If your tin pots and pans are not living up to your MasterChef dreams, it is probably time to invest in a stylish, stainless steel, upmarket cookware collection.
The All-Clad range is certainly one that I would consider as a first choice. However, like most products today, there are options, features, and pros and cons to be considered.
Because this is not a cheap purchase, I have spent some time investigating the differences between the All-clad stainless steel D3 and D5 Collections.
Here is a quick summary for those of you who want the details in a nutshell.
All-Clad D3 vs D5 – A Quick Summary
- Both sets offer a multiply-ply construction of stainless steel and aluminum
- The D3 has a 3-ply construction of stainless steel, aluminum, stainless steel
- The D5 has a 5-ply construction of stainless steel, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum, stainless steel
- The D3 collection has a polished stainless exterior
- The D5 collection has a choice of brushed or polished stainless exterior
- Both sets come in a 5, 7, 10, and 14-piece option
- Both sets offer open stock, but the D3 has a larger choice
- The D3 set heats up slightly faster
- The D5 set has a superior even-cooking surface
- Both sets are induction compatible
- Both sets are made in the USA
- Both collections are pricey, but the D5 collection is more expensive
Quick Comparison Chart
Some info about All-Clad
I don’t know about you, but I am always interested to learn more about the company manufacturing the products I buy. Especially, if it is going to be an expensive purchase that I expect to last a lifetime.
Before the All-Clad concept was born, most cookware was made of aluminum, a metal that was good at holding and spreading heat. It wasn’t durable though, and I am sure that we all still have ancient warped pots and pans lying around that do nothing to enhance the décor theme of our kitchens.
All-Clad Metalcrafters, LLC, was founded by John Ulam in 1971 in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. It was a manufacturing company that specialized in bonded metal products. If this sounds complex, think of coins for the United States Mint – they have to be eternally durable.
Ulam decided to make a cooking pot consisting of many layers of metal, much like the other industrial products they were manufacturing at the time. The design included a tough and durable outer stainless steel layer, a middle aluminum core layer, and a third inner stainless steel layer as a surface for food.
The pot proved to be extremely durable and excellent at distributing heat. The new brand was launched in 1971. It was acquired by Bloomingdale’s and became the sought-after cookware set for discerning homeowners.
The company was later acquired by Group SEB, a French consortium that owns many world-famous kitchen appliance brand names including Moulinex, Rowenta, and Tefal. Despite the French connection, most of All-Clad’s cookware sets are still made in the USA. The Non-stick Hard Anodized sets are made in China.
Construction of the D3 Cookware Set
The D3 design takes its name from the 3-ply layers that are used in the construction.
The 3 layers are:
- The outer layer of magnetic stainless steel exterior
- Middle aluminum core layer
- The inner cooking surface layer of 18/10 stainless steel
Stainless steel is a non-reactive, durable layer that protects the softer inner aluminum core. The aluminum core provides fast and even heating.
Construction of the D5 Cookware Set
The D5 design takes its name from the 5-ply layers that are used in the construction. This is a step up from the D3 design of 3 layers. The D5 adds more layers for a superior cooking experience.
The 5 layers are:
- The outer layer of the magnetic stainless steel exterior
- Layer of aluminum
- The middle layer of stainless steel
- Layer of aluminum
- The inner cooking surface layer of 18/10 stainless steel
Cooking Performance: Tri-Ply vs 5-Ply
While both Tri-ply and 5-ply cookware offer a superior cooking experience, there are some considerations.
The D3 range heats up faster and offers more responsive performance, especially on induction cooktops. The 5-ply design of the D5 collection appears to slightly slow down the heating process.
Both offer even heat distribution across the cooking surface, but the D5 provides a more even cooking experience, especially on higher heat. This prevents overcooking and possibly even burning if you are one to turn up the heat and step away for a few minutes to grab that mobile call.
In reality, the cooking differences between the two are not huge. Your choice will probably come down to other factors.
What are the other differences between the D3 and the D5 Collections?
When making a decision on which set to buy, you may want to consider the following:
Price
The D5 range is on average, piece by piece, around 20% more expensive than the D3 range. This is a direct result of the construction of the cookware. The D3 has 3 bonded layers, and the D5 has 5 bonded layers, making them more costly to produce.
Durability
Both sets are high-end cookware designed for durability. The more expensive D5 Collection does outperform the D3 Collection over time.
The thickness of the walls
This is an interesting concept, considering that both sets have a wall thickness of 2.6mm (0,1 inch). If the D5 set has 5-layers and the D3 set has 3-layers, I would think that the D5 walls should be thicker?
Not being in a position to take a pan apart, I have gleaned from research that the aluminum layers on the D5 are thinner than those on the D3. That accounts for both sets having the same thickness walls.
Thicker walls in general improve the cooking experience and make the pots and pans feel more sturdy.
Handles
One thing that I find really important in choosing cookware is the handles. Having awkward or uncomfortable handles can be a deal breaker for me. I don’t want to struggle every time I have to pick up a hot pot.
The D5 design offers bigger, wider helper handles than the D3. They have also put a handy thumb-stop at the end of the longer handles to prevent them from slipping out of your hands.
