All-Clad Stainless Steel Pans: Which One's For You?

Stainless steel is a popular choice for cookware, and All-Clad offers a wide range of stainless steel pans with different features to suit various cooking needs. When choosing an All-Clad stainless steel pan, it's important to consider factors such as the number of layers, or ply, heat conductivity, compatibility with your stove, oven safety, and ease of cleaning and maintenance. All-Clad's stainless steel pans come in different collections, such as the D3 Stainless Collection, D5 Brushed Collection, and Copper Core Collection, each offering unique benefits in terms of heat distribution, responsiveness, and durability.

How to cook with All-Clad stainless steel pans

All-Clad stainless steel pans are a great addition to your kitchen. They are oven and broiler safe up to 600°F and can be used on gas, electric, ceramic, induction, and AGA hobs. Here are some tips on how to cook with your All-Clad stainless steel pans to ensure your food remains intact and your pans are well-maintained.

Preheating

Preheat your pan on low to moderate heat before adding any food. A nifty trick to know if your pan is preheated is to drip a few droplets of water on the surface. If the water dances on the pan, forming beads that bounce and skitter across the surface, your pan is ready.

Heat

Avoid using high heat unless you are boiling liquids. Use medium to moderate heat to avoid damaging your pan and the food inside it. Overheating your pan can also damage any oils you are using, so be mindful of the smoking point of the fat you are using.

Fat

After preheating your pan, add a source of fat such as butter or oil. Butter is great for low-heat cooking like eggs, olive oil for moderate heat like sautéing vegetables, and grapeseed or vegetable oil for higher heat when searing proteins.

Cooking

Once the oil is shimmering or the butter has stopped bubbling, add your food. Do not rush to move the food around as it will stick to the surface. The stainless steel will release the food when it is ready to be flipped. You can test this by gently nudging the food from side to side. If the food releases easily, it is ready to be flipped or removed.

Cleaning

Always wash your pan before the first use and clean thoroughly between uses. Allow the pan to cool before cleaning and rinse off any excess food with warm water. Soak in warm, soapy water and wash with a sponge or soft cloth. For more difficult cleaning, use a nylon scouring pad. Rinse with warm water and dry immediately to prevent spotting.

Stains and Marks

For tough-to-clean spots or marks, use a non-abrasive, non-chlorine cleanser. For discolouration like blue or rainbow colouring, wipe the pan with a sponge and white vinegar. For cloudy white hard water spots, remove by boiling a 1:1 white vinegar and water solution. For burnt food, sprinkle the surface with baking soda, add water, and bring to a boil. Use a wooden spoon to loosen the food particles.

How to clean and care for All-Clad stainless steel pans

Before Cooking

Always wash your All-Clad stainless steel pans before the first use and clean thoroughly between uses.

During Cooking

• Start with food at room temperature.
• Dry food before cooking to prevent splattering.
• Preheat the pan on low to moderate heat before cooking. You'll know the pan is ready when water dances on its surface.
• Add enough oil to cover the pan's surface.
• Food is ready to turn when it no longer sticks to the pan.
• After removing food from the pan, use browned food bits for the sauce by deglazing with wine or stock.
• Only use high heat when boiling liquids.

After Cooking

Allow the pan to cool prior to cleaning. Rinse off any excess food with warm water. Soak in warm, soapy water, then wash with a sponge or soft cloth. Use a nylon scouring pad for more difficult cleaning. Rinse with warm water and dry immediately to prevent spotting.

Removing Stains

For tough-to-clean spots or marks, like burnt fat, protein shadows, and charred food, clean with a non-abrasive, non-chlorine cleanser, like All-Clad cookware cleaner, Bar Keeper's Friend or Bon Ami. Form a paste with the cookware cleanser and a small amount of water. Apply the paste using a soft cloth or sponge, rubbing in a circular motion. Rinse with warm water and dry immediately. Repeat if needed, allowing the paste to soak on the pan before scrubbing.

Removing Discolouration

For blue or rainbow colouring, wipe the pan with a sponge or soft cloth and white vinegar.

Removing Hard Water Spots

Remove hard water spots by boiling a 1:1 white vinegar to water solution.

Removing Burnt Food

Sprinkle the surface generously with baking soda, add water and bring to a boil. Use a wooden spoon to loosen the food particles from the surface.

What Not to Do

Do not use oven cleaners, steel wool, steel scouring pads, harsh detergents or detergents containing bleach or peroxide, which can damage the pan. Nylon scrubbing pads can be used on stainless steel surfaces only. Never place a hot pan under cold water, as it could cause warping.

