Stainless Steel Cookware, according to Gear Review YouTube

In the $100 to $200 range, Made In, All-Clad D3 Everyday, and Heritage Steel Eater Series are the safest long-term buys. I've used all three for years and they consistently perform great.

recommendation owns and uses it daily I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

That said, Heritage Steel also makes a non-titanium line called the Eater Series, and I actually prefer it because of the handle design.

handling tested it Is Titanium Cookware a Scam? I Tested 5 Pans to Find Out

Cites handle

Between you and me, I think the Titanium series is beautiful and the quality is slightly better than the Eater, but you're probably better off just saving a buck and getting the Eater series cookware as the performance is pretty much the same.

recommendation owns and uses it daily Heritage Steel Cookware Review: Eater vs Titanium

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Cites price

I'm a fan of the handle because it's flat on top, so it won't rotate in your hand, but rounded on the sides, so it's still comfortable to hold.

handling tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites handle, weight

Both handles are hollow and they have this bump underneath that prevents you from burning your hand.

handling tested it Heritage Steel Cookware Review: Eater vs Titanium

Sprint Kitchen earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “If you use the link, I earn a small commission, but it doesn't cost you a thing.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites ergonomics, handle

Heritage Steel Eater Series is made by a family-owned company in Clarksville, Tennessee, and it's the least expensive American-made pan I tested.

value tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites price

It has a brushed exterior that hides fingerprints and flared rims for easy pouring.

appearance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites appearance

Hestan and Heritage Steel had marks that looked similar, but when I ran my finger over them, they were completely smooth. There were no grooves or any real damage.

durability tested it Is Titanium Cookware a Scam? I Tested 5 Pans to Find Out

The speaker earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “We may earn a fee if you buy via the affiliate links below (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites rust resistance, scratch resistance

Go with Hestan NanoBond if you want a lighter, more responsive pan with high-end features.

best in class tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites heat control, weight

This pan sears beautifully.

use-case fit tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites searing and crust

However, Hestan does offer a combination of features that most brands don’t. And with its ultra-smooth surface, NanoBond is one of the most unique cookware collections I’ve tested.

best in class tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links so I’ll earn a commision if you click and buy, but at no extra cost to you.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites surface finish

NanoBond is the smoothest pan I’ve tested. It not only looks and feels smoother than standard stainless steel pans, but you can hear it. When you rub your fingers over the surface, it’s much quieter.

performance tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Cites surface finish

I did the same thing on the NanoBond pan. This time, there were no scratches at all. To make sure I wasn't missing anything, I rubbed another spot on the NanoBond pan, and again, no scratches.

durability tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Cites base and rim, dishwasher safe, maintenance

Hestan NanoBond also lives up to its claims.

recommendation tested it Is Titanium Cookware a Scam? I Tested 5 Pans to Find Out

The speaker earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “We may earn a fee if you buy via the affiliate links below (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

The Hestan NanoBond pan got a little too hot and browned the egg more than I wanted, but the non-stick performance was still good and it flipped easily without breaking the yolk or ripping the egg.

performance tested it Is Titanium Cookware a Scam? I Tested 5 Pans to Find Out

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Cites noise, non-stick surface, scratch resistance, surface finish

Titanium ions are vaporized in a vacuum chamber and bonded to the steel surface, creating a layer that's four times harder than typical stainless steel. You can see and feel the difference immediately.

durability tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites base and rim, handle, scratch resistance, size and capacity

This NanoBond 12.5-inch frying pan is currently listed on Hestan's website for $450. For comparison, Demeyere's most expensive pan, the 12.5-inch pan in the Atlantis collection, is $350, and All-Clad's most expensive pan, the 12-inch Copper Core frying pan, is $365, but it's often on sale for much less.

value tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Cites price (against)

The Hestan NanoBond pan got a little too hot and browned the egg more than I wanted, but the non-stick performance was still good and it flipped easily without breaking the yolk or ripping the egg.

performance tested it Is Titanium Cookware a Scam? I Tested 5 Pans to Find Out

The speaker earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “We may earn a fee if you buy via the affiliate links below (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites heat control (against), non-stick surface (against)

The NanoBond, ProBond, and CopperBond pans are great for searing and browning, and the ProBond TITUM pan is ideal for eggs and anything prone

use-case fit tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

They're angled upward with a groove on top, a curved bottom that fits nicely in your palm, and a bump to warn you when your hand is getting too close to the pan. Rounded handles can slip and rotate when your hand is wet or you're wearing an oven mitt. And handles with a deep groove like All-Clad can dig into your hand…

handling tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Cites handle

The surface has a distinct gray blue color and an almost silky-like feel.

appearance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites surface finish

