A sauté pan is the pan for the middle of the meal: the dish that starts with a sear and ends in a sauce. Brown chicken thighs, pour in salsa verde, cover and let them finish. Toast rice in oil, add tomato broth and simmer it in a wide, even layer. Cook down a big batch of rajas con crema without the cream climbing over the rim. A skillet can start all of those, but its low, sloped sides run out of room once the liquid goes in. A sauté pan’s tall, straight sides and tight lid are built for exactly that second half.
This guide covers sauté pans from 3 to 5.5 quarts sold with lids, in clad stainless, a stainless hybrid and ceramic nonstick. For each we list the capacity, construction, lid, whether there is a helper handle, the oven limit, induction and dishwasher care, all from the maker, the Amazon listing or America’s Test Kitchen. Where no source gives a figure, we say “Not stated”.
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Quick verdict: which sauté pan to buy
For most kitchens, the best saute pan is the Made In 3.5-quart Stainless Clad Sauté Pan: 5-ply construction, a roomy cooking surface, a helper handle and an 800°F oven rating, and it is the winner of America’s Test Kitchen’s sauté pan review. If you want a bit more room and an American-made pan, get the All-Clad D3 4-quart. On a budget, the Tramontina Signature 3-quart is fully clad with a steel lid. For big batches, the Cuisinart PureClad 5.5-quart, and for an easy-release pan, the GreenPan x Bobby Flay 4.5-quart ceramic nonstick.
The table compares the five picks we would steer most cooks toward, one for each kind of buyer. All eight pans are reviewed in full after it.
Five sauté pans side by side
Capacity, build and the lid with its oven limit, as the maker, the listing or ATK give them.
| Pan | Best for | Size & build | Lid & oven | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Made In 3.5-quart Stainless Clad Sauté PanBest overall
|
Searing, then simmering | 3.5 quarts, 5-ply clad | Lid included; pan to 800°F | View on Amazon |
All-Clad D3 4-quart Sauté Pan with LidBest American-made
|
Braises for four to six | 4 quarts, tri-ply bonded | Stainless lid; to 600°F | View on Amazon |
| Clad stainless for less | 3 quarts, tri-ply clad | Stainless lid; to 500°F | View on Amazon | |
Cuisinart PureClad 5.5-quart Sauté Pan with CoverBest for big batches
|
Family-size rice and braises | 5.5 quarts, triple-ply | Glass lid to 450°F; pan to 500°F | View on Amazon |
| Easy release, easy cleanup | 4.5 quarts, ceramic-coated aluminum | Glass lid; to 400°F | View on Amazon |
Our picks for the best saute pan
1. Made In 3.5-quart Stainless Clad Sauté Pan – Roomy, Even and Oven-Proof
Made In’s sauté pan is the winner of America’s Test Kitchen’s sauté pan review, which tested fully clad stainless pans of about 3 to 3.5 quarts. ATK says it had a roomy cooking surface and browned food evenly, and that its moderately high walls corralled splatters. It also made fluffy rice and had a comfortable handle, and kept only one small dent after ATK’s abuse tests.
The pan is five layers of metal, crafted in Italy, with a magnetic 430 stainless exterior so it works on induction. Made In gives a 10.5-inch total diameter, a 2.5-inch depth and a 3-pound weight; the Amazon listing gives a 9.5-inch cooking surface, which matches ATK’s measurement, while Made In’s own page says 9.8 inches. ATK measured walls of 2.4 inches, just under the 2.5 inches it prefers, and an 8-inch handle plus a helper handle for lifting a full pan.
ATK’s spec table lists a lid, and the listing counts two pieces, though neither Made In’s page nor the listing names the lid’s material. Made In rates the pan heat safe to 800°F. ATK lists it as dishwasher safe; Made In’s care note says hand washing is preferred and asks you to heat and cool the pan slowly to prevent warping, which is what we would follow.
Why we like it
- Winner of ATK’s sauté pan review
- 5-ply clad, crafted in Italy
- Helper handle and 2.4-inch walls, per ATK
- Heat safe to 800°F, per Made In
Key specifications
| Model | COOK-4L-STE-ISS |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 3.5 quarts; 10.5-inch diameter |
| Construction/coating | 5-ply stainless clad, uncoated |
| Lid | Included (ATK, listing); material not stated |
| Helper handle | Yes (ATK) |
| Oven-safe to | 800°F (Made In) |
| Induction | Yes |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes per ATK; Made In prefers hand washing |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who wants one sauté pan for searing, braising and rice that will go into a very hot oven and last for years.
