It’s worth investing in the best saute pan for your kitchen, even if you’re not a master chef. That’s because a saute pan is a true workhorse in the kitchen and works equally well for everything from braising chicken to cooking curries and whipping up your favorite sauces. We’ve reviewed and compared cookware from popular brands including Caraway, Cuisinart, Made In and more to bring you the best options for your budget.
Looking for more great cookware essentials? Check out our best frying pans and the best cookware sets for every budget.
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Price: $135.00 Shop now at Caraway | Shop now Read our review |
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Price: $149.00 Shop now at Made In | Shop now Read our review |
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1. Caraway Saute Pan with Lid
Price: $135.00Pros:- Large saute pan for families
- Available in many fun colors
- Made without harmful chemicals
Cons:- Not dishwasher safe
- Very heavy with the lid
- Handles can get hot
Caraway cookware is renowned for its ceramic nonstick material. If you’re trying to eat healthier, the naturally slippery surface on this Caraway saute pan means you don’t have to use much (if any) oil or butter to cook your favorite foods. Easy food release also means less time spent scrubbing the pan when you’re done.
If potential environmental impact is on your mind as you shop for your next saute pan or cookware set, you’ll appreciate knowing that this Caraway saute pan is made in an eco-friendly manner that releases up to 60 percent less C02 compared to average nonstick coatings. This ceramic saute pan features a mineral-based coating that won’t leak into your food.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or you prefer to make large portions of food at a time, this 4.5-quart pan has you covered. You’ll find plenty of room to saute, fry and cook your favorite foods on this 11.8-inch saute pan. Craving a delicious side dish? Make stews, soups and more without sacrificing much space in these best small slow cookers.
Helper handles on the front and back of the pan add a much-needed element of convenience. This Caraway saute pan weighs just under seven pounds with its lid.
Caraway is also known for its vibrant colors,. We’ve highlighted the cream color since it matches virtually any existing decor, but you can add a pop of color with playful colors such as Perracotta, Sage and Navy.
You can safely use your Caraway saute pan on induction, gas and electric surfaces. Its nonstick ceramic exterior makes this saute pan a stylish choice for your home, while its aluminum core heats up quickly and evenly. The pan is oven safe up to 550 degrees.
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2. Made In Nonstick Saute Pan
Price: $149.00Pros:- Five-ply stainless steel construction
- Triple-cured surface for longevity
- Oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons:- Shouldn't be used with metal utensils
- Not dishwasher safe
- Surface scratches fairly easily
If other enthusiastic Made In cookware reviews are any indication, the company has set its Nonstick Saute Pan up for success. Made In offers a nonstick version of its already popular 3.5-quart saute pan for effortless food release and easy cleaning. This pan is made in Italy and weighs three pounds, which is about average for a pan this size.
To ensure each dish turns out as it should, this pan has two layers of nonstick coating that’s made without PFOA, silicon and other toxins.
Its sturdy five-ply stainless steel construction makes the pan a practical choice for liquid-based dishes such as risotto, sauces and caramelized onions. Check out our best frying pans if you’re looking for a piece of cookware that can handle higher heat for browning and searing food. A spacious 9.5-inch cooking surface diameter is plenty for whipping up multiple servings at once.
The company’s Made Slick surface is triple-cured for longevity and is designed to last up to three times as long as ceramic nonstick surfaces. For best results, Made In recommends not using metal utensils on its nonstick cookware.
The saute pan is compatible with most cooking surfaces, including induction. It’s also oven safe up to 500 degrees. Stay-cool helper handles allow for safe handling when the pan is hot.
Hand washing is recommended for best results, although the pan’s nonstick surface makes cleaning up a breeze.
Find more Made In Nonstick Saute Pan information and reviews here.
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3. T-fal Saute Pan
Pros:- Nonstick interior and exterior
- 5-quart capacity is great for families
- Comes with a limited lifetime warranty
Cons:- Handles seem flimsy
- Bottom is a bit thin
- Not dishwasher-safe
The T-fal jumbo cooker has a spacious five-quart capacity, which makes it an appealing choice for families. If you’re looking for a well-built saute pan that won’t break the bank, the Jumbo Cooker is available in a few different styles.
The first is the basic nonstick pan, which features a toxin-free nonstick interior and exterior. This affordable pan is oven safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and is compatible with most cooktops except induction.