Another thing you should know before buying Hestan is that after a few uses, they won't look as sparkling and shiny as they do when you take them out of the box. Because NanoBond pans have a slick, polished finish, fingerprints and smudges are very noticeable. The brushed finish on ProBond pans does a better job…

appearance tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Cites appearance (against), surface finish (against)

All that said, there’s one thing I really don’t like about these handles. And that’s this large hanging loop at the end. It’s nice to be able to hang the pan from a hook, but the hole is unnecessarily large. This big opening, combined with the thinness of the handle, makes it uncomfortable to hold at the end. There's…

handling tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Cites handle (against)

But if you want your pans to look impeccable for years, NanoBond makes that much more possible.

appearance tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Cites scratch resistance

That smoothness also makes it slightly less sticky with eggs.

performance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites non-stick surface

really really good pans as I've said many times before. I still really enjoy using them even at almost 5 years.

recommendation owns and uses it daily Demeyere Atlantis and Proline 4.5 Years Long Term Review

After the water boiled, I took each pan off the heat and measured the water temperature after 10 minutes. Demeyere Atlantis retained the most heat, again thanks to its super thick construction.

durability tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Cites heat retention

Pans in the Atlantis collection have a 3-layer steel bottom that they call TriplInduct. Since steel is magnetic and ultra-durable, having three layers of steel at the bottom of each pan provides better efficiency on induction cooktops and ensures the cookware will never warp.

durability tested it The Truth About Demeyere Cookware: My Brutally Honest Review

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Cites warp resistance

Out of 19 pans, Demeyere Atlantis had the highest water temperature after 5 minutes and tied for highest after 10 minutes.

best in class tested it The Truth About Demeyere Cookware: My Brutally Honest Review

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Cites heat retention

I will say that the quality of these pans, the quality of the metal of these pans, are obviously very high. You can just tell by looking at them and feeling them.

durability owns and uses it daily Demeyere Atlantis and Proline 4.5 Years Long Term Review

Cites build quality, durability

Another downside to Demeyere’s thick construction is that it takes a while to heat up. Compared to 19 other pans, the Demeyere Atlantis took the longest to boil two cups of water.

performance tested it The Truth About Demeyere Cookware: My Brutally Honest Review

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Cites heating speed (against)

a couple more reasons not to buy these Atlantis pots. So, the first two reasons are the same, so they are thick and they are sorry, they are heavy, and they are expensive. So, those are valid reasons to not buy these pots.

value owns and uses it daily Demeyere Atlantis and Proline 4.5 Years Long Term Review

Cites price (against)

a couple more reasons not to buy these Atlantis pots. So, the first two reasons are the same, so they are thick and they are sorry, they are heavy, and they are expensive. So, those are valid reasons to not buy these pots.

handling owns and uses it daily Demeyere Atlantis and Proline 4.5 Years Long Term Review

Cites weight (against)

After about 3 months of using the Demeyere Atlantis pan, I noticed the handle was loose. As I examined what was going on, I lifted the pan and the handle completely snapped off. I was honestly shocked this happened, especially given how expensive these pans are. I was also very lucky it didn't break while I was…

durability owns and uses it daily The Truth About Demeyere Cookware: My Brutally Honest Review

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Owned 3 months , no longer

Cites handle (against)

let's just take a brief moment to appreciate how shiny these pans still are. I did give them a clean with Bar Keepers Friend a couple of days ago. Um so, that's why they look nice and shiny. And the thing about these pans is that if you clean them regularly with something like Bar Keepers Friend, they will always look…

appearance owns and uses it daily Demeyere Atlantis and Proline 4.5 Years Long Term Review

Cites appearance, maintenance

Lastly, pans in the Atlantis and Industry collections are rivetless, which means the cooking surface is uninterrupted and easy to clean. Instead of rivets, the handles are welded to the sides. Rivets collect grease and are difficult to keep clean over time, so this is a major benefit.

handling tested it The Truth About Demeyere Cookware: My Brutally Honest Review

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Cites ease of cleaning, handle

Pans in the Atlantis collection have a 3-layer steel bottom that they call TriplInduct. Since steel is magnetic and ultra-durable, having three layers of steel at the bottom of each pan provides better efficiency on induction cooktops and ensures the cookware will never warp.

performance tested it The Truth About Demeyere Cookware: My Brutally Honest Review

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Cites speed and efficiency

Another benefit is that Demeyere cookware is designed for all cooktops, but it works especially well on induction.

use-case fit tested it The Truth About Demeyere Cookware: My Brutally Honest Review

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Cites induction compatible

if you want to do something a bit more complex like stews and braises, where you got to sear stuff or saute on the bottom, it could be worth it to get that better heat control and heat retention.

use-case fit owns and uses it daily Demeyere Atlantis and Proline 4.5 Years Long Term Review

