Saucepans & Kettles

Saucepans & Kettles

Everything here is stovetop rather than electric, which makes hob compatibility the first thing to check. Stainless steel works on gas, electric and ceramic, but induction needs a magnetic base, so look for an induction-suitable marking rather than assuming, since a pan that works everywhere else will simply not heat on induction. A stovetop whistling kettle is worth understanding as a deliberate choice: it takes longer than an electric kettle but works during a power cut, suits a range cooker where a plug-in kettle looks wrong, and the whistle means it cannot be forgotten. Capacity of 2.7 to 3 litres covers a household easily. Tiered steamers stack over one pan so vegetables cook in the steam above while something else boils below, which saves both a ring and washing up, and the number of tiers decides how many separate items you can keep apart. Diameter matters more than tier count though, because the base has to match the ring. Stovetop espresso makers force water up through the grounds under pressure and give a far stronger result than a filter, with double walled versions holding heat longer. Egg poachers hold the egg in a cup above simmering water so the white sets without spreading.

Steelex is the widest range, with 2.7 litre whistling kettles in red, blue, sage green and grey, a 3 tier steamer at 24cm and a 2 tier steamer at 20cm, all stainless steel. Steelux supplies a 3 litre stainless steel kettle and a spouted stainless steel teapot at 1.5 litre 48oz. Smeg makes the 50s Style stovetop whistling kettle in stainless steel, and Stellar a matt double walled espresso maker suitable for induction. Budget 2 cup egg poachers complete the range. For pans, bakeware and utensils see Kitchen Utensils and Cake Tins & Scales.