Comparison: America’S Test Kitchen Best Saute Pan (Updated | Dec 11th)
Ever wonder why your perfectly seasoned chicken sticks to the pan or your sautéed vegetables turn into a soggy mess? The secret lies in your cookware. From nonstick surfaces to heat distribution, they’ve examined every feature that matters. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or daily dinner maker, their top picks will transform your stovetop cooking from frustrating to flawless.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for healthy ceramic choice: KOCH SYSTEME CS 12-Inch Saute Pan
- Best for award-winning ceramic: GreenPan Valencia Pro Hard Anodized Healthy Ceramic Nonstick 4.5QT Saute Pan Jumbo Cooker with Lid
- Best for even heating pro: Cooks Standard 4-QT Nonstick Deep Sauté Pan with Lid
- Best for durable induction ready: KitchenAid Hard Anodized Induction Nonstick Cookware Saute Pan/Jumbo Cooker with Lid and Helper Handle
- Best for metal utensil safe: Scanpan Classic 4.25 quarts (12 1/2 inch) Nonstick Saute Pan with Lid – Compatible with Gas and Electric Stovetops
- Best for pfas-free ceramic: Cuisinart Contour Hard Anodized 5 Quart Sauté Pan w/Helper Handle & Cover
- Best for classic stainless performance: Cuisinart Contour Stainless 5-Quart Saute Pan with Helper Handle and Glass Cover
- Best for cooking skills guide: 100 Techniques: Master a Lifetime of Cooking Skills
- Best for lifetime warranty pan: Cuisinart Chef’s Classic™ Nonstick Hard Anodized 5.5 Quart Sauté Pan with Helper Handle & Cover
- Best for eco-friendly nonstick: Cuisinart GG33-30H 5.5-Quart Saute Pan with Helper Handle and Cover GreenGourmet
Product Comparison: America’S Test Kitchen Best Saute Pan
Healthy Ceramic Choice
KOCH SYSTEME CS 12-Inch Saute Pan, 5.5-Quart Deep Frying Pan, Toxin-Free Ceramic Nonstick Saute Pan with Lid – Large Scratch-Resistant Deep Fry Pan, Oven Safe, Induction Compatible, Gradient Blue
KOCH SYSTEME CS
- Healthy & Effortless Nonstick Cooking – This 12-inch deep frying pan (3.5-inch depth, 5.5-quart capacity) features a premium ceramic nonstick coating that’s completely free from Teflon, PFAS, PTFE, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. Food slides off easily with minimal oil for healthier meals without sticking or tearing.
- Toxin-Free & Durable Ceramic Interior – Built with a scratch-resistant ceramic layer engineered for daily use. Cook confidently knowing there are no harmful chemicals, toxic fumes, or residues—even at high heat.
- Artistic Gradient Blue Finish – An eye-catching oil-paint-style gradient elevates your kitchen aesthetics while offering the same durability, heat resistance, and easy-clean benefits of our signature ceramic coating.
- Perfect for Family-Size – With its large 12-inch diameter and deep 5.5-quart capacity, this saute pan is ideal for everyday family meals and classic dishes—from oven-roasted chicken to homemade pizzas, big-batch stews, or regional favorites—all in one versatile pan.
- Double Stainless-Steel Handles for Better Control – Two ergonomically designed stainless-steel handles are securely riveted for strength, offering a comfortable, cool-to-the-touch grip and excellent control when lifting or transferring heavy meals.
- Versatile & Oven-Safe Design – Perfect for stovetop-to-oven cooking, this deep nonstick pan works on induction, gas, electric, ceramic, and halogen cooktops. Oven-safe for roasting whole chickens, pizza-style dishes, or hearty casseroles. Dishwasher safe for hassle-free cleanup.
Award-Winning Ceramic
GreenPan Valencia Pro Hard Anodized Healthy Ceramic Nonstick 4.5QT Saute Pan Jumbo Cooker with Lid, PFAS-Free, Induction, Dishwasher Safe, Oven Safe, Gray
GreenPan
- CUTTING-EDGE CERAMIC NONSTICK: Infused with diamonds, GreenPan’s metal utensil safe ceramic nonstick offers remarkable durability, balanced heating, and effortless cleanup.
- TOXIN-FREE: Our signature ceramic nonstick coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead or cadmium.
