We cook quite a bit in our house, so we went ahead and splurged on a quality set of pots and pans. We also upgraded to an induction cook top, so some of our mismatched pots and pans were in compatible with the new stove. This set rendered a perfect 10 compatibility with the induction elements. This D5 set has 2 layers of aluminum for quick, even heat distribution for better performance over the D3 series with only a single layer of aluminum. I personally preferred the brushed finish of the D5 set and the flared lips over the high polish outer finish the similar D3 set.

We appreciate that these sets are fabricated in PA USA and are built with high quality materials. Since these are stainless steel finish, you can use metal tools without fear of damaging the cooking surface. You are free to use steel wool to clean up particularly stubborn food. While it may show some minor marring of the finish due to oxidation, you can buff it out with a bit of polishing. Stainless steel does allow for the searing of meat, but excessive heat can result in food sticking the bottom. I have found boiling some water in the pot afterwards for a bit quickly releases the charred food. If all else fails, you can always scrape it from the pan or use steel wool. We just add a bit of oil or butter to the pan when cooking for foods that tend to stick. This way we don't have to worry about harmful chemicals being released into the food or periodic replacement of pans as the non-stick finishes start failing. We plan to used these the rest of our life.

it is nice to have a matched set that covers most of our cooking needs, and will just augment fill in a few gaps. We may buy a D3 dutch over in the future. Otherwise, I am very happy with my seasoned high carbon steel skillet (lighter than traditional cast iron) for easy food release. We are thoroughly enjoying this purchase so far.

Best pans I’ve ever owned – worth every penny (especially at the Black Friday price!)

I’ve been using these on my induction cooktop and love!! Yes, they’re expensive, but I snagged the set during the Black Friday sale for around $800 and it honestly feels like a steal for the quality. The non-toxic coating is exactly what I was looking for (no weird chemicals, no PTFE/PFOA), and they’re legitimately almost nonstick when you use the right heat.

One small learning curve with induction: these heat up FAST, so I just keep the temp a notch three lower than I would with my old pans and nothing sticks. Even if I get distracted and something does manage to cook on, it lifts and cleans pretty easy.

They are definitely heavier and cook as evenly as any pans I’ve ever used.

If they go on sale again next year, I’ll probably buy a second set just to have backups.

100% would buy again – highly recommend if you’re ready to upgrade to something that’s truly non-toxic and performs this well.

A properly-equipped kitchen results as much from ELIMINATING all the low-utility items that every serious cook tries out from time to time as much as it does from ADDING the critical few tools that one truly needs to create memorable meals.

For many cooks, this 10 piece set would be sufficient to fully equip the kitchen, especially if you cook mainly for 2-4 persons. Every pan and cover is the best of its type, effective and pleasant to use, while lasting a lifetime.

The unusual handle design? We love it. It does in fact prevent slippage and the upper concave surface is perfect for fitting the handle of a spoon you’re using to stir the pan. All-Clad thought through this handle design. I’m mystified that this feature has detractors.

The D5 pans definitely do pour better than the slightly differently designed D3 pans.

The All-Clad D5 pans are heavier than most of the stainless cookware one finds on the market, but not unduly so—certainly lighter than Staub or Le Creuset cast iron and even lighter than the carbon steel pans from de Buyer.

We have found these the most even-heating of all our cookware, and have been impressed that if the pan is heated first, oiled second and Maillard Reaction dynamics are followed, food can be cooked without sticking, almost as easily as it can on the best cast iron or carbon steel.

But the D5 pans are more versatile than our cast iron and carbon steel pans, are better for sauces, are easier to clean and require less maintenance.

If you appreciate ultimate-quality kitchen tools, I think you’ll be pleased with this D5 set.

After years of telling myself that someday I would buy some All-Clad cookware, I finally did it. I have waited too long to treat myself to the best and picked a great time to do it. An ugly divorce and a reevaluation of priorities made me decide to upgrade my kitchen tools instead of going on a binge of hookers and blow (just kidding). Less than $600 for a perfect set of the best cookware out there - what a deal. The D5 line is ideal for the home chef who wants to perfect their craft. So far everything has been perfect and has tasted fantastic. At $800 for this set, these pans cannot be beat as they will last forever and perform flawlessly. If you read reviews that are to the contrary, it is because the reviewer does not know how to cook with real, professional grade cookware. No warps, no hot spots, no flaking of cheap non stick surfaces - just superior temperature control and fantastic searing. Cleanup is what you would expect from pans like this and they look brand new after several uses. If all you want is quick cleanup via the dishwasher, buy a cheap set of non-stick pans from the discount store and replace them every year. If you want to hone your skills as a cook or chef, invest in a set of All-Clads and be prepared to be proud of what you plate up for family, friends or just yourself. Part of me wants to buy more All-Clad pans but I haven't began to tap into everything I can do with what I have. Don't wait forever like I did, do it now and get cooking. You will not regret your decision to pick up this set.

