Prudent Reviews

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 about Fissler Original-Profi tested it Best High-End Cookware? Fissler vs. All-Clad vs. Demeyere

Cites even heating, heat retention

The two pans I don't recommend are Matfer because of the ongoing recall situation and De Buyer Mineral B because of its limitations while cooking in the oven.

recommendation about Matfer carbon steel pan tested it Best Carbon Steel Pan? I Tested de Buyer, Lodge, Matfer & More

Cites safety (against)

So is Made In cookware worth buying? In my opinion, yes.

recommendation about Made In Stainless Steel tested it The Truth About Made In: My Honest Review After 3+ Years

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links so I'll earn a commission 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.

Made In is not cheap, but it's significantly less expensive than brands like All-Clad, Demeyere, and Hestan.

value about Made In Stainless Steel tested it The Truth About Made In: My Honest Review After 3+ Years

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links so I'll earn a commission 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 country of manufacture, price, warranty

Demeyere Atlantis is the best of the best. Each piece is carefully crafted with the highest quality materials and a thoughtful design process.

best in class about Demeyere Atlantis tested it Demeyere Atlantis vs. Industry Cookware (Key Differences & How to Choose)

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links so if you click and buy I'll earn a commission 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 build quality

Regardless of how well this collection performs, no one should ever spend $270 on a non-stick pan.

recommendation about Hestan ProBond TITUM tested it I Tested the World's Most Expensive Cookware (Which Brands Are Worth It?)

Cites price (against)

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 about Cuisinart MultiClad Pro tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites base and rim, handle, size and capacity

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

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

Cites heat control, weight

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 about Demeyere Atlantis Proline tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites heat retention, induction compatible

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 about Fissler Original-Profi tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites even heating, heat retention

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 about de Buyer Alchimy tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites heating speed

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 about Demeyere Atlantis 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 about Demeyere Atlantis 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 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 about Demeyere Atlantis 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 heat retention

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 about Demeyere Atlantis Proline tested it Best High-End Cookware? Fissler vs. All-Clad vs. Demeyere

Cites heat retention

In fact, The New York Times named the Goldilocks 8-piece set the best budget cookware set.

best in class about Goldilocks tested it Cheap Cookware That's Actually Worth Buying (And 4 Brands to Avoid)

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission 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.

While I'm a fan of the Tri-Ply Clad collection, Tramontina is best known for the Professional collection, which was named the best non-stick pan by The New York Times.

best in class about Tramontina Professional collection tested it Cheap Cookware That's Actually Worth Buying (And 4 Brands to Avoid)

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission 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 non-stick surface

Along with Misen, Le Creuset handles have the widest openings.

handling about Le Creuset dutch oven tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission 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, heat resistance, lid, weight

I also appreciate the flat lid design, which lets you rest a spoon on top or add ice to make the lid cold and quickly turn steam back into liquid before it can escape.

use-case fit about Staub dutch oven tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission 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 availability, lid

The enamel finish is flawless, and the whole pot has a truly high-end look and feel, as it should at this price point.

appearance about Staub dutch oven tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

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Cites appearance, coating

with Staub, the construction quality is outstanding

reliability about Staub dutch oven tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

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Cites build quality

In my controlled experiments, Staub had the best heat retention score of all brands

performance about Staub dutch oven tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission 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 heat retention, moisture retention

The grill pan lid retained the most liquid of all nine Dutch ovens I tested

performance about Misen 7qt Dutch oven with grill pan lid tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

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Cites moisture retention

While it looks nice, it's not nearly as functional as a traditional circular knob. You can only fit two fingers, which makes it difficult to lift and control the heavy lid.

handling about Great Jones oval Dutch oven tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

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Cites handle (against)

In my opinion, All-Clad is well worth the investment for a few reasons. First, they offer more variety than almost every other brand. So you can mix and match collections based on your cooking style and budget. Second, the quality control is in a class of its own. And third, it's one of the few brands that has proven…

value about All-Clad owns and uses it daily Don't Buy All-Clad Until You Watch This (Test Results)

Cites durability, price (against), versatility

And here is my parents' All-Clad saucepan that they bought in 1995 and have been using at least a few times a week since then. Almost 30 years later, this pan still sits flat on the stove and heats as evenly as it did from the beginning.

durability about All-Clad relaying someone else Don't Buy All-Clad Until You Watch This (Test Results)

Cites durability, even heating, warp resistance

One thing that you're guaranteed to get with All-Clad is durability. When you pick up and hold these pans, you can feel it. They're thick and heavy, so they stay flat on the stove and won't dent or warp. And the handles won't ever budge.

durability about All-Clad owns and uses it daily Don't Buy All-Clad Until You Watch This (Test Results)

Cites appearance (against), build quality, durability, warp resistance

After years of use and dozens of head-to-head tests against top-rated brands, I can confidently say that All-Clad performs as well or better than any other cookware I’ve reviewed.

best in class about All-Clad owns and uses it daily Don't Buy All-Clad Until You Watch This (Test Results)

The Lodge Classic is also a great option if you want something more substantial, and the value is incredible.

value about Lodge cast iron skillet tested it I Tested Every Cast Iron Skillet, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites price

Despite the lighter construction, it actually had the best heat retention of all 12 skillets.

best in class about Lodge cast iron skillet tested it I Tested Every Cast Iron Skillet, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites heat retention, price

I recently tested six of the highest-rated cast iron skillets on the market, and according to my tests, Smithey is the best overall. It had the best heat retention, the smoothest non-stick surface, the widest pour spouts, and one of the better-designed handles.

best in class about Smithey cast iron skillet tested it Best Non-Toxic Cookware? I Tested All-Clad, Made In, Le Creuset & More

