Replacing Home Cookware with Commercial Cookware?

ThisIsAUsername on 31/05/2020 - 13:36
Last edited 03/06/2020 - 11:12 by 2 other users

Replacing my cookware which got me through my share house days.

No budget, per se, but I also enjoy the thrill of a good bargain.

Been researching for a while, trying to find the balance between price / quality. And I've found it to be difficult because its so variable (so many different types of cookware).

Anyway, I had this idea of buying cookware made for commercial use.

For example, I came across this Cast Iron grill for $21!

Which then leads to the question.

What's stopping me buying this cookware which is marketed for commercial uses?

There's some absolute bargains and a fraction of the "mum & dad" cookware stores.

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  TheBilly on 31/05/2020 - 13:50

  Commercial stuff can be expensive. I know brands like Esteele will cost alot but will last you a lifetime of cooking.

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  Slippery Fish on 31/05/2020 - 15:24

  Commercial pans don't have the swanky coatings etc but have good even heat, are designed to be used a lot so are strong, are built to do a job at the affordable price.

  Spent 10 years in a commercial kitchen, I have commercial pots, pans, trays etc.

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  WreckTangle on 31/05/2020 - 15:27

  Seems like a good find. Lots of that cheaper stuff seems quite small though, that grill is only 26cm. Might suit smaller families.

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    kerfuffle on 31/05/2020 - 16:57

    Seems like the average consumer sized grill is either 26cm or 28cm, going by a quick squiz for grill pan on David Jones

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  DashCam AKA Rolts on 31/05/2020 - 17:16

  Tips for longevity; get heavy stainless steel pieces with metal handles, riveted not screwed. Look for copper or laminated bases for even heating. Lids should also have metal handles, riveted not screwed.
  Plastic handles are not good for a long life, they start to carbonise after a while, become very fragile, loosen and break.
  I bought Krona (from NZ) over 35 years ago. They are still as good as new.

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  zigzagoonmemes on 31/05/2020 - 18:28

  Check out Serious Eats and Bon Appetite websites/youtube channels for "What to buy/What we use" videos - for things like Cast Iron, Stainless pans etc it's a great resource.

  If you're in Syd/Melb, check out "The Chefs Armory" knife store for decent jappanese knifes - You need to go and hold one before you use it.

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  minksta on 31/05/2020 - 18:43

  +1

  Highly recommend..
  I bought a large stockpot from a hospitality cookware outlet to do bulk (batch) cooking of curries, bolognaise, soup etc. Big time and money saver over time, as the commercial pots are available in the larger sizes like 32l (great for batch cooking) and the nice thick base (nothing like a budget 'stockpot') means slow cooking at low heat without burning and sticking is a possibility.

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  Stewardo on 02/06/2020 - 00:59

  +1

  I fully agree with what your saying.
  Commercial cooking stores often sell products much cheaper and are better quality.
  Saucepans frypans trays and also utensils.
  I’ve had a set of heavy white oversized crockery for 10+ years from commercial shop, have never chipped or cracked one.
  Also check out schott zwiesel prices vs retail.