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.

Read More
Show Filters
  • (535)

    I just my new Hestan saute pan. Having used many different similar pans, The quality seems to surpass the other brands that I've had in the past....We had all kinds of issues with non stick pans - things start to stick after a week, coating come off...

    quality, durability, even heating

    Add to Bag
  • (167)

    Love the pan!...The pans my wife used for making eggs and other smaller items were worn out. ...Second frying pan...I have loved my full set of Zwilling, Ceraforce pots and pans. However, I had to replace my small frying pan after a guest used it without...

    even heating, easy to clean, durable

    Add to Bag
  • (148)

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

    versatility, easy to clean, durability

    Add to Bag
  • (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...

    durable, easy to clean, appearance

    Add to Bag
  • (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...

    durable, quality, size

    Add to Bag
  • (113)

    Great Pan...This pan is just what I was wanting. I wanted a 12 inch cast iron pan but one that was not as heavy as the typical 12 inch pan. ...Lodeg Chef pans...love the pan greta for searing fish

    easy to clean, versatility, durable

    Add to Bag
  • (107)

    Amazing pan set...I absolutely love my pans! They are amazing and berry nice to use and clean!...Love the pans but the 3qt doesn't nest ino the 4qt, which is really really annoying.

    even heating, easy to clean, perfect size

    Add to Bag
  • (105)

    12 inch Copper core pan...Unfortunately, over the course of several family visits, some generous and eager to help family members scrubbed our pans multiple times rendering them all stick pans. ...I LOVE this pan!...I purchased this pan about a month...

    durable, quality, high quality

    Add to Bag
  • (97)

    Perfect large pan...Because it has a higher height than other frying pans, it can be used in various ways....Best Pan I've Ever Had...This pan is sooooo nice! I'm used to using cheaper non stick or steel pans, and the difference here is astounding; so...

    easy to clean, durable, 5-ply construction

    Add to Bag
  • (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.

    easy to clean, versatility, quality

    Add to Bag
  • (87)

    This pan will never warp even when high heat is used. ...Although the pan is heavier than most similarly sized pans, it heats quicker, performs better, and cleans easier than others.

    easy cleaning, even heating, no rivets

    Add to Bag
  • (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.

    versatility, easy to clean, durability

    Add to Bag
  • (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...

    easy to clean, quality, beautiful

    Add to Bag
  • (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.

    easy to clean, quality, versatility

    Add to Bag
  • (49)

    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...

    even heating, durable, sturdy

    Add to Bag
  • (44)


    Best higher quality pans I've ever used...
    This pot's flat has base stability - pan won't warp when heated. This pot 5-Ply construction offers outstanding heat conduction and retention, technology ensures superior heat conduction, and distribution with...

    easy to clean, durable, heats evenly

    Add to Bag
  • (43)

    My Second D5 pan...I now have a D5 stock pot and the 8" fry pan. My pots and pans are for Cooking first, they just look beautiful also!...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....

    easy to clean, durable, quality

    Add to Bag
  • (39)

    Sur La Table 2.5 quart 5 ply stainless sauce pan...I love this pan. it's aluminum clad on the bottom for even heating, and had a graduated structure, which mena that you can use it on a small burner on your electric stove. ...Nice pan - have used it...

    perfect size, quality, easy to clean

    Add to Bag
  • (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, durability, quality

    Add to Bag
  • (29)

    Super happy with this pan. I have an induction range and water boils soo fast with this pan! ...These sauce pans are very sturdy, and quite lovely

    appearance, versatility, perfect size

    Add to Bag
  • (28)

    Great temperature control, just got it, not sure how long it'll last , great pan, love it...Superb pan! The even heat...Superb pan! The even heat conduction was exactly what my husband was looking for.

    quality, even cooking, performance

    Add to Bag
  • (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. ...Great Fry Pan...It has whats called flatbase technology so pan won't ever warp when...

    quality, easy to clean, even heating

    Add to Bag
  • (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...

    durable, functionality, easy to clean

    Add to Bag
  • (22)

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

    easy to clean, excellent quality, durable

    Add to Bag

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.

Top Picks For What Kind Of Pans Do Chefs Use?


Top Collections