Cites base and rim, handle, heat retention, non-stick surface

These pans have thin steel walls but a massive 7 mm thick base that spreads heat more evenly than any pan I've ever tested. There was only a 4-degree difference from the center to the edge after 2 minutes of preheating.

performance about Fissler Original-Profi tested it Best Non-Toxic Cookware? I Tested All-Clad, Made In, Le Creuset & More

Cites even heating, heat retention

Few products in the world last forever, perform really well, and cost under $30.

value about Lodge cast iron skillet tested it Best Cast Iron Skillet? I Tested Lodge, Smithey, Field, Stargazer, & Calphalon

Cites durability, price

If price is not a factor, Smithey is the best overall skillet.

best in class about Smithey cast iron skillet tested it Best Cast Iron Skillet? I Tested Lodge, Smithey, Field, Stargazer, & Calphalon

Cites ergonomics, heat retention, non-stick surface

This pan passed France's national safety standards, but regional regulators found that the pan released excessive levels of arsenic, chromium, and iron when cooked in a highly acidic solution for 2 hours.

reliability about Matfer carbon steel pan tested it Best Carbon Steel Pan? I Tested de Buyer, Lodge, Matfer & More

Cites safety (against)

It's one of the best values because it performs similarly to All-Clad, but it's less expensive, has a titanium-strengthened cooking surface, and because of the grinding and polishing they do by hand, the edges are noticeably smoother.

value about Heritage Steel cookware tested it Is Heritage Steel the Best American-Made Cookware? My Honest Review

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission 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 price

Based on my testing, it's one of the best stainless steel brands on the market.

best in class about Heritage Steel cookware tested it Is Heritage Steel the Best American-Made Cookware? My Honest Review

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission 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.

The most notable advantage of Demeyere is its performance. I’ve tested dozens of brands and Demeyere retains heat better than almost every other option.

best in class about Demeyere 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 heat retention

These pans are designed to be lightweight and easy to use.

handling about Strata tested it Which “Forever Nonstick” Pan Is the Best? I Tested Them All

Cites handle, weight

de Buyer Mineral B Pro had the best heat retention of the group and a comfortable stainless steel handle.

performance about De Buyer carbon steel pan tested it Best Non-Toxic Cookware? I Tested All-Clad, Made In, Le Creuset & More

Cites handle, heat retention

Staub had the best heat retention and did an excellent job redistributing moisture thanks to its flat lid and large self-basting dimples.

performance about Staub dutch oven tested it Best Non-Toxic Cookware? I Tested All-Clad, Made In, Le Creuset & More

Cites heat retention, moisture retention

At 105°F, Smithey had the best heat retention, followed by Lodge Classic, Stargazer, a tie between Lodge Chef Collection and Calphalon, and finally, Field, which had the lowest temperature.

performance about Smithey cast iron skillet tested it Best Cast Iron Skillet? I Tested Lodge, Smithey, Field, Stargazer, & Calphalon

Cites heat retention, heating speed, non-stick surface

This poor performance is likely because it's the only pan that noticeably warped during testing.

reliability about Made In carbon steel pan tested it Best Carbon Steel Pan? I Tested de Buyer, Lodge, Matfer & More

Cites even heating (against), warp resistance (against)

Mineral B Pro is heavy, but it retains heat the best.

performance about De Buyer carbon steel pan tested it Best Carbon Steel Pan? I Tested de Buyer, Lodge, Matfer & More

Cites heat retention, weight (against)

Strata is the best option if you want a lightweight pan that heats evenly.

recommendation about Strata carbon steel pan tested it Best Carbon Steel Pan? I Tested de Buyer, Lodge, Matfer & More

Cites even heating, weight

After speaking with their customer service, I confirmed that they cover the enamel for life. So, if 10 years down from now under normal circumstances, you see a chip in the enamel they'll replace the Dutch oven for free.

repairability about Le Creuset dutch oven relaying someone else Don't Buy Le Creuset Until You Watch This (Test Results)

Cites warranty

Let's start with color selection - no brand comes even close to Le Creuset in this category. They offer over 20 different colors, from classic Flame orange to deep blues and modern pastels.

best in class about Le Creuset dutch oven tested it Don't Buy Le Creuset Until You Watch This (Test Results)

Cites appearance

Although the performance is great, the same could be said for much cheaper Dutch ovens, especially since they’re all made with the materials - cast iron with an enamel coating.

value about Le Creuset dutch oven tested it Don't Buy Le Creuset Until You Watch This (Test Results)

Cites price (against)

So, even though they are much cheaper, I do not recommend the Hamilton Beach or the AUCMA.

recommendation about AUCMA stand mixer tested it Are KitchenAid Mixers Worth the High Price? (TEST RESULTS)

So, even though they are much cheaper, I do not recommend the Hamilton Beach or the AUCMA.

recommendation about Hamilton Beach stand mixer tested it Are KitchenAid Mixers Worth the High Price? (TEST RESULTS)

One thing I noticed during my testing is that the head on all three KitchenAid mixers doesn't lock in the raised position. This could catch you off guard, create a mess, or potentially pinch your fingers.

handling about KitchenAid stand mixer tested it Are KitchenAid Mixers Worth the High Price? (TEST RESULTS)

Cites safety (against)

It did a good job whipping the cream, but it was extremely loud and had a higher pitched sound that was much more annoying than the others.

performance about AUCMA stand mixer tested it Are KitchenAid Mixers Worth the High Price? (TEST RESULTS)

Cites noise (against)

With the whipped cream, it took over 4 minutes to reach stiff peaks, more than twice as long as the KitchenAid mixers.

performance about Hamilton Beach stand mixer tested it Are KitchenAid Mixers Worth the High Price? (TEST RESULTS)

These handles are similar to Made In handles, except they fork right before the body of the pan to disperse heat and keep the handle cool.

