Braise, simmer, and sauté your way to a hearty dinner with the best saute pans on the market.
Whether it’s rare beef or Gordon Ramsay’s latest specialty dish, sauté pans will help you whip up the most savory home-cooked meals. This piece of kitchenware is an indispensable tool used in almost EVERYTHING―from boiling chicken to stir-frying leafy greens.
To know your best options, we’ve compiled a list of the TOP choices for the finest pans for sautéing. Bon Appétit!
The Top 6 Best Saute Pans in 2021
1. Rachael Ray Brights Hard-Anodized Non-Stick Fry/Sauté Pan with Lid: Best Overall
2. All-Clad 5 Ply Copper Core Sauté Pan: Best Value
3. T-Fal B36290 Non-Stick Jumbo Cooker: Best Budget Pick
4. Cuisinart 733-30H Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel Sauté Pan
5. EPPMO Non-Stick Jumbo Cooker
6. Carote Non-Stick Sauté Pan
Experienced chefs and food enthusiasts will tell you this: the joys of cooking can only be experienced with the right equipment.
Choosing the appropriate kitchenware is important, and a good saute pan goes a long way to make cooking so much easier and fun.
If you love putting together a scrumptious meal for your family and friends, then you should ABSOLUTELY invest in the most durable high-quality saute pans.
Without further ado, here are the 6 best saute pans to spice up your cooking!
The 6 Best Saute Pans – Reviewed
1. Rachael Ray Brights Hard-Anodized Non-Stick Fry/Sauté Pan with Lid: Best Overall
Unique shape, unique dishes, Rachael Ray Brights Non-Stick is a great all-around performer.
Product Features
- Non-stick coating
- Made of Hard Anodized Aluminum
- Helper handle
- Oven-safe
- Dishwasher-safe
This high-performing saute pan is a home chef’s best friend. The pan heats up evenly, and its unique oval shape takes up LESS SPACE on the stove.
Whether you’re trying to fry bacon or make your morning eggs, Rachael Ray’s cookware is the perfect match for stovetop cooking and oven broiling (up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit).
And, unlike many saute pans, the smooth non-stick interior makes it a breeze to clean up using ordinary dishwashing soap.
What to love
Pasta lovers, meet your match! Because of its unique shape, it works great for whipping up pasta, casserole dishes, and soups. You can even cook curries with it too!
The combination of the hard-anodized materials and its easy grip handle make it easy to maneuver on and off of the burner and into the oven―all WITHOUT needing to wear oven mitts or using pot holders.
Amazing, right?
Overall, it’s light and built for convenience.
What Not to Love
Although it’s well constructed, other people might find the oval shape an awkward fit at the start and require an adjustment. BUT that’s nothing that a little learning curve won’t fix.
Also, its bottom is prone to scratches when the pan is not handled carefully, so always HANDLE WITH CARE.
Pros
- Lightweight yet sturdy
- Handles do not heat up
- Sleek & modern design
- Easy to clean
- Affordable
Cons
- People might find the oval shape “awkward”
- Bottom scratches out
2. All-Clad 5 Ply Copper Core Sauté Pan: Best Value
For the serious cook, there’s no better choice than the All-Clad 5 Ply Copper Core Sauté Pan.
Product Features
- 5 Ply Construction
- Copper Core
- 18/10 Stainless Steel Base
- Oven-safe
If you’re a meat-lover, then this pan comes in perfect.
The saute pan features a 5-ply bonded construction of aluminum layer, stainless steel, and a thick copper core for an even heat distribution and superior stick resistance.
And, because it’s a copper cookware, it retains heat better than most saute pans, so there’s no need to worry about your food getting cold.
The 18/10 stainless steel surface also makes it more durable. The All-Clad stainless steel is safe even while inside the oven and broiler for UP TO 600 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s hot!
With better heat resistance and build, the brand’s 5 Ply copper core sauté pan is definitely an upgrade from the classic All-Clad Stainless Steel Tri-Ply model.
What to Love
Sautéing, browning, or searing…Make a full-course family meal with this saute pan. The 5-quart pan is designed with a large cooking surface and tall sides―suitable for stirring, flipping, and cooking up a storm!
The package also comes with a stainless steel lid that seals in moisture and adds to the flavor.
