Pick the shape, then pick the glaze

Most kitchenware is sold the other way around: here is a range in a color, buy into the color. That works until you want one more pan and the color has been discontinued.

The library is fixed. Eight glazes, no seasonal colors, no limited runs. So choose the shape you actually need, and the glaze is still there in four years when you need the next one. This is the order we would do it in.

1. Start with what you cook most

Stews, braises and bread: the casserole, in 2L ($125), 4L ($145) or 6L ($165). Two people cooking for six want the 6L. Sauces, oatmeal and everyday stovetop: the saucepan, from 16cm to 20cm. Eggs and anything fast: the frying pan, which takes heat quickly and gives it back quickly. Roasts: the roasting pan, which lives in the oven and never on the stove.

2. Buy the pans together if you need all three

The Stovetop Set is the 4L casserole, the 18cm saucepan and the 24cm frying pan for $180, against $293 bought apart. It ships free on its own. Mixed glazes or matched is your call at checkout. If you want them matched, Chalk, Ink and Ochre are the glazes all three pans come in.

3. Then choose the glaze, from what the shape comes in

Not every shape is made in every glaze. The casserole and the mug come in all eight. The saucepan and the kettle come in four, the frying pan in three, the roasting pan in two. Check the shape first, then choose from what is there.

If you want everything to match, Chalk is the safe answer. It is on eleven of the twelve shapes. Only the tray is not made in it.

4. Add the next piece when you need it

Nothing is retired, so there is no reason to buy the whole range now in case it disappears. Buy the pan you will use this week. Add the saucepan when the old one finally gives up. It will sit beside the first one on the stove as if they arrived in the same box.

You will use the shape every day. The color is the part you get to enjoy.