Demeyere vs. All-Clad: How Does Their Cookware Compare?

There are dozens of cookware options to choose from, but two brands that stand out above the rest are All-Clad and Demeyere.

All-Clad is best known for its ultra-durable, even-heating, fully-clad stainless steel sets that are made in the U.S. and built to last a lifetime.

Demeyere cookware stands out due to its unique 7-ply construction and thick walls that conduct and retain heat exceptionally well.

In this in-depth comparison of All-Clad vs. Demeyere, you’ll learn exactly how their stainless steel cookware stacks up in terms of construction, materials, performance, design, product options, and price.

By the end, you’ll have all the necessary facts and knowledge to decide which brand is right for your kitchen.

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Use the links below to navigate the comparison:

• All-Clad vs. Demeyere: Quick Summary
• Side-By-Side Comparison Chart
• Construction
• Performance
• Induction Cooktop Test
• Cleaning
• Design
• Product Options
• What Others Are Saying
• Price
• Bottom Line: Which Cookware Is Better, All-Clad or Demeyere?

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Side-By-Side Comparison Chart

Feature	All-Clad	Demeyere
Where They Are Made	United States	Belgium
Collections	10	5
Exterior Material	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Core Material	Aluminum or Copper	Silver, Aluminum, Copper
Bonded Layers	up to 5	up to 7
Fully Clad	Yes	Yes (some pieces are disc bottom)
Lids	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Handles	Straight, connected by rivets	Curved, rivet-less
Performance	Even heating, rapid temperature response	Even heating, superior heat retention and induction efficiency
Oven Safe Temperature	Up to 600°F	500-660°F (varies by collection)
Induction Compatible	Yes (except Essentials)	Yes, all sets
Cleaning	No	Dishwasher safe, hand wash recommended
Warranty	Limited Lifetime	30-Year
Price	$$$$ (Amazon)	$$$$ (Amazon)

Construction

Before I get into the specific differences between the construction of All-Clad and Demeyere cookware, you need to understand the basics of multi-clad cookware.

What does “cladding” mean?

In simple terms, cladding is a method of manufacturing in which multiple layers of different metals are placed together under intense pressure until they bond together. Cladded cookware is often referred to as multi-clad.

This process was initially used to make coins, but, as I mentioned in a recent in-depth review of All-Clad, it wasn’t applied to cookware until the 1970’s when All-Clad’s founder, John Ulam, connected the dots.

Multi-clad cookware typically features an aluminum or copper core encapsulated by a stainless steel exterior.

Stainless steel is the ideal exterior because it’s durable and non-reactive, while aluminum/copper is the perfect core material because it conducts heat fast and evenly.

Although All-Clad was the first to make multi-clad cookware, many brands have caught on to the trend over the years, including Demeyere.

Now, onto the comparison.

Difference 1: Fully-Clad vs. Cladded Base

Not all multi-clad cookware is created equal.

As their name suggests, All-Clad cookware is all clad. This means that the cladded layers extend throughout the entire cookware, even up the sides and through the rim.

You can see what I mean in the illustration below:

Demeyere takes a different, arguably smarter approach. They design the construction specific to the cooking process of each piece.

For example, pieces with shallow walls like frying pans and conical sauce pots (like sauciers) feature cladded layers throughout, just like All-Clad, to provide precise temperature control while cooking delicate sauces and frying at lower temperatures.

However, pieces with vertical sides, like stockpots, are not all clad. Instead, they feature a multi-clad base but just a single layer of steel up the sides.

The reason behind that is pretty simple. Since cookware with vertical sides is typically used for heating liquids, there is no need to actively distribute heat up the sides via a thermally conductive core material. The hot rotating liquid will do that job in its place.

In this video, the product development experts at Demeyere explain their strategy in more detail.

Does it hurt to have cladded layers throughout? No.

Is it necessary? Probably not.