Cites heat control, heat retention

I'm going to do a long-term 4 and 1/2 year review, in fact, almost 5 years review of these Demeyere Proline and Atlantis pans.

ownership owns and uses it daily Demeyere Atlantis and Proline 4.5 Years Long Term Review

Owned 4 years

Demeyere Atlantis was the slowest to heat, which was also expected because it's the thickest pan at 5.5

performance tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Cites heating speed (against)

To make this real, The Demeyere Atlantis 11-inch fry pan weighs 5.2 pounds while similar pans from All-Clad and Made In weigh around 3 pounds.

handling tested it The Truth About Demeyere Cookware: My Brutally Honest Review

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I’ll earn a commision if you click and buy but at no extra cost to you.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites weight (against)

really really good pans as I've said many times before. I still really enjoy using them even at almost 5 years.

recommendation owns and uses it daily Demeyere Atlantis and Proline 4.5 Years Long Term Review

they are expensive, right? Especially if you live outside the EU. For example, the price here in New Zealand just for this 24 cm is over $500, right? And that's quite frankly ludicrous.

value owns and uses it daily Demeyere Atlantis and Proline 4.5 Years Long Term Review

Cites price (against)

I will say that the quality of these pans, the quality of the metal of these pans, are obviously very high. You can just tell by looking at them and feeling them.

durability owns and uses it daily Demeyere Atlantis and Proline 4.5 Years Long Term Review

Cites build quality, durability

the 20 cm Proline is built different, okay? So, the 24, 28, and 32 cm Proline are 4.8 mm thick, and that's why you want to buy Proline, right? That's the whole reason that you're buying a Proline. But the 20 cm Proline is only 3 mm thick, okay? So, it's basically like a Industry or Multiline with an with a Proline…

durability owns and uses it daily Demeyere Atlantis and Proline 4.5 Years Long Term Review

Cites build quality (against)

a 20 cm pan is just too small, right? It's too small to really be useful. It's barely enough to fry one egg or maybe a couple of sausages or a small piece of meat, and that's pretty much it.

use-case fit owns and uses it daily Demeyere Atlantis and Proline 4.5 Years Long Term Review

Cites size and capacity (against), stovetop compatibility (against)

let's quickly go through the three reasons why you should not buy the Proline, and which I've talked about before.

recommendation owns and uses it daily Demeyere Atlantis and Proline 4.5 Years Long Term Review

you may want something that responds faster to heat changes, okay? Because these are so thick and so heavy, they will respond slower than a pan that's built thinner and lighter.

performance owns and uses it daily Demeyere Atlantis and Proline 4.5 Years Long Term Review

Cites heat control (against)

The first of all is they are too heavy, okay? So, if they're too heavy, then you're not going to use them.

handling owns and uses it daily Demeyere Atlantis and Proline 4.5 Years Long Term Review

Cites weight (against)

personally, I think the concern with the handle is not really a valid reason to not buy these pans. That's only because the possibility of these handles falling off is really no higher than the possibility of any high-quality product being faulty, right?

reliability owns and uses it daily Demeyere Atlantis and Proline 4.5 Years Long Term Review

Cites handle

let's just take a brief moment to appreciate how shiny these pans still are. I did give them a clean with Bar Keepers Friend a couple of days ago. Um so, that's why they look nice and shiny. And the thing about these pans is that if you clean them regularly with something like Bar Keepers Friend, they will always look…

appearance owns and uses it daily Demeyere Atlantis and Proline 4.5 Years Long Term Review

Cites appearance, maintenance

I really like the handle particularly on the pr line

handling owns one Stainless Steel Skillets: HESTAN vs DEMEYERE | What are the KEY DIFFERENCES? | Acme Kitchen

Cites handle

these pieces are worth buying. I think they are worth buying. They are very use- useful pieces, but buy with caution.

recommendation owns and uses it daily Demeyere Atlantis and Proline 4.5 Years Long Term Review

I'm going to do a long-term 4 and 1/2 year review, in fact, almost 5 years review of these Demeyere Proline and Atlantis pans.

ownership owns and uses it daily Demeyere Atlantis and Proline 4.5 Years Long Term Review

Owned 4 years

It's one of the most well-designed pans. The weight, thickness, and handle all feel right.

best in class tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites ergonomics, weight

The Demeyere Industry pan, which is a bit thinner and lighter, was still slow to heat. 15 other pans boiled water faster.

performance tested it The Truth About Demeyere Cookware: My Brutally Honest Review

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I’ll earn a commision if you click and buy but at no extra cost to you.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites heating speed (against)

Lastly, pans in the Atlantis and Industry collections are rivetless, which means the cooking surface is uninterrupted and easy to clean. Instead of rivets, the handles are welded to the sides. Rivets collect grease and are difficult to keep clean over time, so this is a major benefit.

