Upgrade your cookware

Your wedding is the perfect opportunity to say goodbye to the worn cookware from your student days and upgrade your pots and pans to something a little more premium. With so much choice out there it can be hard to know where to begin, but our handy guide will soon have you cooking up a storm.

Cast iron

Using a cast iron pan really enhances the cooking process. It does this by evenly distributing the heat source and sealing the outside of your food as soon as you add it to the pan, helping to lock in the maximum amount of flavour, nutrients and moisture. Cast iron is also a great non-stick surface and works well on all types of hob.

Le Creuset is a classic, popular cast iron choice, offering French heritage in a rainbow of colours. Le Creuset products are built to last meaning your pans can be passed down for generations of delicious home-cooked food. Don't forget to check out our Le Creuset size guide! For a slightly more affordable option, Denby has a fantastic cast iron range that even matches the Halo dinnerware ranges! Check out Staub for everything from classic cast iron casserole dishes, to tea pots and fondue sets.

Many view stainless steel as the be-all and end-all material of hard working pots and pans. With a long list of benefits and recommendations from top chefs, stainless steel is a great option for the home and doesn’t have to break the bank. Due to its hard, rust resistant material, this type of pan is virtually indestructible, dishwasher safe and will last a lifetime. Possibly the best advantage of a stainless pan is flavour preservation; the steel doesn't leak any metallic properties into the food you are cooking and the lack of non-stick coating means there is no risk of little black bits in your dinner.

For a sleek and timeless design, KitchenAid offer a great range of stainless pans that promise both performance and longevity. 

Anolon is great for everyday essentials, offering the perfect pan for every dish you can think of and Essential Collection have great starter sets at reasonable prices.

Non-stick

The clear winner for those who want a simple life. Never again will you need to worry about your dinner getting stuck to the pan, or having to throw away the first pancake. Choosing a set of non-stick pans can be cost effective and save you time in the kitchen. Teflon coated pans are also super easy to hand wash and generally very hard wearing, whilst still being lightweight. You can also cut down on the amount of oil used making it a healthier way to prepare meals.

 If you’re not sure how to clean your pans and pots, keep an eye out for the dishwasher-safe symbol. The Our Place Always Pan range is perfect for those who want to add a pop of colour to their kitchen (who knew cookware could be so damn cool), whereas the Stellar collection offers classic designs with a modern twist.

Eco-friendly

Who doesn't want to be a little bit more eco-friendly? And your cookware is a great place to start, many brands are creating ranges of chemical-free, eco-friendly pans that still deliver in terms of style and performance whilst promising naturally healthy, toxin-free cooking. Win-win!

GreenPan offers the next generation of durable healthy non-stick pans that boast both high-end performance and non-toxic properties. Earth Pan products move away from the normal clinical and cold world of cookware to something altogether more natural, their pans are made of recycled and recyclable materials, and even their packaging is bio-degradable! Finally, the KitchenAid Steel Core Enamel range features a cooking surface that is 100% natural, extremely durable, and non-reactive to preserve the tastes of your favourite dishes.

The extras

So, you've added your snazzy new pans to your wedding gift list. Don't forget the little extra touches which make cooking a breeze. We're talking about spoon caddies, ergonomic utensils, oven gloves, measuring spoons and all those other little kitchen treats that really make a difference. Look for pieces which suit your kitchen's style, if it's country chic head to Le Creuset. Where as if you're looking for something a little more along the scandi vibe, hit up The Essentials Collection. For the uber playful kitchen, hit up Joseph Joseph for colourful kitchen accessories.

There you have it, the ultimate cookware upgrades to enter your married life with a kitchen refresh. It's time to showcase those cooking skills, or at least let your food look pretty in a casserole dish!