Experts reveal a $19 Kmart pan that outperforms luxury brands–find out why it's a must-have!

In the culinary world, your tools can be just as important as the ingredients you select.

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook, a reliable frypan is a cornerstone of any kitchen. But with the high price tags often attached to premium cookware, it's easy to wonder if the investment is truly worth it.

Well, you might not have to splurge to get top-notch quality.


Recent findings from consumer advocacy group CHOICE have stirred the pot in the best possible way, revealing that a modestly priced $19 Kmart frypan is giving its high-end competitors a run for their money.

This is a revelation that could change the way we think about kitchen essentials.

CHOICE put 38 frying pans and 24 saucepans through their paces, testing products from esteemed brands. The results were eye-opening, to say the least.

Among the array of cookware, the $19 Kmart Anko stainless-steel non-stick 24cm frying pan and the $20 Kmart Anko 20cm stainless steel saucepan emerged as the budget-friendly champions.


Untitled design_20240412_081135_0000.png
Stainless steel pans are non-reactive; you can cook high-acid foods, like tomato sauce,lemony braises, or baked beans, without worrying about discolouration or metallic tastes. Photo Source: Kmart Australia


These Kmart offerings scored impressively high on performance, ease of use, and durability and even outperformed brands such as Scanpan, Le Creuset, Jamie Oliver, Tefal, Chasseur and Swiss Diamond. It's a significant finding, considering that these pans are a fraction of the cost of their hundred-dollar premium counterparts.

CHOICE Kitchen Expert, Chantelle Dart, said, ‘Many of the frying pans we tested in our labs performed quite well across the board, despite what they cost.’

She then added that the best and the worst products were separated by ‘their durability and things like how easy they are to clean, the ergonomics of the handles and how well-balanced the pan is.’


So, what does Chantelle think of Kmart’s budget-friendly frying pan?

She said, ‘It's a lightweight, well-balanced pan that's easy to clean.’ She added, ‘In our tests, it scored well for evenness of heating and durability. Even though it's only $19, it's comparable with other brands that are significantly more expensive.’

It's also touted as durable, oven-safe, and dishwasher-safe, although CHOICE experts caution against putting non-stick pans in the dishwasher to preserve the coating.


Source: YouTube / Kitchen Needs​


However, every product has its drawbacks. The Kmart pan's non-stick capabilities were noted as less effective when compared to more expensive frypans.

Additionally, its thin base requires cooks to be vigilant with heat settings to avoid burning or sticking.

Despite these minor caveats, the public response has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media users have been quick to share their personal experiences, with many praising the Kmart frypan's excellent performance and declaring it superior to their previous, pricier pans.

One user comments, ‘I actually have both of those .. and the frypan is way better than my old Scanpan!’ While another adds, ‘They cook up beautifully, particularly the fry pan.’
Key Takeaways
  • Consumer advocacy group CHOICE tested 38 frying pans and 24 saucepans, finding budget options from Kmart to perform better than more expensive brands.
  • A $19 Kmart Anko non-stick frying pan and a $20 Anko saucepan were highlighted as low-cost standouts with high scores in performance, ease of use, and durability.
  • The Kmart frypan was praised for being lightweight, well-balanced, easy to clean, durable, and oven and dishwasher safe, but noted to have less effective non-stick capabilities.
This news is particularly exciting for our members, who understand the value of a dollar and the importance of quality.

The Kmart pan's affordability means you can equip your kitchen with a tool that delivers without dipping into your savings. It's a win-win for those who love to cook and appreciate a good bargain.

So, next time you're in the market for new cookware, remember that price isn't always indicative of quality.

The $19 Kmart frypan is a testament to the fact that with a bit of research and an open mind, you can find exceptional products that won't break the bank.

Do you want to test out what your new pan can do? Check out some of the one-pan recipes from our member @Suzanne rose! Here's one for one-pan garlic butter chicken with mushrooms!

Looking for more budget-friendly kitchen game changers from Kmart? Check out this one item that created a buzz among shoppers!

Have you discovered any budget-friendly gems that have transformed your cooking experiences? Share your stories in the comments below!
 
Sponsored

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×