Is there any benefit at all? Yes. Since All-Clad stock pots are cladded up the sides, they distribute heat more quickly and bring water to a boil in less time.

Difference #2: Thickness

Demeyere cookware is thicker than All-Clad cookware.

The exact thickness varies by cookware line, but on average, Demeyere is 3.7 mm thick, and All-Clad is 2.6 mm.

Part of the difference is in the number of layers. Most Demeyere cookware is constructed with 7 layers compared to All-Clad, which is made with 3 or 5.

The thickness of All-Clad cookware is consistent across all pieces within each line, but the thickness of Demeyere varies by piece.

For example, their conical saucepans are 3 mm thick, but their frying pans, since they require better heat retention, are 5 mm thick.

Thicker cookware retains heat longer but is significantly heavier. Therefore, after you turn off the stove or pull your meal out of the oven, you can expect Demeyere cookware to keep your food warmer for longer than All-Clad.

Difference #3: Number of Layers

When you see or hear the term “ply,” it’s referring to the number of layers that are bonded together to make each piece of cookware.

All-Clad offers several multi-clad stainless cookware lines starting with just 3 layers (3-ply or tri-ply) and going all the way up to 5 (5-ply).

Almost all Demeyere cookware is 7-ply except one 5-ply line and their discount line (Resto) that’s 3-ply.

So, are more layers better?

Not necessarily.

In general, cookware with more layers is thicker, sturdier, and has superior heat retention.

However, cookware with more layers is heavier, more expensive, heats slower, and is not as responsive to changes in temperature.

For example, All-Clad’s D3 cookware, which has only 3 layers (steel, aluminum, steel), heats up very quickly since there are fewer layers between the heat source and the cooking surface. Since it doesn’t have the extra 2 or 4 layers that cool down slowly, it reacts quickly when you turn the heat up or down.

Key Takeaway

All-Clad and Demeyere cookware are both constructed through a cladding process, but their philosophy on layers and thickness is different.

All-Clad cookware has fewer layers, it’s not as thick, and features fully clad layers throughout each piece.

Demeyere cookware is customized based on the specific purpose of each piece. Demeyere cookware, in general, retains heat longer than All-Clad but doesn’t respond to changes in temperature as quickly.

Materials

High-end cookware requires high-end materials, and, in this regard, both brands deliver.

All-Clad sources all of its materials from U.S. suppliers, and the materials are tested and guaranteed to meet National Standard ISO 9000 and ASTM 240 (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards.

They are also environmentally conscious. According to All-Clad’s website: “virtually every ounce of unused material is recovered and recycled, including the metal dust generated during the sanding process.”

Their 18/10 stainless steel cooking surface is smooth, shiny, durable, and non-reactive.

They use highly conductive materials, such as pure aluminum or copper, for the core layers to distribute and retain heat evenly.

Copper conducts heat faster than aluminum, which gives you more control but, since it has a rapid temperature response, it’s less forgiving when you turn the heat too high.

There’s no best core material; it just depends on your style of cooking.

For their exterior, All-Clad uses magnetic 18/0 stainless steel that’s extremely durable, resistant to rust and scratches, and safe on all cooktops, including induction.

Demeyere uses similar materials as All-Clad, but they also incorporate some unique technologies such as Silvinox®, Inductoseal® Base, Controlinduc®, and TriplInduc®.

For the exterior, Demeyere uses the same 18/10 stainless steel, but they treat theirs with Silvinox, which is a surface treatment that removes iron and impurities from the steel. Silvinox results in easier cleaning, acid resistance, and color retention for many years.

Check out this quick video to see how it works and a side-by-side comparison of cookware with and without Silvinox.

The Demeyere Inductoseal Base consists of 7 layers:

• 18/10 stainless steel
• Silver
• Copper
• Silver
• 3 layers of specially formulated alloys to ensure even heating and increase induction efficiency by 30%. They refer to these three layers as TriplInduc. Learn more about Triplinduc in this quick video.

