At Baby J’s Burgers, we believe that the right cookware can transform your kitchen, whether you’re flipping burgers or simmering a sauce. Ever wondered what pots and pans do chefs use to create those mouthwatering dishes in professional kitchens? Chefs rely on high-quality, durable, and versatile cookware to deliver consistent results under pressure. From stainless steel skillets to cast iron Dutch ovens, the right pots and pans are their secret weapons. We’ll uncover the cookware choices of top chefs, explore why they prefer specific materials and brands like All-Clad, Le Creuset, and Made In, and help you choose the best pots and pans for your home kitchen. Ready to cook like a pro? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- Why chefs choose specific pots and pans
- Materials chefs love for pots and pans
- Top pots and pans chefs use
- How chefs choose their pots and pans
- Comparing chef cookware to home cookware
- How to use and maintain chef-grade pots and pans
- Real-world insights: chef and user feedback
- Common concerns and solutions
- Conclusion
Why chefs choose specific pots and pans
Professional chefs work in high-pressure environments where cookware must withstand intense heat, frequent use, and constant cleaning. What pots and pans do chefs use? They prioritize durability, heat conductivity, and versatility to ensure every dish is executed flawlessly. According to Food & Wine (2025), chefs favor materials like stainless steel, cast iron, and carbon steel for their performance and longevity. These qualities make their cookware reliable tools, not just accessories.
Durability for high-volume cooking
Restaurant kitchens demand cookware that can handle daily abuse. Stainless steel pans, like those from All-Clad, are virtually indestructible, resisting warping and corrosion even after years of use. Chefs like Tyler Florence call their copper pans “prized possessions” for their durability (Food & Wine, 2025). Durable cookware reduces replacement costs, making it a smart investment for home cooks too.
Heat conductivity and control
Even heat distribution is critical for consistent cooking. Copper and stainless steel with aluminum cores, as seen in Made In’s frying pans, respond quickly to temperature changes, ideal for delicate sauces or searing steaks. Cast iron, favored by chefs like Alon Shaya, retains heat for slow braises (The Strategist, 2025). Chefs choose pans that match the task, ensuring precision in every dish.
Versatility across cooking techniques
Chefs need cookware that adapts to various methods—sautéing, braising, frying, or baking. A stainless steel sauté pan or enameled cast iron Dutch oven can go from stovetop to oven, handling everything from searing to slow cooking. Serious Eats (2025) notes that a well-chosen skillet or stockpot can tackle nearly any recipe. Versatility is key for both pros and home cooks.
Ready to upgrade your kitchen? Explore durable and versatile pots and pans from All-Clad and Le Creuset on Amazon with free shipping on orders over $90.
🛒 Shop Today’s Hottest Discounts + See What Buyers Are Saying on Amazon!
Materials chefs love for pots and pans
The material of a pot or pan defines its performance. What pots and pans do chefs use when selecting materials? They choose based on heat conductivity, maintenance, and suitability for specific tasks. Here’s a breakdown of the top materials favored by professionals.
Material | Best For | Pros | Cons | Popular Brands |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stainless steel | Sautéing, sauces, roasting | Durable, even heating, dishwasher-safe | Can stick without oil | All-Clad, Made In |
Cast iron | Searing, braising, baking | Retains heat, naturally nonstick when seasoned | Heavy, requires seasoning | Lodge, Le Creuset |
Carbon steel | Frying, searing, roasting | Lightweight, seasons like cast iron | Needs maintenance | Made In, Mauviel |
Copper | Sauces, delicate dishes | Fast heat response, precise control | Expensive, requires polishing | Mauviel, Cuisinart |
Nonstick | Eggs, delicate fish | Easy cleanup, low-oil cooking | Not for high heat, less durable | GreenPan, ScanPan |
Stainless steel: the workhorse
Stainless steel, especially fully clad with an aluminum or copper core, is a chef favorite for its durability and even heating. All-Clad’s 12-inch skillet is praised by Jenn Segal of Once Upon a Chef for tasks like sautéing and pan-searing (2024). It’s oven-safe up to 600°F and dishwasher-friendly, making it low-maintenance for busy kitchens.
Cast iron: the heat retainer
Cast iron skillets, like Lodge’s $20 model, are beloved for searing steaks or baking cornbread (The Strategist, 2025). Chefs like Rachel Gurjar at Bon Appétit use smaller 8-inch pans for frittatas or single servings (2023). While heavy, cast iron’s heat retention and nonstick properties (when seasoned) make it indispensable.
Carbon steel: the lightweight alternative
Carbon steel, used by chefs like Carmy Berzatto in The Bear, offers cast iron’s seasoning benefits but is lighter and heats faster. Made In’s carbon steel frying pans are popular for searing and roasting (Made In, 2024). A 2024 X post by @ChefGruel recommends carbon steel for steaks and vegetables.
Copper: the precision choice
Copper pans, like Mauviel’s sauté pans, are prized for quick heat response, ideal for sauces or delicate dishes. Chefs recommend copper for tasks requiring precise temperature control (Kitchenairy, 2019). Though pricey, copper’s performance justifies the cost for serious cooks.
