All-Clad Cookware Lines Compared: D3 vs. D5
Serious Eats breaks down the major All-Clad stainless steel cookware lines, comparing tri-ply and 5-ply construction.
Serious Eats has analyzed the differences between All-Clad's popular cookware lines. The publication's tests consistently show All-Clad's stainless steel pots and pans perform well, with many editors using them for years.
A key term when shopping is "tri-ply." This means a pan has three layers of metal. Typically, it is a sandwich of stainless steel with a layer of aluminum in the middle for heat conduction. "5-ply" indicates five alternating layers of stainless steel and aluminum. These extra layers add durability and improve heat distribution, but also increase weight and price. Serious Eats notes that tri-ply construction is totally adequate for most cooks.
The Core Stainless Lines
The All-Clad D3 Stainless line uses tri-ply construction. Serious Eats says this line has performed exceptionally well in all their tests. The pots and pans heat evenly and quickly, and show stellar durability with no warping. The D3 stainless steel skillet is a longtime favorite for its responsiveness.
The All-Clad D5 Brushed line steps up to 5-ply construction and has a brushed finish. These pans are heavier and more expensive than D3 ones. In tests for a skillet review, Serious Eats did not see enough performance difference to justify the higher price. They felt the same about the D5 Brushed saucepan and cookware set.
| Line | Layers | Product Count | Induction Compatible |
|---|---|---|---|
| D3 Stainless | 3 | 28 products, plus 12 set options | Yes |
| D5 Brushed | 5 | 17 products, plus set options | Yes |
Other Notable Lines
The All-Clad D3 Everyday line is also tri-ply. It shares many traits with the D3 Stainless line but features user-friendly handles that are rounded and indent-free. A three-quart saucepan in this line has a flared pouring rim. Price-wise, it is similar to the D3 Stainless line.
The All-Clad Copper Core line sandwiches ultra-responsive copper between five-ply stainless steel. This protects the copper and makes the pans easy to clean. In tests, water boiled in the stock pot in a little over seven minutes. Serious Eats found it a versatile set, but notes it is pricey and heavy, calling it a splurge for serious cooks.
The All-Clad G5 Graphite Core line uses a graphite interior for heat conductivity instead of steel. Graphite is ultra-lightweight and helps prevent hot spots. The 12-inch skillet weighs only two pounds, 14 ounces. In tests, the skillet brought a cup of water to a boil in 33 seconds. This line also has rounded handles.
All-Clad also offers a ceramic nonstick line. The NS Pro Ceramic set features anodized ceramic coating without PFAS. Serious Eats reports that omelets slid off readily and crepes flipped without catching. The downside is the ceramic coating will eventually wear away, requiring replacement.
| Line | Layers | Key Feature | Induction Compatible |
|---|---|---|---|
| D3 Everyday | 3 | Rounded, indent-free handles | Yes |
| Copper Core | 5 | Copper layer for responsiveness | Yes |
| G5 Graphite Core | 5 | Graphite interior, lightweight | Yes |
| NS Pro Ceramic | 1 | Anodized ceramic nonstick coating | Yes |
Based on their testing, Serious Eats continuously proves the All-Clad D3 Stainless line to be the best value for its performance, price, and durability. They advise that if you are already spending a lot, you shouldn't spend more on lines like D5 Brushed where performance differences are negligible. For those wanting to splurge, the Graphite and copper core lines heat up incredibly fast.
