Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless Steel Sauté Pan, 5.5 qt.

The stainless steel sauté pan is a smart choice for high-heat searing and everyday sautéing when you want space to spread food out. That extra room helps you avoid crowding so proteins and vegetables cook more efficiently. It also works well for finishing dishes with a gentle simmer.

A 5.5-quart capacity gives you flexibility for larger portions, whether you’re making a full one-pan meal or cooking in batches. It’s especially helpful when you want to cook multiple pieces at once and still have room to stir, toss or reduce a sauce.

In general, a sauté pan is designed for cooking methods that benefit from more side height, like tossing ingredients, building sauces and simmering after searing. A skillet is often used for similar tasks but is typically chosen when you want a more open pan for quick sautéing and flipping.

On a stainless steel sauté pan, a polished mirror finish brings a classic, bright look that fits many kitchen styles. It’s a nice option if you like cookware that looks as good at the table as it does on the stove.

Start by searing proteins in the stainless steel sauté pan, then remove or push them to the side to sauté aromatics. Add a splash of liquid to lift flavorful browned bits, then lower the heat to finish with a gentle simmer. This approach works well for pan sauces and saucy one-pan dinners.