What Pans Do Chefs Use?

What pans do chefs use? Professional chefs reach for a range of pans that offer versatility and reliable performance in the kitchen. From classic frying pans and sauté pans to specialty options like woks, saucepans, and roasting pans, each type serves a unique purpose for different cooking techniques. Whether preparing everyday meals or gourmet dishes, the right pan helps achieve consistent results and elevates the cooking experience.

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

    Nice pan but expensive...Nice pan and performs well but expensive. Doesn't perform significantly better enough than the aluminum pans to justify the price. ...I bought my first Cop*R*Chef copper sauce pan in 1974...I like the copper core pans because...

    Pros: durable, easy to clean, aesthetic

  • Zwilling Clad CFX Ceramic Nonstick Perfect Pan, 4.5 qt.
    $99.96
    (116)

    We use it for everything - soup, stew, grains and I have even roasted a chicken in it (don't laugh all other pans dirty. I like the fact there are no chemical used in the making of this pan. ...Perfect replacement pan...This pan replaced my favorite...

    Pros: versatility, non-stick, perfect size

  • 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

  • Hestan NanoBond Titanium Sauté Pans
    $469.95
    (74)

    Mexican pan...The number one pan for cooking my Mexican dishes. Side depth makes it easier to stir up than most pans....Best pan I've ever used!...The first time I used this pan I was making a chicken piccata, I'd resigned myself that the Panko covered...

    Pros: durable, easy to clean, versatility

  • All-Clad Covered Stainless Steel Sauté Pan, 3 qt.
    $179.95
    (70)

    All in one pan...Love the surface size and even cooking temperatures of this pan. Cleans like a dream. My ""other pans"" may just find a new home, they won't be used much after this purchase. ...Can't go wrong with this pan.

    Pros: easy to clean, versatility, quality

  • Hestan ProBond Stainless Steel Saucepans
    $299.95
    (57)

    A really nice pan...Our son really likes his Hestan copper bond that he asked for and we gifted them for Christmas last year, so the choice was obvious. I have only used this pan a few times, but there is no question that it is worth the investment....

    Pros: easy to clean, quality, lightweight

  • Demeyere Industry5 Stainless Steel Sauté Pan With Helper Handle & Lid
    $299.95
    (49)

    Haven't used it yet...My daughter destroyed one of her pans, so I purchased this to replace my 3-qt saute pan that went to her. ...Great Uses...Would recommend the product because of the 5 ply stainless steel and heavy duty around pan.

    Pros: easy to clean, even heating, no rivets

  • Zwilling Spirit Stainless Steel Sauté Pan
    $89.96
    (45)

    Great saute pan...I have been looking for a stainless steel saute pan for some time after trying a bunch of non-stick saute pans that didn't last long or performed poorly. ...This pan makes me feel like a chef. My family is loving all the meals that...

    Pros: quality, glass lid, durable

  • 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

  • Scanpan Pro SB+ Chef's Pan with Lid, 4.25 qt.
    $299.95
    (40)

    ONLY AT SLT Stratanium+ nonstick from Scanpan offers commercial-grade durability and textured for optimal searing and release. It's now 30% tougher and more durable than it was when they launched it in 2018. Made from recycled aluminum and steel, this...

    Pros: easy to clean, easy cleanup, large size

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

    Nice pan - have used it almost daily. Cooks as expected and easy to clean. ...Terrific sauce pan!...Absolutely perfect sauce pan! I'm thrilled.

    Pros: perfect size, quality, easy to clean

  • Demeyere Atlantis7 Stainless Steel Sauté Pan with Helper Handle and Lid
    $349.95
    (33)

    I can brown cutlets and chops evenly no matter where they are placed in the pan. this allows me to do more than the 1 or 2 at a time I normally used to do. ...The straight sided pans ensures impressive heat conduction

    Pros: easy to clean, heat retention, no rivets

  • All-Clad Copper Core Sauté Pans
    $599.95
    (29)

    With little else to do but stay home and shop online, I decided to take advantage of the sale on All Clad pans. I purchased this pan along with the copper core stock pot and two D5 French sauté pans. ...This copper core sauté pan is no exception! Love...

    Pros: quality, durable, non-stick

  • 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

  • All-Clad D5 Brushed Stainless Steel Sauté Pans
    $279.95
    (26)

    I was hesistant to spend so much on a pan, but it completed my All Clad collection, even though I bought the 4d collection several years ago. ...Oven fry pan...Good heavy fry pan, cleans up very easy.

