The Ultimate Guide to Stainless Steel Cookware

Stainless steel is the workhorse of the professional kitchen. Unlike non-stick, it allows for browning and the creation of “fond”—the delicious caramelized bits that form the base of every great pan sauce.

Understanding “Ply”

You’ll see terms like 3-ply, 5-ply, and even 7-ply. This refers to the number of metal layers bonded together. High-quality stainless steel pans are usually “sandwiches” of stainless steel surrounding an aluminum or copper core.

1. The Industry Standard: All-Clad D3

The D3 has been the benchmark for decades. Its 3-ply construction (STAINLESS - ALUMINUM - STAINLESS) provides rapid heat response and incredible durability.

All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Skillet (12-inch)

cookware

4.8

All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Skillet (12-inch)

All-Clad

The industry standard for professional stainless steel pans, featuring tri-ply bonded construction.

$159.95 View Price

2. The Modern Contender: Made In Stainless Clad

Made In offers a 5-ply construction at a lower price point than All-Clad. The extra layers help with heat retention, making it slightly more forgiving when you drop a cold steak into a hot pan.

Made In Stainless Clad Frying Pan (10-inch)

cookware

4.7

Made In Stainless Clad Frying Pan (10-inch)

Made In

Direct-to-consumer professional cookware that challenges the old-school legacy brands.

$99 View Price

Conclusion

A high-quality stainless steel skillet is an investment. If you care about searing and advanced pan techniques, the All-Clad D3 remains our top choice for its weight and responsiveness.