Key Takeaway

Both brands put a major emphasis on the quality of their materials.

All-Clad’s material combinations are a bit simpler than Demeyere. They use high-quality steels for their exterior and cooking surface and pure aluminum or copper, which are thermally conductive for the core.

Demeyere uses a variety of materials and technologies to enhance performance, including an exterior treatment for longevity and shine, a silver and copper core for heat conduction, and a triple layer base for even heating and induction efficiency.

Performance

The number one reason most people splurge on high-end cookware is for its superior performance.

So which brand performs better in the kitchen, All-Clad or Demeyere?

I’ve cooked dozens of meals in both brands’ pans, and they all do a fantastic job. I’ve used them to sear meat, sautéed vegetables, fry chicken, cook eggs, and simmer sauces.

I’ve compared All-Clad and Demeyere to popular brands like Made In and Heritage Steel, and they both perform as well, if not better, than any other brand.

My key takeaway from all the testing is that the performance varies by collection, and the “best” performance depends on your cooking style. The All-Clad G5 and Copper Core collections are the best if you prefer pans that heat quickly. If you prefer pans that retain heat better, Demeyere Atlantis is the best. 

To prove this point, I conducted a simple test. I poured two cups of 55°F water into five All-Clad pans and two Demeyere pans.

Then, I heated each pan on the highest setting using the same electric burner. All seven pans showed even heating, with tiny water bubbles uniformly across the cooking surfaces.

However, there was a significant difference in how quickly each pan brought the water to a boil.

The All-Clad G5 pan heated up the fastest. The water came to a full boil in just 2 minutes and 4 seconds. I wasn’t surprised by this because graphite is a highly conductive material, and these pans are lightweight.

The All-Clad Copper Core pan came in second, followed by D3 Everyday, D3, D5, and Demeyere Industry.

The slowest pan to boil the water, by a good margin, was Demeyere Atlantis. Because of the super thick 5.2 mm walls, these pans take much more time to heat up.

Below are the full results:

Brand	Collection	Time to Boil (Electric Cooktop)
All-Clad	G5	2:04
All-Clad	Copper Core	2:18
All-Clad	D3 Everyday	2:47
All-Clad	D3	2:55
All-Clad	D5	3:04
Demeyere	Industry	3:10
Demeyere	Atlantis	3:25

To validate these findings, I conducted a second test. I preheated each pan on medium for exactly 45 seconds, greased the surface with a small amount of butter, and added ⅓ of a cup of pancake batter.

After exactly one minute, I flipped the pancakes and cooked them for an additional 30 seconds.

I allowed the burner to cool down completely between testing each pan and maintained the same heat setting throughout. The objective was not to cook the perfect pancakes. It was to see how quickly the pan heated while controlling all other variables.

Here are the results:

The All-Clad G5 pan heated so fast that the butter started burning almost immediately, and the pancake was way overcooked by the end of the minute and a half.

On the other end was Demeyere Atlantis. The pan heated so slowly that the pancake almost fell apart when I flipped it. And it was still raw in the middle when the timer went off.

All-Clad Copper Core was the second-fastest to heat behind G5. And All-Clad D5 was the second slowest to heat. These results were consistent with the water boiling test.

On the flip side of heat conduction is heat retention. You want pans that heat fast and evenly, but they also need to maintain a consistent temperature and stay hot as you add ingredients.

After boiling the water in the heat conduction tests, I set each pan aside to cool and measured the water temperature after 5 and 10 minutes.