Skip it if you need room for more than four servings; a 5-quart or larger pan suits big families better.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Even browning and a roomy surface, per ATK
- Walls tall enough to contain splatters
- Works on gas, electric and induction
Cons
- Lid material not stated by Made In
- Made In asks for slow heating and cooling to avoid warping
- Costs more than tri-ply pans from Tramontina or Cuisinart
2. All-Clad D3 4-quart Sauté Pan with Lid – More Room, Made in Pennsylvania
All-Clad’s D3 is fully bonded tri-ply, with an aluminum core between layers of stainless steel running up the walls. The listing describes this 4-quart pan as having a large surface area for searing, with straight sides to hold in liquid and prevent splattering, and a lid to lock in moisture. Cutlery and More, an All-Clad retailer, gives a 10.5-inch top diameter, a 2.75-inch depth and a weight of 4 pounds 4 ounces without the lid, and describes the lid as polished stainless steel.
ATK reviewed the smaller 3-quart D3 sauté pan and rated it Highly Recommended: it had one of the widest cooking surfaces in the lineup, so food was never crowded. Its complaints were walls of only 2 inches, which let food spill when stirring, a heavier build than the winner, and that it was the only pan in the test that is not dishwasher safe. We chose the 4-quart for this guide because its deeper walls answer the first complaint and it holds a braise for four to six; it is heavier still, so lift it with two hands when full. Our guide to the best stainless steel pan lid pairings covers the 3-quart.
It is oven and broiler safe to 600°F, works on any stovetop including induction, and All-Clad says hand wash only. The listing says it is made in Pennsylvania with global components and carries a limited lifetime warranty.
Why we like it
- Fully bonded tri-ply, base and walls
- Stainless steel lid, per the retailer
- Oven and broiler safe to 600°F
- Made in Pennsylvania with global components
Key specifications
| Model | 4404 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 4 quarts; 10.5-inch top diameter |
| Construction/coating | Tri-ply: stainless, aluminum core; uncoated |
| Lid | Polished stainless steel |
| Helper handle | Not stated |
| Oven-safe to | 600°F, including broiler |
| Induction | Yes |
| Dishwasher safe | No; hand wash only, per All-Clad |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who braises for a family and wants a classic American-made clad pan with a steel lid that can go under the broiler.
Skip it if you want a pan for the dishwasher; All-Clad says hand wash only.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Wide surface, per ATK’s review of the 3-quart
- Deeper than the 3-quart (2.75 inches, per retailer)
- Works on every stovetop
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Heavy: over 4 pounds before the lid
- Helper handle not stated in the listing
3. Tramontina Signature 3-quart Tri-Ply Sauté Pan – Fully Clad for Less
Tramontina’s Signature line is tri-ply clad, with an aluminum core between layers of 18/10 stainless steel, and this 3-quart pan is the least expensive fully clad sauté pan in this guide. Tramontina sells model 80116/058DS as a covered deep sauté pan with a stainless steel lid. The Amazon title doesn’t mention the lid, so check the listing photos before you buy.
ATK reviewed this pan as the Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad Covered Deep Sauté Pan and rated it Recommended with Reservations. Testers liked how easily it poured and that it was one of the lightest pans in the lineup. The reservations were a narrow 8.5-inch cooking surface, smaller than the 9.5 to 9.8 inches of ATK’s favorites, and two nickel-size dents after abuse testing. In practice that means it suits two to three servings, or browning in batches.
It works on all cooktops including induction, gas, electric and ceramic glass, and is oven safe to 500°F. Tramontina says it is dishwasher safe but recommends hand washing with non-abrasive sponges. It is NSF certified, carries a lifetime warranty and, according to the listing title, is made in Brazil.