We moved into a new house, and, lo&behold, it had an induction cook top. So, the old aluminum-bottom Farberware wasn't gonna cut it. I'd been wanting some real cookware anyway--our old set was from our 50-yrs-ago wedding presents, had served us well, but had some issues, chiefly cracking handles. You'd think you could get replacements, but not so. But I digress. These All-clad pans are the bomb. I don't care that much about their looks, but they look great. And they work better than any pots and pans I've ever owned. Just fabulous. Tight lids. Solid handles. Perfect balance. The no-drip edge really doesn't drip. And the heat distribution---wow, it's really outstanding. I'm used to my old cast iron pans, which are pretty great, but still have some hot spots here and there. Not these All-clads, they're about perfect.

Yes, they're expensive. But in this case you really do get what you pay for. I'm sure there are good options for less. But I'll remember those terrible Farberware handles, and their ugly warped bottoms, for the rest of my life, and, I already can't remember how much I paid for the All-clads. I couldn't be happier with them.

Incidentally, if you're considering induction--quit considering and take the plunge. I've been a gas cooktop guy all my life, and have hated every electric stove I've ever used. But induction is best of both worlds. You get instant heat, but easy clean. I can put a quart of water on one of these induction burners and it's boiling in a couple minutes. My massive cast iron egg pan is ready to go in the time it takes to get the eggs out. I often boil a little water on the stove to wash a dish or two, coz it's faster than waiting for the hot water at the tap. Good thing the smooth glass top is easy to clean, coz it's super easy to have a boilover. The heat comes on so fast and so hot; it takes some getting used to. I'll probably never go back to gas.

The best pans and pots I ever had in my life.

We bought this set over a year ago, and am so glad I spent extra on this high-end set. (The last set from Caphalon was about $400 on sale, but they quickly looked shabby. Fortunately they didn't work with the new induction stovetop!) While these pots are probably great on gas, the combination with induction is amazing - the induction heats up SO fast and only heats the area where the pot is sitting, so you can put a small pot on a larger "ring" without feeling extra heat. If you take the pot off the cooktop and forget to turn off the heat, it just turns itself off. And then this set heats up so evenly that it really does make cooking a joy.

DRYING: After a few months of drying the pots and lids with regular dish cloths, was getting depressed how quickly the lids were developing micro scratch damage. After getting into auto-detailing last year, I was impressed with how detailers are fanatical about the softness of the cloth they use to dry their shiny showcars. (The automotive section on Amazon have the BEST microfiber towels - much better than those sold for housekeeping!)

With that mindset, I bought a set of Meguiar's X2000 Water Magnet Microfiber Drying Towel (http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-X2000-Magnet-Microfiber-Drying/dp/B0009IQZFM/). They not only "suck up" the water immediately, without any rubbing, they do NOT scratch the shiny surface; plus they are large enough even for the large stockpot. Highly recommended. Do not be put off by the fact they are sold for cars! They are just towels, but designed to absorb water and not scratch. I keep one of these towels in a drawer just for drying the pots, so it doesn't get dirty too quickly by using it for everyday drying. The damage to the lids has stopped now; just wish I'd thought of using them sooner. (Regular microfiber towels for cleaning etc. do NOT work as well plus they are always small - they are not designed to absorb water like these large drying towels are.)

The only addition I've made is to add on a small All-Clad non-stick frying pan for scrambling eggs, which is also a great buy. And might also buy another medium pot, as two medium pots would be more useful for how we cook rather than a huge stockpot. I've never been very interested in cooking, but am now paying much more attention and am even buying more cookbooks!

Not that I miss my T-Fal cookware (its been loyal and strong - dare I say - over used). Those pots and pans were easy to cook on and easy to clean - what more can I say, any other day - 10+ years ago - I would buy it again.

With that said, The All-Clad is a learning curve - although it cooks evenly (in my opinion) the cooking takes time like a train. Some food (eggs especially - scrambled, omlet) are complicated to cook and clean (PATIENCE!! and elbow grease) leave it in water over night.

One thing I've noticed are stains in the cookware - that's where the Bartender Friend is a superstar.

Bartender Friend is THE BEST cleanser for ALL aluminum/ stainless steel cookware.

