Stellar Quality Kitchenware (designed in Bristol)

Stellar Quality Kitchenware has been designed in Bristol since 1984. The range includes saucepan sets, plus pans for casseroles and a steamer pan set (with a base pan, two steamer tiers and vented glass lid). The dual perforated lids prevent messy over-boiling and make draining water a doddle.

Choose a few good pans to last for years, with coatings that won’t wear away (anodised aluminium is usually okay, it’s the coating that’s important). They cost a bit more, but you don’t need many.

Turn pan handles in when cooking, avoid floaty sleeves and tie long hair back. Despite claims from ‘green pan companies; all cooking fumes are dangerous around birds. But hopefully if you live with birds, they are in a nice aviary with other birds, rather than caged in a kitchen. 

Read up on food safety for people and pets (just bin allium scraps (onion, garlic, leeks, shallots, chives) as like tomato/citrus/rhubarb scraps, acids could harm compost creatures). Pop lids inside cans for tinned ingredients, to avoid wildlife getting trapped.

The saucepans are dishwasher-safe (and oven-safe up to certain temperatures) and feature ‘hot forged’ bases to ensure even heat distribution, including induction hobs. There are also internal measures on some pans.

High-grade stainless steel resists stains and corrosion. Many pieces move from hob to oven, with selected ranges safe up to 240°C. Thoughtful touches include draining lids, pouring lips, and handles designed to stay cooler in use. The pans also carry lifetime guarantees.

Ethical sourcing and durable finishes support a longer life cycle. Buying one well-made pan that lasts for years is better than replacing cheaper ones each season. That choice saves money, time, and waste.

A 20 cm and 24 cm saucepan, a 28 cm frying pan, and a 24 cm casserole cover a wide range of meals. Add a roasting tin if you love veggie Sunday lunches.