Scanpan vs. All-Clad: Which Cookware Is Better?

Are you shopping for new cookware but can’t decide between Scanpan and All-Clad?

The key difference between Scanpan and All-Clad is that All-Clad specializes in premium fully-clad stainless steel cookware, while Scanpan is best known for its cast-aluminum pans that feature patented, ultra-durable non-stick coatings.

That’s the high-level summary, but there’s much more to know before deciding which brand to buy.

In this comparison of Scanpan vs. All-Clad, you’ll learn how each brand’s cookware stacks up in terms of materials, performance, durability, price, and more.

By the end, you’ll understand the main differences between these brands and the pros and cons of each.

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Use the links below to navigate this comparison:

• Scanpan vs. All-Clad: Comparison Chart
• Introducing Scanpan
• Introducing All-Clad
• Cookware Collections
• Materials and Construction
• Design
• Cooking Performance
• Price
• Bottom Line: Should You Buy Scanpan or All-Clad?

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Scanpan vs. All-Clad: Comparison Chart

	Scanpan	All-Clad
Founded	1956	1971
Where It’s Made	Denmark	United States
Non-Stick Collections	10	2
Stainless Steel Collections	1	3
Price	$$$ (Amazon)	$$$$ (Amazon, All-Clad.com)
Performance	Heats quickly and evenly, easy to clean	Heats quickly and evenly, high heat tolerance
Construction	Squeeze cast aluminum or stainless clad	Fully-clad stainless steel
Cooking Surface	5-layer titanium-infused ceramic non-stick	Stainless steel or 3-layer PTFE non-stick coating
Oven-Safe	Up to 500°F	Up to 600°F
Induction-Compatible	Yes (5 collections)	Yes (4 collections)
Dishwasher-Safe	Yes	Yes
Top Reasons to Buy	Superior searing performance and scratch resistance, extremely durable non-stick coating	Premium quality, superior heat distribution, will last a lifetime
Top Reasons to NOT Buy	More expensive than most non-stick cookware, limited stainless steel options	One of the most expensive cookware brands

Introducing Scanpan

Scanpan is a Danish company with a unique history.

Scanpan launched in 1956 and was the first to offer environmentally-friendly, PFOA-free products made of 100% recycled aluminum.

With a mission focused on reducing its carbon footprint while simultaneously providing durable, high-quality cookware, Scanpan has made a lasting name for itself in the industry.

Scanpan makes all its cookware in its Ryomgård, Denmark facilities, where each piece passes the hands of eight skilled artisans before leaving the factory. 

The brand is best known for its patented 5-layer non-stick coatings called STRATANIUM and STRATANIUM+. These materials are ten times harder than stainless steel and designed to last much longer than the average non-stick pan (more on these later).

Besides cookware, Scanpan offers cutlery and accessories like whisks, spatulas, and other kitchen utensils.

Introducing All-Clad

All-Clad is a United States-based company that got its start in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1971.

All-Clad’s founder and renowned metallurgist, John Ulam, is credited with inventing the bonding process required to make fully-clad stainless steel cookware.

Although most cookware brands, including Scanpan, have adopted the process, All-Clad remains the industry leader in fully-clad stainless steel cookware thanks to its commitment to craftsmanship.

Unlike most U.S. cookware brands, All-Clad continues to manufacture all of its stainless steel cookware in its Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, facility.

Premium materials, expert craftsmanship, and U.S. labor costs add up to a high price tag. However, All-Clad cookware is absolutely worth the high cost considering it lasts a lifetime.

Besides fully-clad stainless steel cookware, All-Clad offers non-stick cookware, bakeware, and kitchen appliances such as waffle makers, toasters, and hand mixers.

Cookware Collections

Both Scanpan and All-Clad offer several cookware collections with unique features and price points.

Here’s a brief overview of each collection to give you an idea of the variety offered by both brands.

Scanpan Collections

Classic

The Scanpan Classic collection is a diverse series of non-stick cookware products, all of which are made from 100% recycled aluminum.

Classic Induction

This collection includes induction-friendly cookware, which is also oven-safe, so long as temperatures don’t exceed 500°F. Their squeeze-cast aluminum base prevents “hot spots” and supports even heating.

Professional

The Professional collection features sleek, stainless steel brushed handles and lids to top the durable cast aluminum base and patented STRATANIUM non-stick coating. These products combine high quality with an appealing look.

Pro IQ

The Scanpan Pro IQ is an elegant collection featuring cast aluminum bases with STRATANIUM non-stick coating, stainless steel handles, and tempered glass lids.

CTX

Advertised as the ideal option for “everyday food enthusiasts,” the Scanpan CTX line boasts a durable steel-brushed exterior combined with durability and non-stick dependability.

HAPTIQ

The HAPTIQ collection is made with a 5-ply cast aluminum and stainless-steel base coated with STRATANIUM non-stick coating. The tempered glass lids have large handles, making them easy to maneuver, even with an oven mitt.

TECHNIQ

This line was developed in conjunction with professional chefs, who provided their design and consumer expertise to produce a unique, optimized experience for the discerning home cook. It has a modern look with straight panhandles and squared lid handles.  