Why we like it
- Fully clad tri-ply at a lower cost
- Stainless steel lid, per Tramontina
- Light and easy to pour, per ATK
- Dishwasher safe, NSF certified
Key specifications
| Model | 80116/058DS |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 3 quarts; 8.5-inch cooking surface (ATK) |
| Construction/coating | Tri-ply: 18/10 stainless, aluminum core; uncoated |
| Lid | Stainless steel (Tramontina) |
| Helper handle | Not stated |
| Oven-safe to | 500°F |
| Induction | Yes |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes; hand washing recommended |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook for one to three who wants real clad stainless and a steel lid without paying for a premium brand.
Skip it if you cook for a family; ATK found the cooking surface narrow.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fully clad, base and walls
- Pours easily, per ATK
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Narrow cooking surface, per ATK
- Dented in ATK’s abuse tests
- Amazon title doesn’t mention the lid
4. Cuisinart PureClad 5.5-quart Sauté Pan with Cover – Room for the Whole Family
At 5.5 quarts, Cuisinart’s PureClad pan is the largest stainless pan here, and the one to choose for arroz rojo for six, a full batch of chicken tinga or a skillet supper that needs space for both meat and vegetables. It is triple-ply with an 18/10 stainless interior and what Cuisinart calls Heat Surround technology: an aluminum core that runs up the sidewalls as well as across the base.
The lid is tempered glass with a wide stainless rim and a wide handle, so you can watch rice or a simmering sauce without lifting it. Cuisinart’s product page, as shown in search results, rates the pan oven safe to 500°F and the glass lid to 450°F, lists it for all stovetops including induction, and says it is dishwasher safe with sealed, dripless rims. The cast stainless Cool Grip handles are designed to stay cool on the stovetop, and the name on Cuisinart’s page includes a helper handle, which a pan this size needs.
ATK did not review this pan. It found that a different Cuisinart sauté pan, the 3.5-quart MultiClad Pro, felt smaller than its stated capacity, with a narrow base and tall walls; this larger PureClad pan is a separate design, but if base width matters to you, check the listing’s dimensions. ATK also preferred steel lids to glass in its review, because glass is heavier and can fog.
Why we like it
- 5.5 quarts for big batches
- Aluminum core runs up the sides
- Glass lid to watch the pan
- Induction ready and dishwasher safe, per Cuisinart
Key specifications
| Model | PCT33-30H |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 5.5 quarts |
| Construction/coating | Triple-ply: 18/10 stainless, aluminum core; uncoated |
| Lid | Tempered glass, stainless rim; to 450°F |
| Helper handle | Yes (Cuisinart product name) |
| Oven-safe to | 500°F |
| Induction | Yes |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who feeds five or six and wants a clad stainless sauté pan big enough for rice, braises and one-pan dinners.
Skip it if you want a steel lid that can go under the broiler; this one is glass.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Largest stainless pan in this guide
- See-through lid
- Goes in the dishwasher, per Cuisinart
Cons
- Not reviewed by ATK
- Glass lid limited to 450°F
- Weight not stated
5. GreenPan x Bobby Flay 4.5-quart Ceramic Nonstick Sauté Pan – Easy Release on Induction
A nonstick sauté pan makes sense when the dish is delicate or starchy: eggs in salsa for huevos ahogados, fish braised in tomato, or rice that you don’t want to scrape off the base. This GreenPan pan has a diamond-infused ceramic nonstick coating over a heavy-duty aluminum body. GreenPan says the coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead and cadmium.
GreenPan’s product page gives a 4.5-quart capacity, an 11-inch diameter, a long 8.7-inch handle with a stay-cool silicone grip, a 4.4-inch side handle and a weight of 4.7 pounds. The lid is glass, and the pan works on all stovetops, including induction, which sets it apart from many aluminum nonstick pans. It is oven safe to 400°F; GreenPan doesn’t give a separate limit for the lid.
GreenPan calls it dishwasher safe but recommends hand washing, and says silicone utensils will extend the life of the coating. Like any nonstick pan, it suits medium heat rather than hard searing, and the coating will wear over time in a way clad stainless does not. For more lidded nonstick options, see our guides to the best non stick deep pan and the best nonstick pan with lid.
Why we like it
- Ceramic nonstick for easy release
- Induction compatible
- Side handle for lifting a full pan
- Glass lid included
Key specifications
| Model | CC008877-001 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 4.5 quarts; 11-inch diameter |
| Construction/coating | Aluminum body; diamond-infused ceramic nonstick |
| Lid | Glass; lid limit not stated |
| Helper handle | Yes, 4.4-inch side handle |
| Oven-safe to | 400°F |
| Induction | Yes |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes; hand washing recommended |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook on any stove, induction included, who wants a lidded sauté pan that releases eggs, fish and rice easily.