Nonstick: the delicate task specialist
While chefs avoid nonstick for high-heat cooking, they use it for eggs or fish. GreenPan’s ceramic nonstick pans are favored for their durability and nontoxic coatings (Food & Wine, 2025). Nigella Lawson uses ScanPan for home cooking, though she likely opts for other materials in restaurants (Only Cookware, 2020).
Browse these materials in pots and pans from Made In, Lodge, and more on Amazon to find your perfect match.
Top pots and pans chefs use
Chefs rely on specific pots and pans for their reliability and performance. Based on expert reviews from Serious Eats, Food & Wine, and Bon Appétit (2023-2025), chef endorsements, and X user insights, here are five essential pots and pans chefs use in professional and home kitchens.
All-clad stainless steel 12-inch skillet
Overview
All-Clad’s 12-inch skillet is a staple in professional kitchens, used by chefs like Jenn Segal for its even heating and durability (Once Upon a Chef, 2024). Its 18/10 stainless steel with an aluminum core ensures no hot spots.
Features
Material: Fully clad stainless steel with aluminum core.
Design: 12-inch diameter, oven-safe to 600°F, dishwasher-safe.
Performance: Food & Wine (2025) rated it 4.9/5 for balanced handles and mess-free pouring. Amazon users (2025) give it 4.8/5 for longevity.
Use cases
Perfect for sautéing, stir-frying, or oven-finishing dishes like frittatas. Ideal for home cooks wanting a versatile, long-lasting skillet.
Considerations
Priced at $130-$180, it’s an investment. Food can stick without proper oil and heat.
🛒 Shop Today’s Hottest Discounts + See What Buyers Are Saying on Amazon!
Lodge cast iron 10-inch skillet
Overview
Lodge’s 10-inch cast iron skillet is a chef favorite for searing and baking, praised by Alon Shaya and Liza Corsillo (The Strategist, 2025). It’s affordable and nearly indestructible.
Features
Material: Cast iron, pre-seasoned.
Design: 10-inch diameter, oven-safe to 650°F, weighs 5 pounds.
Performance: Serious Eats (2025) rated it 4.7/5 for heat retention. Amazon users (2025) give it 4.8/5 for value.
Use cases
Great for searing steaks, frying latkes, or baking cornbread. Suits home cooks who love rustic, high-heat cooking.
Considerations
Heavy and requires seasoning. Not ideal for quick, low-heat tasks.
🛒 Shop Today’s Hottest Discounts + See What Buyers Are Saying on Amazon!
Made in carbon steel 10-inch frying pan
Overview
Made In’s carbon steel frying pan, used in Michelin-starred kitchens, is lightweight and versatile (Made In, 2024). Chefs like Carmy Berzatto (fictional, The Bear) rely on it for searing.
Features
Material: Carbon steel, seasons over time.
Design: 10-inch diameter, oven-safe to 1200°F, weighs 2.5 pounds.
Performance: GearJunkie (2024) rated it 4.6/5 for quick heating. Amazon users (2025) give it 4.7/5 for versatility.
Use cases
Ideal for searing, frying, or roasting. Perfect for cooks seeking cast iron benefits without the weight.
Considerations
Priced at $80-$100, it requires seasoning and maintenance. Not dishwasher-safe.
Le creuset enameled cast iron 5.5-quart dutch oven
Overview
Le Creuset’s 5.5-quart Dutch oven is a chef favorite for braising and baking, endorsed by Laurence Edelman (MyDomaine, 2021). Its enameled cast iron requires no seasoning.
Features
Material: Enameled cast iron.
Design: 5.5-quart capacity, oven-safe to 500°F, weighs 11 pounds.
Performance: Bon Appétit (2023) rated it 4.8/5 for even cooking. Amazon users (2025) give it 4.9/5 for aesthetics.
Use cases
Perfect for stews, roasts, or bread baking. Ideal for home cooks who want a showpiece that performs.
Considerations
Priced at $350-$420, it’s expensive. Its weight may deter some users.
🛒 Shop Today’s Hottest Discounts + See What Buyers Are Saying on Amazon!
Mauviel copper 3-quart sauté pan
Overview
Mauviel’s copper sauté pan is prized for precise heat control, recommended by chefs for delicate dishes (Kitchenairy, 2019). Its stainless steel lining adds durability.
Features
Material: Copper with stainless steel lining.
Design: 3-quart capacity, oven-safe to 500°F, weighs 3 pounds.
Performance: Food & Wine (2025) rated it 4.7/5 for responsiveness. Amazon users (2025) give it 4.6/5 for precision.
Use cases
Great for sauces, sautéing vegetables, or braising small cuts. Suits cooks who prioritize control.
Considerations
Priced at $250-$300, it requires polishing. Not ideal for high-heat searing.
🛒 Shop Today’s Hottest Discounts + See What Buyers Are Saying on Amazon!
How chefs choose their pots and pans
What pots and pans do chefs use when building their collections? They consider cooking style, kitchen demands, and budget. Here’s how to choose like a pro.
Match cookware to cooking style
High-heat searing: Cast iron (Lodge) or carbon steel (Made In) for steaks or roasts.