handling about Heritage Steel Eater Series tested it Is Heritage Steel the Best American-Made Cookware? My Honest Review

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission 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 handle, safety

If you're looking for lightweight pans, you'll be disappointed. Made In pans are built solid with thick heavy walls. The 12-inch fry pan weighs over three pounds.

durability about Made In Stainless Steel tested it The Truth About Made In: My Honest Review After 3+ Years

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links so I'll earn a commission 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 build quality, durability

Thanks to its three millimeter thick five-ply construction, it does a fantastic job searing, browning, and frying.

use-case fit about Made In Stainless Steel tested it The Truth About Made In: My Honest Review After 3+ Years

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links so I'll earn a commission 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 build quality, heat conduction

First and foremost, Made In stainless steel performs as well or better than any other cookware I've tested. That includes much more expensive brands like All-Clad and Demeyere.

best in class about Made In Stainless Steel tested it The Truth About Made In: My Honest Review After 3+ Years

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links so I'll earn a commission 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.

I haven't had any issues with pitting with the Eater Series, so while that is an advantage for the Titanium Series, it hasn't become an issue with the other pan.

durability about Heritage Steel Eater Series tested it Heritage Steel Titanium vs. Eater Series: Is the Pricier Pan Better?

Cites build quality, country of manufacture, durability, rust resistance

The third and final difference between these pans is the cooking surface: the Eater Series has an industry standard 18/10 stainless steel cooking surface, but the Titanium Series has a 316Ti steel, which is an alloy that's reinforced with titanium to help it resist pitting.

durability about Heritage Steel Titanium Series tested it Heritage Steel Titanium vs. Eater Series: Is the Pricier Pan Better?

Cites build quality, country of manufacture, durability, rust resistance

With both collections, Demeyere welds their handles to the pan instead of attaching them with rivets, so the cooking surface is completely smooth. Rivets tend to collect grime and become discolored, so the rivetless design makes cleaning much easier.

performance about Demeyere Atlantis tested it Demeyere Atlantis vs. Industry Cookware (Key Differences & How to Choose)

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links so if you click and buy I'll earn a commission 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, even heating, handle, heat control, heat retention, induction compatible, speed and efficiency

Needless to say, I wouldn’t recommend spending $700 on this pan.

recommendation about Matfer copper frying pan tested it I Tested the World's Most Expensive Cookware (Which Brands Are Worth It?)

Cites price (against)

This Matfer copper frying pan is the most expensive piece of cookware I’ve tested by far. It’s listed on restaurant supply websites for between $600 and $700, which is ludicrous.

value about Matfer copper frying pan tested it I Tested the World's Most Expensive Cookware (Which Brands Are Worth It?)

Cites price (against)

But if you have the budget and want to splurge on cookware that maintains its original appearance for a very long time, Hestan NanoBond is one of the best you can buy.

best in class about Hestan NanoBond tested it I Tested the World's Most Expensive Cookware (Which Brands Are Worth It?)

Cites appearance, scratch resistance

While this is a significant investment, both brands perform exceptionally well and can last for decades.

durability about Staub dutch oven tested it I Tested the World's Most Expensive Cookware (Which Brands Are Worth It?)

Cites durability

While this is a significant investment, both brands perform exceptionally well and can last for decades.

durability about Le Creuset dutch oven tested it I Tested the World's Most Expensive Cookware (Which Brands Are Worth It?)

Cites durability

While this is a significant investment, both brands perform exceptionally well and can last for decades.

performance about Staub dutch oven tested it I Tested the World's Most Expensive Cookware (Which Brands Are Worth It?)

Cites heat control, heat retention, lid, moisture retention

While this is a significant investment, both brands perform exceptionally well and can last for decades.

performance about Le Creuset dutch oven tested it I Tested the World's Most Expensive Cookware (Which Brands Are Worth It?)

Cites heat control, heat retention, lid, moisture retention

If you’re okay living with that risk, this collection is definitely worth it.

value about Demeyere Atlantis Proline tested it I Tested the World's Most Expensive Cookware (Which Brands Are Worth It?)

Instead of Hestan ProBond TITUM, go for a pan like Tramontina Professional. It’s less than $50 on Tramontina's website and it performs almost the same.

value about Hestan ProBond TITUM tested it I Tested the World's Most Expensive Cookware (Which Brands Are Worth It?)

Cites price (against)

stobe's lid knobs are made out of steel with nickel or brass exterior they are oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and get extremely hot whether you're cooking on the stove or in the oven

performance about Staub dutch oven tested it Does Staub Outperform Le Creuset? My Tests Reveal the Truth

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “those are affiliate links so I'll earn a commission 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 heat resistance, heat retention, lid, moisture retention

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 about Heritage Steel Eater Series owns and uses it daily I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

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 about All-Clad stainless pan owns and uses it daily I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

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

This pan sears beautifully.

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

Cites searing and crust

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

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

Cites heat retention

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

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

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 about Fissler M5-Pro Ply tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites even heating

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

performance about All-Clad stainless pan 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 about All-Clad stainless pan tested it I Tested Every Stainless Steel Fry Pan, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites handle

But, if you’re looking for a non-stick pan, I don’t recommend buying Hestan ProBond TITUM.

recommendation about Hestan ProBond TITUM 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.

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 about Hestan NanoBond 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

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

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

Cites heating speed, heating speed, heating speed

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

Cites base and rim, dishwasher safe, maintenance

So is Demeyere cookware worth buying? In my opinion, yes. It’s one of the best-performing stainless steel cookware brands I’ve tested.

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

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

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Cites heating speed (against)

The most obvious downside is the high price. There’s no sugarcoating it: Demeyere cookware is expensive. You could buy a 10-piece set of a cheaper brand for the price of one Demeyere pan.

