Bigger is better!
Most amateur cooks are either unaware of or ignore the true French saute pan, of which this is a superb exemplar. The very best thing about this shape, with accompanying lid, is that it can work as either a saute or as a brazing pan, since it has all the best features to braize (low sides and lid).
I recently got this to replace my old Calphalon anodized aluminum pots, as I ultimately felt these did not work as well on electric stoves as they did on gas. Among other things, they actually tended to warp a bit. I'm expecting this stainless steel clad construction will satisfy me for far longer than the old black aluminum.
I've used this bad boy several times since I've gotten it and it has worked like a champ. I expect ... Read More
The BEST and ONLY pan no kitchen should be without!
Of the top 5 pans that no kitchen should be with out, the ALL-Clad MC2 saute pan is tied for number one in my book. Not only does the Master Chef 2 line cook better then ALL-Clad's "bread and butter" stainless line, it's also less expensive. Sauteing, shallow frying, poaching, steaming, you name it this pan can do it. I'm not a big fan of buying cookware sets, and that's why i purchased this pan seperately and paid the price, but its worth every penny. Cooking in this saute pan produces an incredible "fond" (little bits of food particles), that when deglazed, produce an extraordinary pan sauce. This is something I would NEVER want to cook without. In fact, I plan on willing it to my children so they can have the same enjoyment that I have had.
Performs like a champ!
When I saw the size of this pan, I wondered if it could possibly work well on a conventional-sized gas burner. Or would it just heat the center of the pan with the outer areas relatively cool? The clerk at the store assured me that it would heat evenly because it has an inner core of pure aluminum besides the exterior of brushed aluminum to help it conduct heat all the way up the sides, too. I took a chance and purchased this pan. It is great! I cooked one of my favorite recipes--chicken marsala--in it and it performed flawlessly. The bottom of the pan heats evenly with no hot or cold spots. It is heavy enough that you can use high heat with no fear of the pan warping. You can cook at low temperatures and feel confident that the pure aluminum ... Read More
I HATE this pan
My mom bought me this pan for Christmas a few years ago and I absolutely hate it. It's the worst pan I've ever owned. Food sticks to it no matter how much oil or how low of heat I cook on. It is not balanced properly and I find it difficult to manage when full of food. The handle is too narrow and it makes it so you can't lift the pan with one hand. My husband used it the other night and ended up bruising his hand with the handle. Because the handle is hollowed out in the middle, all of the pressure is on the two points of contact that meet the hand. He can't even use his hand today. This pan went out in today's garbage. I wish my mom had saved her money.
My most used pan
This pan is great! I use it on an almost daily basis for sauces, stir fry, and the like. High sides keep the sauce in the pan and off the stovetop. Cleans easily. This pan and the 6 quart saute pan are the two pans I use the most.
