All-Clad Cookware Reviews

cookware set placed on gas stove

All-Clad is a high end cookware brand famous for top quality products. This comes with a hefty price tag and if you are wondering whether it’s justified, you have come to the right place.

About All-Clad 

All-Clad was founded in Pennsylvania, which represents the heart of the steel industry. They offer a range of products designed to meet every culinary need, from sauteing to baking. Buyers can choose from stainless steel, copper, ceramic, or nonstick cookware, with every piece offering durability as well as eye appeal.

All-Clad Cookware Sets Reviewed

*We select and review all products independently, based on our opinion and customer feedback. Some links on this page are affiliate links and if you make a purchase we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. You can read more info on our disclaimer page.

#1

1. All-Clad D5 7-Piece Set

- Base material: stainless steel w aluminum
- Interior: stainless steel
- Cooktops: gas, ceramic, glass, electric, induction

Our Rating

9.3

#2

2. All-Clad Ha1 10-Piece Set

- Base material: hard-anodized aluminum w stainless steel
- Interior: nonstick
- Cooktops: ceramic, gas, halogen, electric, induction

Our Rating

9.3

#3

3. All-Clad Copper Core 10-Piece Set

- Base material: aluminum w an 18/10 stainless steel
- Interior: stainless steel
- Cooktops: gas, ceramic, glass, electric, induction

Our Rating

9.3

#4

4. All-Clad D3 10-Piece Set

- Base material: stainless steel w aluminum core
- Interior: stainless steel
- Cooktops: gas, electric, ceramic, induction

Our Rating

9.3

#5

5. All-Clad Essentials 10-Piece Set

- Base material: hard-anodized aluminum
- Interior: nonstick
- Cooktops: gas, ceramic, electric 

Our Rating

9.3

#1

1. All-Clad D5 7-Piece Set

- Base material: stainless steel w aluminum
- Interior: stainless steel
- Cooktops: gas, ceramic, glass, electric,  induction

Our Rating

9.3

#2

2. All-Clad Ha1 10-Piece Set

- Base material: hard-anodized aluminum w stainless steel
- Interior: nonstick
- Cooktops: ceramic, gas, halogen, electric, induction

Our Rating

9.3

#3

3. All-Clad Copper Core 10-Piece Set

- Base material: aluminum w an 18/10 stainless steel
- Interior: stainless steel
- Cooktops: gas, ceramic, glass, electric, induction

Our Rating

9.3

#4

4. All-Clad D3 10-Piece Set

- Base material: stainless steel w aluminum core
- Interior: stainless steel
- Cooktops: gas, electric, ceramic, induction

Our Rating

9.3

#5

5. All-Clad Essentials 10-Piece Set

- Base material: hard-anodized aluminum
- Interior: nonstick
- Cooktops: gas, ceramic, electric 

Our Rating

9.3

All-Clad D5 7-Piece Set

Design:

The pieces in this set are bright silver in color, with hefty weight and good balance. Most offer riveted handles with an offset design to make them easier to manage on the stove top. The stock pot has square-shaped loop handles that widen in the centers for a secure grip. All of the pieces have straight edges except for the frying pan, which has a gentle slope for sauteing.

Materials:

All-Clad uses a 5-ply bonded construction for this collection, with alternating layers of durable stainless steel and conductive aluminum. This classic combination helps the pieces distribute and retain heat with great efficiency. The tightly fitting lids lids are stainless steel as well, which helps to lock in heat and flavor.

Usability:

All of these pots and pans are oven- and broiler-safe to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, and so are the lids. This gives the pieces an efficiency that's difficult to match. What's more, the material is induction compatible, thereby increasing the versatility of the set.

The steel surfaces are tough enough to withstand metal utensils, but plastic and wood are just as suitable. We would recommend sticking with gentler materials whenever possible in order to preserve the aesthetic appeal of the stainless steel. The material is warp-resistant, so these pieces are built to last for decades to come.

While the frying pan isn't particularly large, its sloping sides make it a superb fit for dishes that require extra stirring. Because of the easy stovetop-to-oven capability, the saute pan works great for casseroles and braised dishes. As for the stock pot and saucepan, they retain heat well enough to make excellent soups and stews.

Cleaning:

Although All-Clad doesn't come right out and say that these pieces aren't suitable for the dishwasher, they do recommend washing them by hand with hot water and mild dish detergent. We agree with this assessment. The stainless steel will hold up much better with this type of royal treatment, and it comes clean with just a slight dose of extra scrubbing.