Delicate tasks: Copper (Mauviel) or nonstick (GreenPan) for sauces or eggs.
Slow cooking: Enameled cast iron (Le Creuset) for braises or soups.
All-purpose: Stainless steel (All-Clad) for sautéing, roasting, or sauces.
Consider kitchen demands
Chefs in high-volume restaurants, like those using Winco or Vollrath, prioritize affordability and durability (Reddit, 2022). Home cooks can opt for premium brands like All-Clad for smaller-scale needs. A 2024 X post by @FischerKing64 recommends All-Clad for frying and Le Creuset for stews.
Balance budget and quality
Premium ($200+): All-Clad, Le Creuset, Mauviel for lifelong investments.
Mid-range ($50-$200): Made In, Lodge for quality without breaking the bank.
Budget ($20-$50): Vollrath, Winco for restaurant-style value.
Evaluate stovetop compatibility
Ensure pots and pans work with your stovetop. All-Clad and Made In are induction-compatible, while some aluminum pans aren’t (Serious Eats, 2025). Check compatibility on Amazon product listings.
🛒 Shop Today’s Hottest Discounts + See What Buyers Are Saying on Amazon!
Comparing chef cookware to home cookware
What pots and pans do chefs use compared to home cooks? While chefs prioritize durability and performance, home cookware often emphasizes ease of use:
Chef cookware: Stainless steel, cast iron, or copper for high heat and longevity. Rarely nonstick due to heat limitations (Chefs’ Toys, 2024).
Home cookware: Often nonstick or lightweight aluminum for easy cleanup. May include sets with less-used pieces.
Overlap: Brands like All-Clad and Le Creuset are used in both settings for their versatility.
Browse chef-grade and home-friendly pots and pans on Amazon to compare options.
How to use and maintain chef-grade pots and pans
Proper use and care extend the life of pots and pans chefs use. Follow these tips:
Stainless steel: Preheat with oil to prevent sticking. Hand-wash to maintain shine, though dishwasher-safe (Food & Wine, 2025).
Cast iron/Carbon steel: Season with oil and heat. Avoid soap; scrub with salt and a cloth. Store dry to prevent rust (Serious Eats, 2025).
Copper: Polish regularly with a copper cleaner. Hand-wash to preserve the finish (Kitchenairy, 2019).
Nonstick: Use low to medium heat and silicone utensils. Hand-wash to protect the coating (Bon Appétit, 2023).
General: Avoid thermal shock (e.g., hot pans in cold water) to prevent warping.
🛒 Shop Today’s Hottest Discounts + See What Buyers Are Saying on Amazon!
Real-world insights: chef and user feedback
Chefs and home cooks share insights on what pots and pans do chefs use. A 2024 Reddit thread on r/Cooking noted that restaurant kitchens often use affordable aluminum or stainless steel from Winco or Vollrath for cost savings. On X, @ChefGruel (2023) recommends a mix of carbon steel, nonstick, and enameled cast iron for versatility. Amazon users (2025) rate All-Clad’s skillet 4.8/5 for its “lifetime durability” and Lodge’s skillet 4.8/5 for its “unbeatable price.” Food & Wine (2025) highlights Le Creuset’s Dutch oven for its aesthetic and performance, though its weight is a drawback. Consistent care, like immediate cleaning, is key, per chef Bill Kim (Allrecipes, 2024).
Common concerns and solutions
High cost: Start with one or two pieces, like a Lodge skillet ($20) or Made In frying pan ($80), and build over time.
Weight: Opt for carbon steel (Made In) or stainless steel (All-Clad) for lighter alternatives to cast iron.
Maintenance: Choose low-maintenance stainless steel or enameled cast iron over copper or raw cast iron.
Sticking: Preheat stainless steel with oil; use nonstick for delicate foods like eggs.
Conclusion
When it comes to the question, what pots and pans do chefs use? The answer lies in cookware that combines durability, precision, and versatility to meet the demands of professional kitchens. From the gleaming stainless steel skillets of All-Clad, perfect for searing a juicy burger, to the robust cast iron pans from Lodge that deliver unmatched heat retention for cornbread or steaks, chefs choose tools that perform under pressure. Le Creuset’s enameled cast iron Dutch ovens elevate slow-cooked stews and artisan breads, while Made In’s carbon steel frying pans offer lightweight agility for roasting or stir-frying. For delicate sauces, Mauviel’s copper sauté pans provide pinpoint temperature control, and GreenPan’s nonstick options ensure flawless eggs or fish.
At Baby J’s Burgers, we’re dedicated to empowering home cooks to create restaurant-quality meals with these chef-approved pots and pans. Whether you’re a novice flipping your first pancake or a seasoned cook braising short ribs for a crowd, the right cookware transforms your kitchen into a culinary stage. Ready to channel your inner chef? Discover top pots and pans from All-Clad, Lodge, Le Creuset, and more on Amazon, where their 30-day return policy lets you shop with confidence. Got a go-to pan or a chef-inspired cooking tip? Drop it in the comments below, and let’s keep the kitchen conversation sizzling!
