4 High-Quality Alternatives to All-Clad Cookware (That Cost Less) (2024)

When it comes to premium stainless steel cookware, All-Clad reigns supreme.

The American-made cookware has it all: even heat distribution, elegant design, functional features, and long-lasting durability.

But, there’s one undeniable downside—it’s incredibly expensive.

Although I believe All-Clad is totally worth the investment, it’s not the only cookware that heats evenly, looks great, and lasts a long time. Several other options deliver similar benefits at a much lower cost.

If you’re looking for All-Clad quality, but you don’t have the budget for All-Clad prices, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, I’ll share with you the best alternatives to All-Clad’s top 4 cookware collections.

By the end, you’ll understand how much you can save and what you’ll be sacrificing (if anything) by choosing one of the alternatives.

Let’s get started!

Use the links below to navigate this article:

• All-Clad Alternatives: Key Takeaways
• The Best Alternative to All-Clad D3 Stainless
• The Best Alternative to All-Clad D5 Brushed and Polished
• The Best Alternative to All-Clad Copper Core
• The Best Alternative to All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Non-Stick
• All-Clad Factory Seconds Sales

The Best Alternative to All-Clad D3 Stainless

D3 Stainless is All-Clad’s most popular collection, and it’s not difficult to see why.

Its tri-ply construction is made up of an 18/10 stainless steel interior (cooking surface), a heavy-gauge aluminum core, and, as you can see below, a polished magnetic stainless steel exterior.

All-Clad D3 cookware is oven and broiler-safe up to 600 degrees, dishwasher-safe, and compatible with all cooktops, including induction.

Although D3 Stainless is more affordable than All-Clad’s other collections, it’s still expensive (view current price on Amazon or All-Clad.com).

So, if you’re a fan of the All-Clad D3 collection, but the price tag is scaring you away, you may want to consider alternatives.

Heritage Steel cookware is the best affordable alternative to the All-Clad D3 Stainless collection.

Although this cookware isn’t cheap, its construction and aesthetics are similar to All-Clad D3, but it costs less (view current price on HeritageSteel.us or Amazon).

But, before I get into why I believe it’s the best alternative, let’s take a quick look at how these two collections compare.

All-Clad D3 vs. Heritage Steel

Why It’s the Best Alternative to All-Clad D3 Stainless

Heritage Steel is the best alternative to All-Clad D3 because it matches or exceeds All-Clad D3 at almost every point. From the fully-clad construction to the induction-compatible stainless steel exterior, it’s an overall great value.

Like All-Clad, Heritage Steel cookware is made in the USA, and the company has been in business for decades.

The most significant differences between All-Clad D3 Stainless and Heritage Steel are:

• Heritage Steel is oven-safe up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit while All-Clad D3 is oven-safe up to 600.
• The exterior of Heritage Steel cookware is 316Ti (titanium-reinforced) which they claim is more durable than the standard 18/10 stainless steel All-Clad uses.
• All-Clad D3 handles are straight and cup-shaped, while Heritage Steel handles are rounded. I prefer All-Clad’s handles because they prevent your hand from rotating when you tilt or pour the pan. I’ve noticed my hand slip when tilting the Heritage Steel handles, especially when wearing an oven mitt.
• Heritage Steel is a relatively small, family-owned cookware manufacturer based in Clarksville, TN. Although All-Clad has humble roots, it’s now one of the biggest cookware brands in the world and was acquired by Groupe SEB in 2004.
• Heritage Steel started over 40 years ago and still makes all its cookware in the USA. All-Clad makes the base of its D3 pans in the United States, but its handles and lids are made in China.

I conducted a controlled head-to-head test to see how Heritage Steel and All-Clad D3 compare.

After preheating both pans to the same temperature and adding the same amount of oil, I placed pieces of chicken prepared the same way in each pan.

See Also

The best pots and pans you can find at All-CladAll-Clad vs. Made In (Cookware Comparison) - Prudent ReviewsBest All-Clad Cookware: Key Differences Between Each CollectionMade In Cookware vs All-Clad: A Hands-On Review After 10+ Years of Testing Cookware - 33rd Square

The chicken in both pans released cleanly from the cooking surface without sticking and cooked evenly.

The key takeaway? With Heritage Steel, you get similar cookware for less. Check it out on HeritageSteel.us or Amazon or learn more in this comparison of All-Clad vs. Heritage Steel.

Other Alternatives to All-Clad D3 Stainless

If for whatever reason, Heritage Steel cookware doesn’t appeal to you, there are other excellent alternatives to All-Clad D3 Stainless.