Here are the results:

Brand	Collection	Temperature After 5 Minutes	Temperature After 10 Minutes
Demeyere	Atlantis	122°F / 50.0°C	106°F / 41.3°C
All-Clad	D3 Everyday	112°F / 44.5°C	101°F / 39°C
All-Clad	D3	111°F / 44°C	100°F / 38°C
All-Clad	D5	112°F / 45°C	97°F / 36°C
All-Clad	G5	115°F / 46°C	96°F / 36°C
Demeyere	Industry	115°F / 46°C	96°F / 36°C
All-Clad	Copper Core	117°F / 48°C	95°F / 35°C

Although all collections across both brands performed well, Demeyere Atlantis is the clear winner in this category. The thick walls slow the heat down but also absorb and hold onto it longer. It’s not the best cookware for boiling pasta or making a quick meal, but it’s ideal for searing, shallow frying, simmering, and other techniques that require a consistent temperature.

Induction Cooktop Test

Demeyere Atlantis pans have a 3-layer steel bottom called TriplInduct. Demeyere claims the extra magnetic steel layers make the cookware 30% more efficient on induction cooktops.

To test this claim, I poured two cups of cold water into the 5 All-Clad and 2 Demeyere pans. Then, I placed them on the same induction burner and set the heat to high.

All-Clad G5 was the first to boil the water at 2 minutes and 19 seconds. Demeyere Atlantis, despite its thicker construction, came in second place at 2 minutes and 23 seconds. In third was All-Clad D5, followed by Demeyere Industry, All-Clad Copper Core, All-Clad D3 Everyday, and All-Clad D3.

Below are the full results:

Brand	Collection	Time to Boil on Induction
All-Clad	G5	2:19
Demeyere	Atlantis	2:23
All-Clad	D5	2:26
Demeyere	Industry	2:28
All-Clad	Copper Core	2:37
All-Clad	D3 Everyday	2:43
All-Clad	D3	2:48

So, while the Triplinduc base improves induction efficiency, it’s still not as efficient as All-Clad G5 and only boils the water a handful of seconds faster than All-Clad D5.

Cleaning

In the past, All-Clad advertised their pans as dishwasher safe. However, that changed when customers noticed that the exposed aluminum core layer was receding after repeated dishwasher cycles.

When this happened, the steel layers on top and bottom became sharp. All-Clad settled a lawsuit over this issue and now recommends hand-washing their pans.

Demeyere advertises its pans as dishwasher safe. However, the Demeyere Industry collection has exposed rims similar to All-Clad, so the same issue could occur.

Demeyere Atlantis pans have sealed rims with steel covering the inner aluminum layers around the edge of the pan.

Design

Besides performance, you want cookware that looks great and fits the style of your kitchen.

Fortunately, both brands make classy and elegantly cookware that you’ll be proud to show off to your guests.

Most All-Clad lines have a shiny polished exterior with long, straight handles, and steel lids.

With All-Clad’s D5 line, you get to choose between a shiny (polished) or brushed (matte) exterior.

Their Copper Core line has an elegant copper ring around the bottom.

Most of their cookware features flared rims for spill-free pouring, and extra helper handles for smooth transfer.

At first glance, Demeyere cookware looks very similar to All-Clad. But, taking a closer look, you can see some significant differences.

The exterior is shiny, like All-Clad, but the bottom part of the exterior walls of the Atlantis collection (conical pieces only, not frying pans) features a polished ring with a lighter colored base. This ring adds a beautiful design element and breaks up the smooth surface.

Another significant difference between All-Clad and Demeyere is their handles.

All-Clad’s D3, D5, and Copper Core collections have cup-shaped handles with a grove on top and a rounded bottom. This design locks your hand in place and prevents the handle from rotating when tilting the pan. However, the edges can dig into your hand and many people complain they’re uncomfortable. I would agree.

All-Clad addressed this issue with newer collections, like D3 Everyday and G5. These pans have a redesigned handle that’s flatter on top and has a more subtle cup shape. It still offers good control, but it’s much more comfortable.

Demeyere handles are flatter without a groove on top. They’re more curved and fork right before connecting with the main piece. They’re simple, comfortable, and provide a secure grip.