In conclusion, the cookware feels professional (HEAVY but comfortable) and with the pro tag comes pro cooking and pro cleaning. We were very skeptical in the purchase, reasearch always said to buy stainless/ aluminum is the best - but NOTE: it's hard to maintain.

It took a little almost a month before it arrived but it was worth the wait. I was a little worried since it’s from the US and was wary of damages or something but they came intact. Tho when I checked some pots, I think it cannot be helped that there are some scratches and some little black spots from the manufacturer but they are not so visible unless you check really carefully. Not all, only few of them so it’s forgivable given that they all came perfect without deformation or anything. Haven’t tried using them yet as I plan to use them in our new house. Looking forward to it! They are a little heavy for my petite arm but it was not a surprise anymore. After all, I’m after the durability and health benefits of stainless steel cookware.

Muy buena calidad, solo no me gusta que se manchan muy rápido y hay que estarlos limpiando con bar keepers friend si no no se desmanchan

After 3 decades of hefting Le Creusets around it was time to give my arms a rest. They were always great when I used gas but now I worried about dropping a pot on the ceramic surface of my cooktop. I'd used them for so many years I had to relearn a few things when making the change.

First off, a concern I had was heat control after years of cooking with gas. That's turned out to be no problem -- at all. These pans heat up in a fraction of the time, at a much lower setting, and are nicely responsive. I find med-low the new favourite setting while the 'high' setting now gets reserved for boiling water -- and even then it gets turned down to hold a nice roll because these pans conduct heat so very well.

So there's been important relearning about temperatures and settings.

The other thing to overcome was the problem with sticking. I invested in a Fluke no-contact thermometer and had a bit of fun getting the water ball drop test down pat -- and what a huge difference that makes! The only thing I will not do with these pans is fry bacon, for that I'll gladly wrestle with a seasoned cast iron.

Over the decades, Le Creuset offered more shape options than are in the D5 range and, while the tall-sided pots in the D5 range are great, I'm kinda short and we're only two in the house, so low and open pots are my go-to preference. I had to go outside the brushed D5 range to the D3 line-up (which are also very well made and beautiful but have a shiny exterior) and added a 6 Qt pot along with the 1 and 2 Qt sauciers. I indulged a bit more by adding in the little 0.5 Qt sets of ramekins, cocottes, oval bakers and gratins which are great for making single serve items, especially desserts.

The handles are quite long, compared to what I was used to, and more angular. It didn't take long to feel the benefit of their size, they make these pots perfectly maneuverable. My hands are rather small and not 'strong' but these are designed to be very well balanced and everything that needs to has two handles to work with. I invested in the silicone grippers which made a big difference for my small, wobbly hands, and use these mostly for grip because the handles do not hold heat. Where my LC handles would get as hot as the pot, the D5 stays comfortably cool.

I understand how the shape of the long handles feels too angular for comfort, and can feel especially painful for smaller hands, but read how they were intentionally designed with ergonomics for a solid, safe grip from underneath. Once I have the silicone in place to help my small grip, the handle design becomes natural and feels really sturdy. I did get a couple pots/pans from Le Creuset's stainless steel line up before turning to the All-Clad line. I like the feel of the comfort handle on the Le Creuset SS -- they are softer shaped, just as long, and also don't hold the heat. But, if my hand is wet then that comfy rounded handle quickly becomes a hindrance for getting a solid grip which could become a hazzard.

The brushed finish is why I chose the D5 line-up over the D3. As beautiful as the Le Creuset SS is, their high gloss chrome-like finish will drive me a little nuts keeping clean. As it turns out I had to get a few D3s, and there are those little add-ons, which all have polished exteriors -- but the All Clad 'polished' is not at all like the mirror-like finish on the Le Creuset, which is a relief.

Having both D3 and D5 models I can see the differences in manufacturing, styling and features, and there are benefits of choosing cookware from both ranges depending on specific needs. These are built to last, beautifully. After being invested in Le Creuset for decades (and a huge fan of their quality) it was a bit of a mindset adjustment to change brands when the LC SS line up is out and really nice, and is what I started out making the switch to SS with. But, after a lot of research and looking at all the variables, I feel really happy to make the investment in All Clad going forward.

I had to update all my pots & pans as we installed a new induction cooktop. These are incredible quality! Great to cook with. Buying them ‘like new’ from Amazon was half the price of buying them ‘new’ from other online stores. They arrived in mint condition! Also easy to clean, if there’s any type of discolouring after cooking & cleaning with dish liquid, I just use a scrub mommy & The Pink Stuff. Gets it right off. Heads up, they are solid & quite heavy! 10/10

For some reason the 3qt sauce pan came without a lid