    Pros: large size, versatility, durability

  • Demeyere Essential5 Stainless Steel Saute Pan with Lid, 3 Qt.
    $209.96
    (25)

    Great pan!...Great pan, cooks evenly. I would definitely reccomend....Awesome pan, it's a keeper. I would highly recommend it.

    Pros: easy to clean, perfect size, even cooking

  • Hestan ProBond Stainless Steel Sauté Pans
    $349.95
    (23)

    love these pans...They love my pans so Merry Christmas!...This is one of the finest sauté pans with which I've ever used. A professional chef used this pan in our kitchen and loved it.

    Pros: easy to clean, quality, versatility

  • Demeyere Industry5 Stainless Steel Deep Sauté Pan With Double Handle & Lid, 4 Qt.
    $229.96
    (18)

    Made in Belgium to meet the demands of busy restaurant kitchens, DEMEYERE sauté pans bring professional-level cookware to the home kitchen. These do-everything pans are ideal for essential cooking: from searing chicken breasts to braising one-pot meals...

    Pros: perfect size, high quality, versatile for cooking

  • Cristel Castel’Pro 5-Ply Saucepans
    $269.95
    (18)

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

    Pros: easy to clean, cool handle, easy to work with

  • Sur La Table Classic 5-Ply Stainless Steel Sauté Pan, 5 Qt.
    $249.95
    (16)

    Great everyday pan...Love this pan! It cleans easier than my "nonstick" pans do. ...Really love this heavy pan...I LOVE this pan. It's a really nice quality pan. I follow the recommended procedures for using stainless steel pans and get great results...

    Pros: quality, durability, value

  • Scanpan HaptIQ Chef’s Pan with Lid, 5.5 qt.
    $399.95
    (7)

    From the sleekly polished stainless steel exterior to the revolutionary Stratanium+ nonstick cooking surface, Scanpan’s new HaptIQ cookware brings commercial-grade quality into your home kitchen. Designed in Denmark, HaptIQ provides the home chef...

    Pros: large size, even heating, easy to clean

  • Cristel Castel’Pro ULTRALU Nonstick Sauté Pans with Glass Lid
    $249.95
    (4)

    My most favorite Pan...I'm in love with my newest pan. I've retired my old pans with my Cristel nonstick Saute' Pan.

    Pros: usefulness, versatility, nonstick

  • Sur La Table Signature Stainless Steel Sauté Pan, 4 qt.
    $129.96
    (3)

    Great pan!!...My new go-to pan!...Great pan - perfect size and I love the high sides for keeping food in the pan!

    Pros: easy to clean, perfect size, great pan

  • Ruffoni Symphonia Cupra Chef’s Pan, 4 Qt.
    $354.96
    (1)

    The pan is great. Almost too beautiful to use. Heavy and substantial.

    Pros: classy look, appearance, substantial feel

What Pans Do Chefs Use?

When it comes to the pans chefs rely on, there’s a reason so many kitchens—professional and home alike—feature a thoughtful mix of classic materials and versatile shapes. Many chefs reach for stainless steel pans for their ability to handle everything from searing steaks to simmering pan sauces, thanks to their even heat distribution and durability. Cast iron skillets, with their time-honored ability to hold heat and develop a natural nonstick surface over years of use, are another staple. You’ll often find them at the center of a bustling kitchen, turning out golden cornbread, crispy-skinned chicken thighs, or a perfectly caramelized summer peach crisp. Nonstick pans, on the other hand, shine when it’s time for delicate eggs or pancakes on a lazy Sunday morning, making them a favorite for both experienced cooks and those just starting to build their collection. In July, when summer produce is at its peak, sauté pans and grill pans become essential for tossing fresh vegetables or getting those coveted char marks on sliced zucchini and peppers. Chefs choose their pans not just for performance, but also for how they fit into their daily routines—whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend brunch with friends.

Choosing the right pan is as much about personal cooking style as it is about the task at hand. Some pans make thoughtful gifts, especially for newlyweds, recent graduates, or anyone setting up a first home. A well-chosen skillet or sauté pan is a practical present that gets daily use and can become a cherished kitchen companion for years. For those who love to entertain, a beautiful enameled pan that goes from stovetop to table is as much a statement piece as it is a workhorse. During summer, gifting a grill pan or a sturdy roasting pan can inspire outdoor gatherings and seasonal feasts—imagine serving up grilled corn or a tray of roasted summer tomatoes straight from the oven. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone else, it helps to consider how a pan will be used: Is it for quick stir-fries, slow-braised dishes, or baking desserts? The right pan can make cooking more enjoyable, efficient, and rewarding, no matter your skill level. For a deeper look at the full range of chef-preferred cookware, explore our comprehensive guide at What Pots And Pans Do Chefs Use?.

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