Unlike All-Clad handles, which are riveted to the pan, Demeyere handles are welded. Without rivets, the cooking surface is completely smooth and easier to clean.

The downside though, is that there is a chance of them detaching. A few months into testing Demeyere, the handle on the Atlantis pan started to loosen, and as I was holding it, it completely snapped off.

I was genuinely shocked when this happened because Demeyere talks about how strong the welds are and even has a video of an employee jumping on a pan to prove it.

Although this isn’t a common issue, I found a few other customers complaining about it, so it’s not a complete fluke. Fortunately, Demeyere sent me a new pan and I haven’t had any issues since. But it’s something to keep in mind.

Product Options

All-Clad and Demeyere both offer several cookware lines with unique features to match your cooking style and budget.

Below is a comparison chart to help you quickly compare all of their stainless steel cookware lines.

(swipe to view the entire chart)

Cookware Line	Price	Construction	Oven-Safe	Induction Safe	Where It’s Made
All-Clad D5 Brushed	$$$$	5-ply steel core	600°F	Yes	U.S.
All-Clad Copper Core	$$$$	5-ply copper core	600°F	Yes	U.S.
All-Clad D3 Stainless	$$$	3-ply aluminum core	600°F	Yes	U.S.
Demeyere Atlantis	$$$$	7-ply aluminum core	500°F	Yes	Belgium
Demeyere Industry	$$$$	5-ply aluminum core	500°F	Yes	Belgium

Key Takeaway

All-Clad offers 10 stainless cookware lines, and each is designed for different cooking styles, design preferences, and budgets. Demeyere offers fewer options, but their designs are more differentiated to meet a wide range of needs (e.g., John Pawson).

To learn more about the differences between All-Clad’s offerings, check out our recent in-depth comparisons of their most popular lines.

All-Clad D3 vs. D5

All-Clad D5 vs. Copper Core

Which All-Clad Collection Is the Best? (Buyer’s Guide)

What Others Are Saying

If you take a few minutes to read the reviews of All-Clad and Demeyere on Amazon, you’ll start to see a few common themes.

All-Clad customers rave about how fast their pans heat up and how evenly they cook. Durability is also a frequent topic. All-Clad customers praise how sturdy, well-made, and long-lasting their cookware is, which helps justify their hefty investment.

Only a small percentage of All-Clad customers are dissatisfied, but the most common complaints among them are that food sticks, and it’s difficult to clean.

Demeyere customers can’t say enough great things about its cooking performance. It heats up evenly, works excellent on induction cooktops, and is easy to clean. Several customers claim it’s a definite “step up” from All-Clad.

The most common complaint about Demeyere is that it’s too heavy. Although some customers appreciate the added weight since it feels more durable, others claim it’s unnecessarily heavy and challenging to maneuver.

All-Clad cookware is not considered lightweight, but compared to Demeyere, it feels like a feather.

The Demeyere Atlantis 12-inch frying pan weighs 7 pounds and 3 ounces, and the All-Clad D5 12-inch frying pan weighs 3 pounds 4 ounces.

It’s not just customers that are talking about these brands; independent research companies are too.

TheWirecutter.com, a New York Times Company and respected consumer advocate, recently tested 17 cookware sets and named the All-Clad D3 (Tri-Ply) series their “Upgrade Pick.” They highlighted its even heat distribution, durability, and ideal weight.

In the same report, they gave Demeyere cookware a mixed review praising its even heating but also saying it took a while to heat up and was too heavy.

Consumer Reports recently awarded All-Clad a rating of “Excellent” for its even heating and versatility (stove, oven, induction, etc.). They did not include any Demeyere cookware in its tests.

Good Housekeeping awarded All-Clad the “Best High-End Set,” calling it “the Vitamix blender of cookware.” They believe it’s worth the high price due to its durability and even heating. Again, Demeyere cookware was not tested.

Key Takeaway

Both brands are applauded by customers as well as expert product testers for their performance, durability, and design.

