Best kitchenware shops?

[boobesque]

I have become an avid chef (my mum has nicknamed me delia!) and am after some quality, not too expensive kitchen ware, knives, saucepans, roasting tins etc, other than lakeland limited is there any super good places i could check out? On-line or actual shops.

[andyjevs]

Where do you live boobesque ???

I've done exactly the same.....i'm loving my cooking at the mo. To tell you the truth, unless you want to spend thousands on pots, pans, utensils etc, i'd get them from Argos or the kitchen section of a supermarket or DIY shop.
I've found Asda particularly good for bits and pieces. If you do a search on ebay for kitchen knives, you can get some decent ones on there.

So apart from the normal pans with lids, you should be looking at a steamer....3 or 4 tier (i like the hob top ones as opposed to electric), a decent frying pan or two (pref with lids if poss), a slow cooker (an absolute must), A griddle of some sort and an assortment of baking and roasting trays.

You need to be looking at some basic ingredients to keep too....here's a link to what some people keep (non perishable stuff) http://www.jamieoliver.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15552

Hope this helps a bit

[boobesque]

i live in kent, near bluewater so i have to proffesional cookshop there, but i wondered if there was any i may not know of! i am not keen on argos stuff, i have a bit and its not lasting at all! same with wilkinsons, i am getting a traditional bamboo steamer for sure though as the electric ones are too bulky!

thanks for the basics thing, i have a kitchen full (had to buy another spice rack lol)

[nickmo]

Oi, Del!!

Look out for these shops in some of the 'outlet' villages and high streets too. http://www.cookware.co.uk plus try these puppies http://www.nisbets.co.uk/ for professional cookware - saute pans etc that you can't cook properly without. You do not need to be a working chef to order from them, and stuff is at trade prices. Get a good mandolin to help with the prep by the way. Darn handy tool.

Happy cooking!

[boobesque]

thanks nickmo, cant wait to move house and replace ALL my kitchen stuff! roll on range cooker!

[lady_p_gold]

If you have a TK Maxx near you or even if you haven't its worth going to one, they have some fabulous quality kitchenware at cheap prices.

[Hgrove]

I occasionally get invited to Pampered Chef evenings, and have always found the quality excellent, not cheap though unfortunately. I think there is a mail order catalogue called Divertimenti which is good.

[boobesque]

Redhelen, that would be great if the journey wasnt so long lol, i will be going next time my mum goes!

lady_p_gold, i have never thought of there, we have a new one that is massive i thought they did just clothes, thanks

Hgrove, oooh sounds like my kind of thing, other half wont be quite so happy though lol

[lozzzz]

I used to be a chef, and got most of my knives from Nisbetts.. try your local kitchen shop, for Sabatier or Global knives.

one or two good quality cooks knives and a small vegetable knife will be sufficient for general use..and buy a quality steel to keep them sharp..(or a stone if you can)

Buy quality and you will find they will last.. Mermaid do good quality roasting pans etc..Don't be tempted to buy more for less because you'll end up having to go out and replace everything..

[WendyS]

If you have a Robert Dyas hardware store in your area they often have a good selection of reasonably prices pans, kitchenware etc.

[jaberwocky]

company called 'the good cookware company' sells really good stuff. can be pricey but you get what you pay for,it'll last for years.