All-Clad D3 vs. HA1 Cookware: What’s the Difference?

Are you shopping for cookware but can’t decide between the All-Clad D3 and HA1 collections?

Both are high-performing and durable, but they have several major differences that you should know about before buying.

In this comparison of All-Clad D3 vs. HA1 cookware, I break down how the collections differ in construction, design, performance, lifespan, price, and more.

By the end, you’ll have all the facts you need to decide which cookware is right for you.

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Use the links below to navigate this comparison:

• All-Clad D3 vs. HA1: Comparison Chart
• Similarities Between All-Clad D3 and HA1
• Differences Between All-Clad D3 and HA1
• Bottom Line: Should You Buy All-Clad D3 or HA1 Cookware?

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All-Clad D3 vs. HA1: Comparison Chart

Before getting into the specifics, this comparison chart will give you a broad overview of All-Clad’s D3 and HA1 collections:

	All-Clad D3	All-Clad HA1
Handle Material	Stainless steel	Stainless steel
Handle Design	Straight, angled upward, riveted	Straight, angled upward, riveted
Nonstick Coating	3-layer PTFE (only on select pans)	3-layer PTFE (on all pots and pans)
Induction-Compatible	Yes	Yes
Warranty	Limited Lifetime	Limited Lifetime
Construction	Fully-clad stainless steel (3-ply)	Hard-anodized aluminum
Where It’s Made	Canonsburg, PA	China
Oven-Safe Temperatures	600°F	500°F
Broiler-Safe	Yes	No
Lifespan	Lifetime	3 to 5 years
Lids	Stainless steel	Tempered glass
Cooking Performance	Ideal for browning and searing	Ideal for delicate foods, eggs, fish, etc.
Ease of Cleaning	Food sticks; need to scrub vigorously	Food doesn’t stick; wipe with soap and water
Price	$$$$ (All-Clad.com, Amazon)	$$$ (All-Clad.com, Amazon)

Similarities Between All-Clad D3 and HA1

Although the All-Clad D3 and HA1 collections have major differences, there are a handful of similarities. Let’s quickly review.

Handle Design and Material

Both the All-Clad D3 and HA1 cookware collections include riveted stainless steel handles with a straight, angled design.

If you read reviews of these collections, you’ll notice that people often complain that these cup-shaped handles are uncomfortable.

While I would agree that they aren’t the most comfortable handles, the shape is designed so that the cookware doesn’t rotate in your hand when you’re tipping it to pour liquids.

The one outlier is All-Clad’s limited series, called the All-Clad D3 Everyday collection, which features curved handles.

Non-Stick Coating

All of the pieces in the HA1 collection are coated with a 3-layer, PTFE-based, PFOA-free non-stick coating.

Most pots and pans in the D3 collection have a stainless steel cooking surface, but several D3 pans feature that same 3-layer non-stick coating.

The coating is unique in that it has three layers rather than one or two. This increases the overall durability and lifespan.

Induction Compatibility

Both the HA1 and D3 collections are compatible with all cooktops, including induction.

Most aluminum cookware is not induction-compatible since aluminum is not magnetic. But All-Clad makes the HA1 collection induction-compatible by bonding a steel plate to the bottom of the pans.

Warranty

Both collections are backed by All-Clad’s Limited Lifetime Warranty. 

Differences Between All-Clad D3 and HA1

Now let’s review the significant differences between All-Clad’s D3 and HA1 collections.

Difference 1: Construction

The HA1 collection is crafted from premium hard-anodized aluminum. That means the metal has undergone a chemical treatment utilizing electrolysis to produce a hard, durable oxidized layer on the cookware’s surface.

HA1 pan walls are 4 mm thick, which results in excellent heat retention.

The cooking surface of every pot and pan in the HA1 collection features a 3-layer non-stick coating.

In contrast, the D3 collection is made entirely of 3-ply, fully-cladded stainless steel.

That steel contains a central layer of conductive metal, in this case, aluminum, bonded between the outer steel layers.

The respective construction and materials result in very different cooking and cleaning experiences, which I’ll cover next.

Difference 2: Cooking Performance

Both non-stick and stainless steel cookware have specialties when it comes to cooking and culinary techniques.

The non-stick HA1 collection is excellent for delicate foods like eggs, leafy vegetables, or fish but is less than stellar at browning meat.

Non-stick pans, in general, shouldn’t be used for searing and browning because the slick cooking surface prevents foods — especially those high in protein — from bonding to the metal and forming a golden crust.

Alternatively, the stainless steel cookware in the D3 collection is perfect for searing, browning, and sautéing but is likely to make a mess if you try to use it for the more fragile or “flaky” foods mentioned above.

Overall, the All-Clad D3 collection is more versatile. It can handle higher temperatures, you can use it to boil, and it’s metal utensil safe.

While HA1 cookware is perfect for flipping pancakes and sliding eggs, you have to keep an eye on the temperature (so the non-stick coating doesn’t degrade), can’t use it under the broiler, and need to be careful not to scratch the coating with sharp utensils.

Learn more about the differences between the performance of non-stick and stainless steel cookware in this head-to-head comparison.

Difference 3: Ease of Cleaning

The HA1 collection is easier to clean than the D3 collection. That is thanks to the HA1 collection’s non-stick surface, which prevents the cookware from accumulating debris.

