IKEA cookware is surprisingly fantastic value for money

If you're in the market for basic pots and pans, the IKEA range has been a fantastic frugal pick for my family.

IKEA cookware is relatively cheap, performs as well as much more expensive brands and lasts a long time if you take care of them (e.g. don't use metal utensils, don't scrub with metal wool).

• My household cooks a lot, so I've used cookware from brands across all types of price points, from Le Creuset, Zwilling, Chef Inox, Diamond Woll, to Tefal, Scanpan and IKEA.
• The cheaper / mid-tier non-stick cookware (like Tefal and Scanpan) tends to die after a few years (5-8 years depending on your usage).
• The more expensive cookware is hit and miss. Le Creuset (cast iron) and Chef Inox (stainless steel and non-stick) are very durable and have lasted me 10 - 20 years. Diamond Woll (non-stick) has died after about 5 years.

IKEA (stainless steel and non-stick) seem indestructible.

• I was given an IKEA Wok as a college housewarming gift over 20 years ago that still performs perfectly (non-stick, heats quickly, easy to clean).
• I have a set of stainless steel IKEA pots and saucepans that are very durable (about 15 years) and get the job done (they don't heat as evenly as the more expensive brands - but it's a small price to pay given the difference in cost.

I've used them for both induction and gas hobs. I recently bought another small non-stick pan (about 2 years ago) so hopefully their current range lasts as long as their old cookware.