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Putting the Chef-Approved Collection to the Test
Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge has lent his expertise to a major new cookware range for Marks & Spencer. Promising restaurant-grade performance at high-street prices, the extensive collection aims to be a game-changer for home cooks. Our reviewer, Kate Ng, took key pieces from the M&S x Tom Kerridge line into her own kitchen for a rigorous, real-world trial over two weeks, cooking every meal with them to assess their versatility, practicality, and ease of cleaning.
Our Top Picks from the Range
The standout item from the entire collection is the 3-piece cast iron stacking set, priced at £100. This cleverly designed set nests a griddle pan inside a shallow casserole, inside a deeper 5-litre pot, all under one lid. It's a space-saving solution that doesn't compromise on function. The middle casserole dish was a particular favourite, proving perfect for one-pan wonders like a hob-to-oven apple crumble and cleaning up easily despite sticky residues.
Another highlight is the cast iron shallow blue casserole dish (£45). With its durable Belgian frit enamel finish, this stylish pot is built for long, slow cooking sessions, from braised meats to rich bone broths. It offers serious competition to premium brands like Le Creuset at a fraction of the cost.
For everyday tasks, the stainless steel 20cm frying pan (£25) defied expectations. It heated evenly and quickly, producing perfectly fried eggs without the dreaded sticking often associated with stainless steel. The stainless steel all-purpose saucepan (£60) also impressed with its fully oven-safe construction (handle and lid included) and thick copper disc base for consistent heat.
Considerations for Smaller Kitchens
While the performance was broadly excellent, the reviewer noted that some pieces are substantial. The large stainless steel saucepan and the hefty 2-in-1 wooden butcher’s block (£50) require ample storage and counter space. The butcher's block, though incredibly useful with its prep compartments and 'juice flute', measures 35.6cm by 50.8cm and can be unwieldy to clean in a compact sink.
All stainless steel items in the range are hand-wash only, while the cast iron set is dishwasher-safe. The cast iron griddle pan also requires an initial seasoning process before first use.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Investment?
For enthusiastic home cooks, the M&S x Tom Kerridge range represents outstanding value for money. The quality and thoughtful design rival far more expensive brands. The 3-piece cast iron set is a particularly smart buy for its versatility and space-efficient design. The collection successfully translates professional kitchen needs into accessible, durable, and attractive tools for the home. After her testing period, the reviewer found herself replacing her own trusted pans with these new favourites—a strong testament to their performance.
The testing methodology focused on real-world use, assessing each piece for versatility across multiple dishes and cooking techniques, practical design, and ease of cleaning. Kate Ng is a former lifestyle reporter for The Independent with specific experience in reviewing cookware, ensuring informed and reliable recommendations.