- AWARD-WINNING PERFORMANCE: Our Valencia Pro has set the standard for ceramic nonstick winner of the best ceramic nonstick 8” and 11” frypans from America’s Test Kitchen and 2023 Good Housekeeping Sustainable Innovation Award.
- DUOFORGED HARD ANODIZED BODIES: Unbelievably tough and scratch-resistant, these pans are pre-treated before they’re hard anodized for extraordinary durability.
- MAGNETO INDUCTION BASES: Optimized for performance on all stovetops, including induction.
- DURABLE GLASS LIDS: Offer an easy way to check on your meal in progress, oven safe up to 425°F
- EASY TO CLEAN: Most messes wipe clean, plus these pans are dishwasher safe for effortless cleanup.
- COMFORTABLE STAINLESS STEEL HANDLES: Mirror-polished stainless steel handle stays cool thanks to a V-shaped cutout.
- PERFORMS WHERE YOU NEED IT: Oven and broiler safe up to 600°F (lids up to 425°F) and suitable for all stovetops, including induction.
Even Heating Pro
Cooks Standard 4-QT Nonstick Deep Sauté Pan with Lid, 10.5-inch Deep Frying Pan Hard Anodized Ceramic Nonstick Induction Cookware, Oven Safe Large Skillet Jumbo Cooker Sartén, Helper Handle, Black
Cooks Standard
- Even Heating: The Cooks Standard Nonstick Deep Sauté Pan is made of heavy-duty aluminum that conducts heat quickly and evenly, ensuring uniformly heated food and better cooking results
- Exceptional Durability: Hard anodized ceramic nonstick pots have greater hardness than ordinary nonstick pots, effectively preventing food from sticking to the bottom
- 4-QT Capacity: The Nonstick deep frying pan has a high sidewall, allowing it to accommodate more ingredients and liquids, making it ideal for various cooking methods such as stir-frying, stewing, and deep-frying
- Glass Lid and Helper Handle: Tempered glass lids with steam vents allow you to view food while cooking; Double-riveted handles provide additional grip support, making it easy to transport and pour out cooked food
- Compatible with All Stovetops: Induction compatible; works on gas, electric, glass, ceramic, halogen, etc; Oven safe up to 500°F, glass lid up to 350°F; Dishwasher safe
Durable Induction Ready
KitchenAid Hard Anodized Induction Nonstick Cookware Saute Pan/Jumbo Cooker with Lid and Helper Handle, Dishwasher Safe, 5 Quart Non Stick Sauteuse with Stainless Steel Handles – Matte Black
KitchenAid
- EVEN, CONSISTENT HEAT: Thick, forged base is designed to heat evenly for experimenting with new recipes and getting beautifully browned results on any stovetop, including induction
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Crafted from durable hard anodized aluminum, this premium-quality pan is built for everyday inventive cooking
- PREMIUM FOOD RELEASE: KitchenAid hard anodized fry pan is finished with triple layer nonstick to stand up to daily wear and tear
- FULLY NONSTICK INTERIOR: Handle rivets are finished with enhanced nonstick for all around easy food release
- EASY TO CLEAN: Pan and glass lid are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
- FINISH IN THE OVEN: Cookware is oven safe to 500°F; 350°F with lid
Metal Utensil Safe
Scanpan Classic 4.25 quarts (12 1/2 inch) Nonstick Saute Pan with Lid – Compatible with Gas and Electric Stovetops, Metal Utensil Safe, Oven Safe to 500°F, Dishwasher Safe
Scanpan
- Patented nonstick surface is metal–utensil safe.
- Specially designed for glass ceramic and gas stoves.
- Squeeze–cast base eliminates hot spots for even cooking and browning.
- Hand–cast in aluminum – stays flat.
- Oven–safe up to 500°F for stovetop to oven techniques.
PFAS-Free Ceramic
Cuisinart Contour Hard Anodized 5 Quart Sauté Pan w/Helper Handle & Cover
Cuisinart
- Hard anodized exterior for even heat distribution
- PURELYCERAMIC nonstick interior. PFAS-Free.*
- Stainless steel Cool Grip stick handle stays cool on the stovetop. V-flange design helps dissipate heat away from the handle and keeps it concentrated in the pan itself for stick handles that stay cool to the touch.
