shame I can't see one in a big picture or in profile. I might have to had a nosy round one of the kitchen shops next time I am in town to see if they have them
Bebo
Joined: 21 May 2007 Posts: 12590 Location: East Sussex
Posted: Fri Aug 31, 07 2:18 pm Post subject:
Oooh I feel a whole 'who makes the best knives' debate coming on. I'll get my vote in first and plump for Global. I've used sabatier in the past but they just don't hold as sharp an edge as far as I'm concerned. Blooming expensive but worth it.
Nick
Joined: 02 Nov 2004 Posts: 34535 Location: Hereford
Posted: Fri Aug 31, 07 2:20 pm Post subject:
Global, but only if you're prepared to do the sharpening (true of any knife). Sabatier isn't a properly copyrighted brand name, so I could churn out Sabatier labelled knives. The upshot is knives branded Sabatier vary in quality and style.
bagpuss
Joined: 09 Dec 2004 Posts: 10507 Location: cambridge
Posted: Fri Aug 31, 07 2:23 pm Post subject:
Nick wrote:
Global, but only if you're prepared to do the sharpening (true of any knife). Sabatier isn't a copyrighted brand name, so I could churn out Sabatier labelled knives. The upshot is knives branded Sabatier vary in quality and style.
on the sabatier front my p.sabtier knife is lovely and very well balanced. I have 3 V sabatier knives which are alright but came cheap from argos so are to be as expected. My best knife currently is my 8 inch Wusthof, lovely quite hefty though in both weight and price so not always suitable
alison Downsizer Moderator
Joined: 29 Oct 2004 Posts: 12918 Location: North Devon
Joined: 21 May 2007 Posts: 12590 Location: East Sussex
Posted: Fri Aug 31, 07 3:18 pm Post subject:
knife preference looks pretty clear cut. Saucepans might be a bit more contentious. I used to use stainless steel lined copper, great heat transmission but they are a bugger to keep clean and looking good. Current favourites are SKK (only have a couple as they are v dear) and also a few analon ones. Anyone else have any preferences?
In a low-mid range price bracket, stainless by Prestige, or Stellar.
They should have as thick a bottom on them as you can afford, and hollow handles to diffuse heat. A good pouring lip/edge, too. Close-fitting lids.
Sunnex are OK for stainless pans - they also do the cheapest stainless full-size fish-kettle I've come across. And their bakeware is OK too.
Again, decent bakeware is often to be found in charity shops - the older kit is often better made and better-fitted for purpose (for example, I have a s/h 2lb loaf tin that has a double-layered base).
Last edited by gil on Fri Aug 31, 07 4:47 pm; edited 1 time in total
marigold
Joined: 02 Sep 2005 Posts: 12458 Location: West Sussex
Posted: Fri Aug 31, 07 4:19 pm Post subject:
IKEA used to do well-priced stainless steel pots and probably still do. I bought mine 15-odd years ago and they're still in fine fettle.
John Lewis own-brand steel pans are excellent - the range is phenomenal, from tiny one-egg pans to 20-litre stockpots via steamers, woks etc and they're all well made.
You need three or four chopping boards which are easily distinguishable - one for meat, one for veg (as someone said earlier one for onions of you're fussy and most important one for lemon for G&Ts
A really really good cooker makes life a joy. I know that because we don't have one!
Good heavy pans. I like cast iron. Good knives and a good sharpener you can use (I use my tormec grinder but I wouldn't recommend it for just kitchen use!�) ).
Lots of hot water.
A good sink.
Huge work surfaces.
Lots of big (prefer wooden) spoons (I'm rubbish at keeping up with the washing so need lots to have a clean one handy).