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

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Cites price (against)

In fact, they recently updated their care instructions and stopped calling their cookware dishwasher safe after settling a lawsuit over exposed sharp edges that formed after washing them in the dishwasher.

reliability about All-Clad relaying someone else Best High-End Cookware? Fissler vs. All-Clad vs. Demeyere

Cites dishwasher safe (against), safety (against)

On the negative side, it has the worst heat retention of all the cast iron skillets I've tested, which means it cools down faster when you add cold ingredients.

performance about Field cast iron skillet tested it Field Company Review: Best Lightweight Cast Iron?

Cites heat retention (against), heating speed (against)

it's incredibly lightweight at just 5.5 lb, and because the construction is thinner than most cast iron skillets, it heats up much faster.

performance about Field cast iron skillet tested it Field Company Review: Best Lightweight Cast Iron?

Cites heating speed, non-stick surface, stovetop compatibility

Overall, it cooks as well or better than any cast iron I've tested.

best in class about Stargazer cast iron skillet tested it Stargazer Cast Iron Review: Is This $145 Skillet Better Than a $30 Lodge?

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So, the short answer is yes, it definitely is worth buying.

recommendation about Viking PureGlide Pro tested it Finally, a Nonstick Pan That Actually Lasts a Lifetime

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Besides these control tests, I've been cooking eggs, meat, and other sticky foods with this pan almost every day for the past four months, and I've tried different combinations of fat and heat. What I found is that butter makes the biggest difference. When I use butter or a mix of oil and butter, the results are…

durability about Viking PureGlide Pro tested it Finally, a Nonstick Pan That Actually Lasts a Lifetime

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Owned 4 months

Cites coating durability, coating durability, durability, ease of cleaning, ease of cleaning, rust resistance, scratch resistance, scratch resistance, scratch resistance, scratch resistance

The egg slid around with just a shake of the pan. I didn't need to loosen it with the spatula at all.

performance about Viking PureGlide Pro tested it Finally, a Nonstick Pan That Actually Lasts a Lifetime

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

Between those two, I'd go with Misen.

recommendation about Misen tested it Which “Forever Nonstick” Pan Is the Best? I Tested Them All

Cites maintenance

They're not optimized for heat retention like thicker carbon steel or cast iron pans, but within this group, Strata held its temperature the best by about 10°.

performance about Misen tested it Which “Forever Nonstick” Pan Is the Best? I Tested Them All

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

The water from the Misen and Anolon came out completely clear, but the water from Strata was cloudy with a yellow tint, which means bits of the seasoning layer were breaking down and leaching into the liquid.

performance about Anolon EverLast N2 tested it Which “Forever Nonstick” Pan Is the Best? I Tested Them All

Cites flavour impact, heat control, heating speed, non-stick surface

The water from the Misen and Anolon came out completely clear, but the water from Strata was cloudy with a yellow tint, which means bits of the seasoning layer were breaking down and leaching into the liquid.

performance about Misen tested it Which “Forever Nonstick” Pan Is the Best? I Tested Them All

Cites flavour impact, non-stick surface

For most people, D3 is the best option. It's less expensive, heats up faster, and has that traditional shiny appearance.

best in class about All-Clad stainless pan tested it All-Clad D3 vs. D5: Six Key Differences and How to Choose

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Most cast iron skillets today come pre-seasoned so you can start cooking right away

performance about Cast Iron Skillets You've Been Lied To About Cast Iron Cookware

Cites acid resistance, ease of cleaning, even heating, heat retention, maintenance, non-stick surface, rust resistance, seasoning durability

If you’re just getting into carbon steel or looking to upgrade, they are one of the best brands you can buy.

best in class about Made In tested it Carbon Steel Pans EXPLAINED (What They Don’t Tell You)

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Carbon steel, with its lower carbon content, is more pliable. In other words, it can be bent and shaped without cracking.

durability about Carbon Steel Pans Carbon Steel Pans EXPLAINED (What They Don’t Tell You)

Cites acid resistance, durability, ease of cleaning, flexibility, maintenance, scratch resistance, seasoning durability

The higher carbon in cast iron makes it harder but also more brittle. That's why cast iron has such thick walls - thinner walls would be prone to cracking.

durability about Carbon Steel Pans owns and uses it daily Carbon Steel Pans EXPLAINED (What They Don’t Tell You)

Cites acid resistance (against), dishwasher safe (against), durability (against), maintenance (against), rust resistance (against), scratch resistance (against), seasoning durability (against), warp resistance (against)

So, if you’re looking for a thoughtfully designed, high-performing Dutch oven for soups, stews, braises, and other slow-cooked meals, Staub is one of the best brands.

best in class about Staub dutch oven tested it Staub Dutch Oven Review: Is It Better Than Le Creuset? (Test Results)

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Cites build quality

So should you buy a Staub Dutch oven? Is it worth the high price? In my opinion, yes. As my testing proved, its thick walls and tight fitting lid retains heat better than the competition, and its self-basting lid distributes moisture back over the pot much more evenly than a domed lid with no bumps.

recommendation about Staub dutch oven tested it Staub Dutch Oven Review: Is It Better Than Le Creuset? (Test Results)

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Cites heat retention, moisture retention

One of my favorite features is their flat lid. Since the lid isn’t sloped like most Dutch ovens, you can place ice on top without it sliding off. When the hot steam from inside the pot makes contact with the cold surface of the lid, it quickly condenses back into liquid, dripping back into the pot. This design ensures…

performance about Staub dutch oven tested it Staub Dutch Oven Review: Is It Better Than Le Creuset? (Test Results)

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Cites build quality, heat retention, lid, moisture retention

The second brand you should avoid is Farberware, specifically their Classic collection.

recommendation about Farberware Classic collection tested it Cheap Cookware That's Actually Worth Buying (And 4 Brands to Avoid)

