Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge has teamed up with Marks & Spencer to launch a comprehensive and surprisingly affordable cookware collection, promising professional performance without the luxury price tag. With items starting from just £25, the range aims to cater to every home cook's need for a kitchen refresh in the new year.
Putting the Chef's Collection to the Test
Over a rigorous two-week testing period, we used key pieces from the M&S x Tom Kerridge line to prepare a variety of meals, assessing their versatility, practicality, and ease of cleaning. The evaluation included everything from simple daily tasks like frying eggs to more complex one-pot dishes that moved from hob to oven.
The standout conclusion was that several items from this thoughtfully designed range have earned a permanent place in our kitchen, replacing trusted pots and pans used for years. While some larger pieces demand considerable storage space—a consideration for those with compact kitchens—their performance largely justifies the footprint.
Top Picks from the Range
The Space-Saving Cast Iron Stacking Set
Priced at £100, this clever three-piece nesting set includes a griddle pan, a shallow casserole dish, and a deeper 5-litre pot, all sharing one lid. Its space-efficient design is a boon for smaller kitchens. The middle pan proved to be a particular powerhouse, excelling at braising, roasting, and even baking a one-pan apple crumble. Cleaning was straightforward despite sticky, caramelised residues.
The Le Creuset Challenger: Cast Iron Casserole Dish
At just £45, this enameled cast iron casserole dish is positioned as a direct rival to premium brands. Available in midnight blue or black matte, it features a durable Belgian frit enamel finish. It handled long, slow cooks like roasted pork shoulder or bone broth with ease, making it a beautiful and functional centrepiece for any kitchen.
Versatile Stainless Steel Saucepans
The range includes several stainless steel options. The all-purpose saucepan (£60), with its fully oven-safe stainless steel handle and lid and a thick copper base for even heating, impressed despite requiring a slight learning curve to prevent sticking. The 20cm frying pan (£25) defied expectations by heating evenly and quickly, producing perfectly fried eggs without the dreaded shredding often associated with stainless steel.
The larger 20cm saucepan (£40) is ideal for batch-cooking soups and stews, boiling water rapidly thanks to its integrated copper disc. Its long handle stayed remarkably cool during use.
The Substantial Butcher's Block
This £50 two-in-one wooden board is a serious piece of kit. One side has built-in sorting compartments for prepped ingredients, while the other features a 'juice flute' to contain meat juices. Though large (35.6cm x 50.8cm), its utility and aesthetic appeal make it a worthwhile investment for keen cooks with the counter space.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Investment?
For dedicated home cooks, the M&S x Tom Kerridge range represents impressive value for money. The build quality and thoughtful design, overseen by a top chef, are evident across the collection. The 3-piece cast iron set offers exceptional versatility and space-saving smarts, while the stainless steel pieces provide durable, oven-ready performance at accessible prices.
An in-store exclusive, the five-piece knife set, was also highly praised during testing, with the chef's knife noted for its perfect balance and comfortable rocking motion.
While the larger items require ample storage, their performance and durability make them compelling alternatives to far more expensive brands. For those seeking to upgrade their kitchen arsenal in January 2026, this collaboration delivers chef-approved tools that genuinely live up to their promise.