Skip it if you sear over high heat or want a pan that will last decades; clad stainless is the better choice.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Works on induction
- Long stay-cool handle plus side handle
- Easy cleanup
Cons
- Coating wears over time
- Oven limit 400°F
- Heavier than the stainless pans at 4.7 pounds
6. Hestan ProBond Forged 3.5-quart Sauté Pan with Lid – Flush Rivets, Wide Base
Hestan’s ProBond Forged pan is tri-ply, with what Hestan calls a ProCore pure aluminum core, and is handcrafted in Italy. ATK rated it Recommended in its sauté pan review, praising a broad 9.8-inch cooking surface, among the widest tested, and flush rivets that make cleanup easier because food can’t build up around them.
ATK’s reservations were about handling: the handle swoops up and away from the pan, which shorter testers found awkward, and the weight felt unevenly balanced. Retailers list a 10.87-inch top diameter, a 9.5-inch base, a depth of 2.75 inches and a weight of 3.2 pounds, or about 4.3 pounds with the polished stainless steel lid.
Hestan’s listing says the rims are sealed and flared for drip-free pouring and encapsulated in stainless to protect against delamination, which it says makes the pan truly dishwasher safe. It works on all cooktops including induction, is broiler and oven safe to 600°F, has a helper handle and carries a lifetime warranty. It is the most expensive pan in this guide.
Why we like it
- Broad 9.8-inch cooking surface, per ATK
- Flush rivets for easier cleaning
- Dishwasher safe, per Hestan
- Oven and broiler safe to 600°F
Key specifications
| Model | 31568 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 3.5 quarts; 10.87-inch top diameter (retailers) |
| Construction/coating | Tri-ply: stainless, aluminum core; uncoated |
| Lid | Polished stainless steel (retailers) |
| Helper handle | Yes |
| Oven-safe to | 600°F, including broiler |
| Induction | Yes |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who wants a premium clad pan with a wide base that can go in the dishwasher.
Skip it if you are on the short side or dislike a steeply angled handle; ATK’s testers found it awkward.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Wide cooking surface, per ATK
- Flush rivets, easy cleanup
- Stainless lid and helper handle
Cons
- Handle angle and balance, per ATK
- Most expensive pan here
7. HexClad 5.5-quart Hybrid Deep Sauté Pan with Lid – Stainless Base, Nonstick Help
HexClad’s pans have a laser-etched hexagon pattern on the cooking surface: raised stainless steel peaks with HexClad’s TerraBond ceramic nonstick coating in the valleys. The idea is a pan that sears more like stainless and cleans up more like nonstick. Underneath is tri-ply construction with an aluminum core, so it works on any cooktop including induction.
This is the deep version, at 5.5 quarts. The listing gives an 11-inch diameter, a 3.5-inch height and a weight of about 3.5 pounds; HexClad’s own page lists a 10.8-inch flat base, a 3.1-inch height and 3.8 pounds plus 2.3 pounds for the lid, so the figures differ slightly between sources. HexClad describes it for searing, braising, frying and simmering, and it has a long stay-cool handle plus an extra carrying handle.
HexClad says the pan is metal utensil safe, dishwasher friendly and oven safe to 900°F; the tempered glass lid included here is oven safe to 400°F. Its lifetime warranty covers manufacturing defects on pans sold by HexClad and excludes commercial and restaurant use. ATK did not include it in its sauté pan review.
Why we like it
- Stainless and nonstick hybrid surface
- 5.5 quarts and deep sides
- Helper handle, per HexClad
- Pan oven safe to 900°F
Key specifications
| Model | CWSPLD12-C |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 5.5 quarts; about 11-inch diameter |
| Construction/coating | Tri-ply, aluminum core; hexagon stainless with TerraBond ceramic |
| Lid | Tempered glass; to 400°F |
| Helper handle | Yes (HexClad) |
| Oven-safe to | 900°F (pan) |
| Induction | Yes |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes, per HexClad |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who wants one large, deep pan that browns meat and still lets eggs and rice release more easily than bare steel.
