The 9 Best Saucepans of 2023

Every kitchen needs at least one high-quality saucepan. Whether you're a kitchen novice or a self-proclaimed home chef, you’ll likely find yourself reaching for this pan when making oatmeal, pasta, sauce, rice, soup, vegetables, and much more.

Saucepans can be made from various materials, though they tend to have a similar shape: circular with taller sides, resembling a small pot with a long handle and lid. Some saucepans are made with a nonstick coating, while others are made of materials like ceramic, cast iron, or stainless steel. Determining which is best for you depends on your preferred cooking methods.

Because this kitchen basic is well-loved in most homes, you want to make sure you invest in the right one. Consider factors like material, size, and construction. You might even want to invest in more than one of your favorite-sized saucepan, especially if you cook a lot.

The Rundown

Best Overall:

Calphalon Premier Space-Saving Nonstick Saucepan with Lid at Amazon ($76)

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Best Budget:

Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized Saucepan with Lid at Amazon ($22)

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Best Nonstick:

All-Clad HA1 Hard-Anodized Nonstick 2.5-Quart Saucepan with Lid at Amazon ($56)

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Best Stainless Steel:

Farberware Classic Series II Stainless Steel Saucepan at Amazon ($30)

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Best Set:

All-Clad Essentials Nonstick Saucepan Set at Amazon ($130)

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Best for Induction Stoves:

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Saucepan at Amazon ($225)

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Best Ceramic:

GreenPan Rio 2-Quart Ceramic Non-Stick Covered Saucepan at Amazon ($30)

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Best Straining:

Farberware Glide Nonstick Saucepan with Straining and Lid at Amazon ($30)

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Best for Beginners:

Cuisinart 1.5-Quart Multiclad Pro Saucepan at Amazon ($30)

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Calphalon Premier Space Saving Nonstick 2.5qt Sauce Pan with Cover

Amazon

View On Amazon $76 View On Williams-Sonoma $68 View On Calphalon.com

What We Love: Stackable, heats evenly, can be used with metal utensils, handles remain cool

What We Don't Love: Pricey, not induction-compatible

If you’re looking for a high-performance, high-quality saucepan, this one by Calphalon is sure to impress. Its space-saving design allows for neatly stacked pots and pans in small spaces, and the ultra-durable, three-layer nonstick finish is safe for metal utensils. Plus, the hard-anodized aluminum ensures even heating without hot spots, and the stainless steel handles remain cool while cooking.

This versatile pan is compatible with gas, electric, and glass cooktops, as well as with the oven for up to 450 degrees. It's not, however, compatible with induction cooktops.

Cleaning and caring for this saucepan is easy because it’s dishwasher-safe, but you’ll want to avoid abrasive cleaning tools and detergents; nonstick cookware is subject to wear and tear over time. The one drawback is that the price is a bit high for such a small saucepan.

Material: Hard-anodized aluminum | Capacity: 2.5 quarts | Maximum Temperature: 450 degrees | Induction Safe: No

Cuisinart Chefs Classic Nonstick Hard Anodized Saucepan with Lid

Amazon

View On Amazon $22 View On Walmart $22 View On Home Depot $25

What We Love: Oven-safe up to 500 degrees, cool-grip handles, drip-free pouring

What We Don't Love: Small capacity, hand-wash only

For a small, basic saucepan that gets the job done nicely, consider this model by Cuisinart. It’s the perfect starter saucepan for amateur home chefs and small households. Like some of the more premium models, this saucepan is made with hard-anodized aluminum, a popular material for nonstick cookware since it is durable and wear-resistant. It also features stainless steel handles that stay cool when cooking, as well as a tempered glass cover.

Reviewers give this pan high marks for its affordable price point and easy cleanup, though some note it may scratch easily and is not dishwasher-safe. As a bonus, it's also oven-safe for up to 500 degrees, making it great for any meals you need to broil.