These are a few other high-quality options to consider:

• Misen Stainless Steel (view on Misen.com): Misen is a New York-based start-up offering high-quality kitchen knives and cookware. Its fully-clad stainless steel cookware is thick, hefty, and made with a three-layer aluminum core for optimal heat conduction and retention. It’s classy-looking cookware that performs as well as it looks. The best part—it’s significantly cheaper than All-Clad D3 Stainless. Check out my full review and in-depth comparison of Misen vs. All-Clad to learn more.
• Cuisinart Multi-Clad Pro (view on Amazon): Cuisinart is another trusted brand that’s been competing with All-Clad in the cookware game for decades. Cuisinart Multi-Clad Pro cookware comes with tri-ply construction, a stunning brushed (matte) steel exterior, and stainless steel lids. It’s oven-safe up to 500 degrees and compatible with all cooktops. This collection is one of Cuisinart’s most popular, and it costs significantly less than All-Clad. Learn more in my in-depth review of Cuisinart.
• Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad (view on Amazon): Lastly is the Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad collection. Tramontina is another well-known competitor of All-Clad with a long history of making quality kitchen products. Like the other alternatives, this cookware is made of the same materials and has the same tri-ply construction as All-Clad D3 Stainless. It also has the same polished (shiny) exterior finish. Its stainless steel handles are attached by two steel rivets, and it comes with matching stainless steel lids. Its oven-safe up to 500 degrees and safe on all cooktops. Learn more in my Tramontina cookware review.

The Best Alternative to All-Clad D5

All-Clad D5 is another incredibly popular collection, and it comes in two varieties: brushed and polished. D5 Brushed cookware has an elegant matte exterior while D5 Polished has a shiny exterior.

Here’s a look at the brushed version.

All-Clad D5 is considered 5-ply cookware, which means it’s constructed with five bonded layers. The layers are (from the outside in): magnetic steel, aluminum, steel, aluminum, and 18/10 steel.

The two internal aluminum layers work in conjunction with the steel core layer. The aluminum transfers heat evenly, and the steel core acts as a diffuser, so you don’t mistakenly scorch your pan. In other words, the steel core slows the heat down, which makes the cookware more forgiving.

If you love the idea of All-Clad D5 but can’t get past its high price, the best alternative is Made In stainless steel (view on MadeInCookware.com or Amazon).

Made In is a relatively new brand. It launched its stainless steel collection in 2016 and has since expanded into non-stick, copper, and carbon steel cookware.

Since launching, Made In has earned thousands of 5-star reviews and praise from renowned chefs like Tom Colicchio and Grant Achatz. It is used in several Michelin-star restaurants, including Alinea in Chicago and Le Bernardin in New York City.

Like All-Clad D5, Made In pans are made of 5-ply stainless steel with a similar brushed exterior (see below), triple-layer aluminum core, and stainless steel cooking surface.

If you’re looking for 5-ply cookware from a reputable brand, but All-Clad D5 is too expensive, Made In is the best option.

Let’s take a look at how these two premium collections compare head-to-head.

All-Clad D5 vs. Made In Stainless Steel

Why It’s the Best Alternative to All-Clad D5

Made In stainless steel is a great alternative to All-Clad D5 because it has 5-ply, multi-clad construction with layers of aluminum and steel just like All-Clad; however, its layering differs.

Layering matters when it comes to how quickly a pan heats and cools down, as well as how it responds to temperature changes when you adjust the knobs on your cooktop.

All-Clad D5 has alternating layers of aluminum and stainless steel, with steel at the core. In contrast, Made In has two layers of stainless steel exterior (outside and cooking surface), with three layers of aluminum in the middle.

Since aluminum heats more quickly than steel, Made In pans heat up faster than D5. And that’s not just theory; my heat conduction tests prove it. But since it heats faster, you have to pay close attention while cooking with Made In.

All-Clad D5’s steel core diffuses the heat transfer between the stove and the cooking surface, which makes those pans a bit more forgiving. So, if you get distracted while cooking with All-Clad D5 or you turn the heat too high by mistake, you’re less likely to burn your food.

All-Clad and Made In both use 18/10 stainless steel for their interior cooking surface. 18/10 steel is an alloy (a combination of metals) containing 18% chromium to resist rust and 10% nickel to combat erosion and provide luster.

Since Made In sells directly to consumers on their website, cutting out the middleman, their cookware is more affordable than All-Clad. Expect to pay about 30% less than All-Clad D5.

If you’re looking for a premium set of 5-ply cookware, but All-Clad is beyond your budget, I highly recommend checking out Made In.

If you want to learn more, you can read several other reviews and check the current price of Made In on MadeInCookware.com or Amazon. Or check out my in-depth comparison of All-Clad vs. Made In.

Other Alternatives to All-Clad D5 Stainless

Besides All-Clad D5 and Made In, another high-quality 5-ply stainless steel collection to consider is Viking Professional 5-Ply.