Skip it if you want a pan with an independent review behind it; ATK has not reviewed this one.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large capacity with deep walls
- Metal utensil safe, per HexClad
- Works on every stovetop
Cons
- Glass lid limited to 400°F
- Size and weight figures differ between HexClad sources
- Warranty excludes restaurant use
8. Calphalon Ceramic Nonstick 3-quart Sauté Pan with Lid – Compact and Easy to Clean
Calphalon’s ceramic nonstick sauté pan is the smallest pan here, at 3 quarts, and a good fit for one or two people or for side dishes: refried beans reheated without sticking, a pan of calabacitas, or a small batch of rice. It is ceramic-coated aluminum, which Calphalon says provides fast, even heating, and Calphalon says it is made without PFAS.
The listing calls the interior scratch resistant and metal utensil safe, and describes what Calphalon calls Quick Cleaning Technology. Long cast stainless steel handles are designed to stay cool on the stovetop, and a tempered glass lid lets you watch the food. Calphalon rates it oven safe to 450°F; the listing does not give a separate limit for the glass lid.
It works on electric, gas and glass cooktops, but the listing does not include induction, so induction cooks should choose the GreenPan instead. It is dishwasher safe, though Calphalon recommends hand washing to keep the finish. ATK did not review this pan.
Why we like it
- Ceramic nonstick, metal utensil safe per Calphalon
- Glass lid included
- Oven safe to 450°F
- Compact size for small households
Key specifications
| Model | 2232417 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 3 quarts |
| Construction/coating | Aluminum; ceramic nonstick |
| Lid | Tempered glass; lid limit not stated |
| Helper handle | Not stated |
| Oven-safe to | 450°F |
| Induction | No (electric, gas, glass listed) |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes; hand washing recommended |
Why we recommend it
It suits a small household on a gas or electric stove that wants an easy-release sauté pan for sides and quick braises.
Skip it if you cook on induction; Calphalon does not list it for induction.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy release and cleanup
- Stay-cool stainless handle
- Higher oven limit than many nonstick pans
Cons
- Not for induction
- Small for a family
- Not reviewed by ATK
Sauté pan or skillet: why straight sides matter
America’s Test Kitchen sums up the difference neatly: a sauté pan offers the broad cooking surface of a skillet, but with moderately tall, straight walls. ATK says the 3- to 3.5-quart pans it tested give a cooking surface similar to a 12-inch skillet’s, with walls high enough to contain food while you stir and low enough to reach in with tongs.
A skillet, or frying pan, has low, flared sides that let steam escape so food browns, which is why it is the better pan for searing a steak or frying eggs. Our guide to the best frying pan covers those. A sauté pan gives up a little of that easy evaporation in exchange for depth: the straight walls hold a cup or two of liquid without slopping, and the lid turns it into a shallow braising pan. That makes it the right pan for chicken in salsa, picadillo, arroz rojo cooked wide and even, fideo seco, or a pan of beans and chorizo. For the difference between pan shapes and when a tall saucepan is the better tool, see saucepan vs pan.
One note on names: some makers sell deep, lidded pans with sloped sides as “deep frying pans”, “jumbo cookers” or “chef’s pans”. They do much of the same work. What matters is the flat cooking area, the wall height and the lid, not the label.
A word on braisers
Enameled cast iron braisers, such as Le Creuset’s and Staub’s, are a close cousin: wide, shallow and lidded, with two loop handles instead of one long one. They hold heat beautifully for slow braises and go from oven to table, but they are heavy, slow to heat and awkward to lift and tilt the way you do a sauté pan. Treat one as a second pan for oven braises rather than as a sauté pan replacement.
How to choose a sauté pan
Capacity and cooking surface
Three to 3.5 quarts suits two to four people, and ATK found that size gives a cooking surface similar to a 12-inch skillet. Go to 4 to 5.5 quarts if you cook for a family or make rice and braises in big batches. Look past the quart figure to the flat cooking area: ATK’s favorites measured 9.5 to 9.8 inches, while pans with an 8.5-inch surface felt small and needed food cooked in batches.
Wall height
ATK preferred walls just under 2.5 inches: tall enough to contain splatters and liquid, low enough to get tongs in. Very low walls spill when you stir; very tall ones make flipping awkward and slow evaporation.
