Need your pots and pans to take up less space? Want good, heavy pans?
A year ago, I saw the Galleyware Nesting Pans at the the Annapolis Boat Show — a more budget-friendly set than the Magma pans I used on our previous boat and also when living on land.
About two months ago, Galleyware sent me their 9-piece stainless set to review. In a nutshell, I love them.
My set has a Dutch oven, skillet and sauce pan with two lids, a detachable handle and two plastic storage lids.
This is the smallest set that they have and is perfect for just the two of us, especially considering that we have the smallest 2-burner stove I’ve ever seen. Galleyware also has sets with more pieces and mixed non-stick and stainless sets.
Good things about these pans:
- all pans can be used on stove top or in the oven due to the detachable handle (the Dutch oven has stainless handles that can go in the oven, too)
- heavy pans without hot spots — real pans suitable for everyday use
- they can be used on induction stovetops as well as gas and electric
- the stainless pans can also be used as mixing or serving bowls
- when stacked together, store in under one cubic foot of space
- includes plastic storage lids for the pans – the design stays on much better than others I’ve used and does not add height to the pan (always a plus since there is never enough room in a boat refrigerator)
Everything stacks together — it’s about 9″ tall, just under 11 ” wide (14″ where the handles are):
The plastic storage lids are almost flush with the top and while not totally spillproof, do seal tightly:
The only negative I can find – and it’s a very minor point – is that the handle hooks over the top edge of the pan and if you put a lid on the pan with the handle in place, the lid won’t totally sit down on the top of the pan. I simply take the handle off when letting something cook with the lid on – it detaches and reattaches very easily so it’s not really a problem.
And speaking of the detachable handle, I find it’s wonderful when I’m using a pan in the oven. When it’s time to take the hot pan out, I reach in with the handle and clip it on instead of trying to reach my hands and potholders into the hot oven . . . and possibly brush my hand up against the all-too-close sides of the oven.
I have the all-stainless set, having moved away from non-stick over the past few years. The stainless scrubs out easily with a stainless scrubby (it’s not special for stainless but made out of stainless so it doesn’t rust – I’ve linked to them here on Amazon so you can see what I’m talking about, but you can usually find them near the dish soap in stores).
Check out all the Galleyware sets here – they have 9 and 14 piece sets, stainless/non-stick and combo sets, “build your own set” with the exact pieces you want and even special sets for small boats. Nine piece sets start just under $100 and the 14-piece sets start at about $125.
NOTE: You can’t compare these sets to the cheap camping sets you may have seen in big box stores or even used in the past. These are good pans that will last a lifetime.
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Celia Hitchins says
What are your thoughts on the lid? I have a Galleyware set, but have never used them underway. I feel like the lid would fly off, even on a gimbled stove.
The Boat Galley says
I don’t think it’s any worse than any other “normal” lid. Underway in bouncy conditions, my favorite is to use a pressure cooker with a locking lid but with the pressure off.
Thomas Keenan says
Are pans the same PLY as the Magna Pans? Meaning are they both 2-PLY or 3-PLY or do they differ??
The Boat Galley says
Both are triple. Magma are ss-alum-ss while the Galleyware (suitable for induction) are ss-ferrous-ss.
tim says
Not all stainless works on induction, depends on the ferrous content, I saw no reference on the web site that his set was rated for induction.
Carolyn Shearlock says
Galleyware are rated for induction. See the product description (I’ve linked to the 9-piece set, but it’s the same for other sets and they’re all called Induction Sets). Magma has both regular and induction sets (and the induction sets cost more than the regular).
Dave Skolnick (S/V Auspicious) says
I’ll be the contrarian.
My experience with nesting systems is poor. The handles are never as sturdy as I expect and the risk of losing the whole pot or pan concerns me. Nesting pots mean pulling the whole nest out and spreading things out to find the pot you want.
I prefer real pots and pans with real handles. If space is a constraint carry fewer pots.
Pete Bould says
We have the Magna set. The handles (came with two) are excellent. Very sturdy. And we are delighted with the pots. But they were a bit more expensive.
Carolyn Shearlock says
I’ve had two of the Magma sets and now the Galleyware set and I haven’t had a problem with any of the handles. Glad to have someone confirm my experience!
Susan Aldrich says
Sounds very practical. I live in a tent. Limited space and racoon’s who love food
Rachel Phillips says
Hi! I have a couple of questions for you, if you don’t mind. 🙂 We’ve tried the Magma series and had terrible trouble with it. The first time we used each of the pans they all developed spots and pitting in the interior of the pans. Soooooo sad!! So looking at alternatives. One thing we like is the all stainless lids (so you can put them in the oven). Do you know if the Galleyware lid is able to either go in the oven or if the lid handle could be replaced with one that’s all stainless (does it have a little screw underneath or similar)?
Secondly, I noticed Galleyware has moved to a completely different handle style. As secure as the Magma feels, there is still a little bit of play in the handle. Not so much that I’m scared to use it but I’m wondering if the new Galleyware set is similar or if it feels like a “tighter” lockup?
Are the clad bases as thick as the Magma (since you’re the only person I know who’s had both sets)? Does the ferrous center also have aluminium? I’m not sure otherwise how quickly or evenly it would heat up. We do love the thickness of the Magma cases but the pitting inside is unacceptable. We’ve cooked on stainless steel for many, many years and keep our sets in excellent condition. We’re both completely perplexed by the performance of the Magma cookware, given they are a high quality company who makes stainless steel that can stand up to performance at sea (salt water impermeable).
