My Mom Has Been Using This All-Clad Pan Every Week for 20 Years, and It’s Still Perfect

I’ve always admired my mom’s collection of stainless steel pans, which have remained virtually spotless, even though some of them must be my age. I never bothered to ask her the brand, because until recently, I wasn’t much of a home cook or baker and my mom never allowed anyone to help her in the kitchen. She finally relented this Thanksgiving, and I got up and close with her pots and pans (because I had to wash and dry them all).

I noticed that the vast majority of them were All-Clad, which we cover frequently on KT. We always have our eyes on All-Clad deals. So while I was sautéing butter, onions, and celery for the stuffing in the fry pan, I asked how long she had them for. “I’ve had that pan you’re using for about 20 years.” She replied nonchalantly, while I stared aghast at the still-perfect All-Clad sauté pan. 

The 3-quart D3 Stainless Steel Everyday Sauté Pan is constructed out of three bonded layers of steel, which ensures the pan heats evenly and makes searing a breeze. The surface is 18/10 stainless steel, and the steel is bonded all the way up to the rim. It’s also oven- and broiler-safe up to 600° and compatible with any cooktop. The two handles make it easy to grip this pan. The pan comes with a lid that also fits the D3 Everyday 10.5-inch skillet. This pan is indeed meant to be used every day and is perfect for sautéing, braising, and simmering. Did we mention that it’s $100 off right now?

My mom has used this All-Clad pan weekly for 20 years, and it still looks like it came out of the box yesterday. In a time when nothing we buy lasts as long as it should, All-Clad is certainly high-quality and durable. “It’s my go-to pan,” she said. “I don’t use anything else. I love that it has so many uses — from bacon to chicken piccata.” 

Although I’ve never owned All-Clad, I’m now determined to add a pan or two of my own, because I agree with my mom. I’ve spent many holidays hand-washing this pan, and I’ve never had to scrub it hard to get out any stains. And when I was sautéing vegetables in butter, everything cooked evenly. I didn’t have to worry about the melted butter shifting to the other side. 

Basically, All-Clad won another generation of Korts over. The pans are a little expensive, but honestly, I would pay that much if I knew something was going to last at least two decades. And right now, this pan is $100 off at All-Clad, so now is the perfect time to get it. 

Buy: D3 Stainless Everyday 3-Ply Sauté Pan, $149.99 (normally $250)