Material: Hard-anodized aluminum | Capacity: 1 quart | Maximum Temperature: 500 degrees | Induction Safe: No

Sur la Table

View On Amazon $56 View On Sur La Table $70 View On Perigold.com

What We Love: PFOA-free nonstick coating, stainless steel disc bottom and handle, dishwasher- and induction-safe, stainless steel contoured handle

What We Don't Love: Pricey

It is not common for hard-anodized aluminum saucepans to be safe for induction. However, this one by All-Clad features a stainless steel, anti-warp disc base that can be used on induction cooktops as well as all other cooktops. This feature makes it one of the most versatile nonstick saucepans. Plus, it's oven-safe up to 500 degrees and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

The nonstick coating is PFOA-free (a toxic chemical that has been found in nonstick cookware) and scratch-resistant, which lets you cook food with less oil or fat. While some consumers may not think to look at a saucepan’s handle, this one is permanently secured with stainless steel rivets for a solid grip. It’s also contoured for a comfortable hold when pouring.

"I invested in a few All-Clad saucepans in my 20s, and they were worth every penny. They heat and cook evenly, can take a beating, and will certainly last my lifetime and likely beyond!" says Emma Christensen, Editor-in-Chief.

For your purposes, though, you might find that the investment isn't something you are going to make; this All-Clad pan is one of the more expensive options.

Material: Hard-anodized aluminum | Capacity: 2.5 quarts | Maximum Temperature: 500 degrees | Induction Safe: Yes

Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Sauce Pan/Saucepan with Lid

Amazon

View On Amazon $30 View On Walmart $30 View On Home Depot $35

What We Love: Rolled rim for drip-free pouring, dishwasher- and induction-safe, heats quickly and evenly

What We Don't Love: Only oven-safe up to 350 degrees

Seasoned saucepan users flock to stainless steel options because the material is long-lasting, durable, and dishwasher-safe. But one common complaint is that stainless steel is not the best conductor of heat, so food may not cook evenly. Enter this saucepan by Farberware. It's made with stainless steel and an aluminum core, a combination that offers the best of both worlds: the durability and performance of stainless steel with the rapid and even heating properties of aluminum. It also happens to be dishwasher-safe and safe for use on an induction cooktop.

A nifty feature of this saucepan that even some premium models don’t have is a rolled rim for drip-free pouring. It also has the additional option of a standard lid or straining lid from certain retailers. This convenient add-on offers a pouring spout and lid with strainer holes, which allows you to drain liquid from small batches of your favorite easy pasta recipes or vegetables without a separate colander. The one downside to this saucepan is that it's only safe in the oven up to 350 degrees.

Material: Stainless steel with aluminum core | Capacity: 3 quarts | Maximum Temperature: 350 degrees | Induction Safe: Yes

All-Clad Essentials Nonstick Saucepan Set

Amazon

View On Amazon $130 View On Walmart $220 View On Williams-Sonoma $130

What We Love: Limited lifetime warranty, made with three layers of nonstick coating, can be nested

What We Don't Love: Pricey, handles and lid may conduct heat

You’ll likely reach for your saucepan so often you’ll wish you had a second or even third one, especially if you frequently prep meals for the week ahead. In this case, investing in a set of saucepans that come in various sizes is a must. This nonstick saucepan set by All-Clad should fit the bill for a long time—but there's a limited lifetime warranty with this set, just in case.

Though these pans are dishwasher-safe, washing by hand may preserve the nonstick coating for longer. Since the interior is made with three layers of premium nonstick coating, food is likely to slide right off, making hand-washing a breeze. One great feature of this pan is that its pieces will nest together easily.

Some reviewers note that the handles and lid heat up while cooking, so potholders are recommended. And this saucepan set is definitely on the higher end of the spectrum in terms of expense, which might make this choice cost prohibitive for some.