But the worst part about this brand is the detachable handle. Not only is the handle almost two inches shorter than average, but it also jiggles and doesn't feel secure, even when it's attached properly.

reliability about Carote tested it Cheap Cookware That's Actually Worth Buying (And 4 Brands to Avoid)

Cites handle (against)

there are several cheap cookware brands that you should avoid at all costs. The first is Carote.

recommendation about Carote tested it Cheap Cookware That's Actually Worth Buying (And 4 Brands to Avoid)

Ninja NeverStick is an affordable non-stick collection that’s worth buying for one main reason.

recommendation about Ninja NeverStick tested it Cheap Cookware That's Actually Worth Buying (And 4 Brands to Avoid)

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Cites price, warranty

Cuisinart is best known for its small appliances like food processors and toasters, but their MultiClad Pro cookware collection is one of the best low-cost stainless steel options.

best in class about Cuisinart MultiClad Pro tested it Cheap Cookware That's Actually Worth Buying (And 4 Brands to Avoid)

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The best part is that you can get a Lodge 12-inch cast iron skillet that will last a lifetime for under $30.

value about Lodge cast iron skillet tested it Cheap Cookware That's Actually Worth Buying (And 4 Brands to Avoid)

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Cites durability, price

I’m a big fan of both, but for the money, it’s hard to beat Made In.

recommendation about Made In tested it Made In vs. All-Clad Cookware: My Unfiltered Comparison After 3+ Years

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Cites price

If you're looking for the best value, I recommend the Lodge Essential Enamel Dutch oven.

value about Lodge Essential Enamel tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

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Cites price

If you're looking for the best value, I recommend the Lodge Essential Enamel Dutch oven.

recommendation about Lodge Essential Enamel tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

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you get the same flawless enamel quality as Staub but over 20 color options and a beautiful two-toned gradient that the brand has become known for

appearance about Le Creuset dutch oven tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

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Cites appearance, coating

they have the smallest overall depth and length of all Dutch ovens I tested

handling about Staub dutch oven tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

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Cites handle (against), heat resistance (against)

This Dutch oven performs fine in cooking tests but poorly in my controlled experiments.

performance about Caraway 6.5qt Dutch oven tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

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Cites heat retention (against), moisture retention (against)

when you use the grill pan lid, the entire Dutch oven weighs close to 17 lbs, which makes it the heaviest by far

handling about Misen 7qt Dutch oven with grill pan lid tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

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Cites handle (against), weight (against)

In my controlled experiments, Made In had the second-best heat retention, the second-best moisture retention, and the lowest knob temperature, and it didn't chip from my durability test.

performance about Made In dutch oven tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

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Cites heat retention, moisture retention

the handles stick out further than any Dutch oven I tested, giving you plenty of room to grip

handling about Made In dutch oven tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

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Cites handle, heat resistance

One benefit I love about this Dutch oven and Lodge in general is that it's the only brand I tested that will replace or repair your Dutch oven for free if the enamel chips or cracks under normal use.

repairability about Lodge tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

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Cites warranty

It had the worst heat retention score

performance about Tramontina 5 1/2 qt Dutch oven tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

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Cites heat retention (against), moisture retention (against)

The good news is that All-Clad manufactures the bodies of their stainless steel pans at their factory in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, using local steel, aluminum, and copper. They have extremely high quality standards, and pans with even the slightest imperfections are sold at steep discounts during All-Clad's Factory…

reliability about All-Clad tested it Don't Buy All-Clad Until You Watch This (Test Results)

Cites country of manufacture, build quality

In fact, Copper Core and G5 heat up more quickly than almost all of the 30+ brands I've tested.

best in class about All-Clad stainless pan tested it Don't Buy All-Clad Until You Watch This (Test Results)

Cites heating speed

For example, D3 is the most well-rounded collection.

best in class about All-Clad stainless pan tested it Don't Buy All-Clad Until You Watch This (Test Results)

Cites versatility

Although rivets are a secure way to attach the handle, they tend to collect grime and can be a pain to keep clean.

durability about All-Clad tested it Don't Buy All-Clad Until You Watch This (Test Results)

Cites base and rim (against), build quality (against), dishwasher safe (against), ease of cleaning (against), safety (against)

Although All-Clad is best known for its stainless steel cookware, it makes quality non-stick pans, too.

performance about All-Clad owns and uses it daily Don't Buy All-Clad Until You Watch This (Test Results)

Cites even heating, heat control, heating speed, non-stick surface, versatility

Graphite is highly conductive and lightweight, so these pans heat fast and are easy to maneuver.

performance about All-Clad stainless pan tested it Don't Buy All-Clad Until You Watch This (Test Results)

Cites heat control, heating speed, weight

And since copper has a much higher thermal conductivity than aluminum and steel, this cookware heats up and responds to temperature changes more quickly.

performance about All-Clad stainless pan tested it Don't Buy All-Clad Until You Watch This (Test Results)

Cites heat control, heating speed

I've used Smithey for over 2 years, and it's still one of the pans I reach for the most.

durability about Smithey cast iron skillet owns and uses it daily I Tested Every Cast Iron Skillet, These Are the Best & Worst

Owned 2 years

Cites durability

If you want a skillet with a smoother surface and a more high-end design, and you don't mind spending more to get it, Smithey and Made In are my two favorite premium options.

best in class about Made In skillet tested it I Tested Every Cast Iron Skillet, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites appearance, non-stick surface

If you want a skillet with a smoother surface and a more high-end design, and you don't mind spending more to get it, Smithey and Made In are my two favorite premium options.

best in class about Smithey cast iron skillet owns and uses it daily I Tested Every Cast Iron Skillet, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites appearance, non-stick surface

The Lodge Chef Collection is lighter, easier to maneuver, and had the best heat retention in my test.

