What Type Of Pans Do Chefs Use?

What type of pans do chefs use? Professional chefs reach for a variety of pans to handle every cooking task, from searing and sautéing to simmering and baking. The most common choices include fry pans, sauté pans, saucepans, stock pots, grill pans, roasting pans, and specialty options like woks or crepe pans. Each type of pan serves a unique purpose in the kitchen, helping chefs achieve the right results for every dish.

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  • 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. ...Love this pan...Very handy for all types of cooking! I use...

    Pros: versatility, non-stick, perfect size

  • 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

  • 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
    $139.95
    (45)

    This pan makes me feel like a chef. My family is loving all the meals that I am inspired to have by having g this fine cook ware....Great saute pan...I have been looking for a stainless steel saute pan for some time after trying a bunch of non-stick...

    Pros: quality, glass lid, 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

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

    Great pan, nothing burns in it....I’ve never had a dark burn ring on the bottom of this pan, but I’ve had them in other types like top clad and French porcelain coated cast iron. ...I can brown cutlets and chops evenly no matter where they are placed...

    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

  • 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)

    I had bought a 3 quart from Cuisinart and noticed the same thing. Maybe I am just not used to this type of pan. I hand-washed it and did not use any abrasives. ...Great pan!...Great pan, cooks evenly. I would definitely reccomend.

    Pros: easy to clean, perfect size, even cooking

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

    Easy to clean and heavy, sturdy construction which conducts heat well. I use it for all types of recipes requiring a pan with high sides and plenty of surface area to sear foods....This is one of the finest sauté pans with which I've ever used. A professional...

    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

  • 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. ...Pretty sure this pan can do that. I'm likely to now begin replacing sauce pans from SLT, too.

    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

  • Viking PerformanceTi Sauté Pan, 4.5 Qt.
    $399.95
    (1)

    An upgrape worth making from stainless steel pans...However, this is my first titanium pan from Viking, as I had only bought the stainless steel pans before.

    Pros: heat conductivity, perfect fried eggs, non-stick properties

  • Sur La Table Classic 5-Ply Stainless Steel Chef's Pan. 3.5 qt.
    $219.95

    Our favorite French cookware made even better. The Sur La Table Classic 5-Ply Stainless Steel Chef Pan features a wide opening and sloped sides for easy stirring, making it the perfect pan for searing, sautéing, frying, and stewing. This piece of cookware...

  • Viking Professional 5-Ply Stainless Steel Sauté Pan
    $349.95

    Love the size & depth of this pan!...I love the size of this pan and use it almost nightly. It did take some getting used to at first, as it is not non-stick like my other pans, but once i got used to the right temperature to use, etc, it became a fast...

  • Viking Professional 5-Ply Stainless Steel Chef’s Pan, 12"
    $419.95

    Whether you’re creating delicate French sauces or simply stir-frying a quick dinner, Viking’s Professional 5-Ply stainless steel chef’s pan takes home cooking to a whole new level. Known for introducing the world’s first commercial-quality...

  • de Buyer Inocuivre Tradition Copper Sauté Pan
    $354.95

    Ideal for browning and sautéing, braising meat, preparing rich pasta sauces and much more, this versatile pan from de Buyer will bring a touch of luxury and a boost of quality to your everyday cooking. Handmade in France with artful precision, it...

  • Hestan ProBond® Luxe Stainless Steel Sauté Pan
    $349.95

    Crafted for versatility and precision, the Hestan ProBond® Luxe Stainless Steel Sauté Pan is a kitchen essential for the serious home chef. Available in 3.5 qt. and 5 qt. sizes, this Italian-made pan features a wide cooking surface and straight sides—ideal...

  • Scanpan CSP+ Chef's Pan with Lid
    $399.95

    ONLY AT SLT The ultimate cooking surface just received an upgrade! Scanpan CSP+ features the nearly indestructible nonstick surface you love, now 30% more durable than the original. Unlike other nonstick pans, Scanpan can be used for browning, searing...

What Type Of Pans Do Chefs Use?

In professional kitchens, the right pan can make all the difference, and chefs are known for choosing cookware that stands up to daily demands while delivering exceptional results. Stainless steel pans are a staple among culinary professionals for their unmatched durability, resistance to chipping and scratching, and ability to withstand high temperatures. These pans are non-reactive, meaning they won’t alter the flavor of acidic foods like tomato sauce or deglazed wine reductions—a crucial feature when precision and consistency are required. The even heat distribution of stainless steel makes it possible to achieve the perfect sear on proteins or create golden, caramelized crusts on vegetables. While stainless steel pans may require a little practice to master, especially when it comes to preventing sticking, the rewards are clear: a versatile, long-lasting tool that adapts to everything from weeknight dinners to elaborate holiday feasts.

Carbon steel is another favorite, prized for its quick, responsive heating and the natural non-stick surface it develops over time with proper seasoning. Many chefs reach for carbon steel when making delicate omelets or browning meats, as the pan’s surface improves with each use, creating a patina that brings both character and performance. Enameled cast iron, meanwhile, offers excellent heat retention and a sturdy cooking surface, making it ideal for slow-cooked stews, braises, and hearty autumn dishes that benefit from gentle, even warmth. These pans transition seamlessly from stovetop to oven, and their vibrant colors and classic design make them a popular gift for newlyweds, home cooks, or anyone building a kitchen from scratch. Whether you’re searing, sautéing, or simmering, the right pan not only streamlines your cooking but also inspires confidence, knowing you have the same trusted tools used by chefs around the world.

As the weather cools and kitchens fill with the aromas of seasonal recipes, investing in chef-preferred pans can elevate everyday meals and special gatherings alike. Choosing between stainless steel, carbon steel, and enameled cast iron often comes down to cooking style and personal preference, but all three offer the durability and performance needed for both ambitious culinary projects and simple family favorites. These pans are built to last, making them a thoughtful gift for passionate cooks or anyone looking to upgrade their cookware. For a deeper look at the types of pans chefs rely on and tips for selecting the best option for your kitchen, visit What Pans Do Chefs Use?. With the right pan in hand, every meal becomes an opportunity to cook with confidence and creativity, season after season.

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