How All-Clad stainless steel pans compare to carbon steel and non-stick pans

All-Clad stainless steel pans are trusted by professional chefs worldwide and are known for their versatility. They are compatible with gas, electric, ceramic, and induction hobs, as well as ovens. All-Clad stainless steel pans are also easy to clean and maintain.

Compared to carbon steel pans, All-Clad stainless steel pans offer superior heat distribution, making them more suitable for cooking techniques that require precise temperature control. Additionally, stainless steel is non-reactive, meaning you can cook acidic foods without worrying about discolouration or metallic tastes. Stainless steel pans are also generally easier to maintain and clean, although food may stick to the surface more than with carbon steel pans. Carbon steel pans, on the other hand, are more affordable, lightweight, and can withstand higher temperatures.

When compared to non-stick pans, All-Clad stainless steel pans offer a more durable and versatile cooking surface. Non-stick pans are typically not suitable for high-heat cooking and may not produce the same sear as stainless steel pans. However, non-stick pans are more convenient for cooking delicate foods like eggs or fish, as they require less oil and are easier to clean.

How to choose the right All-Clad stainless steel pan for you

All-Clad's stainless steel pans are known for their versatility, durability, and performance. They are also aesthetically pleasing, with a classic polished finish or a vintage-inspired brushed look. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right All-Clad stainless steel pan for you:

Heat conduction and distribution

All-Clad offers a range of stainless steel pans with different layers of heat-conducting metal such as aluminium or copper. The number of layers is indicated by "ply". For example, the D5 Brushed Collection has five layers of stainless steel and aluminium, providing excellent heat distribution. On the other hand, the D3 Stainless Collection has three layers of steel and aluminium, offering even heating and lasting a lifetime.

Oven compatibility

All-Clad's stainless steel pans are oven-compatible, with varying temperature limits depending on the collection. For instance, the D5 collection can withstand up to 500°F, while the D3 collection can go up to 600°F.

Stove compatibility

All-Clad's stainless steel pans are compatible with most stovetops, including gas, electric, ceramic, and induction hobs. For induction compatibility, ensure that the pan is made from ferritic (magnetic) steel by checking if a magnet attaches to its bottom.

Ease of cleaning and maintenance

All-Clad's stainless steel pans are easy to maintain as they are resistant to chipping, scratching, and warping. However, it is recommended to wash them by hand with soap and a sponge or soft cloth, avoiding harsh detergents and steel wool.

Price

The price of All-Clad's stainless steel pans varies depending on the collection and the number of pieces included. For example, the D5 Brushed 5-ply Bonded Cookware Set (11 pieces) is priced at $1,680, while the D3 Stainless 3-ply Bonded Cookware Set (2 pieces) costs $280.

In conclusion, when choosing the right All-Clad stainless steel pan, consider your needs in terms of heat conduction, oven and stove compatibility, ease of cleaning, and your budget. All-Clad offers a range of collections to suit different preferences and price points, ensuring you find the perfect pan for your culinary endeavours.

The history of All-Clad stainless steel pans

All-Clad is a renowned cookware brand that stands out for its professional-grade stainless steel cookware, used and loved by both home cooks and professional chefs. The brand combines the deep knowledge of metallurgy and love of cooking of its founder to create its top-quality cookware.

All-Clad's history dates back to 1971 when it began crafting cookware with three layers of steel and aluminum. This construction ensures even heat distribution and long-lasting durability, making it an excellent choice for all types of culinary exploits. The classic bonded cookware not only performs exceptionally but also adds style to any kitchen with its sleek design.

Over the years, All-Clad has expanded its collections to cater to diverse cooking needs and preferences. The brand now offers a range of cookware sets, including the D3 Everyday Stainless Collection, the D3 Stainless Collection, the D5 Brushed and Polished Collection, the Copper Core Collection, the G5 Graphite Core Collection, the NS Pro Collection, the HA1 Hard Anodized Collection, and the Essentials Nonstick Collection. Each collection is designed with specific features, such as tri-ply or 5-ply construction, non-stick coatings, and aluminum or stainless steel layers, to name a few.

All-Clad's stainless steel cookware sets are particularly popular due to their durability, even heat distribution, and versatility in cooking various dishes. The brand's commitment to superior performance and durability has made it a trusted name in kitchens worldwide, with its products being a favourite among cooking enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Frequently asked questions