recommendation about Lodge cast iron skillet tested it I Tested Every Cast Iron Skillet, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites heat retention, weight

Victoria has a longer handle and excellent performance for the price.

value about Victoria skillet tested it I Tested Every Cast Iron Skillet, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites handle, price

On the lower end, Victoria and Lodge Chef Collection are my two top picks.

best in class about Victoria skillet tested it I Tested Every Cast Iron Skillet, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites price

It started flat and stayed flat after heating with no wobble or noticeable change.

durability about Lancaster cast iron skillet tested it I Tested Every Cast Iron Skillet, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites warp resistance

The smooth surface performed perfect in the egg test, and the pour spouts worked great.

performance about Lancaster cast iron skillet tested it I Tested Every Cast Iron Skillet, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites base and rim, non-stick surface

The biggest issue with this skillet is warping. Field has a heat ring around the bottom, but after heating, the center bowed outward far enough to extend past the ring. That caused the skillet to wobble noticeably, and it even spun when I tapped the handle.

durability about Field cast iron skillet tested it I Tested Every Cast Iron Skillet, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites warp resistance (against)

In my tests, it heated slower than some of the thinner skillets, but it retained heat really well.

performance about Smithey cast iron skillet tested it I Tested Every Cast Iron Skillet, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites heat retention, non-stick surface

In my heat tests, the center heated fairly quickly, but there was a 130° difference between the center and the edge after 2 minutes of heating, which was the second largest gap in the group.

performance about Made In skillet tested it I Tested Every Cast Iron Skillet, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites base and rim, heating speed, non-stick surface

The handle is almost as long as the Stargazer handle, but the shallow groove gives you good control without the sharp edges digging into your hand.

handling about Made In skillet tested it I Tested Every Cast Iron Skillet, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites handle

Unlike the Lodge and Victoria skillets, the cooking surface is smooth and because of that, it performed extremely well in the egg test. The egg released immediately and slid around the pan without any help from the spatula.

performance about Stargazer cast iron skillet tested it I Tested Every Cast Iron Skillet, These Are the Best & Worst

Cites base and rim, heating speed, non-stick surface

It heats really slow, food sticks badly, and it can shatter if you accidentally drop it.

performance about Xtrema pure ceramic stovetop pan tested it Best Non-Toxic Cookware? I Tested All-Clad, Made In, Le Creuset & More

Cites durability (against), heating speed (against), non-stick surface (against)

But one brand recently made headlines for the wrong reasons. Matfer Black Carbon Steel pans were recalled in a region of France after testing showed high levels of arsenic, chromium, and iron when the pan was used to boil a highly acidic solution for 2 hours.

durability about Matfer carbon steel pan tested it Best Non-Toxic Cookware? I Tested All-Clad, Made In, Le Creuset & More

Cites safety (against), safety (against)

If you don't want to spend that much, Lodge Classic is the best value. It costs a fraction of the price and still performs really well.

value about Lodge cast iron skillet tested it Best Non-Toxic Cookware? I Tested All-Clad, Made In, Le Creuset & More

Cites build quality, price

The second one is Fissler Original-Profi.

recommendation about Fissler Original-Profi tested it Best Non-Toxic Cookware? I Tested All-Clad, Made In, Le Creuset & More

It's also the best performer on induction cooktops. It heats evenly with no warping or buzzing.

performance about Demeyere Atlantis tested it Best Non-Toxic Cookware? I Tested All-Clad, Made In, Le Creuset & More

Cites even heating, induction compatible

I mentioned that there are three stainless steel cookware brands that I recommend if money is not a factor. And the first one is Demeyere Atlantis.

recommendation about Demeyere Atlantis tested it Best Non-Toxic Cookware? I Tested All-Clad, Made In, Le Creuset & More

And the ones that cost eight times more don't perform eight times better.

value about Cast Iron Skillets tested it Best Cast Iron Skillet? I Tested Lodge, Smithey, Field, Stargazer, & Calphalon

Cites price (against)

This is my least favorite of the six handles.

handling about Calphalon cast iron skillet tested it Best Cast Iron Skillet? I Tested Lodge, Smithey, Field, Stargazer, & Calphalon

Cites handle (against)

Field Company is a fantastic lightweight skillet. I reach for it more often than some of the others because it's so much easier to handle and heats up faster.

handling about Field cast iron skillet owns and uses it daily Best Cast Iron Skillet? I Tested Lodge, Smithey, Field, Stargazer, & Calphalon

Cites heating speed, weight

Because of that, it's the best overall handle.

handling about Smithey cast iron skillet tested it Best Cast Iron Skillet? I Tested Lodge, Smithey, Field, Stargazer, & Calphalon

Cites handle

Ultimately, this is a beautiful, high-performing pan, but the price is hard to justify unless you're specifically looking for a handcrafted piece.

value about Smithey Farmhouse carbon steel skillet tested it Best Carbon Steel Pan? I Tested de Buyer, Lodge, Matfer & More

Cites appearance, price (against)

Because of this, you can't use this pan for roasting or broiling, and you can't season it in the oven.

use-case fit about De Buyer carbon steel pan tested it Best Carbon Steel Pan? I Tested de Buyer, Lodge, Matfer & More

Cites oven safe (against)

Unfortunately, this pan performed the worst in my heat retention test.

performance about Made In carbon steel pan tested it Best Carbon Steel Pan? I Tested de Buyer, Lodge, Matfer & More

Cites heat retention (against)

The De Buyer Blue Carbon Steel pan gives you great performance at a more reasonable price.

value about De Buyer carbon steel pan tested it Best Carbon Steel Pan? I Tested de Buyer, Lodge, Matfer & More

Cites price

My general advice with this type of pan is to go with an affordable option like the GreenPan Valencia Pro. It held up well in the stress tests and performed the best on induction with no warping or buzzing.