Upgrade to the Hard-Anodized Titanium Nonstick if you’re looking for a more durable alternative. The heavy-duty pan is reinforced with scratch-resistant hard titanium and is oven safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Titanium Nonstick Induction Base pan works will every cooktop, including induction. It’s also reinforced with hard titanium and features a heavy-duty stainless steel base. This large saute pan is oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Each pan features T-fal’s innovative Thermo Spot indicator. When the pan is properly preheated, its center ring turns red to let you know that it’s time to start adding ingredients. Stay-cool helper handles allow for seamless transitions from the stovetop to the oven. All three Jumbo Cooker pans are dishwasher safe and come with a limited lifetime warranty.
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4. Blue Diamond Cookware Ceramic Saute Pan
Pros:- Large five-quart capacity is ideal for families
- Won't release toxins even when overheated
- Can be used up to 850 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons:- Not induction-compatible
- Shouldn't be used over high heat
- Nonstick surface isn't the most durable
The Blue Diamond Ceramic 5-Quart Saute Pan is on the larger side for a saute pan, which makes it an essential piece of cookware for family dinners, dinner parties and more. It’s also highly versatile and can be used for sauteing, stir frying and searing your favorite meat or veggies.
This updated version features a more durable coating that’s infused with diamonds. Not only does this infusion make the coating resistant to scratches, it also enhances its durability compared to average nonstick pans. If you’re planning on keeping your pan for a long time, it’s best to use softer utensils made from nylon or wood to avoid scratching the surface.
The diamonds transfer heat better than non-infused surfaces and protect against cold or hot pockets. As with the other best ceramic saute pans on our list, this one stands out for its easy food release and cleanup. A forged base guards against warping as you cook.
Most saute pans in this price range are oven-safe on lower temperatures, but this Blue Diamond saute pan is safe for use in the oven and broiler up to 850 degrees Fahrenheit.
This pan is suitable for all cooking surfaces except induction. It’s also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning when you’re done.
Find more Blue Diamond Cookware Ceramic Saute Pan information and reviews here.
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5. Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Saute Pan
Pros:- Stainless steel surface won't discolor or react
- Compatible with induction cooktops
- Aluminum-encapsulated base
Cons:- A bit heavy
- Food tends to stick
- Cleanup can be tricky
If you’re shopping for the best stainless steel saute pan for your money, it’s hard to go wrong with this Cuisinart Classic pan. Cuisinart has earned plenty of praise in the culinary world for its sleek, stylish and well-built cookware, and this sturdy saute pan is no exception. A modern mirror finish instantly elevates this pan to top chef-level status, although you don’t need much cooking experience to use this pan for your favorite meals.
The best saute pans heat up quickly and efficiently without hot spots. This Cuisinart saute pan has an aluminum-encapsulated base that heats your favorite foods quickly and easily.
A stainless steel cooking surface completes the look and won’t discolor or react with food. You can safely use the Cuisinart pan on any surface, including induction cooktops. A secure flavor-locking lid makes this premium stainless steel saute pan an essential investment for any kitchen. Drip-free pouring minimizes messes to make cleaning up even easier.
This large 5.5-quart saute pan is ideally sized for families and making larger batches. Integrated measurement markings help you keep track of your recipes. Front and back helper handles make it easier to move this hefty 6.15-pound saute pan as needed.
The pan is dishwasher safe and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Find more Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Saute Pan information and reviews here.
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6. Ninja Foodi NeverStick Hard-Anodized Saute Pan
Pros:- Cookware is covered by a five-year NeverStick warranty
- All components are oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
- Scratch-resistant hard-anodized exterior
Cons:- Sides aren't very tall
- Requires some oil or butter for stickier foods
- Lid doesn't have a vent
According to Ninja, its NeverStick cookware — including this saute pan — is made at a temperature of 30,000 degrees Fahrenheit, compared to the maximum temperature of 900 degrees Fahrenheit for many other nonstick pans. This higher temperature protects against chipping and flaking over time. Ninja even covers its NeverStick cookware with a five-year NeverStick warranty.
I had a chance to test out this three-quart saute pan as part of a larger cookware set that I received from Ninja as a product sample. While I’ve only had the pan for a few months, I have used it to successfully make a variety of dishes. From tofu to vegetables to grains, I’ve made plenty of dishes without food sticking to the bottom of the pan. Stickier food such as tofu and certain vegetables may require a small amount of oil or liquid to keep it sliding smoothly across the surface.
At the core of this Ninja saute pan is its heavy-gauge 4.5 mm aluminum base, which heats up quickly and retains heat. The base also prevents hot spots to ensure food cooks evenly. The pan is just as durable on the outside with its hard-anodized exterior. Not only does the cookware look sleek and modern, it’s also more resistant to scratches.
