What’s the Difference Between the All-Clad Cookware Lines?

When it comes to stainless steel pots and pans, All-Clad is one of the most recognizable names in the cookware game. The brand's cookware has consistently performed well in our tests, and many of our editors have used All-Clad cookware at home and in the test kitchen for years. (Its stainless steel D3 skillet is one we swear by.)

But with so many different products (and vague identifiers), what’s the difference between them all? We broke down the most popular All-Clad cookware lines so you can decide which is the best investment for you.

What Does Tri-Ply Mean?

Descriptors you’ll see over and over again when shopping for stainless steel cookware are “3-ply” or “tri-ply” or “triply.” They all mean the same thing, which is triple-layered material. This is usually a sandwich of stainless steel with a layer of aluminum in the middle because aluminum is great at conducting heat, but it isn’t exactly food-safe on its own. Some of our favorite All-Clad cookware, like the D3 stainless steel skillet, is tri-ply and very responsive—plus quick to heat.

Thus, when you see a reference to “5-ply,” it should be no surprise that this means there are five layers of metal rather than three. In All-Clad’s case, they alternate layers of stainless steel and aluminum for added durability and even heat distribution. Because there’s more material, 5-ply pans are pricier and heavier. We've liked both kinds of pans, but think that tri-ply is totally adequate in most cases and for most cooks.

What Are the Two Major All-Clad Cookware Lines?

The All-Clad D3 Stainless Line

All-Clad Stainless-Steel Fry Pan

$140 at Amazon

All-Clad Saucepan

$135 at Amazon

All-Clad D3 Tri-Ply 3-Quart Stainless Steel Sauté Pan

$160 at Amazon

All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set

$718 at Amazon

What it is: The All-Clad D3 Stainless collection is tri-ply, hence the D3 moniker. This means pots and pans in this line have three layers of metal: two layers of stainless steel and a layer of aluminum in between for conductivity.

What we think: This line has performed exceptionally well in all of our tests: The pots and pans heat evenly, quickly, and exhibit stellar durability—no warping. Many pieces are our editor's go-to cookware. The D3 stainless steel skillet is a longtime favorite for its incredible responsiveness and heat conduction, as well as its durability. Some of our favorite saucepans, saute pans, stockpots, and stainless steel cookware sets are also part of this line.

Key Specs

• Line includes: 28 products, plus 12 options for sets or pairs
• Layers: 3
• Materials: Stainless steel, aluminum
• Induction compatible: Yes

The All-Clad D5 Brushed Stainless Line

All-Clad d5 Brushed Stainless-Steel Fry Pan

$180 at Amazon

All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set

$900 at Amazon

What it is: Stepping up to 5-ply construction, the All-Clad D5 series provides two additional layers and has a brushed finish. Given those extra layers, D5 pans are heavier than D3 ones. They’re more expensive, too, with D5 products starting $85 higher than those in the D3 Stainless line and going far beyond that, too. The D5 Brushed's 10-inch skillet is $250 compared to the $130 D3 Stainless.

What we think: When we tested a D5 Brushed pan as part of our stainless steel skillet review, we didn’t see enough difference in performance to justify paying more. We felt the same way about the D5 Brushed saucepan and cookware set: they were nice to use, but not worth the added price over the D3.

Key Specs

• Line includes: 17 products, plus options for sets 
• Layers: 5
• Materials: Stainless steel, aluminum
• Induction compatible: Yes

Other All-Clad Cookware Lines

The All-Clad D3 Everyday Line

All-Clad D3 Everyday 10-Piece Pots and Pans Cookware Set

View on All-clad.com

All-Clad’s D3 Everyday shares a lot of the traits of the D3 Stainless, but adds in some features that some may find more user-friendly, like handles that are rounded and indent-free (for those who have taken issue with the classic All-Clad handle). The three-quart saucepan in this line also features a flared pouring rim, which helps minimize dribbling. Price-wise, the D3 Stainless and Everyday lines are also similar. For example, their 10- and 10.5-inch skillets cost $100 a pop, but the Everyday's doesn't come with a lid.

Key Specs

• Line includes: 7 products, plus 3 options for sets or pairs
• Layers: 3
• Materials: Stainless steel, aluminum
• Induction compatible: Yes

The All-Clad D5 Polished Line

All-Clad D5 Stainless Polished 5-ply Bonded Cookware, Saute Pan with lid, 3 quart

View on Williams Sonoma

$280

$250 at Sur La Table View on All-clad.com

Yep, you guessed it: All-Clad’s D5 Polished line is just like the D5 Brushed, but with a polished finish. Again, this line's price is high, and we remain skeptical of the added performance benefits you'll actually notice/care about for the additional cost. However, we haven't formally tested anything from this line.