recommendation about GreenPan tested it Best Non-Toxic Cookware? I Tested All-Clad, Made In, Le Creuset & More

Cites durability, induction compatible

It's a solid, affordable option, but don't buy it if you have an induction cooktop because it warped in my induction tests.

durability about De Buyer carbon steel pan tested it Best Non-Toxic Cookware? I Tested All-Clad, Made In, Le Creuset & More

Cites induction compatible (against)

It performed great in the egg test, and it's one of the best values.

value about De Buyer carbon steel pan tested it Best Non-Toxic Cookware? I Tested All-Clad, Made In, Le Creuset & More

Cites non-stick surface, price

It also retains moisture well and has wide handles, a comfortable knob, and flawless enamel.

performance about Le Creuset dutch oven tested it Best Non-Toxic Cookware? I Tested All-Clad, Made In, Le Creuset & More

Cites moisture retention, coating, handle, lid

If you want a skillet that's easy to handle, Field Company is the best option. It has a smooth surface just like Smithey, but it weighs significantly less and heats up faster.

handling about Field cast iron skillet tested it Best Non-Toxic Cookware? I Tested All-Clad, Made In, Le Creuset & More

Cites surface finish, heating speed, weight

Calphalon is a decent skillet, but it's more expensive than Lodge and doesn’t provide any additional benefits.

value about Calphalon cast iron skillet tested it Best Cast Iron Skillet? I Tested Lodge, Smithey, Field, Stargazer, & Calphalon

Cites price (against)

The Calphalon skillet performed the worst. The egg stuck a little bit, and even after I loosened it up, I had to push it with the spatula to get it to move.

performance about Calphalon cast iron skillet tested it Best Cast Iron Skillet? I Tested Lodge, Smithey, Field, Stargazer, & Calphalon

Cites heating speed (against), non-stick surface (against)

Stargazer and its flared rims are the clear winner in this category.

performance about Stargazer cast iron skillet tested it Best Cast Iron Skillet? I Tested Lodge, Smithey, Field, Stargazer, & Calphalon

Cites base and rim

I wasn't surprised Field had the worst heat retention because it's thinner and has less thermal mass than the others.

performance about Field cast iron skillet tested it Best Cast Iron Skillet? I Tested Lodge, Smithey, Field, Stargazer, & Calphalon

Cites heat retention (against), heating speed

It also tied with Mineral B Pro for the best heat retention, and the 5 lb weight barely left a mark in my durability test.

performance about Smithey Farmhouse carbon steel skillet tested it Best Carbon Steel Pan? I Tested de Buyer, Lodge, Matfer & More

Cites durability, even heating, heat retention

The biggest thing you need to know about this pan is that it has the roughest texture of all the pans I tested.

handling about Lodge carbon steel pan tested it Best Carbon Steel Pan? I Tested de Buyer, Lodge, Matfer & More

Cites ergonomics (against)

Enameled cast iron Dutch ovens are protected by a coating of fused glass particles that are melted down and sprayed onto the cast iron. This coating is hard and non-reactive, which means you can cook any ingredient for any amount of time without issues. You never have to worry about rust, and you don't have to season…

durability about Enameled Cast Iron 10 Dutch Oven Buying Mistakes to Avoid

Cites coating durability, maintenance, rust resistance

If you're purely focused on getting the most performance for your money, you can find better value elsewhere.

recommendation about Le Creuset dutch oven tested it Don't Buy Le Creuset Until You Watch This (Test Results)

Cites price (against)

Unlike cheaper brands that outsource manufacturing to China and other countries to reduce labor costs, Le Creuset has been making their Dutch ovens in France in their own factories since 1925. By controlling their entire manufacturing process, they can maintain much higher quality standards

reliability about Le Creuset dutch oven tested it Don't Buy Le Creuset Until You Watch This (Test Results)

Cites build quality, surface finish

As I mentioned earlier, it's significantly lighter than the other brands. This 5.5-quart Dutch oven weighs 11.4 pounds. The other two 5.5-quart Dutch ovens I tested weigh 12.6 and 12.8 pounds.

handling about Le Creuset dutch oven tested it Don't Buy Le Creuset Until You Watch This (Test Results)

Cites handle, lid, weight

The key point here is that Le Creuset does a great job cooking, but nothing about its performance is truly different from the competition.

performance about Le Creuset dutch oven tested it Don't Buy Le Creuset Until You Watch This (Test Results)

Cites heat resistance, oven safe

Le Creuset was the third worst-performing brand. Although I was not surprised by this since it's the thinnest and lightest.

performance about Le Creuset dutch oven tested it Don't Buy Le Creuset Until You Watch This (Test Results)

Cites heat retention (against), lid (against), moisture retention (against), weight (against)

and the Artisan Plus gives you the best overall experience.

best in class about KitchenAid stand mixer tested it Are KitchenAid Mixers Worth the High Price? (TEST RESULTS)

If you decide to go with KitchenAid, the Classic is the best value.

value about KitchenAid stand mixer tested it Are KitchenAid Mixers Worth the High Price? (TEST RESULTS)

Cites price

Based on what I could find, there's nowhere near the same level of repair information or part support.

repairability about AUCMA stand mixer relaying someone else Are KitchenAid Mixers Worth the High Price? (TEST RESULTS)

Cites availability (against), price (against), repairability (against)

Based on what I could find, there's nowhere near the same level of repair information or part support.

repairability about Hamilton Beach stand mixer relaying someone else Are KitchenAid Mixers Worth the High Price? (TEST RESULTS)

Cites availability (against), price (against), repairability (against)

KitchenAid confirmed that all three mixers use the same internal gears, and if something breaks, replacement parts are widely available, and there are companies that specialize in repairing KitchenAid mixers.