The best saute pans come with lids to seal in moisture. This Ninja pan is accompanied by a tempered glass lid with a sturdy stainless steel rim. The lid formed a tight seal every time to lock in moisture without clouding over, so I was able to clearly see my meal’s progress at all times.
A stainless steel induction plate makes this Ninja pan compatible with induction cooktops. It also works with gas, glass, ceramic and electric surfaces.
Ninja’s NeverStick cookware is restaurant tested and approved and is built to withstand high temperatures and aggressive scrubbing. The lid, handle and coating are all oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Cleaning up won’t take long thanks to the pan’s slippery surface, but it is dishwasher safe if you want to save time.
Find more Ninja Foodi NeverStick Hard-Anodized Saute Pan information and reviews here.
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7. BergHOFF International Gem Non-Stick Aluminum Saute Pan with Lid
Price: $129.63Pros:- Lid can be stored vertically on the pan for hands-free cooking
- Pouring rims allow for mess-free straining
- Works on most cooktops, including induction
Cons:- Not dishwasher safe
- Surface isn't scratch-resistant
- Can't be used in the oven
Whether you’re cooking for one or a group of friends, this covered BergHOFF saute pan has a versatile lid that makes cooking easier. Unlike most other saute pans, its lid can be placed vertically on the pot to free up your hands for stirring and serving. The lid even has two straining slots, so you don’t have to strain pasta and other food separately. These features save time and effort, so you can get dinner on the table that much faster.
A non-stick coating lets you cut down on excess fat per dish, so you’ll consume less fat and fewer calories with each bite. Constructed with two layers of nonstick anodized aluminum coating, this pan is designed to last. The surface isn’t scratch-resistant, though, so the manufacturer recommends using plastic or wood utensils to avoid scuffing the coating. An aluminum exterior makes the pan a robust choice for your favorite dishes.
You can easily stir and saute ingredients on the 10-inch surface. This saute pan also works on most cooktops, including induction. However, it isn’t oven-safe.
Cool-touch handles allow you to safely handle the pan when cooking and even serve the food as soon as it’s ready. To preserve the pan’s coating, it’s best to wait until it cools down completely before hand-washing.
Find the BergHOFF International Gem Non-Stick Aluminum Saute Pan with Lid here.
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8. Cooks Standard Saute Pan
Pros:- Riveted stainless steel handles
- Safe for the dishwasher and induction cooking
- Durable stainless steel construction
Cons:- Certain foods can stick to the bottom
- A bit heavy
- Only has two layers of stainless steel
The Cooks Standard stainless steel saute pan is one of our favorite budget picks. Whether you’re cooking for one or a family, the pan comes in several sizes to suit your cooking needs. While some of its more expensive competitors have three layers of stainless steel, this pan has two. However, the 18/10 stainless steel is highly durable and sleek.
An aluminum core base heats up quickly along the base and walls for efficient cooking. The best saute pans have straight sides and a flat surface to provide you with all the cooking space you need for your favorite dishes. This stainless steel saute pan measures 17.25 x 10 x 5.5 inches, which is enough for several servings. A tight-fitting lid prevents moisture from escaping, which in turn locks in flavor, nutrients and moisture.
This affordable saute pan works on all cooktops, including induction. It’s also oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Not in the mood to scrub the pan? It’s dishwasher safe for effortless cleanup.
Find more Cooks Standard Saute Pan information and reviews here.
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9. All-Clad Saute Pan
Pros:- Copper center core
- 18/10 stainless steel construction
- Loop and long handles
Cons:- Can take some effort to remove cooked-on grease
- May discolor with high heat
- Cleaning can be tricky
Copper cookware excels in heat distribution, which is why we’ve picked this All-Clad saute pan as one of the best stainless steel saute pans for your money. A highly polished stainless steel exterior means you won’t mind leaving this upscale pan out when guests arrive. The 18/10 stainless steel is renowned for its durability and won’t react with food.
You’ll pay more for this high-quality pan, which is made in the U.S. and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. The fact that it heats up quickly and retains heat better than most other pans makes this saute pan one of our top picks for skilled chefs.
Copper is heavy and dense, which means this All-Clad pan definitely isn’t the lightest piece of cookware. However, denser pans tend to retain heat better and enable you to get a delicious sear on your favorite food. Sturdy stainless steel helper handles make it easier to move this heavy seven-pound saute pan around the kitchen.
If you’re looking for a larger saute pan for family meals, this five-quart pan has plenty of room. It also comes in smaller and larger sizes. Each pan has tall sides for effortless stirring, sauteing and even flipping ingredients. An included stainless steel lid seals in moisture and flavor.
This All-Clad stainless steel pan is safe for the oven and broiler up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also optimized for induction cooktops.
