My trusty frying pan has seen better days, it wasn't up to much in the first place, it developed a bit of a bevel in the middle, which meant uneven cooking surface. So I've decided to Spend a bit this time, and get something that'll last.
Ideally I'd like one with a lid that can be used as a sauté pan too.

I'm familiar with Tefal and the like, but not entirely sure they're that great, any cooks care to recommend a make please ?

You might have just missed it, but Sainsbury's had 3 sizes of Tefal pans all half price in their January sale.

My immediate response, if money no object, would be SKK.  My mum has these and even years later they are still going strong.  They aren't cheap though and they are heavy...

Whilst I was checking the up to date prices (my pan is looking a little ropey too!) I found this review from the Guardian which has a lot of useful data gleaned from the Good Housekeeping Institute.  It's dated from 2005 and although I suspect the 'technology' hasn't changed much the prices might have!

Just an aside - I've recently changed the way I cook and try to fry much less than I used to.  Based on advice in a Jamie Oliver book I no longer brown meat beforehand for stews or curries and I cook much more in the oven.  With that in mind one of my most used versatile pans is a Le Creuset cast iron shallow casserole - used to be called a buffet dish.

Thanks both :)
I already have a Le Crueset pot, so I might go with one of those, at least it's not going to bevel in the middle.

Well, perhaps not the Le Crueset ! .....when did they get so expensive !, I think I got my big casserole pot for about £50.
Surprised Jamie Oliver's pans got such a good rating, will look into those a bit further.

My most recent fryingpan came from Morrisons.   However cheap, or expensive I buy, they always seem to have a shelf life way earlier than I hope for.   So now I buy 'reasonable'.   Not cheap, but certainly not expensive.   I also prefer not to have a very heavy pan these days.

I have a non stick Tesco with a lid that is marvellous. It has a copper looking ring on the bottom ( don't really think it copper) I have had it a few years and is as good as new.it is on the heavy side but wonderful.

I don't mind heavy, just as long as it does the job :)

I like my circulon pans-not dead cheap but not eye wateringly expensive either. Have a look in the debenhams sale when they have as sometimes they are at bargain price-I got my £250 set for about £60!!!

I never thought of Debenhams :)

I got stainless steel prestige pans from debenhams sale.  They are great and clean up really well

I haven't solved the frying pan problem I am still using a tefal and an ikea atm which do the job for now especially as I don't fry much.  I did buy a set of le crueset stainless steel saucepans as replacements for my cast iron lecreuset. Love then lighter to hold, go in the dishwasher and easy to clean by hand. yet to decide if I will chance a stainless steel frying pan instead of non-stick

I too love my Circulon pans, I've had them for a good few years now, I got mine in Debenhams sale half price, I bought my daughter a set last year and persuaded my mum to get one of their frying pans which she thinks is great.

Sainsbury's still have half-price Tefal frying pans in the sale. I had a look today and was thinking you might not even need to use oil with them. I have a stainless steel one and it certainly isn't non stick, it needs a lot of lubrication. I was rather taken with the non-stick griddle pan, as mine is old and rather defeats the object of a griddle as oil is still needed.

I ended up with a Lakeland job, very heavy, which is what I wanted, hopefully this one won't bevel in the middle.
I was tempted by a griddle pan too, but resisted the urge.....for now.

I also tried a nice shiny stainless steel one but everything stuck in it even with plenty of oil. The best one I have ever owned in 55yrs is a cast iron one, bought from a local iron mongers when I was 18. It is now black with age but cooks pancakes etc best ever with very little oil. The handle is a little loose now but I would not part with it even though I have to hide it in the oven as it does not look great.

> The best one I have ever owned in 55yrs is a cast iron one, bought from a local iron mongers when I was 18. It is now black with age but cooks pancakes etc best ever with very little oil.

I was given a cast iron flat griddle, which my sister brought back from a trip to America. It's round, totally flat, and I can fry an egg on it with NO oil needed at all! It's also brilliant for pancakes. If I made such things as drop scones or Welsh cakes, it would be idea for those as well.

We have a black iron pan used for pancakes/omelettes etc, have had it for years. The idea is that you 'season' them by oiling and heating in the oven (I think) when they are new, then you never clean them after that. I just brush the pan under hot water and leave to dry. Just use a little oil on the pan when cooking.

I tend to scrub the hell out of pans, perhaps I should just give them a run under the hot tap and a wipe, they might last a bit longer.

> I tend to scrub the hell out of pans

I always soak pans overnight (not the black iron pan - it never needs soaking) and clean them the next morning (if necessary) - saves a lot of hard work :)

I got Tefal ones from Tesco last year as they were only £34 for four, in Asda the same ones added up to nearly £100 at the time!  I never really use any oil when cooking anyway and no they don't really stick.  Sometimes use Frylight or however it's spelt :)