The Ultimate Cladding: Clad Pan, What's The Fuss?

A clad pan is a type of cookware made from layers of different metals bonded together. The process of bonding these metals is called cladding. The metals used in clad pans include stainless steel, aluminium, copper, and aluminium alloy. The pans are constructed with anywhere from three to seven layers of metal. The cladding process is used to combine the benefits of each metal while negating their individual drawbacks. For example, stainless steel is non-reactive, easy to clean, and durable, but it is a poor conductor of heat. On the other hand, aluminium and copper are excellent conductors of heat but less durable and prone to tarnishing. By cladding a core of aluminium or copper with layers of stainless steel, the resulting pan offers even heating and uniform heat distribution while remaining low-maintenance and long-lasting.

Characteristics of a Clad Pan

Clad pans are made by layering different metals

Clad pans are made of at least three layers of metal, with the core usually made of aluminium or copper. The pan is then formed into the desired shape. The result is a pan with even thickness throughout, including the bottom and sides.

Cladding metals together combines the benefits of each metal. For example, stainless steel is durable, easy to clean, and non-reactive, but it is a poor conductor of heat. On the other hand, aluminium and copper are excellent conductors of heat but are less durable and more reactive. By layering a sheet of aluminium or copper between two sheets of stainless steel, you get a pan that heats evenly and quickly but is also durable and easy to maintain.

Clad pans can have anywhere from three to seven layers of metal. For example, All-Clad's D5 collection has five layers: two layers of aluminium with a thin steel core, followed by two exterior layers of steel.

Clad pans are more expensive than regular pans due to the cost of labour and the high quality of the materials used. However, they are a worthwhile investment for anyone who cooks frequently, as they will last for decades.

Stainless steel is often used for the external layer

A clad pan is a type of cookware made by layering and bonding different sheets of metal. The process, known as cladding, typically involves using stainless steel for the external layer and aluminium or copper for the core.

However, stainless steel is not a good conductor of heat. It is sluggish to heat up and cool down, which can be a problem when trying to adjust the temperature. This is why it is often combined with aluminium or copper, which are excellent conductors of heat. By cladding stainless steel with a layer of aluminium or copper, you get the benefits of both materials: the durability and non-reactivity of stainless steel, and the excellent conductive properties of the other metal.

In summary, stainless steel is used for the external layer of a clad pan because it offers durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of cleaning, while also being induction compatible and non-reactive to acidic foods. By bonding it with a more conductive metal like aluminium or copper, the resulting cookware offers even heat distribution and better responsiveness to temperature changes.

Aluminium or copper is used for the core

Clad pans are made by bonding different metals together to maximise benefits and minimise drawbacks. The core of a clad pan is often made of aluminium or copper.

Aluminium is a good conductor of heat, but it is reactive, which means it will give off a metallic taste when cooking acidic foods. It is also prone to pitting and discolouration.

Copper is also a good conductor of heat, but it is expensive and hard to maintain. Copper is compatible with induction cooktops, but it bonds poorly with stainless steel and is prone to bubbling and separating.

The thickness of the core is important, as thicker cores will generally improve the pan's performance. For example, the Demeyere Proline line has roughly twice the amount of aluminium as All-Clad D3, which makes a noticeable difference. Falk Copper Core products contain an internal layer of copper that is almost 2mm thick, which is about twice that of All-Clad Copper Core.

Aluminium core pans from reputable manufacturers will perform very well. All-Clad D3 is a very good option, and D5 doesn't offer much more. Demeyere is probably better than All-Clad when it comes to heat distribution, due to the amount of aluminium in their products. Copper core pans have a slight edge, as they distribute heat a bit better, but the difference is minimal for most applications.

If you're looking for a first stainless skillet, get a D3. If you're investing in a skillet that will last a lifetime, the Demeyere Proline skillet is the best on the market.

Clad pans are durable and reliable

Clad pans, also known as fully clad pans, are made by bonding or cladding together several layers of metals, such as stainless steel, aluminium, and copper. This process was invented in the 1970s by All-Clad, which remains one of the most popular brands of clad cookware.

The advantage of clad pans is that they combine the benefits of different metals. For example, stainless steel is durable and easy to clean, but it doesn't conduct heat very well. On the other hand, aluminium and copper are excellent heat conductors, but they are less durable and can affect the taste of acidic foods. By cladding a layer of aluminium or copper between two layers of stainless steel, clad pans offer even heat distribution without compromising on durability.

The result is a pan that is incredibly durable. The layers of stainless steel make clad pans resistant to corrosion, tarnishing, and warping. They can also be safely washed in a dishwasher, whereas aluminium pans can tarnish and warp in the dishwasher. Clad pans are also scratch-resistant—although they can be scratched, it takes a lot of abuse to do so. One user even mentioned banging their clad pans on hard surfaces and abusing their cookware, but it still hasn't dented or warped.

Clad pans are also very versatile. Every piece has metal parts, so they can go from stovetop to oven easily. They work on any cooking surface, including gas stoves, electric burners, flat tops, and induction stoves. They can also withstand extremely high temperatures, with some clad pans being oven-safe up to 800°F (427°C).

Clad pans are built to last a lifetime, and many companies offer lifetime warranties on their products. While they are more expensive than other pans, their durability means that you will likely save money in the long run.

They are more expensive than other pans

Clad pans are more expensive than other pans because of the way they are made. The price of a clad pan is also influenced by the materials used, the manufacturing location, and the brand's reputation.

Clad pans, also known as fully clad or bonded cookware, are made by layering or cladding together different metals such as stainless steel, aluminium, and copper. This process is more complex and costly than that of cheaper cookware, which often has a "sandwich bottom" with a disc of a different composition attached to the base.

The cladding process involves bonding multiple layers of metal together, usually three or more, to form the sides and bottom of the pan. This results in a pan with even heat distribution, enhanced durability, and superior cooking performance. The metals used in clad pans are carefully selected for their specific properties, such as stainless steel for its durability and ease of cleaning, and aluminium or copper for their excellent heat conduction.

Additionally, some popular brands of clad pans, such as All-Clad, are made in the USA, which contributes to the higher price. The manufacturing standards and quality control processes in the USA are also stricter, ensuring superior quality and durability. Furthermore, brands like All-Clad have been in the market for decades, building a reputation for high-quality cookware, which also influences the price.

While clad pans are more expensive upfront, they offer incredible value in the long run. They are built to last a lifetime, and even come with a lifetime warranty. This means that, despite the higher initial cost, you won't need to replace them, making them a worthwhile investment for anyone who enjoys cooking.

Frequently asked questions