Key Specs

• Line includes: 24 products, plus 6 options for sets or pairs
• Layers: 5
• Induction compatible: Yes

The All-Clad Copper Core Line

All-Clad Copper Core 10-Piece Cookware Set

View on Williams Sonoma $1,600 at Sur La Table $1,600 at Crate & Barrel

What it is: If you love the idea of cooking with copper but are scared of the maintenance, this set is for you. Ultra-responsive copper is layered between five-ply stainless steel, which protects the copper, adds durability, and makes the pans easy to clean; you don’t have to worry about splotching or oxidation. Basically, this line has all the benefits of copper without the annoyances—though it’s still pricey and heavy, like many a copper cookware set. 

What we think: This set of copper-core pans from All-Clad responds well to temperature adjustments and heats up quickly—in our tests, water boiled in the stock pot in a little over seven minutes, which is fast. The handles on the pans have All-Clad’s signature indent, as well as a notch where they attach to the pans to help keep them cool. Every pot and pan is a pleasure to cook with: Crepes slid easily off the surface, and steaks seared to a deeply caramelized brown. It’s a versatile set of copper-adjacent pots and pans that you can use day-to-day, unlike, say, a heritage, hand-hammered, fully copper set that you’re afraid to touch. That said, it’s still pricey, and we think it’s a splurge-y line that’s best for serious cooks who care about things like heat precision.

Key Specs

• Line includes: 12 products, plus 3 options for sets
• Layers: 5
• Induction compatible: Yes

The All-Clad G5 Graphite Core Line

All-Clad G5 Graphite Core Stainless Steel 10 Piece Cookware Set

View on Williams Sonoma

What it is: Unlike most stainless steel pans, which might have an aluminum core or, if it’s a fancy set, a copper one, this set uses graphite—yes, like the stuff at the tip of a pencil. Graphite is ultra-lightweight and has fantastic heat conductivity; it expands as it heats, which helps prevent hot spots. The G5 line capitalizes on these benefits and adds rounded handles, making it a user-friendly, lightweight cookware option. 

What we think: This is a great All-Clad line if you’re looking for lightweight pots and pans with the searing power of stainless steel. The pans in this line heat up rapidly and sear evenly, and it’s easy to lift a pan and move it; the 12-inch skillet only weighs two pounds, 14 ounces. The G5 stock pot we tested boiled water just as fast as the copper core line, and the skillet brought a cup of water to a boil in a lickety-split 33 seconds. Also, if you’re not a fan of All-Clad’s signature indented handles, this set has rounded ones, which are comfortable to hold, if a little slippery. There is one snafu: While the G5 line is cheaper than the copper core line, it’s still an investment.

Key Specs

• Line includes: 17 products, plus 2 options for sets
• Layers: 5, with a graphite interior instead of steel
• Induction compatible: Yes

So, Which All-Clad Line Should I Buy?

Our tests continuously prove the All-Clad D3 Stainless line to be the best value for its performance, price, and durability. If you're already spending a lot, you shouldn't spend more—especially if you won't notice performance differences. That said, if you feel like splurging, the All-Clad D5 is another solid line, as are the Graphite and copper core lines, which both heat up incredibly fast.

FAQs

What's with the All-Clad handle?

Nearly all of All-Clad's cookware has the same handle that features an indent on the top that runs its length. Some people dislike it, preferring rounded handles that feel smooth to hold. However, we've found this indent has a purpose: it prevents the handle from rotating in your palm as you pour. It's also just a nice place to put your thumb for added leverage as you toss, pick up, and move the cookware. All that said, All-Clad has changed up some models, like their graphite core G5 series, adding rounded handles that are a bit more user-friendly.

Are the All-Clad nonstick pans any good?

Really, the only All-Clad nonstick piece we recommend is the reasonably-priced HA1 nonstick skillet. We seldom use nonstick except for delicate things like cooking eggs or crepes—and think stainless steel is, generally, a much better investment.

Can All-Clad cookware go in the oven? What about induction?

All-Clad stainless steel cookware is oven-safe up to 600°F. Be aware that extended exposure to heat above 500°F may result in discoloration, but pan performance won’t be affected. All-Clad's D3, D5, and Copper Core cookware are compatible with induction cooktops.

Does All-Clad cookware have a good warranty?

All-Clad’s stainless steel products—including pots, pans, skillets, and cookware sets—are backed by a lifetime warranty. 

What's a better value: All-Clad D3 vs. D5?

The All-Clad D3 is a better value for most cooks. It's cheaper and lighter, and heats quickly and evenly.

Why We're the Experts

• Summer Rylander is a journalist who's written for Serious Eats since 2022.
• We've tested and published numerous reviews on stainless steel cookware (including All-Clad).
• You can read our full review of stainless steel skillets here.
• Grace Kelly is a senior editor at Serious Eats.
• She owns the All-Clad D3 line (and loves it), and also uses the All-Clad G5 skillet when she wants to cook something, stat.