What kind of pans do chefs use? Professional chefs rely on a variety of pans to handle different cooking tasks, from sautéing and searing to simmering sauces and baking. Common choices include skillets, saucepans, sauté pans, stock pots, roasting pans, and specialty pans designed for specific techniques. Selecting the right pan depends on the recipe and desired results, making it helpful to have several types available in your kitchen.

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  • (411)

    We had all kinds of issues with non stick pans - things start to stick after a week, coating come off after 2 months....Great pans...We have ordered 4 of these pans of all three sizes and would recommend them for anyone who wants a great quaility pan...

    durability, quality, easy to clean

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  • (166)

    Love the pan!...The pans my wife used for making eggs and other smaller items were worn out. ...The best pan you'll ever own....Never been so happy to own kitchen pans as I do my Zwilling!

    cooking performance, even heating, weight

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  • (147)

    Staub 10? fry pan - Beautiful...Beautiful. I love cast iron pans. I use it every chance I get....Great pan!!

    versatility, color, easy to clean

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  • (144)

    While my expectation was this pan would only be used for pasta, my wife has decided she likes it for all kinds of things, and because the copper layer makes very even heat, she's used it instead of our Mauviel pieces because she likes the performance...

    quality, easy cleanup, appearance

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  • (132)

    Nice Induction Safe Sauce pan...very nice saucepan. its a bit heavy, but it seems that most induction pans are heavy....I love the size for heating soups and sauces. I have also used it to heat baked beans. Next to my 1.5 quart d5 saucepan, this is...

    quality, durable, size

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  • (121)

    Sturdy pan with even cooking...This is one of my favorite and most used pans in the kitchen. I know I'll be handing it down to my son because it is his fave steak pan, and he loves his steaks....I decided I would get the absolute best cast iron skillet...

    quality, easy to clean, versatility

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  • (104)

    We love how All-Clad′s Copper-Core collection blends the heat-conducting ability of copper with the durability and easy maintenance of stainless steel.

    These efficient multi-taskers handle everything from stir-fry to steak with ease and transfer...

    enjoyment

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  • (104)

    Amazing pan set...I absolutely love my pans! They are amazing and berry nice to use and clean!...I like the feel of the handle and the lid fits snugly on the pan.

    size, quality, easy to clean

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  • (96)

    This pan is sooooo nice! I'm used to using cheaper non stick or steel pans, and the difference here is astounding; so worth the price and so glad I snagged a discount. ...Because it has a higher height than other frying pans, it can be used in various...

    quality, durable, easy to clean

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  • (89)

    I have used Staub enamel cast iron products for years, I have the shallow cocotte with steamer, fry pan, and 2 round cocotte love them all. ...Made turkey burgers first and will be making all kinds of dishes.

    versatility, quality, easy to clean

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  • (85)

    This pan will never warp even when high heat is used. ...Atlantis pan review...The best pan on the market by far. Well worth the investment,

    easy to clean, even heating, cooking performance

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  • (65)

    This pan performs perfectly...It’s a real work horse for multiple uses such as sauté, pan roasting and straight into the oven for roasting meats. ...First All-Clad pan, and with some gift cards became comparable to other offerings.

    easy to clean, versatility, quality

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  • (48)

    Great 1st stainless steel fry pan...Makes a great crust. I've also used it for chicken and pork chops. There was a little bit of a learning curve coming from my carbon steel pans but worth the effort in reducing maintenance and clean up time....Great...

    versatility, weight, sturdy

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  • (44)

    I love these pans. I’m adding one pan at a time. One day I’ll have a set....
    Best higher quality pans I've ever used

    easy to clean, quality, size

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  • (39)

    Love the sauce pan, I use it almost everyday....Nice pan - have used it almost daily. Cooks as expected and easy to clean.

    quality, size, easy to clean

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  • (34)

    DeMeyere non-stick fry pan...So far the pan works like a dream. But the real test will be after we have used the pan for a year....High quality nonstick pans!...We love DeMeyere pans! So happy that they added an 8" nonstick pan!

    non-stick feature, non-stick, durability

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  • (25)