handling tested it The Truth About Demeyere Cookware: My Brutally Honest Review

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I’ll earn a commision if you click and buy but at no extra cost to you.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites ease of cleaning, handle

My only complaint is the price. You're paying a premium for a pan that performs similar to other options that cost much less.

value tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites price (against)

The handle is rivetless, so the cooking surface is completely smooth with nothing for food or grease to get stuck on. It also has a wide fork at the end that gives it a unique look and disperses heat.

handling tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites ease of cleaning

I don't really care for the handle on the industry series

handling owns one Stainless Steel Skillets: HESTAN vs DEMEYERE | What are the KEY DIFFERENCES? | Acme Kitchen

Cites handle (against)

Demeyere Industry has a brushed exterior, gently sloped walls, and flared rims.

durability tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites base and rim

It also has a mirror polish finish that looks stunning where the Eater series is more brushed.

appearance tested it Heritage Steel Cookware Review: Eater vs Titanium

Sprint Kitchen earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “If you use the link, I earn a small commission, but it doesn't cost you a thing.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites appearance

I've already mentioned I'm not a fan of rounded, slippery handles like this, and I also dislike how it's wide in the middle, but tapers thin at the end. There's not much to grab onto unless you hold it right in the center.

handling tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites handle (against)

Between you and me, I think the Titanium series is beautiful and the quality is slightly better than the Eater, but you're probably better off just saving a buck and getting the Eater series cookware as the performance is pretty much the same.

performance owns and uses it daily Heritage Steel Cookware Review: Eater vs Titanium

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Cites build quality

The Eater series feels more comfortable and is less likely to slip versus the titanium series, especially when your hands are wet.

handling tested it Heritage Steel Cookware Review: Eater vs Titanium

Sprint Kitchen earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “If you use the link, I earn a small commission, but it doesn't cost you a thing.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites ergonomics (against)

Both handles are hollow and they have this bump underneath that prevents you from burning your hand.

handling tested it Heritage Steel Cookware Review: Eater vs Titanium

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Cites handle

The reinforced titanium makes it even more resistant to corrosion and pitting. If you cook with a lot of acidic foods like tomatoes, wine, or citrus, the titanium series is supposed to handle it better over decades of use.

durability relaying someone else Heritage Steel Cookware Review: Eater vs Titanium

Sprint Kitchen earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “If you use the link, I earn a small commission, but it doesn't cost you a thing.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites rust resistance

The Titanium Series is Heritage Steel's pricier collection. It costs $30 more than the Heritage Steel Eater Series, mainly because the cooking surface is made of steel reinforced with titanium.

value tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites price (against)

In the $100 to $200 range, Made In, All-Clad D3 Everyday, and Heritage Steel Eater Series are the safest long-term buys. I've used all three for years and they consistently perform great.

recommendation owns and uses it daily I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

This pan heats incredibly evenly and the heat retention results were excellent.

performance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites even heating, heat retention

Most importantly, the handle has a more subtle groove that's much more comfortable and it's almost an inch longer. This might be my favorite handle design. It's safe and functional, comfortable and it looks good.

handling tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites handle

Where this pan stands out is the design. You get a beautiful copper ring exposed around the exterior and the handle is nearly two inches longer than D3.

appearance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites appearance

It has a polished exterior, flared rims, it heats evenly, and performs great.

performance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites base and rim, even heating

After three minutes, All-Clad Copper Core, Hestan CopperBond, and Hestan ProBond were the hottest in the center, but All-Clad D3 had the most uniform temperature.

performance tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Of the eight pans I tested, Hestan CopperBond heated the fastest, followed by All-Clad Copper Core.

performance tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Cites heating speed, heating speed

But if you don't mind the rivets, All-Clad, especially the D3 collection, is much less expensive and a better value.

value tested it Best High-End Cookware? Fissler vs. All-Clad vs. Demeyere

Cites price

The trade-off is you're paying a lot more than D3 for differences that most home cooks won't notice.

value tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites price (against)

However, the bottom warped noticeably when I tested it on a high-powered induction cooktop, so if you cook on induction, you need to preheat it gradually.

durability tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites warp resistance (against)

The flat cooking surface is also wider so you can fit more food without overcrowding.

use-case fit tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites size and capacity

The handle is the most polarizing of any pan I tested. It has a concave groove on top that locks the pan in place so it won't rotate. And it works really well if you grab the handle with a towel or oven mitt, but since the groove is so deep, the edges can dig into your hand and make it very uncomfortable.

handling tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites handle (against)

The handle is the most polarizing of any pan I tested. It has a concave groove on top that locks the pan in place so it won't rotate. And it works really well if you grab the handle with a towel or oven mitt, but since the groove is so deep, the edges can dig into your hand and make it very uncomfortable.