What Not to Love
The price tag. If there was one trade-off when it comes to the best saute pan with a lid is its premium price.
All-Clad is a high-end cookware brand that uses only the best materials for cooking.
And this sauté pan is no exception.
Anyone would think twice before buying, but, given its impressive performance and a lifetime limited warranty, this pan is one of the SMARTEST KITCHEN INVESTMENTS you can make.
Pros
- Superior heat conduction
- Efficient heat retention
- Most oven-safe option
- Durable with Lifetime Limited Warranty
Cons
- Discoloration may occur after repeated high-heat use
- Cleaning the pan is tricky
- Has an expensive price tag
3. T-Fal B36290 Non-Stick Jumbo Cooker: Best Budget Pick
You don’t have to be a five-star chef to afford the best saute pans, because T-Fal guarantees a lifetime’s worth of quality and value.
Product Features
- Made of Hard Anodized Aluminum
- Stainless Steel Base
- Advanced Heat Distribution System
- Thermo Spot Indicator
- Oven-safe (Up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit)
- PFOA, Lead, and Cadmium Free
- Glass Lid
T-Fal/Tefal is a French brand that produces durable innovative cookware. By innovative, we mean it offers master-class heat retention and heat distribution technology.
The saute pan is glazed with superior long-lasting non-stick coating, anti-wrapping, and a patented thermo spot technology to make sure heat is distributed equally.
What’s more, you wouldn’t expect a low-price saute pan to come with a thermo spot indicator.
The little red dot on the surface area automatically turns red to indicate the saute pan is perfectly pre-heated. This neat feature helps seal in the flavor when you’re cooking and makes a meal more delicious.
With T-Fal, you can officially say goodbye to the kitchen mess!
What to Love
The best saute pan for your budget should be something that you can use everyday.
And, this pan is right on track. The great thing about T-Fal’s saute pan is it isn’t too heavy. It comes at an ideal size and weight so you can easily move and flip food around, just like skillets or frying pans.
What’s Not to Love
The only thing you have to be wary about is the coating peeling after some time, which is normal when it comes to any cookware. It happens to even the most expensive kitchen pots and cutleries there are, just maybe on a longer timeframe.
One way to get around it and prolong its life is to set it to the right heat. The saute pan can handle medium heat, but it’s not by any means, a frying pan that works on high-temperature settings.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Has riveted handles for easy maneuver
- Even heat distribution
- Comes with Thermo Spot Indicator to make cooking easier
- Very affordable & versatile
Cons
- Non-stick coating peels off after sometime
- Does not have a flat surface
4. Cuisinart 733-30H Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel Sauté Pan
The mother of all stainless steel pans: Cuisinart Classic Stainless Steel Sauté Pan.
Product Features
- Aluminum base
- Stainless steel with silver coating
- Dishwasher-safe
- Helper Handle
You can never go wrong with classics like this.
While there are many fancy pans available on the market, Cuisinart’s classic stainless steel saute pan remains simple and does the job.
Its aluminum base excels at heat distribution and heats up fast, while the silver coating makes for easy food release so you can clean it in a snap―totally dishwasher-safe.
What to Love
If you’re a fan of sexy-looking pans, then this is a great choice. The all-silver look is very elegant and proper as if it belongs in a five-star Michelin kitchen! It also comes with a matching stainless steel lid to complete the look.
BUT that isn’t all there is to it!
While it’s not advertised as non-stick, it works just like one. When you use it properly, under medium heat, it works well to slide off foods, just like the more pricey cookware.
What Not to Love
The issue with stainless steel is that it’s heavy and more warping than other kitchen materials.
People who have bought the product also have complained that the bottom scratches out easily and that the handles heat up when cooking, despite the brand’s claim that it stays cool.
Pros
- Versatile pan with straight sides
- Easy to wash
- Classic design & matching stainless steel lid
Cons
- Bulky & heavy
- Handle can get hot when cooking
- Prone to flaking & warping
5. EPPMO Non-Stick Jumbo Cooker
A saute pan for your everyday use is the EPPMO Nonstick Saute Pan.
Product Features
- Tri-Ply
- Non-stick interior
- Oven-safe (up to 500 degrees fahrenheit)
- Dishwasher-safe
- Free of toxic chemicals (PFOA, PFAS, PFOS)
Want a good solid pan that’s easy to wash and easy to handle? EPPMO has it for you.