The set contains:

  • 8-Quart Stock Pot with Lid
  • 3-Quart Saute Pan with Lid
  • 1.5-Quart Saucepan with Lid
  • 10-Inch Frying Pan

Pros

  • Quality construction
  • Eye-catching design
  • Precise temperature control
  • Pieces are well-balanced and easy to use

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Should be washed by hand
  • Excessive exposure to high heat may result in discoloration

All-Clad Ha1 10-Piece Set

Design:

These pots and pans have a stout, rounded design that gives them the air of belonging in a fairy tale. The long handles are short yet sturdy, while the loop handles are broader and flatter than we were expecting. While the interiors and exteriors are all black, the riveted handles are silver in color.

Materials:

The pieces are constructed of hard-anodized aluminum with stainless steel anti-warp bonding at the base. This makes them suitable for induction cooktops, in addition to being compatible with ceramic, gas, halogen, and electric ranges.

Each of the pots and pans offers a PFOA-free nonstick coating, so it's possible to use less butter and oil when cooking. The lids are made of glass with stainless steel handles, allowing chefs to peek at their handiwork as they go along.

Usability:

Because of the nonstick surfaces, these pieces are only oven safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. That doesn't include the lids, which should be kept out of the oven altogether. 500 degrees is still a reasonable heat threshold for this type of pan, and suitable for most casseroles and souffles.

The lids have steel rims that fit snugly inside the pots, so it's easy to bring water to a boil when making rice or mashed potatoes. The rounded edges are another useful feature, allowing spatulas to reach into every corner of the surface. We also appreciate the stainless steel riveted handles, which are both secure and comfortable to hold.

All-Clad offers a limited lifetime warranty for this set. That's particularly impressive given the nonstick coating, which tends to wear off quickly in inferior products. Anyone who's looking for quality nonstick cookware should be pleased with the overall performance of this set.

Cleaning:

All-Clad claims that these pieces are dishwasher safe, and there's no reason to doubt this assertion, as the same is true of most well-constructed nonstick cookware. That said, the company also recommends hand-washing the pieces whenever possible. Fortunately, this tends to be an easy job, thanks to the superior coating.

The set contains:

  • 8-Quart Stock Pot with Lid
  • 4-Quart Saute Pan with Lid
  • 3-Quart Saucepan with Lid
  • 2-Quart Saucepan with Lid
  • 10-Inch Frying Pan
  • 8-Inch Frying Pan

Pros

  • Memorable design
  • Plenty of pieces included, making for a highly versatile collection
  • Easy to clean
  • Handles stay cool to the touch
  • Nonstick coating for a healthier approach to cooking

Cons

  • Slightly heavy
  • High price point

All-Clad Copper Core 10-Piece Set

Design:

The Copper Core set offers six finely crafted pots and pans, four of them with lids. Like the pieces in the D-5 7-Piece offering, these have a lovely stainless steel finish with flat lids and riveted handles. The edges of the frying pans are gently rounded, and the 2-quart saucepan is taller and narrower than its 3-quart counterpart.

Materials:

As the name suggests, these pieces are crafted with a dense copper core. This allows the surface to heat evenly while resisting warping. The 5-ply construction also includes aluminum and an 18/10 stainless steel finish. The stainless interior is nonreactive with acidic ingredients, and offers a starburst finish to help keep food from sticking.

Usability:

The first thing we noticed about this set was the vented handles on the saucepans and frying pans, which are highly resistant to heat and contoured to make them more comfortable to hold. We also appreciate the fact that the capacity for each unit is etched on its base, so there's no need to worry about overfilling them by accident.

Thanks to the 5-ply construction, the pots and pans can hold their heat over long periods of time. The stock pot has a high enough capacity to make it the go-to choice for soups, stews, and chili. The high sides on the 2-quart saucepan are great when it comes to making rice, as they'll prevent the water from boiling over.

All of the pieces, including the lids, are broiler- and oven-safe. They can withstand temps of up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit—a generous offering for any cookware set. The collection is also optimized for induction, so it's versatile enough for most kitchens. A limited lifetime warranty is in place for this collection.

Cleaning:

According to All-Clad's product description, this material is dishwasher safe. Nevertheless, we would suggest rinsing each piece well before starting up the cycle. If time permits, it's a good idea to wash and dry them by hand instead. This will help to prevent water spots and discoloration.