One visual difference on the handles is the logo that is displayed on the D5 lid handles. This is a great way to show off your fancy cookware when you have guests in your kitchen watching you prepare a meal.
Aesthetic appeal
If you are spending a lot of money on cookware to last a lifetime, it is nice to have some options. The D5 Collection offers a choice of a polished stainless finish or a snazzy brushed finish. The D3 range only comes in a polished stainless finish, so no choice there at all.
Grooved rims
Grooved rims are very useful to prevent unnecessary dripping. All the pieces in the D5 range have grooved rims. In the D3 range, only the sauté pan and the skillet have grooved rims. This is not a deal-breaker, but something to keep in mind if you are a fanatic when it comes to cleaning your kitchen.
Weight
Both ranges are heavy. This is due to the construction design of multiple layers of metal. The D5 pieces are on average slightly heavier than the D3 pieces. This may be a consideration for people who have weak hands or arms. You don’t want to struggle with your cookware.
Storing heavy pots in your fridge is not a good idea. These pieces are not designed for storage. I would rather empty the contents into a fridge-compatible container. The very cold temperatures in your fridge may damage the cookware, especially if you place them into the fridge when they are still hot.
Induction cooking and Heating
Induction cooking is the opposite of conduction cooking. Induction does not use direct heat or coils. It relies on cookware that has a magnetic surface with iron atoms that are stimulated to absorb heat.
Both these ranges are marketed as induction compatible. It does appear, however, that the D5 collection, although superior in construction, is outperformed by the D3 cookware. This is due to the extra layer of stainless steel in D5 construction that slows down the heating process. The difference is very small and probably not noticeable on conventional cooking surfaces. But, you will possibly notice it on an induction cooktop.
If you have bought an induction cooktop purely for speed, you would not want to deliberately slow the heating process. In this case, the D3 range is a better choice.
Retention of Heat
The 3 layers of the D3 collection provide a fast, responsive reaction to heat. But, fast is not always better. The D5 range offers a superior cooking experience. It retains heat more evenly over the cooking surface. The difference is minimal and would probably not even be apparent to the everyday cook.
Dishwasher safe
Although the manufacturer states that the cookware is dishwasher safe, I would recommend hand washing these pieces. This will apply to both the D3 and the D5 Collections.
Made in the USA
Both Collections are made in the USA. That will certainly give a measure of confidence to buyers who don’t enjoy the ‘Made in China’ label.
Warranties
Both the D3 and the D5 Collections have limited lifetime warranties. Warranties do not cover general wear and tear, or surface discoloration and scratches.
D3 product options
Within the D3 range, you will find 2 main options
- The Standard D3 Collection
- The Compact D3 Collection
The main difference is that with the Compact Collection, the pots and pans can stack within one another. This makes them ideal for homes with smaller kitchens and limited storage space. The Compact Collection offers fewer choices than the Standard Set.
The Standard Collection comes in a choice of a 5, 7, 10, and 14 piece set.
Let’s look at each:
5-piece set
The set includes:
- 10 inch fry pan
- 3 quart sauce pan with lid
- 3 quart sauté pan with lid
This is a good starter set, but may be too small for larger families. You would possibly have to spend more money to add a skillet or a roasting pan.
7-piece set
The set includes:
- 10 inch frying pan
- 3 quart sauté pan with lid
- 3 quart sauce pan with lid
- 8 quart stock with lid
This is a good starter set that will give you everything you need.
10-piece set
The set includes:
- 8 inch frying pan
- 10 inch frying pan
- 3 quart sauté pan with lid
- 2 quart sauce pan with lid
- 3 quart sauce pan with lid
- 8 quart stock with lid
You may find that the 2 quart sauce pan is a bit small. I would rather buy the 7-piece set and add in an extra 3 quart sauce pan.
14-piece set
The set includes
- 10 inch frying pan
- 12 inch frying pan
- 12 inch chef pan with lid
- 2 quart sauce pan with lid
- 3 quart sauce pan with lid
- 3 quart sauté pan with lid
- 6 quart sauté pan with lid
- 8 quart stockpot with lid
A huge set, probably too big for the average home. I would rather buy a smaller set and add in a few extra pieces. It will work out more cost-effective.
D3 Compact Set
The set includes:
8.5-inch skillet
10.5-inch skillet
2-quart sauce pan with lid
3-quart sauce pan with lid
4.5-quart sear & roast with lid
5-quart stockpot with lid
The pieces can stack into one another, making this a great space-saving option for smaller kitchens.
D3 Open Stock
Open stock is additional items that you can buy to add to your collection. The range is vast and includes pasta pots, roasting pans, sauce pans, double boilers, skillets, and more. After buying a set, I would use it for a while and then see what is lacking. It will be different for every cook.
D5 product options
The D5 comes in a choice of a 5, 7, 10, and 14 piece set. It does not offer a Compact Set.
Let’s look at each:
5-piece set
The set includes:
- 10-inch fry pan
- 3-quart sauce pan with lid
- 3-quart sauté pan with lid
A good starter set, but may be too small for larger families. For a larger family, I would go with the 7 or 10-piece sets.