Its triple-ply construction is great at handling high-heat temperatures. On the other hand, its aluminum material makes it durable so the pan’s cooking surface doesn’t warp as easily.
Another thing, it’s compatible with almost all kitchen appliances: gas, ceramic, and electric stovetops and ovens…You name it!
What to Love
One of our favorite things about the EPPMO saute pan is it comes with a matching tempered glass lid with a steam-hole to prevent boil-overs.
The lid is perfect for busy home cooks who are multitaskers.
What’s Not to Love
When it comes to using the EPPMO non-stick saute pan, the only thing you have to worry about is the pan becoming slippery on the stove burner.
Otherwise, the pan works like a charm and is low-maintenance and great for everyday cooking.
―Check the latest Amazon Prices
Pros
- Does not warp easily
- Easy to clean
- Sturdy feel
- Vented lid to prevent boil overs
- Comes in a variety of sizes
Cons
- Becomes slippery on the stove burner
6. Carote Non-Stick Sauté Pan
Cook with style using Carote Nonstick Saute Pan.
Product Features
- Eco-friendly granite coating
- Bakelite handles
- Non-stick coating
- PFOA-free
This stylish-looking pan by Carote features an eco-friendly granite coating from Switzerland and stainless steel construction that doesn’t rust, doesn’t react with foods, and is less prone to discoloration.
While you can’t throw it inside the dishwasher, it’s still super easy to clean and get rid of the food, because of its non-stick coating.
The pan is also made of the Bakelite handle, so they’re comfortable to grip and stay cool while cooking.
What to Love
This pan can do everything―from sauteing, boiling, and deep-frying.
Because of its tall sides and 3-quart size, it’s ideal for cooking food good for 2-3 people and works well with all kinds of stove, including induction!
What’s Not to Love
The saute pan is not meant for oven use and doesn’t come with a 5-quart size.
In addition, many customers have complained that their package came in dented. Luckily, Carote covers a 12-month warranty for all of their products, be it a saute pan or a frying pan. Great value!
―Check the latest Amazon Prices
Pros
- Efficient heat retention
- Does not easily rust or discolor
- Handles stay cool while cooking
- Very Affordable
- Not dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Not oven-safe
- Package can come in dented
- Only offer 12 month warranty
- Limited sizes available
How Do I Choose the Best Sauté Pan for My Kitchen?
Finding the perfect pan for your cooking needs is a tricky job, which is why we’ve made your kitchen life 10x easier with our buying guide.
Materials
The material for your saute pan should have a high level of heat conductivity or heat transfer. You can find stainless steel, cast iron, anodized aluminum, and copper saute pans on the market.
Shape
The best saute pan should have a flat bottom or cooking surface to avoid warping.
Handle
A long handle is ideal for easily maneuvering the pan. Some saute pan handles are made with Bakelite, so they don’t heat up while you’re cooking food.
Coating
For high-temperature cooking, an uncoated saute pan is best. For medium heat and easy cleaning, use a non-stick coating.
Size
The size of your pan entirely depends on how many people you’re cooking foods for and what type of cooking or dish you have in mind. The bigger your pan is, the more recipe options you have.
Why Do I Need a Sauté Pan With Lid?
With certain dishes such as fried ones, you need to lock in moisture and heat.
To do this, you’ll need a saute pan with a lid. While you can always purchase one separately, having a matching lid that fits snuggly on top of the pan is ideal.
What Are the Best Saute Pans Available?
Here’s a recap of our top picks.
Best Overall: Rachael Ray Brights Hard-Anodized Non-Stick Fry/ Sauté Pan with Lid
For cooking pasta and other savory dishes, Rachael Ray makes it easy as an all-around performer.
Best Value: All-Clad 5-Ply Copper Core Sauté Pan
The smartest kitchen investment you can make is buying the best saute pan for your cooking needs AND one that will last a lifetime.
Best Budget Pick: T-Fal Non-Stick Jumbo Cooker
The best sauté pan for those on a budget and everyday use.
Final Thoughts
Saute pans, known for their great versatility, level up your cooking experience.
Compared to a fry pan or a skillet, saute pans heat up faster and give you more cooking options, so they make a great addition to any home cooks toolkit.
