How To Clean All Clad Stainless Steel Pans

FAQ - Use & Care

Where can I buy All-Clad?

All-Clad no longer has an official distributor in the UK

Is All-Clad oven-safe?

Yes. All of the All-Clad collections are oven and grill safe. Nonstick items are not grill safe, but can be put in the oven up to 500°F/ 260°C

Is All-Clad made in the USA?

All-Clad has a policy of manufacturing all of its bonded cookware in the USA. This means that it purchases its metals only from US suppliers and bonds them at its own rolling mill on-site in Canonsburg PA. It then forms them at the same location into high performance cooking vessels.
All-Clad is the originator of bonded cookware technology and is committed to investing in bonded cookware manufacture solely in the USA.
There are areas in which All-Clad does not manufacture in the USA. These are:
- Where the bonding of metals is not required for superior cooking performance (E.g. tools, accessories).
- On regular non-bonded components where making them in the USA would add to the retail price but not generally to performance (E.g. lids)
- Where manufacturing constraints exist at the Canonsburg plant (E.g electrical kitchen appliances)
All-Clad's tools, accessories, lids or electrical kitchen appliances, are manufactured by select partners overseas qualified carefully by All-Clad with highest quality controls.
All-Clad Metal-crafters LLC has a strict policy of selecting and working with reputable and responsible suppliers that strive to consistently manufacture materials, components and products worthy of the All-Clad brand name, in addition to being in total compliance with applicable environmental and product composition standards.
All-Clad items manufactured overseas are subjected to not only strict U.S. Food & Drug Administration testing, but also stringent third party testing to ensure products are free from lead or any other contaminations. All-Clad maintains its policy of providing consumers with safe, high quality products that are backed by a lifetime guarantee.

What are the differences between the collections?

Stainless Steel collection: The stainless Steel collection is All-Clad's best-selling cookware and the choice of professional and discriminating cooks acrosse the world. This collection features several precisely formulated layers of unique stainless steel, pure aluminium and aluminium alloys, its bonded construction extends to the base of each sides of the pan, ensuring unparalleled heat transfer with no hot spots. The whole exterior layer is magnetic stainless steel making it adapted for all induction cooking.

d5 Stainless: This collection maintains the classic style of the original Stainless Steel collection, while introducing advanced performance and ergonomic enhancements. The unique technology, made of 5 layers of different materials, ensures precision surface contact to optimize performance on the newest technology induction cooker tops. The alternating layers of higher and lower conductive metals promote the lateral flow of cooking energy and eliminate hot spots. The patented stainless steel core significantly improves stability to prevent warping.

Copper-Core is the premium All-Clad collection. It is cookware for true connoisseurs, with a patented 5-ply construction that provides the ultimate cooking performance. A central core of copper, the metal that best conducts heat, is surrounded by two layers of aluminum, and two exterior layers of 18/10 stainless steel, the metal that provides the finest cooking surface. A revolution in cookware technology, Copper-Core truly offers the best of all possible worlds. The new Copper Core collection can be used on an induction hob.

Do I need to use wood or nylon utensils?

No. You can cook on all of our conventional cookware with metal, plastic or wood utensils. If you are using a nonstick All-Clad pan, however, we recommend using wood or plastic.

Do the handles get hot?

The long handles are cast stainless steel, which conducts or distributes heat poorly. The shape of the handles and the stainless steel rivets also provide a safe grip and prevent the handle from becoming too hot on the stove top. However, in the oven or grill, handles will get hot. Always keep oven gloves handy to prevent burning your hand.

The short loop handles will get hot on the stovetop and in the oven. The use of oven gloves is recommended for these handles.

Can All-Clad cookware be used on a ceramic range?

Yes. In fact, All-Clad is one of the best choices for this type of range since our cookware is balanced and the contact surfaces are smooth (the exceptions are our grill pans). The bonded construction and superior heat distribution help prevent scorching, which can be a problem with this style of stovetop when using other brands of cookware.

How can I prevent sticking when cooking?

A preheated pan and lower flames are the key to stick-free stainless steel cooking. Preheat your pan on low or medium heat for one to two minutes. Tap the upper edge of your pan to test the heat. (If it is too hot, remove from the burner for a couple of minutes.) Pour 2-3 teaspoons of cold oil in your preheated pan-or enough to cover the bottom of the cooking surface. Add food, making sure that there is an even sizzling sound when your food touches the pan. This indicates that your food is cooking on contact and creating a natural barrier to prevent sticking. Allow food to cook without disturbing it until the correct doneness is achieved. The natural sugars in your food caramelize on the cooked surface, developing great flavours and lifting your food off of the cooking surface naturally. If the sound that food makes on initial contact with the pan is more of a crackle than a sizzle, your heat is too high and sticking may occur. All-Clad recommends low to medium heat for frying, braising, sautéing and simmering because All-Clad is ideally crafted to hold heat.