handling tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites handle

Newer collections like D3 Everyday and G5 have more subtle grooves that are much easier to hold.

handling tested it Best High-End Cookware? Fissler vs. All-Clad vs. Demeyere

Cites handle

Copper conducts heat better than aluminum, but in my tests, several aluminum core pans heated just as fast or faster. So, the performance advantage isn't as big as you'd expect.

performance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites heating speed

D5 is made up of five bonded layers instead of three with a thin steel core. All-Clad claims that the steel core makes it heat more evenly and my test showed it actually does distribute heat a little bit more evenly than D3, but the difference was only about 15°, which isn't huge.

performance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites even heating

All-Clad D5 has the same cup-shaped handle as the All-Clad D3 collection, but it's an inch longer.

handling tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites handle

D3 is All-Clad's original and bestselling collection, and it's made at their Pennsylvania factory.

mention relaying someone else I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites reputation

The two pans with copper cooled down the fastest, but that's by design. These pans are meant to heat and cool fast to give you more control.

performance tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

The Fissler Original-Profi had only a 4° difference between the center and the edge. That's not just better than every pan in this group—it's the most even heat distribution I've ever measured, and I've tested over 60 brands.

best in class tested it Best High-End Cookware? Fissler vs. All-Clad vs. Demeyere

Cites even heating, heat retention

The Fissler Original-Profi is a disc bottom pan, but the disc is nearly 7 mm thick, which makes it the thickest pan I tested. And because of its thickness, it has the best heat retention of any pan in the group, and the temperature difference between the center and the outer edge was essentially zero.

durability tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites even heating, heat retention

In the Fissler pan, the bun browned evenly across the full length after 3 minutes.

performance tested it Best High-End Cookware? Fissler vs. All-Clad vs. Demeyere

Cites even heating, non-stick surface, searing and crust

The test results were very clear: speed is not a strength of Fissler. The Original-Profi collection heated the slowest, followed by Demeyere, Fissler M5, and then the All-Clad collections.

performance tested it Best High-End Cookware? Fissler vs. All-Clad vs. Demeyere

Cites noise (against), heating speed (against)

The trade-off with a pan this thick is speed. It was the slowest pan to heat up.

performance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites heating speed (against)

When you're searing, browning, or doing any high-heat cooking, even heating is critical. Fissler's thick base takes longer to heat, but the consistent temperature results in more even cooking without having to rotate the food.

use-case fit tested it Best High-End Cookware? Fissler vs. All-Clad vs. Demeyere

Cites even heating

The handle is rivetless and comfortable, but the sharp corners at the end can dig into your hand.

handling tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites handle

It also has a textured cooking surface that keeps oil directly under food, which helps with browning, but it makes eggs harder to slide and cleaning slightly more difficult.

use-case fit tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites searing and crust

On the negative side, you can cook eggs on the surface, but not as easily, and they won't slide like they do on a smooth surface. You need a spatula to flip them, and cleaning can take a little more effort since food and oil can get into the grooves.

use-case fit tested it Best High-End Cookware? Fissler vs. All-Clad vs. Demeyere

Cites non-stick surface (against)

In terms of comfort, Original-Profi handles are straight and don't rotate in your hand, but the sharp corners at the very end can dig into your hand if you grab the pan quickly.

handling tested it Best High-End Cookware? Fissler vs. All-Clad vs. Demeyere

Cites ease of cleaning (against), handle (against)

In terms of comfort, Original-Profi handles are straight and don't rotate in your hand, but the sharp corners at the very end can dig into your hand if you grab the pan quickly.

handling tested it Best High-End Cookware? Fissler vs. All-Clad vs. Demeyere

Cites handle

The handle is rivetless and comfortable, but the sharp corners at the end can dig into your hand.

handling tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites handle (against)

It also has a textured cooking surface that keeps oil directly under food, which helps with browning, but it makes eggs harder to slide and cleaning slightly more difficult.

use-case fit tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites ease of cleaning (against), non-stick surface (against)

So, if money is not a factor, Demeyere Atlantis Proline and Hestan NanoBond are the best overall. Go with Demeyere for the heat retention and excellent induction performance.

best in class tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites heat retention, induction compatible

For years, Demeyere Atlantis has been the benchmark for this test. At 159°F, its thick 5.5 mm walls consistently held heat better than any stainless steel pan I've tested.

best in class tested it Best High-End Cookware? Fissler vs. All-Clad vs. Demeyere

Cites heat retention

But once it's hot, it holds its temperature better than almost every other pan.

durability tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites heat retention

It's made up of seven bonded layers and it's 5 mm thick, so it heats like cast iron but with the convenience and versatility of stainless steel. The bottom three layers are steel, which makes it efficient on induction and virtually warp proof.

use-case fit tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites induction compatible, warp resistance

