All-Clad BD55404 D5 Brushed 18/10 Stainless Steel 5-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe Saute Pan with Lid - 4-Quart Silver Cookware for Professional Chefs & Home Cooking | Perfect for Searing, Sauteing & Simmering

Yep, these ain't cheap but if your serious about your cooking and enjoy your time in the kitchen whisking up your favorite recipe you should consider investing in high quality cookware.For years I hesitated and settled for good quality imitations such as the Emeril's cookware but finally decided to treat myself to the real thing and find out if they are worth the high prices. Yes they certainty do. No hot spots, better results at lower heat, tight lids that allow even lower heats due to fantastic heat retention (just use a higher initial temperature put the lid on and reduce to low/medium and you get a better result than having to use med/high on other less efficient wares)I got the same satisfaction than when I decided to buy chef quality knives ... Once you cut and dice with a "real pro knife" you know why it cost $250.I think of these pots as an investment and a heirloom to pass on to my kids. These things are so well built that you know they will last forever (proper care of course)I read reviews stating that you will do just as good with the classic trii-ply stainless but these are truly a step ahead. How can two layers of aluminum not be better than one? It keeps a uniform heat over the entire surface and sides at lower temperatures, perfect for braising, slow cooking, stews etc and also quickly searing and pan frying without hot spots trying to shuffle the food around so that each gets a shot at it ... With these the heat is uniform all around, just don't crowed the pieces during the searing process.Yep I did pay a small fortune for a custom hand picked set but these are worth every penny.Btw don't get drawn into buying the "sets" you don't really save much except if you really need the huge 8 and 12 qt stock pots and prefer frying pans over skillets.I selected the 11 and 13 inch skillets with lids, the 1.5 and 3 qt sauce pans, the 3qt casserole steamer combo, the 4 qt sauté pan, the 6 qt deep sauté pot and 6 qt fry basket. That's the equivalent of 16 pieces for the price of their advertised 14 piece set. FYI I keep my Emeril's 6 qt stock pot that I will use for deep frying on my induction portable burner (it has a copper core and I won't suffer if it gets stained with grease frying at higher temperatures)I prefer skillets and after researching realized that the 13 inch can also be used as a paella pan as they are similar except for the handle.Word of caution, these are heavy, best suited for men or strong women not afraid to handle them.