Three saute pan alternatives to All Clad, which one do I choose?

Question

I want to buy my first Saute pan and have it for a long time. I am thinking of a size between 3 and 4 quarts. I have narrowed it down to 3 brands and don't want to pay more than $75. I want to find the right fit for me. I usually only cook for one to two. Any ideas on what the best size is? they all seem to vary a little. I think the 3.3 quart Sitram might be a little small but i like it. The Paderno is 4 quart, don't want any bigger than that. The 3.8 Matfer Bourgeat is the one I am least familiar with, anybody know about this brand? the handle shape also looks a little off to me. Thanks in advance for helping me make my decision. BTW, If you know of more brands I am game to look at them as well.

 http://www.previninc.com/shop/Sitram-Profiserie-Saute-Pans.html

http://www.wayfair.com/Paderno-World-Cuisine-Stainless-Steel-Saute-Pan-11008-xx-WCS1819.html

http://www.previninc.com/shop/Matfer-Bourgeat-Excellence-Saute-Pans.html

Answer

All-Clad is cladded and all three of those are disc-base only. That said, if you are ok with disc-base cookware then all three look good, but Paderno would be my top pick. The aluminum layer in the Paderno is significantly thicker than the Sitram, like 7mm vs 5mm aluminum. I believe the Bourgeat is also 5mm. I reviewed the Paderno series: http://www.centurylife.org/2015/01/28/in-depth-product-review-paderno-world-cuisine-grand-gourmet-series-1100-series-2100-11-inch-paella-pan-skillet-frying-pan/ I also have a Sitram Profiserie rondeau which I don't like quite as much as the Paderno because it doesn't heat quite as evenly nor does it store as much heat. That's not to say the Sitram is bad, just that Paderno is somewhat better. Both have ~1.2mm thick stainless walls which is a huge step up from the usual cheapo disc-base stainless.

I agree with Sueatmo on the lids, they are overpriced for the flimsy pieces they are.

Answer

I use a Beka 8 inch saucepan a lot when I cook for one. The IKEA Sensuell 3 liter saucepan is a steal, use it for cooking rice, pasta when cooking for two or more.


http://www.amazon.com/Beka-Tri-Lux-Conical-Saucepan-Inch/dp/B00A3FVNNU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426232757&sr=8-1&keywords=tri-lux

Answer

I'm not familiar with any of your choices, but I would recommend closer to a 4 qt size. It will allow you to add pasta to a sauce or simmer a little larger quantity of sauce without boil over. A helper handle on the opposite side is very helpful, 3-4 quarts of food plus pan can be heavy. These types of pans can be moved to the oven for finishing, a helper handle makes it so much easier.

Answer

I have seen the 3 quart AC on eBay for $85. 

On the cheap end, Staples sells Vollrath Optio, good $ value.

Answer

How about this 3.5 clad saute from Cuisinart?

http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-MCP33-30HN-MultiClad-Stainless-2-Quart/dp/B008XM3ICE/ref=pd_sim_k_9?ie=UTF8&refRID=0RSGKASYNSTQC4GPDCQH

I have a larger saute and a 8 qt. stockpot in this line and am very pleased with them. They perform just as well as my All Clad does.

Answer

Looking at the dimensions of your 3 choices, I see that all of them have the same diameter, 9.5". Where they vary is in height. Personally, I prefer a slightly wider saute pan, but my favorite one is only .5" wider, so not a lot of difference. 

I would definitely go with the Paderno, which I think is going to give you the best response and most even cooking. More aluminum is better here and that's a really nice pan, it should serve you well. I'd buy one! 

BTW - I think 3-4 quarts is terrific. Mine is just 3 quarts and it's plenty big/deep enough for skillet meals for 4-5 people. This week I made skillet lasagna with a pound of beef, 28 oz of sauce and a pound of pasta. 

