Which pot material is best for slow-cooked dishes and stews?

Cast iron or enameled cast iron is ideal for slow-cooked dishes and stews because of its excellent heat retention. It requires seasoning or gentle washing to last.

What pot sizes should I start with for everyday cooking?

We recommend starting with a medium 3-4 L pot for daily stews and soups, a 1-2 L saucepan for sauces, and a 6-8 L pot for big batches or family meals.

How can I tell if a pot is compatible with my induction stove?

Look for pots marked induction-compatible, which means they have a magnetic base. Stainless steel with a multi-ply base is a good choice.

What is the typical price range for a good quality pot in South Africa?

Entry-level single pots start around R250-R450, mid-range options cost R800-R2,500, and premium sets can be higher. Prices vary by size and brand.

What features should I check before buying a pot?

Check for a well-fitting lid, sturdy riveted handles, oven-safe rating, induction compatibility, and capacity markings for convenience.

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How to choose pots for your kitchen

Buying pots can feel simple until you notice how many materials, sizes and features exist. We start from what matters most: the food you cook, the stove you use and how much everyday care you want to do. Below are the practical features to compare so your pots work for real life in South Africa - from weekday stews to weekend braai-side stews and big-batch family cooking.

Material: what changes cooking and care

Stainless steel: durable, non-reactive and good for browning. Look for multi-ply bases for even heat.
Cast iron / enameled cast iron: excellent heat retention and ideal for slow-cooked dishes; requires seasoning or gentle washing for longevity.
Aluminium: heats quickly and is lightweight; anodised or clad aluminium improves durability and reduces reactivity.
Non-stick (PTFE/ceramic): low-fat cooking and easy cleaning, but expect shorter life; avoid high heat and metal utensils.

Size and shape: match pots to meals

A practical kit usually includes one small saucepan (1-2 L), a medium pot (3-4 L) and a larger stockpot (6-8 L). If you make big batches or host family meals, add a 10 L pot. Shallow, wide pots are better for rapid evaporation and pan sauces; tall pots suit soups and stews.

Compatibility with your stove

Not all pots work on every hob. If you have induction, choose pots marked induction-compatible (magnetic base). Gas stoves pair well with robust, flat-based cookware; electric and ceramic hobs prefer flat, even bases for better contact.

Practical features that matter

Well-fitting lids to lock in moisture and speed cooking.
Sturdy riveted handles (cooler and longer-lasting than welded).
Oven-safe rating if you want to finish dishes in the oven (check max temperature).
Easy-to-read capacity markings inside the pot are a handy daily convenience.

If you want to browse curated sets or single pieces, our cookware range groups options by material and use. Explore our collection here: Cookware. This helps you compare sets and individual pots side-by-side before deciding.

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Care, budget and buying tips

A good pot is an investment that can last years with the right care. For stainless steel, avoid scraping burnt food with metal tools and use gentle abrasives for stubborn stains. Cast iron benefits from light seasoning and drying after washing to prevent rust. Non-stick pans should never be overheated; expect to replace them sooner than stainless or cast iron.

Budget ranges and what to expect

Prices in South Africa vary by material and brand. As a practical guide: entry-level single pots often start around R250-R450; mid-range multi-ply stainless or well-finished cast-iron pieces sit in the R800-R2 500 band; premium sets or specialist cookware can range higher. These are estimates and will vary by size and brand, but they help you decide what trade-offs matter most for your kitchen.

How we recommend building a kit

Start with a medium multi-purpose pot (3-4 L) for daily stews, pap and soups.
Add a 1-2 L saucepan for sauces and reheating.
Choose a large 6-8 L pot if you often cook for extended family or batch-cook for freezes.
Consider a small cast-iron pan for searing and an enamelled pot for oven-to-table dishes.

Tip: match pot base size to burner size for efficient heating - a 20 cm pot on a small ring wastes energy and cooks unevenly.

Shopping with confidence

When you shop, check the product page for clear information about material, capacity, oven safety and whether the base is induction-compatible. Read short user notes about durability and finish - practical experience often reveals whether a pot keeps its finish after regular use. For extra guidance, we publish easy-to-read advice and comparisons in our knowledge hub: Kitchen & Dining articles.

Ready to pick the right pot? Explore single pieces or assembled sets depending on your needs. Shop by material, size and price so you choose what fits your cooking rhythm and budget.

Explore our cookware collection: Cookware or read practical guides at Kitchen & Dining articles. We keep choices clear so you can find pots that make cooking easier, not more complicated.

Sources

South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) - standards and consumer guidance
National Consumer Commission South Africa - consumer advice and product safety
Bash - cookware collection and product specifications

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Pots for sale - find the right cookware for South African kitchens

Match material to cooking

Why Choose Bash?

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Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Right sizes matter

Check stove compatibility

How to choose pots for your kitchen

Material: what changes cooking and care

Size and shape: match pots to meals

Compatibility with your stove

Practical features that matter

Care, budget and buying tips

Budget ranges and what to expect

How we recommend building a kit

Shopping with confidence

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