What is the stainless cooking surface in All-Clad cookware made of and how is it tested to ensure quality?

The cooking surface of All-Clad cookware is made from high-quality 18/10 stainless steel, a proprietary formulation of 304 grade stainless steel specially adapted to meet All-Clad specifications regarding grain size, texture, alloy content, and other physical properties that guarantee the superb culinary performance that makes All-Clad the world's finest cookware.

All stainless steel used by All-Clad is certified to meet National Standard ISO 9000 (International Organization for Standardization) for all 304 series stainless steel intended for use with food. Every "melt" by our steel suppliers is tested and certified to meet the ASTM 240 (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards.

Is nonstick safe?

All-Clad's nonstick surfaces do not have harmful PFOA gases. The quality of our cookware eliminates hot spots that can damage nonstick and cause the surface to burn and flake off.

When used responsibly, nonstick cookware poses no threat to people or animals and can be useful in creating a healthy and well-balanced diet.

To prevent damaging the surfaces of your nonstick pans:

Always cook on a low or low-medium heat.
Never use a nonstick pan under a grill.
Never leave any pan unattended on top of the stove or in the oven.
Do not use metal utensils.
Do not use abrasive cleaners or metallic scrubbing pads or brushes.
Do not use aerosol spray oils on your nonstick cookware.
Do not put your nonstick cookware in the dishwasher.
Clean any cooking residue with a mixture of baking soda and water.

Why is All-Clad cookware so heavy?

In the world of cookware, ours is actually rated as light/moderate in weight. We have worked for the past 30 years to create cookware that is balanced in your hand, yet weighty enough to hold heat evenly, this is an important performance feature in premium cookware. Small pieces are easy to handle and the larger pieces often include a helper handle for easy lifting and pouring.

Why is All-Clad so expensive?

All-Clad makes premium cookware. We are the originators of 'bonded metal', this allows us to combine many different metals in each piece of cookware to create the optimum in performance and durability. We use the highest-quality metals and make all of our bonded cookware in the USA.

How do I return my cookware under guarantee?

Please click here for information on All-Clad's lifetime guarantee and easy instructions on how to make a claim under the guarantee.

What will void my All-Clad Guarantee?

You will void your All-Clad Lifetime Guarantee for any of the following reasons:

If your All-Clad is left on extremely high heat for an extended period of time.
If your All-Clad is left empty on a heated burner
If your All-Clad Nonstick is cleaned in the dishwasher.
If metal utensils are used on the nonstick cooking surface.
If you use scouring pads, steel wool, abrasive cleansers, bleach and/or oven cleaners
Salt usage may cause pitting to the stainless steel interior. To avoid salt damage, do not add salt to your food until the liquid begins to boil. Please note that the salt pitting will not interfere with the cooking performance of the pan, only its appearance.

Is All-Clad cookware induction safe? What is induction?

Induction range tops do not have combustible gasses or open flames, but use a magnetic field to create heat. The technology is widely used in Europe and is popular in professional kitchens because it is so efficient. All-Clad stainless steel has been induction-ready since its development because we use a special magnetic stainless steel on the exterior. We built the 'Stainless Steel' and the new 'Copper Core' induction compatible collections to be used on any hob and in professional kitchens that have adopted this technology.

How should I use my All-Clad cookware?

If you have never cooked with All-Clad before, you may be surprised by how efficient it is. Start using your All-Clad on a low flame for all applications except boiling. Because our cookware is built to hold heat and distribute it well, you will find that low temperatures using All-Clad are comparable to medium to medium-high settings using other cookware brands. When preparing to sauté or fry, preheat your cookware a minute or two on a low setting. Test the heat by lightly tapping the top edge of your pan with your palm. If the pan feels warm to the touch you are ready to cook. Put cold oil in your preheated pan. This helps to form a natural barrier that prevents food from sticking. Now add your food. There should be a sizzling sound when your food touches the preheated pan, indicating that the browning or searing process has begun. Leave the food for approx 1 minute to sear – do not try to push it around the pan too soon otherwise the food may tear and then stick to the pan (see below – 'how do you prevent sticking'). Medium to low heat is all you will need.