For your lid, how about a Vollrath Optio 9.5" lid for ~$15: http://smile.amazon.com/Vollrath-3910C-Stainless-Steel-2-Inch/dp/B004RCHG18/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1426260619&sr=1-2&keywords=vollrath+optio+lid Nice stainless, not flimsy.

Answer

None of these are bad choices. But I would consider a larger size.

Answer

You might also consider whether you'd like a helper handle, especially anything over 3 quarts.

Answer

In that price range I would get the Profisserie. The Paderno you linked to is just fine but likely is not quite as good as the Sitram. The Mafter 3.8 quart is a nice size. If you want to bump it up a notch, get the Paderno Grand Gourmet line:

http://www.bridgekitchenware.com/browse.cfm/paderno-11108-24-saute-9.4in-4.5qts/4,3072.html

You'll note that not only is this much more expensive though, but they also have a very deep shape compared to most other sauté pans. A 4-5 quart sauté will normally inhabit a 28cm footprint. This one is just 24cm. Also, if you get the identical Vollrath Centurion line you'll pay a bit less.

http://www.webstaurantstore.com/vollrath-3604-centurion-4-5-qt-saute-pan/9223604.html

Also, beware of many 3 quart sauté pans which are really only 2.6 quarts, but round up to 3 quarts.

Lastly, I don't remember if you are using induction, but if not, I would go with the Sitram Catering 3.2 quart sauté. It's built better than the ones you linked to, and is a legit 3.2 quarts, with slightly higher sides than many sauté pans, yet not quite as deep as the the Grand Gourmet or the Centurion. Much of the Catering line has gotten a bit expensive, but the 3.2 quart sauté (along with the 3 quart saucepan) is one of their value pieces:

http://www.amazon.com/Sitram-Catering-3-2-Quart-Commercial-Stainless/dp/B00004SADV/ref=pd_sim_k_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=1T5DNA4P1BQJVYNY0JHK

I don't think there's a better value out there for performance and durability.

Randy

Answer

I'm going to post this just to be an equal opportunity recommender:

http://www.amazon.com/All-Clad-5403-Stainless-Dishwasher-3-Quart/dp/B00005AL5W

Be aware that it is the older model, though, so it may not be induction compatible.

I would still go with the Sitram Catering, though -- it has better steel (not even close, IMO), and more, better conductive material where it counts. Plus the Catering is rivetless with flared pouring rims.

The regular All-Clad saute pans are a bit shallow for my tastes, and therefore slightly less versatile, IMO. Note that this one above has a 10.5" diameter which is about an inch wider than standard for a 3 quart job. There's nothing wrong with it, but in a fully clad pan I would just get the 10" fry pan over this.

Answer

I've used Paderno Classic line for many years. Performs wonderfully. No rivets to trap grease, etc so it is easy to get perfectly clean. Not too much "cladding" so even the full stock pot is not too heavy. I use the 2L and 4L saute pans and find them great for my needs. Paderno's own website usually advertises their weekly specials with fantastic reductions on a few items each week. As well they have their "Factory Sale" at least twice each year - Spring and Fall - when the prices may be as much as 70 percent off! My kitchen is all Paderno but I have never bought anything at full price. Happy Shopping

Answer

Best price I've seen in a few years:

http://www.amazon.com/Sitram-Catering-3-2-Quart-Commercial-Stainless/dp/B00004SADV/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426987325&sr=8-1&keywords=Sitram+catering+saute

Answer

Just thought I'd let you know, there is a VERY RARE 26cm Sitram Catering pan for sale on Ebay, WITH LID, for $50 plus shipping. The lid alone costs well over $30. This stuff is fairly indestructible, so the fact that it's used shouldn't be an issue. It looks to be in very good condition.

Answer

For those interested, the pan in question is listed as "Sitram 26S 10.2"". (and no, I am not the seller)

Answer

I realize I should have just provided a link!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251891692159?_trksid=p2060353.m1431.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

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Three saute pan alternatives to All Clad, which one do I choose?

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