Want to feel like you’re competing in an episode of Top Chef? Of course, you do. Acquiring one of the best stainless steel pans is the fastest way to instantly upgrade your home kitchen to ensure that no one ever tells you to pack your knives and leave any kitchen you occupy. Classic stainless steel pans have come a long way in terms of technology and design, with way too many options (and terms) to contend with. Three-ply versus five-ply? What the hell is copper core?! These all refer to the layering of the metals in your pan affecting the performance, and different configurations will yield pans of varying price points.
“Cookware is something you want to buy once and not worry about, so durability is key,” Rob Zwirz, executive chef at Bar Madonna explains. “Look for pans that have been ‘cladded’ where the cooking surface has been layered or reinforced with more conductive metals like aluminum. This allows for even heat distribution.”
The Best Stainless Steel Pans, According to GQ
You want a great stainless steel pan that will help take your food from basic to basically amazing. Skip all the scrolling and get straight to our picks for the best stainless pans for any home cook, from pan aficionado to just figuring it out.
- The Best Stainless Steel Pan, Overall: Made In, $119
- The Best Budget Stainless Steel Pan: Tramontina, $47
- The Best Splurge Stainless Steel Pan: All Clad D5, $180
- The Best Workhorse Stainless Steel Pan: Misen, $89
- The Best Professional-Grade Stainless Steel Pan: Hestan Insignia, $200
Stainless steel is so popular because it’s durable and rust-proof, which can withstand up to tons of long-term, high-heat exposure. The downside is that many people rely on non-stick pans and never learn how to use stainless steel correctly. Using stainless steel pans results in excellent heat retention, the ability to get ripping-hot temperatures, and few hot spots. Restaurants are big fans of stainless steel pans, with food-grade steel being a high priority. Whatever style of stainless steel pan you prefer, do yourself a favor and watch a few YouTube videos about best practices—you’ll thank me later. The recommendations below come from countless hours of eggs sticking to the pan and finally, mercifully, getting it right.
The Best Stainless Steel Pan, Overall: Made In
A perfect skillet is worth its weight in stainless steel. This Made In pan comes in 8-, 10- and 12-inch versions for all of your cooking needs. It heats quickly, adjusts to temperatures seamlessly, and stays hot for as long as you need. Made In has a lot of great products, and this is no exception. Because of its status as a direct-to-consumer business, the brand can produce high-end products at much more attainable prices than legacy brands can offer. Honestly, this pan performs just as well as ones from some of the more well-known brands, but at a slightly lower price point. Also, Made In has established itself well over the years, where it can now be considered just as “well known” as the bigger guys. The notch on the end of the handle is just right for easy storage hanging on the wall, and the offset shape of the handle makes it exceptionally comfortable to hold and maneuver—a must for those very important sautés and stir-fries. As if that’s not enough, the brushed metal exterior looks just as good after use. While it doesn’t come with a lid, Made In does sell universal lids if absolutely necessary.
The Best Budget Stainless Steel Pan: Tramontina
This cladded frying pan has everything you could want: an easy-to-hold riveted handle, sloping sides, and great heat retention. It’s an affordable workhouse skillet that’s hard to top. Despite the pan’s sturdiness and heft, it was still surprisingly easy to move around the kitchen. The solidly riveted handle felt balanced and secure, even with tons of food inside. The three-ply makeup—in which layers of metal are welded together—ensures even heating and no hot spots, which can result in scorched patches (think uneven browning on a piece of chicken). These skillets have a stellar reputation for many good reasons. The pans’ sides slope out more than other skillets, but the cladding makes it easier to clean. Just let your pan cool fully before using a mildly abrasive sponge or cleaner to ensure everything washes out.
The Best Splurge Stainless Steel Pan: All-Clad D5
All-Clad’s D5 stainless steel pan. Tested and reviewed by Alissa Fitzgerald
All-Clad’s D5 stainless steel pan. Tested and reviewed by Alissa Fitzgerald
All-Clad literally invented bonded cookware, and its over 50 years in the game has yet to tarnish its reputation. As the name indicates, this is a top-of-the-line five-ply frying pan with all of the bells and whistles. Three layers of stainless steel and two of aluminum make this pan incredibly easy to use, with great heating, great searing, and even better-than-expected cooling. This is certainly a splurge item and requires just as much care as any other stainless steel pan. This All-Clad pan is made in America and for at-home chef who leans more America’s Test Kitchen than Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Even the rivets are spaced just far enough apart, so it’s easier to clean between them than many other models. Plus, it’s safe to use in temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, which means extra broiler time is a problem. This pan will last a lifetime so take care of it, it’ll take care of you (with dinner).
The Best Workhorse Stainless Steel Pan: Misen 10 Inch Frying Pan
From the smooth, metal handle to the brushed exterior to the sleek body shape, this pan feels like an upgrade to our budget Tramontina pick without entering bougie territory. It looks great, feels solid, and the performance speaks for itself. The Misen heated up quickly, cooked evenly and even the first pancake in the batch came out cooked perfectly. It is a bit on the heavy side, but not so much more than any other brands or models.
The one thing to be aware of is that Misen measures across the bottom, not the top, unlike other brands so this pan may be bigger than other ones in your collection in the same size category. In any case, this pan is fun and functional and makes a great gift to yourself or anyone else.
The Best Professional Grade: Hestan Insignia
Hestan’s Insignia stainless steel pan. Tested by Tyler Chin, reviewed by Alissa Fitzgerald
Hestan’s Insignia stainless steel pan. Tested by Tyler Chin, reviewed by Alissa Fitzgerald
Everything about Hestan’s Insignia line of pots and pans feels like it was meant to be used in a professional kitchen. Then again, world-famous chef Thomas Keller did have a say in every little detail about this cookware. One of the greatest features of this pan is its handle, which minimizes heat transfer so that you won’t accidentally burn your hand. It’s also been angled to be more ergonomic, which any professional chef will tell you is an excellent touch if you’re looking to avoid carpal tunnel.
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