The set contains:

  • 8-Quart Stock Pot with Lid
  • 3-Quart Saute Pan with Lid
  • 3-Quart Saucepan with Lid
  • 2-Quart Saucepan with Lid
  • 10-Inch Frying Pan
  • 8-Inch Frying Pan

Pros

  • Copper core offers excellent heat retention
  • Heavy-duty pieces that are designed to last
  • Versatile set that includes 2 saucepans and 2 frying pans
  • Superb design with lots of attention to detail
  • Induction-compatible

Cons

  • Very expensive collection
  • Edges may deteriorate if the pieces are put in the dishwasher too often

All-Clad D3 10-Piece Set

Design:

The D3 set has a similar profile to the D5 collection, with an attractive silver finish and rounded edges on the frying pans. However, because the material has fewer layers, these feel lighter when they're lifted in one hand. The vented handles are long and affixed to the pots and pans via strong rivets, and the loop handles on the lids and stock pot are square and sturdy.

Materials:

The "D3" in the product title refers to the three layers used in its construction: an aluminum core surrounded by two stainless steel layers. The interior portion uses 18/10 stainless steel for heat distribution, while the exterior is stronger and compatible with induction cooking ranges. It can also be used on gas, electric, and ceramic stove tops.

Usability:

The lightweight yet durable nature of these pans makes them a great choice for everyday use. They're ideal for chefs at any skill level, from amateur to master. What's more, the saucepans and frying pans each come in two convenient sizes, similar to the pieces in the Copper Core set.

Like most stainless steel pans, these work best at medium to medium-high heat. If the heat is turned up too high, the pieces might become discolored. Fortunately, there's no need to worry about warping, as they're also oven- and broiler-safe to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. This is true of the stainless steel lids as well as the pots and pans themselves.

The aluminum core and the inner and outer layers are bonded together from the base to the rim, so the surfaces will heat evenly all the way to the top. The handles, meanwhile, are designed to remain cool on the stove top, which all but eradicates the risk of burns.

Cleaning:

Each piece in this set is dishwasher safe. If any ingredients should become stuck to the surface, a stainless steel powder cleanser should do the trick. For a chemical-free alternative, try a mixture of warm water and white vinegar. We would also suggest drying the pieces by hand to keep the stainless steel looking shiny and presentable.

The set contains:

  • 8-Quart Stock Pot with Lid
  • 3-Quart Saute Pan with Lid
  • 3-Quart Saucepan with Lid
  • 2-Quart Saucepan with Lid
  • 10-Inch Frying Pan
  • 8-Inch Frying Pan

Pros

  • Easy to manage on the stove top
  • Retains heat well
  • Vented handles stay cool during cooking
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • Can be difficult to clean around the rivets
  • Exterior may become discolored if exposed to high heat

All-Clad Essentials 10-Piece Set

Design:

These pieces are shallower than some of their counterparts, with a design that allows them to nest together without damaging the finish. The interiors and exteriors are dark grey, with riveted silver handles. The loop handles on the lids are narrow and flat at the tops, while the ones on the saute pan, square pan, and stock pot rise up slightly to allow for a firm grip.

Materials:

All-Clad makes this set out of hard-anodized aluminum with a PFOA-free nonstick interior. This coating is composed of three layers that allows food to slide off easily, even if no oil is added to the pan. We would recommend using only wooden, plastic, silicone, or rubber utensils with this set. The lids are made of glass with strong steel rims and loop handles.

Usability:

The pots and pans can be used on ceramic, gas, and electric cooking ranges, but they're not induction compatible. However, they are broiler- and oven-safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Each contoured handle remains cool during cooking and allows users to maintain a safe and steady grip. These pieces are backed by All-Clad's Limited Lifetime Warranty, so they're designed to hold up to frequent use. We should also point out that this collection is set at a much lower price than many of the company's other offerings.

The saute pan is one of the highlights of this set. With its broad surface area and low profile, it's ideal for braised chicken thighs or bone-in pork chops. The nonstick stock pot does well with one-pot pasta dishes with hearty sauces.

The square pan also comes in handy for times when a round surface just won't do the trick. Because of the nesting design, these are great for kitchens with limited cabinet space.

Cleaning:

This collection is entirely dishwasher safe. However, as is the case with most of All-Clad's cookware, it's best to wash it by hand. The nonstick coating will last longer if it's not bumping up against other pieces during the wash cycle. Since the material is so effective at keeping ingredients from sticking, cleanup is a snap.

The set contains:

  • 7-Quart Stock Pot with Lid and Multi-Purpose Insert
  • 4-Quart Saute Pan with Lid
  • 2.5-Quart Saucepan with Lid
  • 10.5-Inch Frying Pan
  • 8.5-Inch Frying Pan
  • 13-Inch Square Pan
  • 2 Silicone Trivets

Pros

  • Relatively inexpensive for an All-Clad set
  • Cleans up easily
  • Includes a square pan and multi-purpose insert for the stock pot
  • High capacity saute pan

Cons

  • Nonstick surfaces aren't the answer for every dish
  • Not induction-ready
Tammy Kennedy
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