With the D3 collection’s stainless steel surfaces, you’re more likely to see stuck-on food after cooking. The cookware should always be hand-washed without the use of abrasive cleaners or sponges to avoid scratches.

If you’re facing a tough stain, consider using a product like Bar Keeper’s Friend or Bon Ami to make a thick paste before “soaking” the pan in this mixture for at least 30 minutes.

Stainless steel, true to its name, is made to be stain-resistant. But if you live in an area with hard water, or if you overheat your pan and burn ingredients, stains and brown spots may occur.

Note that the HA1 collection is technically dishwasher-safe, but All-Clad recommends gentle hand washing in warm, soapy water to preserve the cookware’s coating.

Difference 4: Design

All-Clad’s D3 collection features a shiny stainless steel interior and exterior that has been polished to a reflective sheen. It’s a classic look that makes a statement in any kitchen.

The HA1 collection features a more understated, charcoal-grey exterior and a slightly darker interior.

The stainless steel handles on the HA1 collection provide a nice contrast to the rest of the cookware, and the steel-plated bottom makes these pots and pans induction-compatible and warp-resistant.

Difference 5: Lids

All All-Clad HA1 cookware includes attractive tempered-glass lids with steel handles.

The D3 collection features stainless steel lids that match the rest of the cookwares’ design.

Difference 6: Lifespan

Stainless steel cookware is more durable than non-stick, and this holds true with the HA1 and D3 collections.

Hard-anodized aluminum is strong and quite durable, but the non-stick coating of HA1’s cookware will degrade over time and will eventually require you to purchase a new pan. Most non-stick cookware must be replaced approximately once every five years.

Alternatively, D3 cookware, since it features a stainless steel interior and exterior, can last a lifetime with proper care and storage.

However, a few pieces in the D3 collection come with a non-stick coating. For this cookware, the same degradation process occurs as it does to the pans in the HA1 collection.

Difference 7: Where It’s Made

One of All-Clad’s major selling points is that it sources its materials from local suppliers and manufactures its cookware in its Canonsburg, Pennsylvania facility.

While this is true for its fully-clad stainless steel collections, including D3, its non-stick HA1 collection is manufactured in China.

So, if you’re looking for 100% American-made cookware, D3 is the way to go.

Difference 8: Oven-Safe Temperatures

HA1 cookware is oven-safe up to 500°F. It’s crucial to adhere to these guidelines because exposing this cookware to temperatures above 500°F can degrade the non-stick coating and even release harmful fumes.

The cookware in the D3 collection is oven-safe up to 600°F. The exception to this rule is the non-stick pieces in this collection. These should be treated the same as the HA1 collection and are only safe at temperatures up to 500°F.

Difference 9: Broiler Safety

Due to the heat sensitivity of the HA1’s non-stick coating, the cookware is not broiler-safe.

This precaution also applies to pieces in the D3 collection that include a non-stick coating.

The rest of the steel pieces in the D3 collection are 100% broiler-safe.

Difference 10: Price

One of the most significant differences between HA1 and D3 collections is price, with the D3 collection much more expensive than the HA1 collection.

The price gap reflects the differences in materials (steel vs. aluminum) and where each collection is made (USA vs. China).

With that in mind, the price of each collection will vary depending on the retailer. To help give you a basic overview of the price variations, I’ve put together a pricing chart:

Bottom Line: Should You Buy All-Clad D3 or HA1 Cookware?

Now that you know all the important info about All-Clad’s HA1 and D3 collections, it’s time to decide which one is best for you.

Before I give you my recommendation, let’s quickly recap the differences:

• D3 cookware is made from fully-clad stainless steel, and HA1 is produced with hard-anodized aluminum with a non-stick coating.
• D3 cookware is more versatile and ideal for searing, whereas HA1 is perfect for delicate foods like eggs and fish.
• HA1 cookware is easier to clean due to its non-stick surface.
• D3 cookware has a polished steel design with steel lids, and HA1 cookware has a muted dark gray design with tempered glass lids.
• D3 cookware can last a lifetime, whereas HA1 cookware will last up to five years.
• D3 cookware is made in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, and HA1 is produced in China.
• D3 cookware is broiler-safe and oven-safe up to 600°F. HA1 is not broiler-safe and is only oven-safe up to 500°F.
• D3 cookware is significantly more expensive.

Both collections are high-quality and durable, so your choice ultimately comes down to whether you prefer non-stick or stainless steel cookware.

The most effective strategy is to purchase a complete set of the D3 stainless steel cookware and supplement that with one or two pans from the HA1 collection. The combination of D3 and HA1 ensures you always have the right pan on hand, regardless of what you’re cooking.

The D3 stainless steel cookware will be your go-to all-purpose cookware. Although it’s expensive, it will last a lifetime, so it’s well worth the upfront investment.

The HA1 pan will be your go-to for quick meals and foods prone to sticking. I recommend buying an HA1 pan over one of the non-stick coated pans in the D3 collection because the D3 non-stick pans are much more expensive but have the same lifespan as HA1 pans.

If you’re ready to buy or want to read more reviews and learn more, check out both collections on Amazon using the links below:

• All-Clad D3 on Amazon and All-Clad.com
• All-Clad HA1 on Amazon and All-Clad.com