I really like both of them, but between the two, I'm picking Demeyere. The smoother surface and more comfortable handle outweigh the advantage Fissler has in heat properties.

recommendation tested it Best High-End Cookware? Fissler vs. All-Clad vs. Demeyere

Cites handle, surface finish

However, Demeyere Atlantis doesn't have the textured surface, and based on my testing, it's much quieter on an induction cooktop.

performance tested it Best High-End Cookware? Fissler vs. All-Clad vs. Demeyere

Cites noise

It was the only stainless steel pan that didn't buzz or click on the induction cooktop.

performance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites induction compatible

The test results were very clear: speed is not a strength of Fissler. The Original-Profi collection heated the slowest, followed by Demeyere, Fissler M5, and then the All-Clad collections.

performance tested it Best High-End Cookware? Fissler vs. All-Clad vs. Demeyere

Cites even heating (against), heating speed (against)

Demeyere replaced it and I haven't had any issues since.

reliability tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites warranty

However, welded handles are not as secure as riveted handles and they can break off. It's rare, but it happened to me.

reliability tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites handle (against)

The handles are welded instead of riveted, so the cooking surface is completely smooth.

handling tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites ease of cleaning

Demeyere Atlantis Proline is the heaviest pan I tested, and it's the second slowest to heat up.

performance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites heating speed (against)

And if speed, responsiveness, and control are important to you, the CopperBond collection is the best performer in Hestan’s lineup.

best in class tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Cites heat control, heating speed

Of the eight pans I tested, Hestan CopperBond heated the fastest, followed by All-Clad Copper Core.

performance tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Cites heating speed, heating speed, heating speed

Most copper cookware won't work on induction because copper isn't ferromagnetic. But this pan has a steel base, so it does. If you love the look of copper and cook on induction, that's the real selling point.

use-case fit tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites induction compatible

The copper is exposed on the sides, which looks great, but it tarnishes quickly and needs regular polishing to keep it looking good.

appearance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites appearance

The NanoBond, ProBond, and CopperBond pans are great for searing and browning, and the ProBond TITUM pan is ideal for eggs and anything prone

use-case fit tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

They're angled upward with a groove on top, a curved bottom that fits nicely in your palm, and a bump to warn you when your hand is getting too close to the pan. Rounded handles can slip and rotate when your hand is wet or you're wearing an oven mitt. And handles with a deep groove like All-Clad can dig into your hand…

handling tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Cites handle

The copper is exposed on the sides, which looks great, but it tarnishes quickly and needs regular polishing to keep it looking good.

durability tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites maintenance (against)

Similarly, the copper cutout on CopperBond pans looks nice at first, but after cooking on it once, the copper tarnishes and starts to look splotchy. You can clean it with some polish, but it requires some maintenance if you want it to look like new.

durability tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Cites maintenance (against)

All that said, there’s one thing I really don’t like about these handles. And that’s this large hanging loop at the end. It’s nice to be able to hang the pan from a hook, but the hole is unnecessarily large. This big opening, combined with the thinness of the handle, makes it uncomfortable to hold at the end. There's…

handling tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Cites handle (against)

The other collections are expensive too. The CopperBond pan is $420, ProBond TITUM is $270, and ProBond without the non-stick coating is $250.

value tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Cites price (against)

The two pans with copper cooled down the fastest, but that's by design. These pans are meant to heat and cool fast to give you more control.

performance tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Similarly, the copper cutout on CopperBond pans looks nice at first, but after cooking on it once, the copper tarnishes and starts to look splotchy. You can clean it with some polish, but it requires some maintenance if you want it to look like new.

appearance tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Cites appearance

Applying approximately 5 pounds of pressure, I rubbed the rough side of a Scotch-Brite sponge on the inside of the ProBond pan for 10 seconds. As you can see, the sponge left behind a very noticeable rough patch of micro scratches.

durability tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

After one minute, Made In and Hestan CopperBond had the highest temperature in the center, but Hestan ProBond and Hestan ProBond TITUM heated the most evenly. With the two ProBond pans, the temperature of the outer edge and walls was the closest to the temperature at the center.

performance tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Cites heating speed

The NanoBond, ProBond, and CopperBond pans are great for searing and browning, and the ProBond TITUM pan is ideal for eggs and anything prone

use-case fit tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

They're angled upward with a groove on top, a curved bottom that fits nicely in your palm, and a bump to warn you when your hand is getting too close to the pan. Rounded handles can slip and rotate when your hand is wet or you're wearing an oven mitt. And handles with a deep groove like All-Clad can dig into your hand…

handling tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Cites handle

Instead of exposed rims that can become sharp after washing in the dishwasher and lead to the bonded layers splitting, Hestan NanoBond and ProBond pans have sealed rims. So you can clean these pans in the dishwasher without any concerns.

