What Pans Do Professional Chefs Use?

What pans do professional chefs use? Professional chefs reach for a variety of pans to handle everything from searing and sautéing to simmering and baking. The right selection includes skillets, sauté pans, saucepans, stock pots, roasting pans, and specialty pieces designed for precise cooking tasks. Choosing the same types of pans that professionals rely on can help elevate your cooking at home and make preparing meals easier and more enjoyable.

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  • Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel 11-Piece Cookware Set
    $209.95
    (505)

    Love this pan set...Love these pans,easy to clean, cooks food evenly, wonderful set...Good set of pots and pans...One of my pans has a bit of discoloration possibly from high heat used.

    Pros: easy to clean, durable, quality

  • All-Clad Copper Core 10-Piece Cookware Set
    $1599.95
    (130)

    Had a few of these pans for years. Decided to replace almost every pan with copper core...These are the best pans I've ever used. I upgraded from Circulon and the difference is amazing.

    Pros: durable, even cooking, quality

  • Hestan ProBond Stainless Steel TITUM™ Nonstick Skillets
    $129.96
    (460)

    Professional Clad Stainless Steel...Absolutely love these pans! Will only be using Hestan from now on!...Professional clad stainless steel Titum Nonstick Skillet...This is a well made , heavy duty pan that heats up quickly and is truly nonstick.

    Pros: quality, durability, even heating

  • All-Clad D5 Brushed Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set
    $999.95
    (225)

    I've used the product from something as simple as boiling eggs to a three-pot/pan dinner extravaganza (well, extravaganza for me, anyway) and they cook beautifully, clean up easily, and make me feel like a real chef! ...Even though stainless/aluminum...

    Pros: quality, durable, easy to clean

  • Viking Copper Clad 3-Ply Hammered 10-Piece Cookware Set
    $663.96
    (51)

    We cook all the time and needed grade A pots and pans! Definitely professional quality and grade! ...Happy Chef...As a professional Chef I applaud not only the functionality of this cookware, but it's artistic beauty

    Pros: durable, easy to clean, cool handles

  • Hestan ProBond Stainless Steel Essential Pan, 5 qt.
    $299.96
    (50)

    Professional stainless pan...This is my second
    Hestan pan. When I need another one, I will order again from Hestan for sure....Professional Clad Stainless Steel Essential Pan- 5qt...I have several Hestan pans. The Nano bond is my favorite!

    Pros: versatility, quality, size

  • Scanpan Classic Chef’s Pan with Lid
    $249.95
    (78)

    Scanpan Classic Chef Pan...I love this pan so much. It very easy to clean and most of all cooks evenly with lots of surface area for cooking....Love the size of the Chef Pan-allow me to cook my French bread recipe all at once!

    Pros: versatility, easy to clean, perfect size

  • Demeyere Industry5 Stainless Steel Essential Pan, 3.5 Qt.
    $199.96
    (76)

    This pan is terrific! Love that it is wider than my other pans and the handle does not get too hot. ...Versatile Pan...I have several rolled steel pans I was using for most of my stove top use, however after getting this pan, they have not seen very...

    Pros: versatility, quality, heat retention

  • All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Skillet with Lid
    $199.95
    (409)

    These pans are amazing! Flavorful foods?no transfers from previous uses. ...I haven?t used the lid yet, but I am using the pan daily.

    Pros: easy to clean, quality, versatility

  • Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel 17-Piece Cookware Set
    $309.95
    (261)

    GET THESE POTS & PANS!...It's simply classic, holds great heat, and is easy to clean. Every chefs dream!...Chef?s classic stainless 17 piece set...This is an excellent set of cookware for beginners to home chefs!!

    Pros: durable, complete set, easy to clean

  • All-Clad Copper Core Saucepans
    $349.95
    (147)

    (When my hubby was out of town) I used last Fall’s Promo points to buy a 3-4? Qt Copper Core Sauce pan. ...The copper core pans are great for the home chef. The upfront investment can be expensive, but with the quality construction these pans should...

    Pros: durable, easy to clean, aesthetic

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

    Nice Induction Safe Sauce pan...very nice saucepan. its a bit heavy, but it seems that most induction pans are heavy....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.

    Pros: durable, quality, size

  • All-Clad Copper Core Skillets
    $299.95
    (105)

    Started with the saucer pan-stainless making candies. Then used copper core more heat control less scorching of candies. ...Love this pan!!!...All I did was season the pan, and cook away. I don't need near the heat I did in my old aluminum pans.

