Induction hobs create energy and heat using magnetism. When cooking on them, the pan heats up, not the hob, so they are energy efficient and safe to touch very soon after being switched off. Gemma Lumley is a Content Writer at Mumsnet. With many years of experience as a copywriter for her family business Urban Media Publishing, Gemma has written articles and blogs on travel, the outdoor industry, parenting and finance. Curtains, Throws & Cushions 10% Off Selected Curtains, Throws & Cushions Free Curtain Making Bed Linen 10% Off Selected Bed Linen Cookshop 10% Off All Arthur Price 10% Off All Le Creuset There are fantastic saucepans out there to suit every budget, but with pans made from various materials and in a range of different finishes, you might not be sure which are the best saucepans to suit your family’s needs. When you’re cooking for a family, you ideally want a couple of saucepans in different sizes so you can cook things like pasta in one and sauces in another. A set with a range of pans between 16 to 20 cm would cover all your needs, although you might also want to invest in a smaller pan for heating things like gravy and milk. What are the different types of hob?

Kitchen Storage Bread Bins Biscuit Barrels Cake Tins Storage Canisters Kitchen Appliances Blenders & Mixers Coffee Machines Cooking Appliances Kettles Toasters Sodastreams & Accessories Ready For Guests Guest Beds Sofa Beds Bedding Pillows Duvets Cushions Throws Dining Decorations Lighting Mumsnet users love cooking for their families and friends and have lots of opinions on the best tools for the job. So, the Mumsnet forums were the first stop on our journey to find the best saucepan sets. Shop By Brand Celebrity Daro Ercol G Plan Glasswells Collections Laura Ashley Orla Kiely Parker Knoll Stressless Shop By Brand Brabantia Brita Dartington Crystal Dunoon Henry Watson James Martin Judge KitchenCraft La Cafetiere Le Creuset London Pottery Company Smeg Sophie Allport Stellar Walton & CoDuvets, Pillows & Protectors Duvets Mattress & Pillow Protectors Pillows Tempur Pillows Bed Accessories Bedspreads & Throws Blankets Cushions This set of pans is expensive, but if you have the budget, they are a canny investment. They don’t take up lots of cupboard space, perform well and will last for years of everyday use. Copper and pure aluminium will not work with induction. However, some now have stainless steel bases so they will work on all hob types. Cast iron is magnetic and perfect for induction hobs. It is also a very durable material. In addition, it holds heat well so you can save money by turning down the temperature controls to a lower setting. Electric hobs: An electric hob looks like an induction hob but doesn’t use magnetism, so all pans, as long as they have a flat, smooth base that sits flush with the hob, will work.

Handles: Stay-cool, plastic or hollow handles will make moving your pans around the kitchen safer and more comfortable. Short handles will be closer to the heat so they will get much hotter, but it will make the pan easier to move as it will feel more balanced. If a pan is hefty due to its large capacity, helper handles on either side will be helpful. All Bedding & Bath Bed Linen Duvet Covers & Sets Orla Kiely Bedding Fitted Sheets Flat Sheets Valances Pillowcases Children's Bedding Clearance BeddingBuying cookware that will work on the type of hob you have in your kitchen is essential. Here are the main hob types you will find in UK kitchens. Transparency is really important to us, and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones our users recommend to their friends and family.

All Beds Beds Express Delivery Beds Divan Beds Ottoman Beds Bunk & Cabin Beds Guest Beds Divan Bases Tempur Beds Electric Adjustable Beds Sofa Beds Beds & Mattresses Clearance Gemma is a mum of two grown-up children and has two dogs and a tortoise. Alongside her writing, she spent many years as a home and travel expert and breastfeeding counsellor at a leading nursery retailer. Gemma is also a sensory analyst (chocolate taster!).Shop By Brand Belledorm Cath Kidston Christy Design Port Deyongs Fine Bedding Company Harlequin Helena Springfield Laura Ashley Miller Sanderson Showerdrape Sophie Allport Ted Baker William Morris & Co Home & Garden BBQs & Accessories Picnic & Outdoor Dining Pizza Ovens & Accessories Plant Pots & Gardening Gifts Baby & Child Clothing & Fashion Accessories Food & Alcohol Candles & Home Fragrance Cards, Gift Cards & Gift Wrap Toys & Games Home & Garden Decorative Accessories Indoor Plant Pots Photo Frames Dinner & Tableware Cutlery Dinner Sets Drinkware Tea & Coffee Salt & Pepper Mills Serveware Picnicware Copper pans are often beautiful but pricey. They heat up fast and retain that heat, so chefs love them. Copper pans for use in a domestic kitchen will likely include stainless steel in the materials for practicality; this may also make them induction hob safe, but pure copper pans can't be used on an induction.

Shop By Brand Burgon & Ball Dar Dartington Crystal Deyongs Glasswells Collections Jellycat Laura Ashley Maison Berger Malini Orange Tree Toys Orla Kiely Sophie Allport Stoneglow Voyage Maison Walton & Co We're impressed with the superior quality of these pans; they are crafted from hard-wearing 18/10 stainless steel and are scratch resistant. They can even be washed in a dishwasher, though to maintain a high shine, the manufacturer recommends hand washing.All Sofas Express Delivery Sofas & Chairs Sofas Sofa Collections Recliner Sofas Fabric Sofas Leather Sofas Corner Sofas Sofa Beds Orla Kiely Sofas & Chairs Stressless Sofas 2 Seater Sofas 3 Seater Sofas 4 Seater Sofas