durability tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Cites base and rim, dishwasher safe

Another thing you should know before buying Hestan is that after a few uses, they won't look as sparkling and shiny as they do when you take them out of the box. Because NanoBond pans have a slick, polished finish, fingerprints and smudges are very noticeable. The brushed finish on ProBond pans does a better job…

appearance tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Cites surface finish

All that said, there’s one thing I really don’t like about these handles. And that’s this large hanging loop at the end. It’s nice to be able to hang the pan from a hook, but the hole is unnecessarily large. This big opening, combined with the thinness of the handle, makes it uncomfortable to hold at the end. There's…

handling tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Cites handle (against)

The other collections are expensive too. The CopperBond pan is $420, ProBond TITUM is $270, and ProBond without the non-stick coating is $250.

value tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Cites price (against)

It's made in Italy, and the performance is excellent.

performance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Everything about it feels intentional and well-crafted.

best in class tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites build quality

Their ProBond Forged collection has a brushed exterior with a polished ring around the top, sealed rims, flush rivets, and a handle with smooth rounded edges and a subtle groove that keeps the pan from rotating.

durability tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites base and rim, handle

Hestan is expensive, but it's one of the most elegant looking brands I've tested.

appearance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites appearance

Hestan is expensive, but it's one of the most elegant looking brands I've tested.

value tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites price (against)

This is nitpicking, but I wish the end of the handle was thicker and the hanging loop wasn't so big. When you grab the end of the handle, there's not much to hold on to and your fingers can easily slip through the loop.

handling tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites ease of cleaning (against), handle (against)

It had one of the smallest temperature differences between the center and the outer edge of any pan I tested, so it heats really evenly.

performance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites even heating

The Fissler M5-Pro Ply is a solid five-ply pan made in Germany with a brushed exterior, sealed rims, and no rivets.

durability tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites base and rim

Fissler M5 and Demeyere pans have sealed rims, so the core layers are not exposed.

durability tested it Best High-End Cookware? Fissler vs. All-Clad vs. Demeyere

Cites base and rim

The test results were very clear: speed is not a strength of Fissler. The Original-Profi collection heated the slowest, followed by Demeyere, Fissler M5, and then the All-Clad collections.

performance tested it Best High-End Cookware? Fissler vs. All-Clad vs. Demeyere

Cites even heating, heat control, heating speed

The handle is comfortable, but it's very round, so you need to grip it carefully.

handling tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites handle

The Caraway stainless steel fry pan has a brushed finish and a modern design, but it's expensive for a 10 and 1/2 in pan, and they don't make a bigger version.

value tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites price (against)

This pan doesn't have flared rims and the rounded handle is comfortable, but like Legend and Misen, it's more prone to rotating in your hand when you tilt the pan.

handling tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites handle (against)

This pan doesn't have flared rims and the rounded handle is comfortable, but like Legend and Misen, it's more prone to rotating in your hand when you tilt the pan.

handling tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites handle

If you want a larger cooking surface, you need to get the four quart sauté pan, which has taller walls and is much heavier.

use-case fit tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites size and capacity (against)

The Caraway stainless steel fry pan has a brushed finish and a modern design, but it's expensive for a 10 and 1/2 in pan, and they don't make a bigger version.

appearance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites appearance

Under $100, Cuisinart MultiClad Pro is the clear winner. It has one of the best handles, a wide cooking surface, sealed rims, and the performance is solid.

best in class tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites base and rim, handle, size and capacity

The main handle has a groove on top for your thumb that locks the pan in place so it doesn't rotate when you tilt it. It's one of the most comfortable and secure handles I tested.

handling tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites handle

It has one of the widest flat cooking surfaces I tested, sealed rims, and a helper handle for when the pan is full.

performance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites base and rim, size and capacity

Cuisinart MultiClad Pro has a super smooth polished interior with a brushed exterior and a subtle polished ring around the top. It looks more expensive than it is.

appearance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites surface finish

In the $100 to $200 range, Made In, All-Clad D3 Everyday, and Heritage Steel Eater Series are the safest long-term buys. I've used all three for years and they consistently perform great.

recommendation owns and uses it daily I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

and it has consistently performed really well in the several years I've owned it.

reliability owns and uses it daily I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites durability

The Made In pan is listed as 12 in, but because of its wide flared rims, it actually measures 13 in from rim to rim. It also has the widest flat cooking surface of any pan I tested at 10 in.

performance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites base and rim, heating speed, size and capacity

The handle looks a lot like the Heritage Steel Eater Series handle, but it gets a little wider as you move toward the end, which I like. The Heritage Steel handle is the same width throughout.

handling tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites handle

All-Clad G5 is one of the most unique pans I tested. Instead of a standard aluminum or copper core, this pan has a perforated graphite disc as the core layer. Similar to copper, graphite conducts heat extremely well. However, it weighs much less. So, you get a pan that heats fast without the weight.

