Supermarket deals

What to look for

The best items offer quality as well as a bargain price, so it pays to know your products.

Pans: Look for riveted stainless-steel handles, a non- stick coating and heavy-gauge metal for optimum heat distribution.

Baking trays: A non-stick surface is a must – but make sure it’s dishwasher safe, too.

Silicone bakeware: Check that larger moulds have metal reinforcing rings to help them stay in shape with heavy cake mixture.

Daily grind

Made from granite, the Different by Design 170mm pestle and mortar is ideal for crushing and pounding herbs, spices and seeds. It costs £10 at Sainsbury’s (call 0800 636262 for your nearest stockist).

Frying tonight

ASDA’s own-brand appliances are fantastic value for money. They may be no-frills, but they do the job simply and easily. The stainless steel fryer has a variable temperature filter and an enamel bowl for easy cleaning. It costs £24.97 from www.direct.asda.com.

Red alert

Tesco is going for a retro theme this season with striking red and cream cookware. The enamel scales can weigh up to 5kg and cost £15, while the sturdy ceramic mixing bowls feature a thick rim for an easy grip. They cost £4, small, and £6, large (call 0800 505555 for your nearest stockist).

Sharp thinking

Sainsbury’s Tu range of sleek, good-looking stainless steel knives look expensive yet they start at just £3. Choose from chef’s, bread, utility and paring knives (call 0800 636262 for your nearest stockist).

Bowled over

Melamine bowls are extremely hardwearing, as well as being resistant to stains and bacteria, making them a practical and hygienic option for both sweet and savoury food preparation. Tesco’s rainbow-coloured melamine bowls cost £15 for a graduated set of five (call 0800 505555 for your nearest stockist).

Bright idea

Made from heat-resistant non-stick silicone, Morrisons’ bright new range of baking accessories will jazz up your kitchen without blowing the budget. The collection features this rolling pin, £6.99; teddy-shaped jelly/cake mould, from 99p; and six-cup muffin tray, £3.99. Additional items include a pastry mat, £2.99; large jelly/cake mould, £4.99; set of six bun cups, £1.99; acrylic handle whisk and spatula, £1.99 each; pastry brush, £1.99; and flipper, £2.99 (0845 611 6111; morrisons.co.uk).

Pot luck

Sainsbury’s Different by Design 20cm stainless steel saucepan  (part of a range of six) has a copper base that conducts heat efficiently and evenly. Priced £20, the pan is oven-safe and comes with a glass lid so you can keep an eye on what’s cooking (0800 636262; sainsburys.co.uk).

Surface value

Discover the perfect roasting pan in the John Lewis Professional range at Waitrose. Made from heavy-gauge steel with a double-layered non-stick coating, this 33cm one costs £14, is dishwasher- and freezer-safe and comes with a 10-year guarantee (0800 188884; waitrose.com).

A good grilling

ASDA’s 24cm grill pan costs £12 and is made from hard-anodised aluminium for fast, even heat distribution. It also has a non-stick interior with a split handle that doesn’t get too hot while you cook (0844 824 3000; direct.asda.com).

The big squeeze

The Tu stainless-steel lemon squeezer is one stylish accessory that you can’t afford to be without. Priced £5 at Sainsbury’s, it will add a little designer chic to the worktop (call 0800 636262 for your nearest stockist).

Oven ready

This dishwasher-safe Tu stoneware dish from Sainsbury’s can be used in both the oven and microwave. It measures 21cm x 15cm and is a bargain at just £3.50 (call 0800 636262 for your nearest stockist).

Teatime treat

Silicone bakeware has advantages over metal tins. It doesn’t need lining, and cakes can be turned out more easily once they’re cooked. These fairy-cake cases are a snip at £2.50 for 12 from Tesco (call 0800 505555 for your nearest stockist).