- Tempered glass lid
- Measurement markings on interior
Classic Stainless Performance
Cuisinart Contour Stainless 5-Quart Saute Pan with Helper Handle and Glass Cover,Silver
Cuisinart
- CLASSIC STAINLESS PERFORMANCE – Stainless steel surface doesn’t react with food or alter flavors – the most elegant and efficient cooking material.
- SUPERIOR HEAT DISTRIBUTION – Pure aluminum-encapsulated base heats up quickly and enables even heat distribution for consistent results. No more hot spots!
- KEEP COOKING COOL – Maintain a solid grip with the always cool, always secure stick handles, contoured to your hand for extra comfort.
- CONVENIENT TEMPERED GLASS COVERS – Sleek, flat glass lids with stainless rims seal in moisture and flavor. Glass is tempered for durability to ensure lasting performance.
- ULTIMATE COOKING VERSATILITY – Oven and broiler safe. Freezer safe for easy food storage. Dishwasher Safe Lifetime Warranty
Cooking Skills Guide
100 Techniques: Master a Lifetime of Cooking Skills, from Basic to Bucket List (ATK 100 Series)
AMERICASTES TKITCHEN
Lifetime Warranty Pan
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic™ Nonstick Hard Anodized 5.5 Quart Sauté Pan with Helper Handle & Cover, 633C-30H
Cuisinart
- Hard anodized exterior for even heat distribution
- PURELYCERAMIC nonstick interior. PFAS-Free.*
- Stainless steel Cool Grip stick handle stays cool on the stovetop. V-flange design helps dissipate heat away from the handle and keeps it concentrated in the pan itself for stick handles that stay cool to the touch.
- Tempered glass lid
- Measurement markings on interior
- Oven safe to 500°F
- Easy to clean – hand wash recommended
- Lifetime warranty
Eco-Friendly Nonstick
Cuisinart GG33-30H 5.5-Quart Saute Pan with Helper Handle and Cover GreenGourmet, Black
Cuisinart
- ECO-FRIENDLY DESIGN: The cookware’s hard anodized construction provides high heat conductivity, which requires less energy to reach desired cooking temperatures. Packaging made from from 100% recycled materials and is printed with soy ink
- “EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN: PTFE/PFOA-Free nonstick surface for healthy cooking allowing you to conserve oil consumption. Cuisinart GreenGourmet Cookware has a smooth exterior finish, making it easier to clean and maintain “
- EXCEPTIONAL HANDLING: Cool grip handles are solid stainless steel riveted handles that stay cool on the stove top and provide a safe a solid grip
- CLEAN UP: Easy clean up with hot soapy water and a non abrasive scrub pad
- LIMITED-LIFETIME WARRANTY: Refer to user manual for troubleshooting steps and questions surrounding warranty policies – this product is BPA free
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I look for in a sauté pan?
Look for a pan with a thick, heavy bottom for even heat distribution and a wide, flat cooking surface. A comfortable, stay-cool handle and a tight-fitting lid are also important for versatility and safety.
How does America’s Test Kitchen’s top pick compare to other brands?
America’s Test Kitchen’s top pick often outperforms others in heat retention and durability, though it may be pricier. Cheaper alternatives might lack the same build quality but can still work well for occasional use.
Are nonstick or stainless steel sauté pans better?
Nonstick pans are ideal for delicate foods like eggs or fish, while stainless steel offers better browning and durability. Stainless steel is also oven-safe at higher temperatures, making it more versatile.
What size sauté pan is most versatile?
A 12-inch sauté pan is the most versatile for most home cooks, offering enough space for searing or sautéing larger batches. Smaller pans (8-10 inches) work well for single servings or side dishes.
Is a higher price always worth it for a sauté pan?
Not necessarily—higher-priced pans often offer better materials and construction, but mid-range options can perform well for everyday cooking. Consider your cooking frequency and needs before splurging.
What features make a sauté pan ‘best’ according to America’s Test Kitchen?
America’s Test Kitchen prioritizes even heating, a comfortable handle, and a durable, non-reactive cooking surface. The best pans also balance performance with affordability.
How do I care for a high-quality sauté pan?
Avoid using metal utensils on nonstick surfaces, and always hand-wash to preserve the finish. For stainless steel, use Bar Keepers Friend to remove stubborn stains and maintain shine.
Can a sauté pan replace a skillet or frying pan?
While sauté pans are versatile, their straight sides make them better for sauces and braises than skillets. Skillets are better for tasks like flipping or tossing due to their sloped sides.
