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I've always been a fan of having less things but better ones (buy cheap buy twice) - unfortunately I often can't afford new but I'm happy to buy used.
Last year I became completely fed up with throwing non-stick frying pans away and bought a De Buyer Mineral B carbon steel one to try as they used to be cheap - I've now got 5 of varying sizes with the other 4 all being bought used off eBay!!
The only issue with them is that I cook a lot of "saucy" meals and tomatoes feature strongly - this is an issue as the tomatoes are acidic and happily strip the seasoning off a carbon steel pan.
The other day I came across a stainless De Buyer saute pan for sale and, as that would be perfect for my pasta sauces, etc, off I went down the rabbit hole to see wondering what else was out there.
Good grief.... £250 for a saute pan and lid?!!!
Anyway, patience is a virtue and 10 days (and £93) later the auction has finished and a lovely De Buyer Affinity saute pan is winging it's way to me where it will stay until I'm 6' under!
I definitely need to stop looking at nice pans*!
* although the Mauviel M'Cook range also look really nice!!!
Edit: About 7 years ago I started making bread and wanted a stand mixer. Rather than buy a new [Kitchen Aid] one I spent £250 on a used Hobart N50 - they now sell used for £1k!!
This almost applies to tools too except the 'fewer' bit doesn't always work. There's nothing more satisfying than using something that costs the earth but when you do, you realise it is actually worth it.
I recently bought couple of Samuel Groves pans (a small saucepan and a stainless steel frying pan). Reasonable prices compared to the competition and they offer a refurbishment service.
I'm pretty sure I'll be buying some more.
WMF salt and pepper mills.... GF bought some for my folks 20 years ago and they're still going strong.
Miele dishwasher at the GF's parents is 25 years old, but you wouldn't know it.
I seem to be very lucky that my non stick pans have all lasted for many years.
Or maybe just not putting them in a dishwasher or using metal implements in them?
Not trying to be contrary but I can't really think of any "cheap" kitchen stuff that breaks/wears out quick tbh.
If it can’t go in the dishwasher, it can’t come into my kitchen.
Used to have Prestige Lifetime pans, but their solid wooden handles weren’t happy in the dishwasher, replaced over 20 years ago with more Prestige 18/10 but all steel handle and lids. We only have one bit of cast iron, a crepe skillet brought back from a Brittany holiday. I’ll take some more convincing that seasoning isn’t just a lucky subset of dirt that works for a few types of meal. If it can be washed off, we’ll have it washed off thanks, today’s meals taste of today’s cooking, not last weeks.
The trouble with recommending stuff to last decades, is so few products sold today are actually the same as the old ones. Our Mercury cooker is brilliant, no gimmicks and built like a tank, but the same model isn’t available and the brand isn’t made by Lincat anymore and is now part of AGA/Rangemaster.
I seem to be very lucky that my non stick pans have all lasted for many years.
+1
Ours are basic Le Creuset and years old, still work perfectly.
Ours are basic Le Creuset
Who used to be (possibly rightly) considered the best in kitchen pannery.... Maybe they still are?!
Any recommendations for durable non stick pans?
Any recommendations for durable non stick pans?
A time machine would appear to be the answer from above.
I’m a big fan of the OP’s message. I’ve been on a mission to slowly replace plastic tat with lifetime goods, not quite reaching the lofty heights of a Hobart N50 but having checked spares availability I bought a broken kenwood for £80 and got it going again.
My most ‘fun’ lifetime item was a gift to me, its a leather and wood fly swat that beats anything (we’re rural, we get flies).
Given the room and the spare cash i’d have that yellow La Marzocco Mini espresso machine pride of place in our kitchen! I’m very much a buy less stuff but buy quality type of person.
10+ years out of ProCook replaced by Ninja Zerostick aluminium only because they are lighter 18 months used every other day at least still going strong.
My Gaggia classic is 15 years old and Kenwood chef 20 years old. Both work perfectly.
Facebook market place can be good for that sort of thing. I got an enormous perfect condition cousances casserole dish for £20 that would have cost £200 odd. I've given up on most of my non stick too and go for seasoning proper pans and woks now though do have one non stick for saucy things like curry.
Yes - I'm now interested in buying stuff that I won't have to buy again - ever, preferably, but at least for a few decades.
I've replaced my cheapo SS pans with Le Crueset SS ones once the handles started wobbling and I'm really pleased with them - they seem utterly bombproof.
Non-stick pans have been slowly replaced with wrought (rather than cast) iron - which I am finding to be excellent - as good as the non-stick pans they replaced.
i’d have that yellow La Marzocco Mini espresso machine
A yellow La Marzocco micra is on my list, as soon as I can justify replacing my current machine. However, if you want longevity, there is one clear winner:
I’m very much a buy less stuff but buy quality type of person.
My GF always said "we're too poor to buy cheap".
Quality over quantity, always..... Unless you're on a piece rate, then sod it.
Any recommendations for durable non stick pans?
Recently started using Ninja ones and so far am really impressed (but too soon to comment on longevity)
Kenwood chef 20 years old.
I've got my mums that dates back to the '70's! It's OK for a sponge mix but if I try and mix dough it looks like there's going to be an imminent RUD!
Any recommendations for durable non stick pans?
Don't put them in the dishwasher?
But seriously, I can only say my Kitchen Aid pans look pretty much as new after 15-odd years.
The ones that look like this: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/cooking-tools/cookware-reviews/a38191/kitchenaid-aluminum-review/