware
Busy professionals who cook several times a week. Anyone wanting to replace cheap, short-lifespan tools with durable alternatives If you are looking for quality that will last a long time and aren’t looking for the latest piece of technology then you’re in the right place.

How We Picked

We put a multitude of products through a battery of tests designed to gauge their reliability, versatility and value. When we started designing our products we focused on the toughest materials possible. We decided to use stainless steel, cast iron and high carbon stainless in our knife blades. Far tougher than any coating or low grade metal alloy. Our second test aimed to determine the compatibility of our cookware items with typical Australian cooktops. We investigated products that would be suitable for use with induction, gas and electric cooktops. Third, we decided to stop using what we called single-use gadgets. Our pot needed to be able to be used for more than one purpose. A Dutch oven would work great as a stand in for a number of pots. Our chef’s knife would also eliminate the need to use other knives. All these things were part of our decision making process when trying to determine the optimal cost for a product and its performance. We wanted our products to last.

How We Tested

We tested a mid-size and large model in a range of real-world cooking scenarios. The scenarios were chosen to allow us to understand the performance of each appliance in a range of real cooking tasks, such as searing a steak or piece of pork, reducing a sauce, roasting root and other vegetables, baking cakes and bread, and general meal preparation, all away from the often idealised and staged environment of a model home kitchen.

We tested and compared a number of multi-tools for their ability to retain heat, maintain temperature, prevent warping, hold their knife edge, and be easy to clean. Several were a bit too finicky to make them really useful. We also looked at the comfort of the tools — handle balance, grip security and ergonomics — because usability and durability are important, but so is comfort. We only looked at tools that could be used more than once.

Buying Guide: How to Choose Smart Kitchen Essentials

We’ve all said it – “we need to get some smart kitchen gadgets” – but what does it really mean? A hoard of necessary items that sit idle in a kitchen cupboard or a selection of useful tools that make the cooking process faster, easier and with less cost? I’d argue the latter. Good smart kitchen gadgets will make the time you spend cooking more efficient, reduce the amount of effort required and lower the amount of money you spend on new foods and ingredients. Here are a few tips to help you buy something worthwhile.

Prioritise Durability Over Trends

Kitchen trends come and go but some things remain constant in terms of materials. Stainless steel and cast iron are going to be better than the non-stick coatings. The non-stick pan may be the easiest to use, but the stainless steel and cast iron will need to be replaced less. A good stainless steel or cast iron pan can last for many years if it is treated properly. The characteristics of a good pan would be thick base, solid rivets and a strong handle that is just as sturdy as the bottom of the pan.

 Invest in Knives First

We use our knives to cut almost every ingredient in our dishes. A dull or improperly fitted knife can be a hazard in the kitchen. A sharp, well-fitted chef’s knife makes the cutting and preparation of the ingredients you are working with easier and provides you with more confidence while working in the kitchen. Instead of using a cheap knife for a few uses, we recommend using a chef’s knife and paring knife in the kitchen.

Avoid Unitaskers

Sometimes gadgets can seem like a good idea at the time, but many have only one use and before you know it they are cluttering up your kitchen. It is wise to remember that a good value is reflected in the multi-functionality of an item, and that often the more space you have to store it the more you will be able to use it. A good Dutch oven can be used as a stovetop insert, as well as functioning as a frying pan, saucepan and a few other pots. A rimmed baking sheet is a multi-use piece of cookware as well. You can use it to bake, roast, and reheat leftovers from the fridge. One more thing to think about when considering a product or tool for your kitchen: Is it multi-purpose?

Check Compatibility

Some questions we have had from clients include: Is stainless steel cookware suitable for an induction cooktop? Is my stainless steel cookware magnetic? Will my current cooktop need to be changed? While many current stainless steel products will work on an induction cooktop, not all stainless steel is magnetic. Buying compatible cookware to an induction cooktop will prepare you for future upgrades to your cooktop. Investing in cookware suitable for use on gas, electric or induction cooktops will ensure you get years of use from the product.

Think Long Term

The quality of affordable cookware may seem fine at the time of purchase but as time wears on problems develop and more and more has to be purchased. Warping, loose handles and chipped non-stick surfaces all conspire to ruin the effectiveness of the product. While initially low cost it may be more expensive in the long run, when the cost of having to replace it time and time again is taken into account.

Your goal is not to buy more. Your goal is to buy better. You want to have a small set of quality tools and use them for years to come.

Final Recommendation

If you’re just learning how to cook, start here. Buy the following and you’ll be set: A stainless steel pan A cast iron skillet A decent chef’s knife Mixing bowls Baking trays A pressure cooker will come later. Start buying equipment and cookware one item at a time, and you’ll have a fully-stocked kitchen before you know it.

More Read:
The Best Blenders for Smoothies
The Best Rice Cooker
The Best Microwaves for Everyday Kitchen Use
The Best Coffee Makers in Australia

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I really need a full cookware set?
No. Some people use only two or three pieces per day. You can always begin with just a frying pan and saucepan and later buy more pieces if you need them.

2. Is stainless steel better than non-stick?
These pans are perfect for long term and high heat cooking. Non-stick is very easy to crack eggs into but the non-stick coating will wear out after a few months.

3. How often should knives be sharpened?
If you are a frequent cook, we recommend sharpening your knife weekly. If you cook rarely, we recommend having your knife professionally sharpened every 6 months to a year.

4. Is cast iron hard to maintain?
Pretty easy to work with. Just make sure it is dry and lightly oil after cleaning.

5. Are expensive appliances worth it?
Only if you use them weekly. If not, they become clutter.