Construction
For stainless, choose fully clad, with aluminum running up the walls as well as across the base. ATK prefers fully clad pans to disk-bottom pans. If you choose nonstick or hybrid, accept that the coating wears over time and that most nonstick pans have lower oven limits.
Lid
A sauté pan without a lid loses half its jobs. ATK preferred stainless lids to glass ones, which are heavier and can fog; glass lids also carry their own, lower oven limits, so check both figures before a dish goes in the oven.
Handles and weight
A full sauté pan is heavy at the far end. ATK liked long, straight handles of around 8 to 8.7 inches and preferred pans with a helper handle, and found moderately heavy pans ideal: sturdy, but still easy to lift and pour.
Stove and care
Every pan here except the Calphalon works on induction. If you want the dishwasher, the Tramontina, Cuisinart, Hestan and HexClad are all rated for it; All-Clad says hand wash only, and the nonstick makers recommend hand washing even where the dishwasher is allowed.
How we picked these eight sauté pans
We started from America’s Test Kitchen’s review of the best sauté pans, which tested fully clad stainless pans of about 3 to 3.5 quarts for browning, rice, splatter control, handling and durability, and used its findings on cooking surface, wall height, handles, lids and construction as our checklist. We then looked across clad stainless, hybrid and ceramic nonstick pans from 3 to 5.5 quarts, all sold with lids, and checked each against the maker’s page or the Amazon listing for capacity, construction, lid, helper handle, oven limit, induction and dishwasher care. Where ATK reviewed a pan or a close sibling, we say so; where it did not, we say that too.
We deliberately chose different pans from our related guides where an equally good option existed. The All-Clad 3-quart and the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic 5.5-quart appear in our guide to the best stainless steel pan lid pairings, and the GreenPan Valencia Pro and Calphalon hard-anodized pans in our non stick deep pan guide. Every pick was in stock on Amazon in the United States when we wrote this. We have not cooked with these pans for this guide, and we do not state which pans, if any, Julia’s uses.
Sauté pan questions, answered
What is the best quality saute pan?
For build quality, a fully clad stainless pan with a lid: the Made In 3.5-quart (ATK’s winner), the All-Clad D3 or the Hestan ProBond. Fully clad pans spread heat up the walls, have no coating to wear out and handle high oven heat.
What size sauté pan should I buy?
A 3- to 3.5-quart pan suits two to four people and gives a cooking surface similar to a 12-inch skillet, according to ATK. Choose 4 to 5.5 quarts for a family or for rice and braises in big batches.
Is a sauté pan better than a skillet?
For anything that ends in liquid, yes: braises, saucy dishes, rice cooked wide and even. For searing, frying eggs and quick sautés where you want moisture to escape, a skillet’s low, sloped sides are better. Most kitchens use both.
Should a sauté pan be stainless or nonstick?
Stainless browns better, takes higher oven heat and lasts longer, which is why ATK’s review covered only fully clad stainless pans. Nonstick is easier for eggs, fish and rice and simpler to clean, but the coating wears and oven limits are lower.
Do I need a helper handle?
On a pan of 3.5 quarts or more, it helps. A sauté pan full of braise is heavy at the far end, and ATK preferred pans with a helper handle for exactly that reason.
Can a sauté pan go in the oven?
Every pan here can, but the limits differ: from 400°F for the GreenPan to 800°F for the Made In. Glass lids usually have a lower limit than the pan, so check the lid too.
Our final word on the best saute pan
Buy the Made In 3.5-quart for one clad pan that sears, braises and cooks rice evenly and goes into a very hot oven. Choose the All-Clad D3 4-quart for more room and an American-made steel-lidded pan, the Tramontina for clad stainless on a budget, the Cuisinart PureClad for big batches and the GreenPan x Bobby Flay for easy release on any stove, induction included.
Want clad stainless specifically? See our guide to the best stainless steel sauté pans.
On a budget? See our guide to the best value saute pans.
Still choosing between shapes? See saute pan vs skillet.
Related guide: Best rondeau pan.
For searing pans, start with our guide to the best frying pan and the best stainless steel pans. For chicken in particular, see the best skillet for chicken, and for how braising and frying fit Mexican cooking, read Mexican cooking methods explained. Or let us do the cooking: see the menu or call to order.