What Kind Of Pans Do Chefs Use?

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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  • Hestan ProBond Stainless Steel TITUM™ Nonstick Skillets
    $269.95
    (535)

    We had all kinds of issues with non stick pans - things start to stick after a week, coating come off after 2 months.

    Pros: quality, durability, even heating

  • Staub Cherry Skillet, 10"
    $219.95
    (148)

    Great pan!!...Good Pizookie pan as well. So many uses and is one of my most used pans in the kitchen.

    Pros: versatility, easy to clean, durability

  • All-Clad Copper Core Saucepans
    $229.96
    (145)

    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...

    Pros: durable, easy to clean, aesthetic

  • All-Clad D5 Brushed Stainless Steel Saucepans
    $219.95
    (132)

    Although I had issues with my dutch oven, the other pots and and pans were flawless and the quality I'm used to from All-Clad....Nice Induction Safe Sauce pan...very nice saucepan. its a bit heavy, but it seems that most induction pans are heavy.

    Pros: durable, quality, size

  • Le Creuset Signature Cast-Iron Skillet, 10.25"
    $229.95
    (123)

    I decided I would get the absolute best cast iron skillet even though I won't have many more years to use it and I'm so glad I did! I have used a Le Creuset grill pan for the past 20 years and love it, so knew the kind of quality I would get. ...Sturdy...

    Pros: easy to clean, versatility, durable

  • Lodge Chef Collection Cast Iron Skillet
    $49.95
    (114)

    Best Cast Iron Pan I’ve Ever Owned...My sister first told me about these cast iron pans as her mother-in-law bought her a complete set for Christmas one year.She told me to try them out, so I thought I’d buy one to start and so glad I did - I love it!...

    Pros: easy to clean, versatility, durable

  • Zwilling Spirit Stainless Steel Saucepans
    $104.95
    (107)

    Amazing pan set...I absolutely love my pans! They are amazing and berry nice to use and clean!...Great sauce pan...We just bought a pan set that didn’t include a sauce pan, I saw this online and it had great reviews so decided to pick one up to add to...

    Pros: even heating, perfect size, easy to clean

  • All-Clad Copper Core Skillets
    $229.95
    (105)



    After a long time use All-Clad Stainless Pan Cleaner to remove anything left in the pan. ...I purchased this pan about a month ago and have used it everyday for frying my breakfast eggs. ...I LOVE this pan!

    Pros: durable, quality, high quality

  • Demeyere Industry5 Stainless Steel Skillets
    $149.96
    (97)

    Quality pan, enjoyable to cook with and easy to clean....Perfect large pan...Because it has a higher height than other frying pans, it can be used in various ways.

    Pros: easy to clean, quality, durable

  • Staub Traditional Skillet, 11"
    $279.95
    (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.

    Pros: easy to clean, versatility, quality

  • Demeyere Atlantis7 Proline Stainless Steel Skillet
    $379.95
    (87)

    This pan will never warp even when high heat is used. ...This is my go-to pan for a crowd. It stays on the stove almost every day at our second home.

    Pros: easy cleaning, even heating, no rivets

  • All-Clad D5 Brushed Stainless Steel Skillets w/ Lid
    $269.95
    (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. ...My kind of pan.

    Pros: versatility, easy to clean, durability

  • Hestan ProBond Skillets
    $149.95
    (59)

    Great pots and pans...We use a titanium nano bond pan and a pro clad pot. Both a very reliable, thoughtfully designed and elegant....Hestan has the best quality products i own the hestan 42 inch gas grill and OvenBond Tri-ply Quarter Sheet Pan with Rack...

    Pros: easy to clean, quality, durable

  • All-Clad Stainless Steel Skillet, 14"
    $204.95
    (57)

    Great everyday pan...This frying pan is great for any kind of food and it's size is practical and easy to handle. ...
    But as far as eggs sliding around in the pan and not sticking, as in the advertisements, no.

    Pros: easy to clean, quality, versatility

  • Zwilling Spirit Stainless Steel Skillets
    $74.95
    (48)

    Beautiful pan with many uses!...This pan is worth every penny. You can cook eggs in it, braise, bake, etc......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...

    Pros: even heating, durable, sturdy

  • Demeyere Industry5 Stainless Steel Saucepan With Lid
    $249.95
    (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

    Pros: easy to clean, heats evenly, durable

  • All-Clad D5 Brushed Stainless Steel Skillets
    $159.95
    (43)

    Great sized pan...We love the bigger frying pan. We've used it to cook chicken, fish, and even a couple of steaks....I've never owned a stainless pan before, but my favorite chef uses All-Clad D5, so I thought I'd give it a try.

    Pros: easy to clean, durable, quality

  • Sur La Table Classic 5-Ply Stainless Steel Saucepan
    $129.95
    (38)

    I intended for these to be a beginner stainless cookware set, but honestly the way they're holding up to constant use they might be a "buy it for life" kind of cookware....Nice pan - have used it almost daily. Cooks as expected and easy to clean.

    Pros: perfect size, quality, easy to clean

  • Demeyere Alu Pro5 Aluminum Nonstick Frying Pan
    $169.95
    (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!

    Pros: non-stick, durability, quality

  • All-Clad HA1 Expert Nonstick 3-Piece Skillet Set, 8", 10" & 12"
    $169.96
    (29)

    Haven't used them yet but well made pans....wonderful pans...great pans!

    Pros: easy to clean, sturdy, durable

  • Hestan CopperBond Saucepans
    $349.95
    (29)

    These sauce pans are very sturdy, and quite lovely...I love the look of these pans AND I love the way they cook. These pans are sturdy as all get out and easy to clean.

    Pros: appearance, versatility, perfect size

  • Hestan CopperBond Skillets
    $349.95
    (28)

    High quality frying pan-I could...High quality frying pan-I could have used this a bit earlier in life....Superb pan! The even heat...Superb pan! The even heat conduction was exactly what my husband was looking for.

    Pros: durable, performance, quality

  • Demeyere Essential5 Stainless Steel Frying Pan
    $129.95
    (25)

    Best Frying Pan I've Used!...I just love this pan! I got this pan because I was in the market for a new stainless steel pan and I found that it heats up super evenly. ...High quality pan that will change your cooking...The quality and strength of the...

    Pros: quality, easy to clean, even heating

  • Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel Skillet
    $64.95
    (22)

    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...

    Pros: durable, functionality, easy to clean

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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