Abstract: A method of surface treating a cookware article formed of aluminum or aluminum alloy, comprises the steps of applying a first coating of porcelain enamel to the exterior of the article; subjecting the interior of the article to hard-anodizing; and applying a second coating of porcelain enamel over the first coating.

Abstract: A handle (8) for a lid (2) for an article of cookware is of a general “S” shape with a central portion (10) to be grasped by a user and a pair of arms (12) of reduced thickness extending to a pair of attachment points (14) at which the handle can be secured to a lid (2), wherein the distance of the portion to be grasped by a user to the nearest attachment point measured along the length of the handle is at least 9 centimeters.

Abstract: In order to reduce the tendency of foodstuff to adhere to a cooking surface, that surface is provided with an uneven surface formed with closely-spaced peaks or corrugations, normally in the form of concentric grooves. The surface may additionally include a layer of "Non-stick" material which further reduces the likelihood of foodstuffs sticking thereto.

Abstract: It is difficult to join a stainless steel handle to an aluminium alloy bowl of a cooking pan in a permanent and secure way. Therefore, a hexagonal stud is adhered to the outside of the bowl and a stainless steel patch is fixed to that stud by providing a hexagonal hole through which the stud passes to prevent twisting of the patch relative the stud and the outer end of the stud is riveted over to hold the patch in permanent face to face contact with the outside of the bowl. Thereafter, the handle is spot welded to the patch.

Abstract: Electrically heated cooking pans usually have a number of supporting legs, each of which is fixed individually to the underside of the pan. The assembly of such items is expensive and time-consuming and in addition failure of one leg can result in the whole device becoming useless and if failure occurs during cooking can be dangerous. According to the invention, a circular stand is used which replaces individual legs and only a single central fixing point is required for the ciruclar stand. Normally, the device will have its own electrical heater permanently secured to the base of the pan and this will have a metal cover to enclose the heater. The circular stand will normally be of synthetic plastics material and secured to the cover. The cover in turn can then be secured by a single central screw to the under side of the pan.