    I love this brand of cookware so much I gave my all clad pans to a friend! You don't need high heat to cook with the pan and food does not stick to the pan which was always a problem with my all clad pans. ...Best Frying Pan I've Used!...I just love...

    versatility, easy to clean, searing ability

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  • (20)

    Product is Great however registering the products is not user friendly and I still have 5 more pots and pans I cannot register due to website...I wanted to get away from non-stick pans that kept chipping and I knew that could be good for a health so...

    durable, quality, functionality

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  • (17)

    I love my Le Creuset pans but they are so heavy. So this is a welcome change...Great pan!

    quality, easy to clean, cool handle

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  • (16)

    Great nonstick pans...Absolutely love these pans!...Haven't used them yet but well made pans.

    pans, good price, excellent quality

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  • (16)

    Cast-iron skillets have long been treasured kitchen staples for stovetop frying and oven baking, and this skillet from Le Creuset delivers that same level of reliable performance time and time again.

    Comfort foods like cornbread are often prepared in...

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  • (14)

    Great pan, remember to season pan with salt and oil after use....My favorite pan! Easy to clean !

    size, easy to clean, favorite pan

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  • (9)

    Great pan!...Very nice pan. Well made, nice handle. Lid fits very well. ...I love the glass lid to watch contents without letting all the heat out. The pan also works wonderfully on our existing gas stove (which is soon to be replace by a full induction...

    size, glass lid, nice handle

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  • (8)

    Good Pan...Good, sturdy one egg pan....My favorite fried egg pan, easy to clean and used. also nonstick.

    nonstick, size, sturdy

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What Kind Of Pans Do Chefs Use?

Professional chefs rely on a carefully chosen selection of pans to handle the wide variety of tasks that come with restaurant-quality cooking. These pans are valued for their durability, versatility, and ability to deliver consistent results, whether you’re searing a steak to perfection, simmering a delicate sauce, or caramelizing vegetables for a vibrant summer meal. Chefs often reach for pans made from materials like stainless steel, cast iron, carbon steel, and nonstick coatings, each offering unique advantages in the kitchen. Stainless steel pans are prized for their responsiveness and even heat distribution, making them ideal for sautéing, browning, and deglazing—essential techniques for building flavor. Cast iron pans, with their excellent heat retention and natural nonstick surface that improves with use, are go-to choices for everything from oven-roasted chicken to skillet cornbread. Carbon steel, a favorite in many professional kitchens, combines the best qualities of cast iron and stainless steel, excelling at high-heat searing and developing a seasoned patina over time. Nonstick pans, meanwhile, are indispensable for preparing delicate foods like eggs or pancakes, especially when quick cleanup is a priority.

The right pan is more than just a tool—it becomes an extension of the cook’s hand, adapting to both everyday meals and special occasions. For home cooks inspired by restaurant techniques, investing in chef-favored pans means bringing professional results to your own kitchen. A well-chosen pan can make all the difference when preparing summer favorites, such as perfectly seared fish fillets, sautéed garden vegetables, or homemade fruit compotes. These pans are also thoughtful gifts for anyone who loves to cook, from recent graduates setting up their first kitchen to seasoned hosts who appreciate quality cookware for entertaining. The versatility of these pans means they’re equally suited for weeknight dinners, leisurely weekend brunches, or festive gatherings with family and friends. Whether you’re cooking for one or preparing a feast, the pans chefs use are designed to meet the demands of busy kitchens and elevate every meal.

When selecting pans for your own collection or as a gift, it’s helpful to consider the recipient’s cooking style, preferred recipes, and kitchen setup. Some pans transition seamlessly from stovetop to oven, making them ideal for dishes that require both searing and baking. Others are lightweight and easy to maneuver, perfect for quick stir-fries or flipping crepes on a summer morning. The durability of chef-grade pans ensures they’ll stand up to years of use, developing character and performance with each meal. For anyone looking to recreate the flavors and techniques of professional kitchens at home, these pans offer the foundation for endless creativity and delicious results. As the season brings fresh ingredients and outdoor gatherings, having the right pan at hand makes it easy to enjoy the pleasures of cooking and sharing good food with loved ones.

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