Maitre D’

Scanpan Maitre D’ is a unique collection of copper and stainless steel cookware. With an ultra-durable stainless steel interior, this high-end collection is the brand’s only one without a non-stick coating on all pieces.

CS+

The CS (Classic Steel) line is durable and visually stunning, with a luster and shine that set it apart from other collections. Compatible with any cooking surface (including induction), this series includes a 5-ply fully-clad base that aids in even heat distribution.

Pro S+

After developing STRATANIUM, Scanpan released the Pro S+ line to combine its professional series with even more enhanced non-stick technology: STRATANIUM+. This patented non-stick coating has all the benefits of STRATANIUM with an additional microtextured finish that’s ideal for searing and browning.

All-Clad Collections

D3 Stainless

All-Clad’s versatile D3 collection includes everything you need to get started in the kitchen. This collection, made of high-grade stainless steel, is constructed for optimal performance and ease of use. The 3-ply cladding results in even heat distribution and excellent durability.

D5 Brushed

All-Clad’s D5 collection is named for its 5-layer construction. The exterior is brushed stainless steel featuring a matte-look as opposed to the shiny, polished D3 exterior. The core layer is steel surrounded by two layers of aluminum, and the interior is stainless steel. The thin steel core layer slows the otherwise rapid heat transfer of the aluminum, making this cookware more forgiving and easier to use for most home cooks.

Copper Core

The Copper Core collection from All-Clad maintains a 5-ply bonded construction with a conductive copper core for even heat distribution. Since copper boasts a high thermal conductivity, this is All-Clad’s most responsive cookware, giving you ultimate control in the kitchen. This is also the brand’s most expensive collection. So if you’re a beginner and on a budget, it might not be the one for you. 

HA1

The HA1 collection is named for its hard-anodized aluminum body, but it also features a triple-layer non-stick coating and stainless steel handles. Unlike most hard-anodized aluminum cookware, this collection is induction-compatible thanks to the steel plate bonded to the bottom.

Essentials

All-Clad’s affordable and versatile Essentials has the same construction as the HA1 collection, but without the steel induction plate.

Materials and Construction

There are several notable differences in the ways Scanpan and All-Clad’s products are constructed. Each brand brings its own unique manufacturing process, and the savvy home cook should look at each variation carefully before making a purchasing decision. Here’s the rundown comparing the two brands:

Scanpan Materials and Construction

Scanpan’s greatest selling point is its patented STRATANIUM and STRATANIUM+ non-stick coating.

STRATANIUM provides all of the benefits of a non-stick surface without many of the drawbacks. It took two years to develop this revolutionary technology, which is exceptionally durable and resistant to scratches.

Durable, versatile, and optimized for use in all kinds of cooking endeavors, STRATANIUM comprises five layers of interlocked particles to produce a reinforced coating that can outlast the competition.

Each layer increases the thermal conductivity and makes STRATANIUM products 30% tougher and longer-lasting than other types of non-stick pans. The result is a truly unique and outstanding level of performance.

The difference between STRATANIUM and STRATANIUM+ is that STRATANIUM+ is 50% more durable and features a unique textured surface that helps with searing and browning.

The Classic, Classic Induction, Professional, PRO IQ, CTX, and ES5 collections feature STRATANIUM coating.

The TECHNIQ, HAPTIQ, CS+, and PRO S+ collections feature STRATANIUM+ coating.

Another unique feature of Scanpan’s products is the artisan-crafted nature of each collection. According to the company’s website, each piece of cookware passes through eight different artisans before reaching the consumer.

All-Clad Materials and Construction

The full-cladding that All-Clad is named for is the brand’s biggest draw for many consumers. Cladding is a process by which a highly conductive metal core is bonded to an outer layer made of non-reactive metal like stainless steel.

That construction allows for increased durability and visual appeal while maintaining optimal heat distribution. Cladding is classified by the number of conductive layers used — usually in three, five, or even seven-ply formats.

All-Clad was one of the first companies to offer fully-clad products, and their superior construction has made them the undisputed leader in this area of the market.

All-Clad uses several metals in its cookware construction, with cores being manufactured with aluminum or copper. Copper is a higher-end material that costs more but also conducts heat efficiently.

The D3 collection features three plys, while the D5 and Copper Core have five. Here’s how each is constructed:

• D3: Stainless steel exterior, aluminum core, stainless steel interior.
• D5:  Stainless steel exterior, aluminum/steel/aluminum core, stainless steel interior.
• Copper Core:  Stainless steel exterior, aluminum/copper/aluminum core, stainless steel interior.

The HA1 and Essentials collections are made with a hard-anodized aluminum body and a triple-layer non-stick coating.

Design

When comparing the design of Scanpan vs. All-Clad, there are a few key features to consider. Here’s a brief overview of each brand’s overall look and features.

Scanpan Design

Scanpan cookware is artisan-made. The overall look is classic and traditional, not flashy.

You won’t find bright colors and shiny mirror-like finishes with Scanpan. Most collections have a dark gray/black or brushed steel exterior, depending on the construction.