Often, after cooking, there are browned bits left on the pan. These are delicious when incorporated into a sauce-easily made by adding stock, wine, water or any combination of these, and simmering to reduce and concentrate the flavours.

Is All-Clad dishwasher safe?

The 'Stainless Steel' collection is completely dishwasher-safe. It is recommended that before you use your Stainless Steel All-Clad you wash it in the dishwasher first to remove any manufacturing residues and this will help to keep it shiny. Do not put your non-stick cookware in the dishwasher because high heat and harsh detergents will corrode and dry out the surface. Copper-Core' can be put in the dishwasher but it may result in some tarnishing of the copper band around the exterior. Prevent this by either hand-washing or drying the copper band immediately after the wash cycle in the dishwasher has finished.

How do I clean my All-Clad?

For daily cleaning, warm, soapy water is sufficient. Clean your All-Clad thoroughly after each use. Food films left on the pan may cause discoloration and sticking.
To get rid of stuck-on food or discolouration, and stains from using too high a heat, we recommend cleaning your All-Clad with a specialist stainless steel cleaning product called 'Bar Keeper's Friend'.
To use the Bar Keeper's Friend, simply use a soft cloth or sponge and water and make into a soupy paste. This can be used on the interior, as well as the exterior of your All-Clad.
If your water has high iron content, you may notice a rusty discolouration. Use 'Bar Keeper's Friend' to remove this. Please also refer to the Use & Care section of this page.

Stainless Steel - First use:

The "Stainless Steel" collection is completely diswasher-safe. It is recommended that before you use your Stainless Steel All-Clad you wash it in the diswasher first to remove any manufacturig residues and this will help you to keep it shiny.

Non-stick coating pans : Before using for the first time, wash in hot, soapy water with a sponge or dishcloth. Rinse in hot water and dry thoroughly.

Stainless Steel - Preheating:

Most recipes recommend placing our pots on low heat for one or two minutes before adding foods.

Stainless Steel - Frying Without Natural Fats:

Add oil, butter, or margarine to the pot or pan; just enough to cover the bottom surface.
Heat pot or pan for one to two minutes over low or medium heat.
Add food for frying.

Stainless Steel - If sticking is a problem, check:

Is your cooker level?
Is your pot clean?
Is your heat set too high? - Low to medium heat setting is recommended for optimal cooking performance.

Stainless Steel - Salt Damage:

To avoid the formation of small white dots or pits, bring liquids to a boil before adding salt, then stir well. Or, add salt after food has started to cook. Pitting does not interfere with cooking performance but can diminish the beauty of the stainless steel.

Stainless Steel - Prevent Water Spotting:

After washing, rinse in hot water and dry immediately.

Stainless Steel - Discolouration:

Overheating can cause brown or blue stains. Food films, if not removed, will cause discoloration on the pot when it is reheated. Large amounts of iron content in your water may cause your pot to look rusty.

Stainless Steel - Cleaning the Stainless Steel Interior:

Immerse in warm water. Use a fine powder cleanser with water to form a paste. Apply paste using a soft cloth. Rub in a circular motion from the centre outward. Wash in hot, soapy water, dry immediately. DO NOT USE oven cleaners or cleansers with chlorine bleach. DO NOT USE steel wool.

Stainless Steel - Cleaning the Stainless Steel Exterior:

The polished stainless steel exterior of All-Clad Stainless requires very little care. It may be polished with one of the available commercial stainless steel cleaners, rubbing in a circular motion. Rinse in lukewarm water. We do not recommend using steel wool, steel scouring pads or harsh detergents. Nylon scrubbing pads are safe to use. You may wash Stainless in the dishwasher.

Stainless Steel - Cleaning the non-stick coating pans

Do not put your non-stick cookware in the dishwasher because high heat and harsh detergents will corrode and dry out the surface. Almost all non-stick problems are related to a build up of visible and/or invisible layer of cooking residue on the non-stick surface. We recommend cleaning the non-stick with a paste made of equal parts bicarbonate of soda and water. Rub in a circular motion with a non-metallic scrubbing/cleaning pad recommended as being safe for use on non-stick surfaces, or perhaps a soft brush such as a vegetable brush. Then rinse well with water. If the bicarbonate of soda mixture starts turning brown, you are on the right track. Rinse well with cool water and dry. Then condition the non-stick surface by wiping a little vegetable oil around the surface with a paper kitchen towel. Wipe off any excess.

User manual

Copper-Core - First use:

Before using for the first time, wash in hot, soapy water with a sponge or dishcloth. Rinse in hot water and dry thoroughly.

