Tableware and kitchenware: how to choose and buy well
The type of hob decides what to buy
The most common mistake is to buy a lovely pan that doesn't work on your hob. An induction hob needs cookware with a ferromagnetic base: a magnet must stick to it. On gas and an ordinary electric hob almost anything works. If you plan to put cookware in the oven, check that the handles and lids can take it. For a dishwasher, ask whether the item may be washed in it.
Material and what it is for
- Stainless steel — versatile and long-lasting, but food can stick if there isn't enough oil.
- Cast iron — holds heat, needs care, heavy.
- Non-stick aluminium — light, but the coating wears out with time.
- Glass and ceramic — for baking and serving, and they dislike sudden changes of temperature.
How it works through BlaBlaPrice
You write one request, for example “a set of stainless steel pans for induction”, and shops and sellers reply in the chat with models, prices and delivery terms. BlaBlaPrice compares the offers and shows the best-value one first, with reviews of the seller beside each. It is free for the buyer, and contacts are opened only to the seller you choose. Details: how it works.
What to put in your request
- What exactly — a pan, frying pan, wok, pressure cooker, kettle, cookware set, knives, plates, flask, baking tin.
- Material — stainless steel, cast iron, non-stick aluminium, glass, ceramic.
- Size — capacity in litres, diameter, number of items in the set.
- Type of hob — induction, gas, electric, oven, dishwasher.
- Brand, if you have a preference.
- Quantity of items, sets or people.
- New or used and the acceptable condition.
- Delivery and the city, budget.
Example: “I need a 28 cm non-stick frying pan for an induction hob, Tefal or similar, new. Courier delivery to Auckland, budget up to $62.”
What to look at when comparing
Check the exact specifications: the diameter of the base and the thickness of the walls, not just the diameter at the top. A thick base heats more evenly and doesn't warp. For non-stick coatings, ask about the warranty and whether you can use metal spatulas. In sets, count what is actually included: lids and handles are sometimes counted as separate “items”.
For used cookware, look at the photos: scratches on the coating, a warped base or loose handles are signs of wear. It is better not to take used knives without inspecting the blade.
Common mistakes
- Buying a set for the number of items rather than the quality of the base and coating.
- Not checking compatibility with the hob.
- Taking a size that is too large to fit in the cupboard or on the burner.
- Washing non-stick in the dishwasher when the maker does not allow it.
For fitting out a kitchen, look also at furniture, and for cleaning at household supplies and cleaning products.