The one exception is the Maitre D’ collection, which features a stunning copper exterior on some pieces and a polished stainless steel exterior on others.

The Classic, Classic Induction, and ES5 collections utilize a patented locking system connecting the handles to the cookware’s body.

This rivet-free design provides a completely smooth cooking surface and makes cleanup easier.

Scanpan handles are ergonomic and comfortable and made of stainless steel or Bakelite (durable plastic), depending on the collection.

All-Clad Design

All-Clad’s D3 collection features the classic polished stainless steel exterior with matching handles and lids that makes a statement in your kitchen.

If you’re looking for cookware with a sleek, functional design, the D5 collection is the one for you. Its brushed, matte finish maintains a clean look by hiding smudges and scratches.

The Copper Core collection features a polished steel exterior with an elegant copper ring around the bottom — a nod to its copper core.

All-Clad has cleverly utilized stainless steel in its designs, not just in the collections made of this material but also in those manufactured with aluminum.

For example, the HA1 Hard-Anodized Aluminum collection has a dark charcoal exterior but comes with steel-brushed finishes and handles as well as domed glass lids, which provide a sleek, polished look.

Cooking Performance

As with all cookware options, the collections offered by Scanpan and All-Clad come with strengths and limitations.

Scanpan Cooking Performance

The Scanpan brand takes pride in its STRATANIUM and STRATANIUM+ non-stick coatings, and for good reason.

The safe, durable surface makes culinary techniques like searing, frying, and braising easy. The cooking surface is slick enough to flip eggs with ease yet textured enough to keep meats in place for searing.

Unlike most non-stick cookware, Scanpan’s coating won’t wear down after a couple of years, even if you use metal utensils. 

In fact, Scanpan claims its non-stick coating is ten times harder than stainless steel.

Scanpan cookware is oven-safe, which is rare for non-stick pans, which adds to its versatility and overall value.

All-Clad Cooking Performance

When looking at stainless steel cookware options, All-Clad offers visual appeal along with a highly conductive, high-performance fully-clad experience that sets the brand apart.

This cookware heats up extremely fast, responds to temperature changes quickly, and retains heat well. However, the three collections perform slightly differently.

The Copper Core collection heats up and responds to temperature changes the quickest due to its copper core layer.

The D5 collection has a thin steel core that slows down heat transfer, making this cookware the most forgiving. So, if you accidentally turn the heat too high, you won’t immediately burn your food.

The D3 collection is right in the middle. It transfers heat faster than D5 but slower than Copper Core.

Across all collections, the non-reactive stainless steel cooking surface is durable and non-reactive, meaning it can tolerate acidic foods without changing the flavor.

All-Clad’s cookware can withstand up to 600°F. It is broiler-safe and induction-compatible (except the Essentials collection), making it incredibly versatile in any kitchen.

Price

While prices vary considerably across collections and sellers, both Scanpan and All-Clad non-stick offerings are comparable in price.

However, when you compare their stainless steel cookware, All-Clad is considerably more expensive.

To give you a better idea of how these brands compare in terms of pricing, here’s a comparison chart of their most popular products:

*Prices are pulled in real-time from Amazon. Click each product to learn more.

Bottom Line: Should You Buy Scanpan or All-Clad?

Now that you know all the essential details about Scanpan and All-Clad cookware, it’s time to decide which brand is right for you.

Before I give you my recommendation, let’s recap the main differences.

• Scanpan is a Danish company dedicated to sustainability and waste reduction, while All-Clad is a U.S. company committed to craftsmanship.
• Scanpan manufactures its cookware in Denmark, while All-Clad manufactures at its Canonsburg Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, facility.
• Scanpan specializes in easy-to-use non-stick cookware, while All-Clad is the world leader in premium fully-clad stainless steel cookware.
• Scanpan’s greatest selling point is its patented, ultra-durable STRATANIUM and STRATANIUM+ non-stick technology, while All-Clad is best-known for its fast and even heat conduction and nearly indestructible steel exterior.
• Both brands are pricey, but when you compare stainless steel pieces, All-Clad is significantly more expensive.

If you’re looking for a durable, no-fuss non-stick pan, go with Scanpan. They provide more options than All-Clad, and their non-stick coatings are built to last much longer than the average.

I recommend the Scanpan TECHNIQ, HAPTIQ, CS+, and PRO S+ collections because they feature the STRATANIUM+, which is the most durable and boasts a textured surface, ideal for searing and browning.

If you’re looking for premium stainless steel cookware, go with All-Clad. It’s made with premium materials and constructed in the U.S. by expert craftsmen. It looks great in any kitchen and performs even better. It’s not cheap, but it will last a lifetime if you take care of it.

I recommend the All-Clad D3 collection because it’s the least expensive (view price on Amazon and All-Clad.com) while still delivering pro-quality performance.

If your budget allows, the D5 and Copper Core collections are fantastic options, too (check out my guide on how to choose the best All-Clad collection for you).

Scanpan and All-Clad are both available on Amazon, where you can read dozens of other reviews.

• Scanpan on Amazon
• All-Clad on Amazon and All-Clad.com