'Anyone who cooks - or eats - needs this book.' NIGELLA LAWSON
'A must-have.' JAMIE OLIVER
'The definitive book on all subjects.' YOTAM OTTOLENGHI
'The Cook's Companion has helped shape a nation of quality home cooks.' NEIL PERRY
'The go-to reference that gives cooks at every level continuous inspiration.' MAGGIE BEER
The Cook's Companion has established itself as the kitchen 'bible', 'the book for a lifetime of cooking', in over 500,000 homes since it was first published in 1996. In 2026, to celebrate thirty years of this iconic book, Stephanie Alexander has added over 90 new or newly revised recipes as well as doing a full update of the introduction, ingredients, equipment and a new 'how to use this book' section.
In her book, you will discover:
- Ingredient Insights: Gain invaluable and updated information about a wide range of ingredients, reflecting the evolving world of food in Australia and a discussion of contemporary issues affecting Australian produce and producers.
- Cooking Mastery: Learn clever and easy-to-use cooking techniques.
- Kitchen Tools: Guidance on kitchen equipment and how to use it effectively.
- Inspiration & Advice: Friendly encouragement and expert knowledge to enhance your cooking skills.
- Failsafe Recipes: More than 1000 reliable and delicious recipes - all you need for a lifetime of cooking and eating well.
Stephanie believes that good food is essential to living well, and her book is a valuable resource for everyone, every day.
Have your order delivered to you within 5-14 business days. Our standard home delivery for most items* starts with a flat rate of $9 in metro areas, $12 in regional areas and $15 in remote areas.
Estimated Delivery Time Frames:
Metro 5-9 business days
Regional 8-13 business days
Remote 10-14 business days
*Fragile and/or bulky items incur additional costs.
Once your order has been shipped, you will receive a confirmation email providing you with a tracking number and link to our delivery partner. Please note that our carrier companies’ delivery policies also apply and that some orders cannot be shipped to selected areas.
90 Day Change of Mind Returns Policy
Subject to the exclusions described below, BIG W gives you 90 days to return a product that you’ve changed your mind on. This policy is in addition to your rights under the Australian Consumer Law, which are described in our Faulty Goods Returns Policy.
Returns within 90 days
BIG W will happily give you a refund or exchange within 90 days of purchase, provided you have proof of purchase and the product:
is not an Excluded Product described in the list below;
is still in its original and saleable condition and packaging, with all accessories included; and
has not been worn or used and, if a perishable product, is not expired.
Eligible returns can be processed at any BIG W store, including online orders. Refunds will only be made using the original payment method stated on your proof of purchase. Please note that delivery fees paid for online orders are non-refundable for change of mind returns.
Excluded Products
Products excluded from BIG W’s 90 day Change of Mind Returns Policy (“Excluded Products”) include:
Cosmetics (if the hygiene seal is broken);
Beauty products;
Fragrances;
Hosiery;
Underwear (excluding bras);
Swimwear;
Pierced jewellery;
Printer cartridges;
Personalised printed material;
Bedding and accessories (where the seal and/or packaging is opened);
Tents (where the bag has been opened or components have been used);
Trampolines and furniture (where the product has been opened or components have been used or assembled);
Gift cards, phone recharge or third party gift cards; and
Food items;
Any item that is personalised, digital downloads, pre-paid card, voucher;
Clearance items
Returns of faulty products
If the problem is major, you are entitled to a replacement, repair or refund. Examples of major failure are when the product:
has a problem that would have stopped you buying it had you known about it;
is unsafe;
is significantly different from the description of the product; or
doesn’t do what we said it would do,
but does not include damage caused by misuse or returns simply due to change of mind.
If the problem is not major, we may choose to give you a free repair instead of a replacement or refund if this is possible.
If we cannot repair the product within a reasonable time, you can choose a refund or replacement. We reserve the right to refuse to provide a refund, repair or replacement if the problem has, for instance, arisen because the product was misused by the customer.
Proof of purchase
Returns must be accompanied by a receipt or other itemised, verifiable proof of purchase such as a Everyday Rewards statement. In certain circumstances, you may be required to provide further information such as photo identification for loss prevention or legislative requirements. Information collected in this manner will be stored securely in accordance with BIG W’s Privacy Policy. BIG W retains the right to refuse a refund for unverified purchases.
Remember to backup your data
If you need to return a product that contains user-generated data (such as cameras, mobile phones or storage drives), please remember to backup any data in an alternative location as the repair or replacement may result in loss of data.
Manufacturer’s warranties
Some products come with an additional manufacturer’s warranty as indicated in the documentation provided with the relevant products. Should you wish to make any claim under a manufacturer’s warranty, you can do so directly with the relevant manufacturer. However, our friendly customer service team can also assist you with any enquiry of this nature.
Returning products to BIG W
If your purchase was made at a BIG W store, please approach the customer courtesy desk at your local BIG W store to process your product return or exchange. To find your nearest BIG W store, click here.
Products that you have purchased can be returned either:
By Post 1. Place the product/s in the packaging and affix Returns Label
2.Take it to your local Post Offce to be returned (fees will apply) In Store Return the product/s to any one of our BIG W stores
Damaged or incorrect product delivered
If your order is damaged in transit or we have shipped the incorrect product, please contact us straight away with your order number and further details about the issue and we will investigate this for you.
Customer Care
We are committed to providing the best customer satisfaction and customer care. Please contact us should you have any queries regarding your rights under Australian Consumer Law.