Viking Professional 5-Ply (view on Amazon): Although Viking is best known for their commercial-grade, ultra-premium kitchen appliances, they also make excellent cookware. The Viking Professional 5-Ply collection is not cheap, but it boasts five layers of steel and aluminum, it’s oven-safe up to 600 degrees, and it’s made in the U.S.A. Learn more in my in-depth Viking cookware review.

The Best Alternative to All-Clad Copper Core

All-Clad Copper Core is a stunning collection in terms of both design and performance.

This 5-ply bonded stainless steel cookware has something that most cookware does not: a copper core.

Copper is one of the best materials for transferring heat fast and evenly because it has a high thermal conductivity. But, copper also has a very low heat capacity, which means it doesn’t hold heat for very long. In other words, it heats up and cools down quickly.

So when you’re cooking with All-Clad Copper Core, you’ll notice that it reacts quickly to changes in temperature, giving you complete control.

This charming collection has one major drawback—it’s incredibly expensive (view current prices on Amazon or All-Clad.com).

If you’re looking for an alternative that will deliver similar results at a much lower price, consider Legend Copper Core (view on Amazon).

This collection is an excellent alternative to All-Clad Copper Core because it features the same 5-ply construction with a thick copper core. But, since this brand is a startup and manufactures in China, it costs significantly less.

Let’s take a closer look at how All-Clad Copper Core and Legend Copper Core compare.

All-Clad Copper Core vs. Legend Copper Core

Why It’s the Best Alternative to All-Clad Copper Core

Legend Copper Core pans feature 5-ply construction with a copper core, just like All-Clad Copper Core.

The interior and exterior are stainless steel, followed by two layers of aluminum, and finally, a thick copper core for even heating and precise temperature control.

However, there are some key differences:

• Legend fry pans have much taller and straighter sides. They look more like saute pans than traditional frying pans.
• Due to the taller sides and thicker materials, Legend Copper Core pans are much heavier than All-Clad Copper Core pans. For example, All-Clad’s 12-inch pan weighs 3.7 pounds, while the Legend weighs 5.5 pounds.
• Legend lacks the signature All-Clad copper band around the exterior of the pans. Its solid polished finish is more traditional and understated.
• The handles are significantly thicker and wider than All-Clad’s handles. You get a secure grip, even when wearing oven mitts. But they can feel bulky if you have small hands.

When it comes to performance, though, Legend matches up well. It offers precise temperature control and responsiveness thanks to the 5-ply copper core construction. And it costs about 60% less than the equivalent All-Clad pieces.

So if you want copper core performance without the premium All-Clad pricing, Legend is an excellent alternative.

Read several other reviews and check the current price of Legend on Amazon. Or learn more about All-Clad Copper Core in my in-depth review.

The Best Alternative to All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Non-Stick

All-Clad is famous for its multi-clad stainless steel cookware, but they also make a few premium non-stick collections.

Their most popular non-stick collection is called HA1 Hard Anodized Non-Stick.

All-Clad’s non-stick offerings are what you’d expect from the prestigious brand—very well-crafted.

The HA1 collection is made with thick gauge hard-anodized aluminum with three layers of PFOA-free non-stick coating, which makes it incredibly easy to flip eggs and pancakes and to cook delicate foods without sticking.

It has stainless steel handles and a steel bonded base, which prevents warping and makes it compatible with induction cooktops.

All this sounds great, right? Well, just like the other All-Clad collections, this one has a downside. You guessed it; it’s pricey.

If you get sticker shock when you see the price of All-Clad HA1 (see on Amazon or All-Clad.com), you should consider the next best thing: Misen non-stick cookware (view on Misen.com).

Misen non-stick pans are made of thick aluminum with a steel base plate for induction compatibility.

Both brands use PFOA-free non-stick coating. All-Clad uses three layers, while Misen coats its pans with a plasma primer followed by a 3-layer non-stick coating for added longevity.

The best part? It’s significantly cheaper than All-Clad HA1.

To better understand why Misen is the best alternative to All-Clad HA1 cookware, let’s take a closer look at their differences and similarities.

All-Clad HA1 vs. Misen Non-Stick

Why It’s the Best Alternative to All-Clad HA1

Misen non-stick cookware is an impressive alternative to the All-Clad HA1 collection.

Why?

Its appearance, materials, construction, and performance are almost identical to All-Clad HA1, but it costs much less.

Both collections are made with aluminum, which conducts heat quickly and evenly.

The only difference is All-Clad uses hard-anodized aluminum, which is raw aluminum that goes through an electrolytic process to thicken and harden its exterior layer.

Hard anodized aluminum conducts heat just as well as regular aluminum, but since its outer surface is hardened, it’s less likely to scratch, warp, or corrode.

Misen pans, on the other hand, are made with a thick 4 mm aluminum base coated on the exterior to prevent rust and corrosion.