Copper-Core - Preheating:

Most recipes recommend placing our pots on low heat for one or two minutes before adding foods.

Copper-Core - Frying Without Natural Fats:

Add oil, butter, or margarine to the pot or pan; just enough to cover the bottom surface.
Heat pot or pan for one to two minutes over low or medium heat.
Add food for frying.

Copper-Core - If sticking is a problem, check:

Is your cooker level?
Is your pot clean?
Is your heat set too high? - Low to medium heat setting is recommended for optimal cooking performance.

Copper-Core - Salt Damage:

Copper-Core - Prevent Water Spotting:

After washing, rinse in hot water and dry immediately.

Copper-Core - Discolouration:

The copper band will tarnish if washed in a dishwasher.

Copper-Core - Cleaning

While we recommend hand washing, Copper-Core is dishwasher-safe. The copper band will tarnish with dishwasher use and will need polished with a commercial cleaner to restore its luster. I you choose to wash your Copper-Core in the dishwasher we recommend using detergents free of lemon and chlorine additives.

Copper-Core - Cleaning the Stainless Steel Interior:

Copper-Core - Cleaning the Stainless Steel Exterior:

The polished stainless steel exterior of Copper-Core requires very little care. It may be polished with one of the available commercial stainless steel cleaners, rubbing in a circular motion. Rinse in lukewarm water. We do not recommend using steel wool, steel scouring pads or harsh detergents. Nylon scrubbing pads are safe to use. You may wash Copper-Core in the dishwasher, but the copper band will tarnish.

User manual

Specialty - Introduction

All-Clad Specialty collection covers a wide variety of designs, materials and techniques. Therefore, we recommend that you read carefully the instructions delivered to you with your product at the time of purchase, and refer to them whenever needed. However, the following instructions will provide you with a basic guide for taking care of your All-Clad Home Entertaining items

Specialty - First Use:

Before using for the first time, wash in hot, soapy water with a sponge or dishcloth. Rinse in hot water and dry thoroughly.

Specialty - Salt Damage:

Specialty - Prevent Water Spotting:

After washing, rinse in hot water and dry immediately.

Specialty - Discolouration:

Specialty - Preseason And Cure The Soapstone Prior To Use:

Fresh soapstone is light gray, but darkens when it absorbs food oils. You can either let it darken gradually during use, or you can pre-season or "cure" it, making the soapstone dark immediately. To cure the stone, wipe the disk all over top and bottom with vegetable or olive oil. Place the disk in a cold oven and heat to 350 degrees. Bake the stone for 1 to 2 hours. Turn off the oven and let the stone cool slowly in the warm oven. When the stone is cool wash it and you are ready for use. If you need additional non-stick assistance for such items as breads or cookies, you can grease the soapstone with a cooking spray or a little oil or butter. Seasoning the stone will cause it to darken and enhance its natural beauty. This is a normal transformation of your baking stone as the stone absorbs the oil giving it its natural seasoning and non-stick resistance.

Specialty - Cleaning the Stainless Steel Interior:

Immerse in warm water. Use a fine powder cleanser with water to form a paste. Apply paste using a soft cloth. Rub in a circular motion from the center outward. Wash in hot, soapy water, dry immediately. DO NOT USE oven cleaners or cleansers with chlorine bleach. DO NOT USE steel wool.

Specialty - Cleaning the Stainless Steel Exterior:

Specialty - Cleaning Ceramic, Porcelain and Terra Cotta Parts:

Ceramic, Porcelain and Terra Cotta parts are not recommended for dishwasher use. Hand wash in warm soapy water. These parts should be handled with care. When cleaning, be sure not to bang them against the countertop or cook top. Black or grey markings caused by the use of stainless steel utensils can be easily removed by cleaning the product with Soft Scrub cleaners.

Specialty - Cleaning the Soapstone Baking Dish:

Natural Soapstone can be cleaned with soap and water. If something gets baked on, scrub the soapstone with a mild abrasive pad. This may cause the stone to lighten in scrubbed areas. To darken the stone just wipe with oil. There is no need to cure the stone again. Avoid cleaning with strong abrasives.

To Remove Scratches And Nicks:

During use some scratches and nicks will occur. This is especially true when using a pizza cutter. In European and Brazilian pizzerias the scratches are left etched in the stone as it seasons with time. These etchings do not affect the performance in any way and again are a normal occurrence of using a natural baking stone. If you prefer to keep your stone smooth and looking new, then use medium grit sandpaper to sand away any nicks and scratches as they occur

User manual