repairability about KitchenAid stand mixer relaying someone else Are KitchenAid Mixers Worth the High Price? (TEST RESULTS)

Cites availability, repairability

That said, I do think KitchenAid is worth paying more for, especially if you plan to keep it for years.

value about KitchenAid stand mixer tested it Are KitchenAid Mixers Worth the High Price? (TEST RESULTS)

Cites durability, price

They can get the job done, especially with lighter batters, but I wouldn't trust either one with thicker dough.

use-case fit about AUCMA stand mixer tested it Are KitchenAid Mixers Worth the High Price? (TEST RESULTS)

They can get the job done, especially with lighter batters, but I wouldn't trust either one with thicker dough.

use-case fit about Hamilton Beach stand mixer tested it Are KitchenAid Mixers Worth the High Price? (TEST RESULTS)

Hamilton Beach and Cuisinart do the same thing, but the AUCMA and KitchenAid Artisan Plus won't start until you return the control to zero. That's a pretty big safety issue, especially if you store the whisk, beater, and dough hook inside the bowl like I do.

handling about Cuisinart stand mixer tested it Are KitchenAid Mixers Worth the High Price? (TEST RESULTS)

Cites safety (against)

Hamilton Beach and Cuisinart do the same thing, but the AUCMA and KitchenAid Artisan Plus won't start until you return the control to zero. That's a pretty big safety issue, especially if you store the whisk, beater, and dough hook inside the bowl like I do.

handling about Hamilton Beach stand mixer tested it Are KitchenAid Mixers Worth the High Price? (TEST RESULTS)

Cites safety (against)

When you plug in the KitchenAid Classic or Artisan with a speed lever set above zero, the mixer starts running immediately.

handling about KitchenAid stand mixer tested it Are KitchenAid Mixers Worth the High Price? (TEST RESULTS)

Cites safety (against)

When you plug in the KitchenAid Classic or Artisan with a speed lever set above zero, the mixer starts running immediately.

handling about KitchenAid stand mixer tested it Are KitchenAid Mixers Worth the High Price? (TEST RESULTS)

Cites safety (against)

When you upgrade from the Artisan to the Artisan Plus, you get a double flex edge beater, plus heavier stainless steel versions of the same beater, whisk, and dough hook. All four attachments are dishwasher safe.

performance about KitchenAid stand mixer tested it Are KitchenAid Mixers Worth the High Price? (TEST RESULTS)

Cites build quality, dishwasher safe

It did a great job with the whipped cream, but the cookies were disappointing.

performance about Cuisinart stand mixer tested it Are KitchenAid Mixers Worth the High Price? (TEST RESULTS)

Cuisinart is the closest of the cheaper mixers to KitchenAid in both price and performance.

performance about Cuisinart stand mixer tested it Are KitchenAid Mixers Worth the High Price? (TEST RESULTS)

Cites build quality, dishwasher safe, ease of cleaning, noise, size and capacity, weight

Both are great brands if you’re looking for quality stainless steel cookware at a fair price.

recommendation about Heritage Steel cookware tested it Is Heritage Steel the Best American-Made Cookware? My Honest Review

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Cites price

If you’re looking for a comparable alternative, consider Made In.

recommendation about Made In tested it Is Heritage Steel the Best American-Made Cookware? My Honest Review

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Cites price

Because the handle on Titanium Series pans is rounded on the bottom, it can rotate in your hands when tilting and pouring. It's extra slippery when washing the pan, and your hands are wet and soapy.

handling about Heritage Steel Titanium Series tested it Is Heritage Steel the Best American-Made Cookware? My Honest Review

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Cites handle (against)

Both are fully clad with an aluminum core, so they heat evenly from the middle of the cooking surface to the rim.

performance about Heritage Steel cookware tested it Is Heritage Steel the Best American-Made Cookware? My Honest Review

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission 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 even heating, heat resistance, heat retention, heating speed, non-stick surface, oven safe

Unlike many cookware brands that outsource manufacturing to China, every Heritage Steel pan is made in their owned and operated factory in Clarksville, Tennessee.

reliability about Heritage Steel cookware Is Heritage Steel the Best American-Made Cookware? My Honest Review

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission 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 build quality, country of manufacture

The sidewalls of the frying pans have too shallow of a slope. This design, plus the flared rims, makes it easy to slide food onto a plate but it also makes it easier to spill and splatter.

handling about Made In Stainless Steel tested it The Truth About Made In: My Honest Review After 3+ Years

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links so I'll earn a commission 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 base and rim (against), build quality (against), ease of cleaning (against), handle (against), safety (against), shape and form (against), weight (against)

The third feature is its brushed exterior. While I appreciate a shiny polished finish, I really like the matte look of Made In pants. They do a great job hiding fingerprints and smudges and it's a more modern look in my opinion.

appearance about Made In Stainless Steel tested it The Truth About Made In: My Honest Review After 3+ Years

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Cites appearance, surface finish

Number one is the handle design. It's flat on the top and bottom so you have plenty of control when tilting but it's rounded and smooth on the sides so it's comfortable to hold.

handling about Made In Stainless Steel tested it The Truth About Made In: My Honest Review After 3+ Years

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Cites base and rim, ease of cleaning, handle, lid, shape and form

It heats fast and evenly and once it's hot it maintains a consistent temperature.

performance about Made In Stainless Steel tested it The Truth About Made In: My Honest Review After 3+ Years

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links so I'll earn a commission 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 even heating, heat resistance, heat retention, heating speed, oven safe, size and capacity

I prefer the Eater Series handle just because it's a little bit more secure in your hand, so when you go to tilt the pan, if you're sliding food onto a plate, you can rest your thumb on this flat part, and it's not going to twist in your hand.

handling about Heritage Steel Eater Series tested it Heritage Steel Titanium vs. Eater Series: Is the Pricier Pan Better?

Cites handle