Material: Hard-anodized aluminum | Capacity: 2.5 quarts, 4 quarts | Maximum Temperature: 500 degrees | Induction Safe: No

Related: The Best Nonstick Pans

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Saucepan

Amazon

View On Amazon $225 View On Williams-Sonoma $180 View On Sur La Table $225

What We Love: Wear-resistant enamel, comes in several colors, compatible with any cooktop

What We Don't Love: Pricey, heavy

Though induction cooktops are increasing in popularity, it’s not always clear if a pan is induction-safe. Cast-iron saucepans are compatible with induction, so this pan by Le Creuset is a safe choice for induction users. It is especially reliable for recipes that call for high-heat settings because it is oven-safe up to 500 degrees.

Enamel cast iron is not only a heavy-duty material for your saucepan that resists wear and tear. It also comes in various colors, so you’re sure to find a color that matches your kitchen or the rest of your Le Creuset cookware. But like the rest of Le Creuset's famous cookware, this saucepan is expensive and heavy, which are two factors to keep in mind.

Material: Enameled cast iron | Capacity: 1.8 quarts | Maximum Temperature: 500 degrees | Induction Safe: Yes

Related: The Best Cast Iron Skillets

GreenPan Rio 2-Quart Ceramic Non-Stick Covered Saucepan

Amazon

View On Amazon $30 View On Walmart $52 View On Macy's $30

What We Love: PFOA- and lead-free ceramic nonstick coating, dishwasher-safe, heats quickly and evenly

What We Don't Love: Only oven-safe up to 350 degrees, not induction-compatible

GreenPan’s ceramic nonstick coating is made extra durable because it's reinforced with diamonds, one of the strongest materials on earth. It is also free of harmful PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. However, some reviewers have experienced scratching on their pans, and the set isn't compatible with induction cooktops. It's also only safe in the oven up to 350 degrees. It is, however, safe to run this through the dishwasher.

Though the interior is made with nonstick ceramic, the exterior is made with hard-anodized aluminum. It heats up quickly and evenly, and we like that the handle stays cool to the touch. When cooking, the glass lid makes it easy to keep an eye on your food.

Material: Ceramic coating, aluminum exterior | Capacity: 2 quarts | Maximum Temperature: 350 degrees | Induction Safe: No

Related: The Best Frying Pans

Farberware Glide Nonstick Sauce Pan/Saucepan with Straining and Lid

Amazon

View On Amazon $30 View On Walmart $56 View On Farberwarecookware.com

What We Love: Built-in strainer, easy-hold handles, fast and even heating

What We Don't Love: Only oven-safe up to 350 degrees, not induction-compatible

Anyone who has tried to pour the contents of a saucepan into another dish is familiar with the dreaded mess and spills that can ensue. This saucepan by Farberware will come in handy for pasta and vegetable lovers because it doesn’t require a separate strainer or colander to drain liquids.

This pan is made with dishwasher-safe aluminum on the exterior for rapid, even heating, as well as with PFOA-free ceramic coating on the interior for nonstick cooking and easy cleanup. The glass lid is shatter-resistant, and the handles are sturdy and comfortable to hold and pour.

The saucepan, however, isn't compatible with induction stoves and is only safe in the oven up to 350 degrees.

Material: Copper coating, aluminum exterior | Capacity: 3 quarts | Maximum Temperature: 350 degrees | Induction Safe: No

Cuisinart-15-quart-multiclad-pro-saucepan

Amazon

View On Amazon $30 View On Walmart $30 View On Target $30

What We Love: Well-balanced, heats evenly and quickly, affordable

What We Don't Love: Handles don't stay cool

If you're just getting started with cooking and need a good quality, reliable saucepan from a reputable company—and one that won't break the bank—this Cuisinart 1.5 Multiclad Pro is for you. It offers quick and even heat conductivity and no discernible hot spots, making for an even cooking experience. Cuisinart calls this "multiclad," in reference to its unique triple-ply construction, which brings together a brushed stainless steel exterior, a pure aluminum core for even heat distribution, and a stainless steel interior for the best performance.