The biggest complaints are that food sticks to the surface of All-Clad pans, and Demeyere pans are too heavy.

All-Clad takes home more awards in part because Demeyere is less known and often excluded from the research altogether.

Price

There’s no doubt about it; both of these brands are not cheap.

But, when you consider all of the performance benefits you get from premium cookware and the fact that it’ll last a lifetime, it’s worth the investment.

While both brands are pricey, Demeyere cookware is significantly more expensive.

Of course, the actual margin depends on the line, set/piece, and where you buy.

Compare current prices of both brands at the links below:

• Demeyere on Amazon and Zwilling.com
• All-Clad on Amazon and All-Clad.com

Bottom Line: Which Cookware Is Better, All-Clad or Demeyere?

Most serious home chefs would be happy with a set from either brand.

But which cookware is better?

There’s no universal answer to that question. It depends on your cooking style and budget.

You should buy All-Clad if…

• You want cookware that heats up fast, distributes heat evenly, and responds the temperature changes quickly.
• You want cookware with a classy and elegant design and a smooth, shiny surface.
• You want cookware that’s made in the U.S. under the highest standards that comes with a lifetime warranty.
• You’re willing to make a significant investment but don’t want to fork over hundreds of dollars for one frying pan.

If this sounds like you, check out hundreds of reviews of All-Clad on Amazon and All-Clad.com.

You should buy Demeyere if…

• You want cookware that retains heat well and is forgiving when you accidentally turn the stove too high.
• You cook on an induction cooktop and want cookware specifically designed to meet the needs of induction cooking.
• You want a rivetless design that provides an uninterrupted cooking surface and makes cleaning easier.
• You want to feel the thickness, durability, and heft when you hold your cookware.
• You’re not restricted by a tight budget.

If this sounds more like you, Demeyere cookware is available on Amazon and Zwilling.com, where you can see more photos of each product line and read dozens of customer reviews.

Based on my cooking style, budget, and preferences, I highly recommend All-Clad.

There’s a reason why it’s one of, if not the, biggest stainless cookware brand on the market.

It has everything you want in cookware. Fast and even heat transfer, long-lasting durability, and simple, elegant, and functional design.

On top of all that, it’s made in the U.S. under strict quality standards and comes with a lifetime warranty.

This is not to say that Demeyere cookware isn’t up to par, but, in my opinion, its 7-ply construction, specially designed surface treatments, and induction base don’t provide enough noticeable value to justify the additional cost.

If you still aren’t sure, consider buying one piece from either line and giving it a trial run (save your receipt).

What are your thoughts on All-Clad vs. Demeyere?

Have you cooked with either brand? If so, tell us about your experience in the comment section below.

If you found this article helpful, you should also check out:

• Is Demeyere Cookware Worth the High Price? An In-Depth Review
• Demeyere Atlantis vs. Industry: 9 Key Differences
• Hestan vs. Demeyere Cookware: 9 Differences
• All-Clad C4 Copper vs. Copper Core: How Do They Compare?
• All-Clad D5 vs. Copper Core: How Do They Compare?
• All-Clad HA1 vs. Essentials: 5 Key Differences Explained
• All-Clad HA1 vs. B1: Which All-Clad Non-Stick Collection Is Better?
• All-Clad vs. Calphalon: Non-Stick and Stainless Cookware Compared
• All-Clad vs. Cuisinart: How Does Their Cookware Compare?
• Is Goldilocks Cookware Any Good? An In-Depth Review
• All-Clad HA1 Cookware Review: Is It Worth Buying?
• Is All-Clad Cookware Worth the High Price? An In-Depth Review
• Ceramic vs. Teflon Cookware: What’s the Difference?
• Is Made In Cookware Any Good? An In-Depth and Unbiased Review
• All-Clad vs. Mauviel: Which Premium Cookware Is Better?
• Sardel Cookware Review: Is It Worth Buying?