best in class tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites heat conduction, weight

It also cools down as fast as it heats up. If you want a pan that responds quickly when you turn the dial up or down, this one is great.

use-case fit tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites heat control

But if you want a pan that holds its temperature steady, so you can step away from the stove for a minute without worrying about burning your food, this isn't the one.

use-case fit tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites heat retention (against)

Newer collections like D3 Everyday and G5 have more subtle grooves that are much easier to hold.

handling tested it Best High-End Cookware? Fissler vs. All-Clad vs. Demeyere

Cites handle

At 10 in, it has the longest handle of any pan I tested. It has a groove to prevent slipping, and it's also thick with rounded edges, so it's nice and comfortable.

handling tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites handle

if you give it enough time to preheat, it cooks evenly and it's excellent for searing.

use-case fit tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites searing and crust

de Buyer Affinity is made in France with a polished exterior and excellent heat retention.

durability tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites heat retention

Although the temperature difference between the center and outer edge after 2 minutes was one of the largest I measured,

performance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites even heating (against)

It's also one of the thinnest pans I tested, and the temperature difference between the center and outer edge was one of the largest.

performance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites even heating (against)

It has flared rims, a nice wide cooking surface, and it sears really well.

performance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites base and rim, searing and crust, size and capacity

Henckels Clad H3 has a comfortable handle that's flat on top and rounded on the bottom.

handling tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites handle

You can't buy the 12-in fry pan on its own. It only comes in a set with a 10-in pan. It's still a good deal if you want both sizes, but it's worth knowing if you don't have the space for two pans.

value tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites availability

de Buyer Alchimy heated up faster than any other pan I tested. After 1 minute, the center was already at 563°, and after 2 minutes, it was so hot that my surface thermometer couldn't even read it.

performance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites heating speed

the rims are straight, not flared, and the end of the handle is flat with a sharp edge that digs into your hand.

handling tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites base and rim (against), handle (against)

Besides needing to keep a close eye on the heat to avoid burning your food,

use-case fit tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites heat control (against)

After several months of cooking, I noticed that the bottom warped very slightly upward. You can feel the surface dip down near the edges when you rub your finger over the cooking surface.

durability tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites warp resistance (against)

It didn't stand out in any of my tests, but it performs solid in real world cooking.

performance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad has a polished exterior, smooth edges, and the walls have a nice gradual slope.

appearance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites shape and form

IKEA Sensuell has a chunky utilitarian design. It's not the most elegant looking pan, but it's built like a tank.

durability tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites base and rim, build quality, heat retention, warp resistance

My one complaint is the handle. It's the second shortest of any pan I tested and I don't love the rubber grip on the underside.

handling tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites handle (against)

Misen is one of the heavier pans I tested. It was also one of the fastest to heat up, and it has sealed rims, which is rare at this price point.

performance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites base and rim, heating speed

The handle is long, but it's very rounded, and like Legend, it can get slippery when you're tilting the pan or washing it with soapy hands.

handling tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites handle (against)

Legend is a solid all-around pan. It has a polished exterior, slightly taller walls than most, which gives you a little bit more capacity, and it heats evenly with excellent heat retention.

performance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites even heating, heat retention, size and capacity

It is on the heavier side, and the handle is thick and round, so when you're pouring liquids, sliding food onto a plate, or handwashing it, it can get a little slippery.

handling tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites handle (against), weight (against)

Farberware Classic is the cheapest pan I tested, and you can tell it's cheap the second you pick it up. It's ultra light with thin walls that dent easily.

durability tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites build quality (against)

It also has a short plastic handle that can't go past 350° F in the oven.

use-case fit tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites oven safe (against)

The exterior is fully polished instead of brushed, and the handle is lower and more parallel to the cooking surface. Because of that, you need less clearance to fit it between oven racks.

use-case fit tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites handle

On ProBond Forged, there's a gap between the handle and the rim that's tough to clean. On Luxe, that connection is tighter, so there's less of a gap to clean.

handling tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites ease of cleaning

My main complaint is the handle. It's a hollow, bent piece of metal with an exposed open end and a visible seam. Water goes inside when you wash it, and it squirts out the other end. It just feels cheap compared to every other handle.

handling tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites handle (against)

It's the second lightest pan I tested, but it actually performed surprisingly well in my tests, likely due to the thick disc bottom. And overall, I enjoy cooking with it.

performance tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

The flat handle won't twist in your hand, but it digs into your palm and isn't very comfortable.

handling tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites base and rim (against), handle (against)

The flat handle won't twist in your hand, but it digs into your palm and isn't very comfortable.

handling tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites handle