Part of the Jamie Oliver by Tefal range, this 24cm stainless steel frying pan sits in the "everyday upgrade" bracket, a step up from lightweight non-stick aluminium pans, and a cheaper alternative to fully clad premium stainless options. The stainless build is geared towards better browning and pan sauces, so it suits cooks who want more than just a quick egg pan.

Stainless steel over non-stick: who will prefer it?

If you like a proper sear on chicken, steak or halloumi, stainless is the route to take: it can handle higher heat and develops fond (the browned bits) that you can deglaze into a sauce. The trade-off is technique, you'll get the best results by preheating the pan, using enough oil, and letting food release naturally before turning. Cleaning can take a soak if you burn on residue, but it's generally robust for day-to-day use.

• 24cm size suits 1-2 portions without taking over the hob.
• Stainless construction favours browning and deglazing over ultra-low-stick cooking.