Lastly, are the pot sizes the same on the Galleyware as the Magma? I’m hoping that the colander from the Magma set might work with the Galleyware. I know it’s an outside chance but they look so similar in size I thought it worth exploring. I’m also curious if the largest lid on the Magma would fit the dutch oven and saute pan of the Galleyware set? Are the stepped lids of Magma and Galleyware interchangeable in terms of fitting on each others saucepans? If so, those may be a possibility for getting a lid that is also ovensafe.
Thanks so much for sharing your time and expertise with us! It’s so helpful and I truly appreciate it! Take very good care!
Rae
Carolyn Shearlock says
Wow. A bunch of questions — I’ll try to answer them all.
First off, I’ve had two sets of Magma pans and known many others with them. I’ve never heard of a pitting problem, so I’d contact Magma with photos, etc. and see if they will replace the set. I think you got a bad set.
Second, the Galleyware lids . . . the black portion of the handle does screw off. I simply remove it when I want to use the lid in the oven, and screw it back on afterwards. The other option is to use a piece of aluminum foil when it’s going in the oven.
Handles: it’s very secure. Magma has used a couple of designs over the years, so I’m not sure what you are comparing them to. But the Galleyware ones don’t wobble at all. The only to note is that since the handle clamps over the edge of the pan, you have to remove the handle if you want the lid to sit perfectly flush.
I find the Magma and Galleyware pans to be about equally thick and both to heat evenly. I did not own them at the same time, so I have not done side-by-side comparisons.
The pot sizes of the 14-piece Galleyware and the 10-piece Magma hold the same amount and are similar in diameter but I don’t know if they are the exact same sizes.
Anonymous says
we have the 8-piece Magma set that has served us well for 15 years [only 3 living aboard full-time]. I just wish I had a very small sauce pan for heating small quantities of sauces, etc. Only one I’ve found [and I could do with smaller] doesn’t fit my budget: https://amzn.to/2K7wDqB
It’s part of my dream set – Cristel:
https://amzn.to/2uYPP54
The Boat Galley says
I’ve had two different Magma sets (one on boat, one in house) and now a Galleyware set, and love them all. They are SUCH good pans — heavy so nothing scorches!
Anonymous says
What do you think of the French set. Know anything about them?
The Boat Galley says
I haven’t used them personally.
Katy Barth says
We have the Magma set that is cobalt blue with white ceramic coating. The pans stow perfectly, they are beautiful and they are great for cooking- but the ceramic is delicate. You can’t use it for higher heat cooking and you have to be VERY careful when cleaning or you lose the non-stick properties. If you mess up on either of those accounts, the pan becomes harder to clean and the scratching becomes worse. It really looks bad on the white coating. We only have this trouble with the frying pan so maybe we need to just replace that one with a plain stainless model.
Also, to Dave, maybe they have improved the handles. My version (2017) is quite sturdy and I can grab it from the drawer and attach it one-handed.
Dave Skolnick (S/V Auspicious) says
Kathy,
My experience with a number of different brands of nesting pots and pans is mostly from deliveries and so are generally with somewhat older bits of kit. Since I cook underway more than most people (more opportunities when ones’ business is passagemaking) that may also be a factor. Since on some boats I may not be able to wedge myself in and have to hold on with one hand. That may lead to more one-handed swirling, shaking, and flipping that emphasizes handle sturdiness.
The Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show looms. If I can get a break from Cruisers U and especially if I can drag Carolyn along perhaps we’ll do a focused booth tour of cooking gear and compare notes.
CHRISTOPHER Male STRUBEN says
what thickness are galleyware pots. The magma pots are marine grade.
Carolyn Shearlock says
I don’t really have a way to measure them exactly, but I’d say they’re similar.
Larry Wilhelm says
My wife loves this set BUT the set in it’s nested size will not fit in the cabinet that it needs to. What are the W, L & D of the various pot,individually. The cabinet door is tall & narrow & we’d like to hang these from hooks.
Carolyn Shearlock says
I am going to forward your note to Kris, the owner of Galleyware and ask him to contact you directly with the information.
PM says
Could you explain (or photograph) how you nest the components together? I have the same 9 piece set as in your photo, but I cannot figure out how to get it all together in a single package. I have to leave out the smaller multi-lid, or remove the black handle from it before nesting.
Do you remove the black handles from one or both multilids before nesting? They seem to get in the way.
Carolyn Shearlock says
Here is their picture of it. I actually turn the bottom lid upside down (handle down).
Alice Splawn says
I love my Galleyware pans. They are nice and heavy and easy to clean.
I had an issue with the handle the first time I used them though. Within hours after I ordered a new handle, Galleyware called me and said they were cancelling my order and sending me a replacement because “we stand by our products” and that my issue should not have happened.
What an exemplary way to do business! Thank you Galleyware.
Patricia says
I am doing research for nesting cookware for a boy scout troop. Would you suggest the Gallway? I tried to find pan sizes on their website but could not find it. We need durable that works to cook for 8-10 people.
Carolyn Shearlock says
The stock pot is about 5 quarts and the skillet on mine measures 9-1/2 inches in diameter. They definitely are durable and good quality. I would think the sizes would work to feed 8 to 10, but that might depend on the boys’ appetites!
Mark Hitchcock says
I have this set and it’s clearly a must have for the boat. Top quality. My only issue is remembering how to put the nest back together 😉