    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

  • 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

  • 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

  • All-Clad D5 Brushed Stainless Steel Skillets w/ Lid
    $219.95
    (65)

    This feels like a quality pan and I followed the instructions to only use food at room temperature yet I still got the whitish markings on the pan after the pan was washed. ...I LOVE this pan! I got tired of replacing non stick pans . It is really not...

    Pros: versatility, easy to clean, durability

  • Scanpan® Professional Nonstick Skillet, 11"
    $119.96
    (64)

    This professional-quality skillet allows for browning, searing and deglazing—things you can′t do with traditional nonstick. It requires little to no fat for cooking, so you can enjoy a healthy meal with minimal cleanup. Patented Stratanium...

    Pros: durable, non-stick, versatility

  • Hestan ProBond Skillets
    $199.95
    (59)

    I typically only use non-stick pans, and I was very skeptical of this pan. So my first test...eggs...and it was amazing. ...Professional Clad Skillet...
    Its heat distribution is probably one of the best I've ever used and it manages to get a beautiful...

    Pros: easy to clean, quality, durable

  • Hestan ProBond Stainless Steel Saucepans
    $239.95
    (57)

    My first Hestan pans were...You get the same quality design and engineering for a more economical pan. I would highly recommend the nanobond sauce pans or whatever requires more intense heat like searing meats cooking eggs etc. they are so easy to clean....

    Pros: easy to clean, quality, lightweight

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

    Amazing pans. If you allow the pan to heat before adding oil, the. ...Excellent Pan...I would recommend this frying pan to anyone who wants their food to taste wonderful and come out perfect.

    Pros: easy to clean, quality, versatility

  • Sur La Table Platinum Pro Half Sheet Pan, 17.25" x 12.25"
    $34.36
    (54)

    I love the quality of these Professional line that I have been replacing all of my baking pans. ...Sheet pan...Love these pans because everything cooks evenly!

    Pros: non-stick, sturdy, versatility

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

    This is my second purchase of a Demeyere pan. I have another set of really good pans from Scanpan. ...professional results...I love that there are not rivets on the inside for anything to stick to. The Silvenox process used in making the pan makes it...

    Pros: easy to clean, even heating, no rivets

What Pans Do Professional Chefs Use?

When you step into a professional kitchen, you quickly notice that the pans are more than just tools—they’re extensions of the chef’s craft. The answer to “what pans do chefs use” is rooted in reliability, versatility, and performance. Professional chefs reach for pans that can stand up to the rigors of daily service, moving seamlessly from stovetop to oven, and delivering consistent results with every use. These are the pans that hold their heat evenly, release food effortlessly, and clean up without fuss, making them ideal for both high-pressure dinner rushes and leisurely home cooking. Whether you’re searing steaks to a perfect crust, caramelizing spring vegetables, or gently simmering a sauce, the right pan makes all the difference in the outcome—and the experience.

Choosing a pan like a chef means looking for materials and construction that suit your cooking style. Stainless steel pans are prized for their durability and ability to handle high heat, making them a staple for browning meats and deglazing. Nonstick pans, with their easy-release surfaces, are favorites for eggs, pancakes, and delicate fish—especially when you want a quick cleanup after a busy brunch. Cast iron pans, cherished for their heat retention and natural seasoning, are passed down through generations and excel at everything from crisping up cornbread to roasting a chicken with golden skin. Copper pans, with their unmatched responsiveness, are often the choice for making candy or delicate sauces, where precision is key. For home cooks, these same qualities translate beautifully to everyday meals, special gatherings, and even summer cookouts, where a dependable pan can help you turn seasonal produce into memorable dishes. These pans also make thoughtful gifts for newlyweds, recent graduates, or anyone building a kitchen from scratch—offering them the same trusted tools that chefs rely on every day.

As you browse our curated selection, you’ll find pans designed to meet the needs of both professionals and passionate home cooks. Each option reflects what pans do chefs use in their own kitchens, balancing form and function for lasting value. The right pan can inspire creativity, encourage experimentation, and turn even routine meals into something worth savoring. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, investing in the pans that chefs trust is an invitation to cook with confidence, season after season. With summer in full swing, now is the perfect time to explore new recipes and techniques, knowing your pans are up to the task—whether you’re flipping vegetables on the grill, finishing a frittata in the oven, or simply enjoying the pleasure of a well-cooked meal at home.

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