Compare Frying Pans
All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel 12 Inch Fry Pan scores higher on safety - here's why.
The most important dimensions, side by side.
The cooking surface is medical-grade stainless steel — the safest material you can cook on. There is no coating to chip, peel, or release chemicals at any temperature. This pan will be just as safe in ten years as it is today.
Blue carbon steel contains absolutely no PFAS, PTFE, or synthetic coating — just iron and carbon. It builds a natural nonstick seasoning layer over time that gets better with use. Eight states have banned PFAS in cookware, and carbon steel is fully exempt.
Rated to 600°F, this pan handles everything from a low-and-slow braise to a full broiler sear. You will never hit a temperature ceiling with normal home cooking.
Safe to 1200°F — you can go from stovetop to oven to grill to open flame without thinking twice. This kind of heat tolerance is impossible with any coated pan, and it opens up techniques like broiler finishing and campfire cooking.
The double-riveted stainless handle is practically indestructible, but it does get warm after extended stovetop cooking. Keep an oven mitt or towel nearby for longer sessions.
Made In's proprietary Stay Cool Handle uses a hollow stainless steel design that dissipates heat during stovetop cooking. You can grab it bare for quick flips and transfers — though for extended high-heat searing, a towel is still wise.
The aluminum core runs through the entire pan — base and walls — so heat spreads evenly across the cooking surface. Food browns uniformly without hot spots, and the pan responds quickly when you adjust the burner.
Carbon steel holds heat exceptionally well once it's up to temperature — perfect for getting a deep sear on steaks and chops. It takes a bit longer to heat up and cool down compared to tri-ply stainless, but that heat retention is exactly what makes it the go-to pan for restaurant kitchens.
Works on every cooktop type — gas, electric, ceramic, and induction. If you upgrade your kitchen later, this pan comes with you.
Works on every cooktop type — gas, electric, ceramic, and induction. Carbon steel is naturally magnetic, so there's no special base plate needed.
At 3 pounds, this is one of the lightest fully-clad 12-inch pans available. Easy to lift and toss food with one hand, even when loaded.
At 4.3 pounds, this pan is noticeably lighter than cast iron but heavier than aluminum nonstick or tri-ply stainless alternatives. You can flip food one-handed when the pan is empty, but loaded with a full meal you'll want both hands.
All-Clad recommends hand washing to keep the polished finish looking sharp. It is not a dealbreaker — a quick scrub with Bar Keeper's Friend handles most cleanup.
Hand-wash only — the dishwasher would strip the seasoning you've built up. A quick rinse with hot water and a light scrub is all it takes, but if dishwasher convenience is non-negotiable, this isn't the pan for you.
Everything you need to make the call - who each one is for, and who should skip it.
Go for it if you...
You want the safest possible cooking surface with zero coatings that will never degrade or release chemicals
You cook frequently on high heat and need a pan rated to 600°F for stovetop-to-oven and broiler techniques
You value a lifetime warranty and Made-in-USA construction that your kids might inherit
You use an induction cooktop and need a lightweight fully-clad pan under 4 pounds
You want a completely coating-free cooking surface with zero PFAS or PTFE — just iron and carbon touching your food.
You sear steaks, chops, or stir-fry regularly and want restaurant-grade heat retention in a home kitchen.
You cook on induction and need a pan rated to 1200°F that moves from stovetop to oven to grill without limits.
You prefer a pan that improves with use — carbon steel seasoning builds a natural nonstick layer over time.
The main thing to know
The stainless steel handle gets hot during extended stovetop cooking — you will need an oven mitt or handle cover for longer sessions, and the pan requires hand washing.
Carbon steel requires seasoning maintenance and hand-washing — if you want grab-and-go dishwasher convenience, this adds a daily care step that stainless steel pans don't need.
Skip this if you...
You strongly prefer nonstick convenience and are not willing to learn stainless steel cooking techniques like preheating and oil management
Budget is the primary concern — the Tramontina tri-ply delivers nearly identical construction at roughly one-third the price
You need a pan that can go straight into the dishwasher after every use
You need dishwasher-safe cookware — carbon steel requires hand-washing to preserve its seasoning, every time.
You want a true nonstick surface for eggs, crepes, or delicate fish without learning seasoning technique.
You prefer the lightest possible pan for one-handed cooking — at 4.3 lbs this is manageable but noticeably heavier than aluminum nonstick.
Neither of these quite what you're looking for?
I've reviewed all Frying Pans options at every price pointEvery Frying Pans in our database is scored using R3's deterministic scoring system - the same inputs always produce the same score. For this comparison, we evaluated All-Clad and Made In across 3 independent criteria: Safety (78%), Efficacy (16%), Usability (6%). No sponsored rankings. No paid placements.
Straight answers - no sponsored content, no filler.
I'd start with All-Clad All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel 12 Inch Fry Pan - it scored 9.6/10 overall in our scoring system. Safety is our top-weighted scoring pillar, followed by efficacy, and usability. Check which pillar matters most to your family and compare those specific scores.
R3 uses a deterministic scoring system - the same inputs always produce the same score. We evaluate each Frying Pans across Safety, Efficacy, Usability using independently verified data. No sponsored rankings. No paid placements. Every score is fully reproducible.
Not necessarily. The overall score reflects our weighted rubric, but your priorities may differ. If you care most about safety, compare the safety scores directly. If budget drives your decision, the prices tell a clearer story. The "right" pick is the one that matches what matters most to your family.
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