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10. Calphalon Classic Nonstick Saute Pan
Pros:- Naturally resists against corrosion
- Durable hard-anodized aluminum construction
- Smooth cooking surface
Cons:- Not dishwasher safe
- May require more oil than other nonstick surfaces
- Not induction compatible
Durable hard-anodized aluminum construction makes the Calphalon Classic Saute Pan a must for chefs of all abilities. Hard-anodized aluminum is renowned for its durability and natural ability to resist corrosion. It also conducts heat well, which is a must for any saute pan.
If you’re trying to avoid spending your entire paycheck on a new saute pan, aluminum is a budget-friendly alternative. Hard-anodized aluminum produces a smooth surface that keeps food from sticking as you cook. However, you may find yourself using a bit more oil or fat to keep food moving than on a surface such as ceramic. It’s also best to avoid using metal utensils with this type of material.
This Calphalon saute pan is made with a dual-layer nonstick interior that’s made without PFOA and easily scrubs clean when you’re done cooking. It’s also just the right size for family dinners thanks to its large five-quart capacity. An included tempered glass lid forms a tight seal to prevent moisture and flavor from escaping.
Stylish stainless steel helper handles make it easy to move the pan around. The stay-cool handles keep your hands safe when the pan is hot. This pan is oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and is compatible with gas, glass, halogen and electric stovetops.
Find more Calphalon Classic Nonstick Saute Pan information and reviews here.
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11. GreenPan Hudson Ceramic Nonstick Saute Pan with Lid
Pros:- Stay-cool Bakelite handles
- Can be cleaned by hand or dishwasher
- Lid and pan are both oven safe
Cons:- Handles can discolor in the oven
- Not induction compatible
- Can't handle high oven temperatures
The GreenPan Hudson Ceramic Nonstick Saute Pan doesn’t release toxic fumes, even if you accidentally overheat the pan. Not only does the pan’s nonstick coating mean you can cook using less oil and butter, it’s also made without lead, PFOA, cadmium and PFAS.
This GreenPan saute pan has a three-quart capacity and features a heavy-duty forged base that won’t warp. You can safely use the pan up to 320 degrees Fahrenheit, although its Bakelite handles might discolor over 280 degrees Fahrenheit. The tempered glass lid seals in moisture as you cook and is oven safe up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
GreenPan’s Hudson collection features an innovative Thermolon ceramic coating that’s reinforced with diamonds for added strength and nonstick properties. The pan’s slippery surface means less time spent cleaning up after your meal, but it’s also dishwasher safe to save even more time.
You can safely use this GreenPan saute pan on any cooktop except induction.
Find more GreenPan Hudson Ceramic Nonstick Saute Pan with Lid information and reviews here.
What Is a Saute Pan?
A saute pan often endures quick temperature changes. The best saute pans have excellent heat responsiveness, meaning they heat up quickly and maintain a steady temperature as you cook.
Aluminum and copper conduct heat especially well and are some of the most common reactive materials in cookware, according to What's Cooking America.
If you can stretch your budget, it's hard to beat the Caraway Sauté Pan with Lid. This saute pan has a durable nonstick ceramic interior and an aluminum core that heats up quickly and evenly. It also comes in several fun colors to show off your personality.
We think the All-Clad stainless steel saute pan is one of the best stainless steel saute pans for your money. It's quite heavy and expensive, but its copper core makes this pan's heat retention second to none. A more budget-friendly alternative is the Cooks Standard Saute Pan, which is also induction compatible.
Which Size Saute Pan Should I Buy?
Most saute pans range between three and four quarts. However, there are plenty of options available if you're cooking for a family or a crowd. The capacity isn't quite the same as a multi-cooker, but most saute pans have a large enough surface to easily stir, toss and flip ingredients.
We highly recommend the T-fal Jumbo Cooker Saute Pan, which has a generous five-quart capacity. Another perk is its Thermo Spot indicator, which turns solid red to let you know when the pan is fully preheated and ready to use.
What Is the Difference Between a Frying Pan and a Saute Pan?
If you're interested in eating healthier, a saute pan is the way to go. Most of the best saute pans on the market today have durable nonstick coating that requires little to no oil to cook your favorite foods.
According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the average American consumes up to 5.6 grams of trans fat a day. This type of fat is often found in fried chicken, French fries and similarly unhealthy foods.
Frying and saute pans may look similar, but there are some subtle differences to distinguish the two. Saute pans have straight sides and offer more cooking space than similarly sized frying pans, which have sloped sides. While most saute pans come with lids to lock in moisture, frying pans do not.