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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  • (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...

    versatility, non-stick, perfect size

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  • (74)

    Great Pan...I have used this sauté pan for half year now, and have prepared all kinds of dishes with it, so I'm confident to provide a review here. ...Best pan I've ever used!...The first time I used this pan I was making a chicken piccata, I'd resigned...

    durable, easy to clean, versatility

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  • (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. ...LOVE this pan!!...We've had All-Clad pots/pans for years....

    even cooking, easy to clean, versatility

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  • (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. ...One of my favorite pans, it’s very versatile I use it as a frying pan or braise also use it for stir fry.

    easy to clean, even heating, no rivets

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  • (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...

    quality, glass lid, durable

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  • (40)

    Woo hoo! Love this pan...I bought a set which included the large sauté pan but not the deeper chef’s pan. After a few weeks, I realized how often I had used my old one. ...Excellent quality it deserves the name “chef’s pan”...

    I wish scan pan would produce...

    easy to clean, easy cleanup, large size

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  • (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. ...The pan also has flatbase stability which means the pan won't warp,...

    easy to clean, heat retention, no rivets

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  • (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. ...Being a very large diameter pan, I have experienced...

    quality, durable, non-stick

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  • (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.

    large size, versatility, durability

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  • (24)

    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.

    easy to clean, perfect size, even cooking

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  • (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.

    easy to clean, quality, versatility

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  • (17)

    Will likely go back to my All-Clad pots/pans...Love this Demeyere 5-Plus 4-quart sauté pan. It's a bit heavy, but I love the double handles.

    perfect size, high quality, versatile for cooking

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  • (15)

    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.

    durability, quality, value

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  • (7)

    large pan...Heats super evenly and quickly. Love these new pans! Best I've ever owned....These pans are absolutely the supreme of non-stick pans!

    large size, even heating, easy to clean

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  • (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.

    usefulness, versatility, nonstick

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  • (3)

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

    easy to clean, perfect size, great pan

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  • (1)

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

    classy look, appearance, substantial feel

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  • (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.

    heat conductivity, perfect fried eggs, non-stick properties

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  • Whether you’re creating perfectly braised meats with pan gravy or simply sautéing mirepoix, Viking’s Professional 5-Ply stainless steel sauté pan takes home cooking to a whole new level. Known for introducing the world’s first commercial-quality...

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  • 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...

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  • 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...

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  • 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...

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  • 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...

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  • (4169)

    Versatile Pan...My daughter uses it for stir fry, pasta dishes ,etc. it is a very versatile pan for cooking all types of dishes . ...What a great pan! I never use any type of nonstick cookware but this thing is amazing!

    even heating, easy to clean, non-stick surface

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What Type Of Pans Do Chefs Use?

When it comes to selecting the right pans, chefs look for versatility, durability, and performance—qualities that make a real difference whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or orchestrating a multi-course feast. Professional kitchens demand cookware that can withstand high heat, frequent use, and rapid temperature changes, which is why stainless steel, cast iron, and carbon steel pans are often at the top of a chef’s list. Stainless steel pans are prized for their ability to sear, sauté, and deglaze without reacting to acidic ingredients, making them a favorite for everything from delicate fish to robust pan sauces. Cast iron, with its legendary heat retention, is ideal for slow-cooked dishes, perfectly crisped edges, and even baking rustic breads. Carbon steel, beloved for its lightweight feel and quick responsiveness, is a go-to for tasks like omelets or stir-fries, where control and speed are essential. In the heart of summer, these pans shine—think of searing fresh vegetables from the market, caramelizing peaches for a seasonal dessert, or finishing a steak with a pat of herbed butter.

Understanding what cookware do chefs use can help home cooks make informed choices for their own kitchens. Whether you’re outfitting your first apartment or searching for a thoughtful gift for a seasoned home chef, the right pan can inspire creativity and confidence. Many chefs reach for nonstick pans for eggs and pancakes, ensuring easy release and simple cleanup, especially during busy mornings. For those who love to entertain, copper pans offer precise temperature control and a striking presentation straight from oven to table. If you’re shopping for someone who enjoys experimenting with new recipes or techniques, consider pans that transition seamlessly from stovetop to oven, opening up possibilities for braising, roasting, and baking. These pans are not only practical but also serve as lasting kitchen companions, developing character and patina with every use.

Choosing the same types of pans that professional chefs rely on is about more than just following trends—it’s about investing in tools that make cooking enjoyable and rewarding. Each pan has its own strengths, and building a collection that suits your style means you’ll always have the right tool for any dish, season, or occasion. As June brings an abundance of fresh produce and longer evenings, having dependable, chef-approved cookware makes it easy to whip up everything from quick sautés to leisurely Sunday brunches. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a table full of friends, the pans you choose can elevate everyday meals and special occasions alike, turning simple ingredients into memorable experiences.

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