Both collections feature a steel-plated base, which increases their durability and makes them compatible with all cooktops.

All-Clad has a slight edge when it comes to heat tolerance. You can use All-Clad HA1 pans in the oven up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit; Misen pans can only handle up to 450.

All-Clad HA1 pans feature the brand’s signature cup-shaped handles. These handles prevent your hand from rotating, but they’re notoriously uncomfortable.

Misen handles are rounder and more comfortable while still providing plenty of grip (even when wearing an oven mitt).

The best part? Misen non-stick pans are about 25% less expensive than All-Clad HA1.

So, if you’re looking for high-quality non-stick cookware but don’t want to splurge for All-Clad HA1, Misen is an excellent alternative. Check it out on Misen.com or Amazon, and watch my Misen Non-Stick Unboxing to see it up close.

Other Alternatives to All-Clad HA1

There are so many non-stick cookware options on the market; it’s hard to make heads or tails of it all. My best advice — stick with brands you can trust and look for cookware made with hard-anodized aluminum and a multi-layer non-stick coating.

You can find non-stick cookware for around $20 per pan, but low-cost pans frequently wear out and need replacement, costing you more in the long run.

Fortunately, you don’t need to pay All-Clad prices to get high-quality non-stick cookware that will last. Besides Misen, below are a couple of other alternatives to All-Clad HA1 worth checking out.

• Tramontina Hard Anodized (view on Amazon): This is an excellent alternative to All-Clad HA1 because it’s made with hard-anodized aluminum, it’s oven-safe up to 350 degrees, it has moisture locking tempered glass lids, and it’s very affordable. Unlike All-Clad, Tramontina Hard Anodized cookware does not have a steel base; therefore, it’s not compatible with induction cooktops. Also, unlike All-Clad, which is dishwasher-safe, you have to wash this cookware by hand.
• Calphalon Classic Non-Stick (view on Amazon): The Calphalon Classic Non-Stick collection is made with medium-gauge (gauge refers to the thickness) hard-anodized aluminum and two layers of PFOA-free nonstick coating (one fewer than All-Clad HA1). Like All-Clad, this cookware comes with steel riveted handles and tempered glass lids. Plus, it features convenient measuring marks, pour spouts, and straining lids. Its similar construction, extra features, and affordable price make this collection another quality alternative to All-Clad HA1.

Another Way to Save: All-Clad Factory Seconds Sales

All-Clad cookware is expensive; there’s no denying it.

But, as I’ve outlined, several other trusted brands make cookware of similar quality, design, and performance.

If you really want a set of All-Clad, but the cost is the only thing holding you back, consider buying cookware at an All-Clad Factory Seconds Sale.

Here’s how it works.

Throughout the year, All-Clad will put their factory seconds on sale for up to 80% off on their retail outlet site HomeandCookSales.com (click to see if there’s a sale right now) — an unbelievable deal!

What are All-Clad Factory Seconds? It’s the same All-Clad cookware you get at fancy retailers or on Amazon, except it has minor scratches and cosmetic imperfections.

With All-Clad Factory Seconds, there are no defects that will impact performance, and, in most cases, customers can’t even notice the difference.

But, since All-Clad has the highest standards of quality and consistency, they won’t put these items on store shelves for full price. The only place you can get them is right here on All-Clad’s sale site, HomeAndCookSales.com.

Which All-Clad alternative are you considering? Let us know in the comments below.

If you found this article helpful, you should also check out:

• Which All-Clad Cookware Collection Is the Best for You? (Buyer’s Guide)
• 6 Insider Tips to Get High-End Cookware for CHEAP
• All-Clad vs. Calphalon: Non-Stick and Stainless Cookware Compared
• All-Clad vs. Cuisinart: How Does Their Cookware Compare?
• Heritage Steel Cookware Review: Is It Worth Buying?
• Heritage Steel vs. All-Clad: Which Cookware Is Better?
• Made In vs. Heritage Steel: 9 Key Differences Explained
• Is Goldilocks Cookware Any Good? An In-Depth Review
• All-Clad HA1 vs. Essentials: 5 Key Differences Explained
• Scanpan vs. All-Clad: Which Cookware Is Better?
• Misen vs. All-Clad Cookware: 11 Key Differences
• All-Clad vs. 360 Cookware: 11 Key Differences
• All-Clad D5 vs. Copper Core: How Do They Compare?
• All-Clad HA1 vs. B1: Which All-Clad Non-Stick Collection Is Better?
• Is All-Clad Cookware Worth the High Price? An In-Depth Review
• All-Clad vs. Tramontina: Which Cookware Is Better?
• All-Clad vs. Viking: How Does Their Cookware Compare?
• Is Demeyere Cookware Worth the High Price? An In-Depth Review