You may start with a solid, well-balanced saucepan like this, and then decide you want more of this particular cookware line's open stock. Luckily, Cuisinart sells this particular style in many sizes—all the way up to 12-quart stock pots.

We like its angled handles and the fact that it pours easily and felt balanced. The size is great for browning butter, reheating sauce or soup, and other small tasks. It's dishwasher-safe and safe for induction cooktops, too. Just make sure to take precautions since the handles don't stay cool.

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 1.5 quarts | Maximum Temperature: 550 degrees | Induction Safe: Yes

Related: The Best Carbon Steel Pans

Final Verdict

The Calphalon Premier Space-Saving Nonstick Saucepan with Cover checks all the boxes, so it’s our top choice. It’s dishwasher-safe, safe to use with metal utensils, and made with ultra-durable hard-anodized aluminum. For a budget-friendly option, the 1-quart Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized Saucepan is a great starter saucepan. It has all the basic features you’d expect in a saucepan—and then some.

What to Look for in a Saucepan

Material

Saucepans are often made with aluminum or stainless steel, and some have a nonstick coating made from ceramic, copper, or other materials. Cast iron is also a durable material for a saucepan. It depends on your preferences: Aluminum is durable and ensures even heating, so it’s great for preventing hot spots when cooking. Stainless steel is much harder than aluminum, so saucepans made from it may last longer. The type of nonstick coating can determine compatibility with certain utensil types: Some materials are prone to scratching and releasing chemicals when used with metal utensils.

Capacity

Though all saucepans have a similar circular shape, they come in many different sizes. Smaller saucepans can hold up to 1 quart, while larger models can hold upward of 4.5 quarts. The right size saucepan for you depends on the size of your household and how much food you prepare. This is why owning saucepans of varying sizes is convenient.

Construction

Your saucepan may be one of the most-used items in your kitchen, so you’ll want it to be constructed well. Consider how the handles are constructed and whether they’re permanently affixed to the base of the saucepan. Some saucepans are also constructed with multiple layers of material or nonstick coating, making them more likely to last longer.

FAQs

What is a heavy-bottom saucepan?

A heavy bottom saucepan has a noticeably thicker base than other models. This can prevent hot spots, which occur when food doesn't cook evenly. A thicker base can distribute heat more evenly than a thin base, ensuring food is heated evenly throughout. Saucepans made with materials that conduct heat well, such as aluminum, may not need extra material at the bottom to reap the same benefits.

What are saucepans used for?

Saucepans are incredibly versatile kitchen staples. Because of the circular shape and tall sides, saucepans are ideal for boiling or simmering liquids like soups and stews or boiling water for a big batch of pasta. They can also steam moist foods like rice and vegetables because many come with a lid that seals in heat and moisture.

Can you deep fry in a saucepan?

A saucepan should not be used to deep fry. Instead, a frying pan with a wide base and shallow depth should be used for frying. Stick to using your saucepan for simmering, boiling, and steaming.

What kind of saucepans do professional chefs use?

If you've ever been in a restaurant kitchen, you will have likely noticed lots of different pans, including cast iron and stainless steel. But most chefs prefer to cook with stainless steel. It doesn't react with other foods (such as acidic ones, like tomato sauces), it resists corrosion, and it's incredibly durable. In professional kitchens, cookware takes a beating, day in and day out.

Why Trust Simply Recipes?

Lacey Muinos is a health and wellness writer who specializes in food- and drink-related topics. Because she goes through a decent amount of sauces and soups, she relies heavily on her trusted saucepan.

Read Next: The Best Woks

Article Sources

Simply Recipes uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Sajid M, Ilyas M. PTFE-coated non-stick cookware and toxicity concerns: a perspective. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2017;24(30):23436-23440. doi:10.1007/s11356-017-0095-y

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