7-piece set
The set includes
- 10-inch frying pan
- 3 quart sauté pan with lid
- 1.5-quart sauce pan with lid
- 8 quart stock with lid
This is a good starter set that will give you everything you need.
10-piece set
The set includes
- 8-inch frying pan
- 10-inch frying pan
- 3-quart sauté pan with lid
- 1.5-quart sauce pan with lid
- 3-quart sauce pan with lid
- 8-quart stock with lid
This is the full offering, ideal for a large family and people who cook a lot.
14-piece set
The set includes
- 8-inch frying pan
- 10-inch frying pan
- 2-quart sauce pan with lid
- 4-quart sauce pan with lid
- 3-quart sauté pan with lid
- 5.5-quart Dutch oven with lid
- 8-quart stockpot with lid
- 12-quart stockpot with lid
A huge set, probably too big for the average home. I would rather buy a smaller set and add in a few extra pieces. It will work out more cost-effective.
D5 Open Stock
The D5 range offers fewer Open Stock pieces than the D3 range. You can however find a 12-inch skillet, a stockpot, and spare lids.
Bottom Line – Which Cookware Should You Buy, D3 or D5?
Both ranges offer a high-end, top-quality choice for discerning cooks. Both are constructed with exceptional craftsmanship. Technically, D5 is the superior product due to its 5-ply construction.
If you want to save on the costs but still get the full experience, the D3 range is at least 20% cheaper.
If you are into looks as well as design and prefer a brushed finish rather than a polished stainless steel finish, the D5 range offers both, while the D3 range only offers polished stainless. For space-saving considerations, the D3 Collection has a Compact Set that stacks into one another. When it comes to high-speed heating on induction cooktops, the D3 Collection heats up faster.
Because the differences are really small, I would recommend the D3 Collection. It does the job just as well and comes at a better price.
FAQ
What is special about All-Clad?
All-Clad cookware is produced using multiple layers of heat conducting materials. This construction creates cookware that is ultra-strong and durable.
Are All-Clad products made in the USA?
All-Clad started as a wholly all-American company. Today, all the Stainless Steel collections, including the D3 and D5 ranges are still made in the USA.
The non-stick collections are made in China. These include the HA1, B1, and Essentials Collections.
How do I take care of All-Clad stainless steel cookware
Expensive cookware does require that added amount of TLC. You don’t want to be throwing the pots and pans into the mix with your cheaper items.
Here are a few pointers to ensure that your All-Clad cookware set will last for years.
- I know that many people don’t have time to read the manufacturer’s manual and care instructions, but it will be worth your while.
- Always cook over medium heat. Extreme high heat can warp, discolor, and damage the base of the pot. These are quality pots that absorb and retain heat, and medium heat will be fine for any type of cooking. Constantly using extreme heat can lead to the separation of the layers. Note that the manufacturer will not replace items in this case.
- Don’t use metal utensils to stir, mix, or scrape out the pot. Choose soft silicone or plastic utensils that won’t scratch the cooking surface.
- Wash with a very mild detergent and a soft cloth. Do not use abrasive pads, steel wool, bleach, or oven cleaners.
- Don’t pour cold liquid directly onto a hot pan to clean it. It can cause it to warp. Allow the pan to cool down before washing.
- Even though the manufacturer states that the cookware is dishwasher safe, I would recommend hand washing.
What do I do if my cookware gets discolored?
If your cookware does show signs of discoloration the manufacturer has some suggestions.
For blue or rainbow color discoloration, wipe the pan with a sponge or soft cloth that has been soaked in white vinegar.
For cloudy white hard water spots, you can remove them by rinsing the pan with a solution of boiled water and white vinegar in equal parts.
For burnt food, sprinkle baking soda over the surface, add water and bring the water to a boil. Use a wooden utensil to gently scrape the burnt food off the surface.
Are the pots and pans oven-safe?
Yes, both sets are oven and broiler-safe up to 600°F. Handles will get hot in the oven so ensure that you have oven gloves nearby.
Are the pots non-stick?
No, stainless steel cookware does not have a non-stick coating. To prevent food burning, you can follow these simple rules.
- Preheat your pan on low or medium heat
- Quickly tap the edge of the pan to test the heat
- If it is too hot, remove it from the heat for a few minutes
- Pour 2-3 teaspoons of cold oil into the pan
- Swirl it around to cover the bottom
- Add the food – you should hear a sizzling sound
- If you hear a crackling sound then the pan is too hot
- The sizzling sound indicates that the natural sugars in the food are caramelizing on the cooked surface. This will lift the food off the cooking surface naturally
What heat is best for cooking?
All-Clad recommends low to medium heat for frying, braising, sautéing, and simmering. The cookware is designed to hold heat, so extreme high heat is not recommended.
Do the handles get hot?
The handles are made of cast stainless steel which is known to be a poor conductor of heat. On the stovetop, the handles can be held with bare hands. However, in the oven or grill, handles will get hot. Always keep a pair of oven gloves handy.