Cuisinart Multiclad Pro vs All Clad (2021): Comparing Budget and Premium Cookware Collections

If you’re on the hunt for stainless steel cookware, chances are you’ve run into Cuisinart Multiclad Pro and All-Clad. Both brands are renowned for the construction of their pots and pans through a process that bonds different layers of materials. All-Clad, in particular, pioneered this technology and now boasts of cookware collections highly regarded for their durability. On the other hand, Cuisinart offers similar multi-layer metal cookware but at half the price of its more premium counterpart.

But is the less expensive alternative on par with All-Clad? And is the premium cookware worth the money if you can probably get the same features from Cuisinart? Here, we compare two of their best-selling collections—the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Set, and the All-Clad D3 Compact Stainless Steel 10-Piece set—and settle the questions.

Cuisinart Multiclad Pro vs All-Clad Comparison Chart

Design

Both Cuisinart Multiclad Pro and All-Clad cookware come with an aluminum core sandwiched between stainless steel. These stockpots, frypans, and saucepans also feature ergonomic handles and tapered rims for comfort and ease-of-use.

At first glance, the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro and All-Clad collections look identical. The pots and pans are all elegantly polished cookware, with ergonomic handles, flared rims and stainless steel lids. All-Clad’s pieces, in particular, come with handles that are securely riveted to the pan, and with a contoured design for a comfortable grip. With Cuisinart, the Cool Grip handles are similarly built for easy-handling and balance, while also staying cool on the stovetop. 

Although both cookware collections look premium, there are some noticeable differences in their design. Cuisinart Multiclad, for instance, comes with a brushed stainless steel exterior and a mirror-finish interior. On the other hand, All-Clad extends the mirror-finish from the inside of the pans to the pieces’ outer shell. This makes the set a lot more polished, and certainly shinier under bright lights. 

Construction and Set Inclusions

In terms of construction, Cuisinart and All-Clad are both triple-ply. The core of these pans are made of a responsive aluminum, sandwiched between two different layers of steel. As a result, you get an exterior that’s durable and polished, with a core that is not only efficient in conducting and retaining heat, but induction-compatible as well. Moreover, this process of bonding layers together helps reduce the overall weight of their pans. 

Now, if you’re someone who needs cookware in all shapes and sizes, then Cuisinart’s 12-piece set sounds like you’re getting more. In reality, the collection comes with the same classic pieces as All-Clad’s 10-piece set, only with the addition of a 20-cm. steamer insert with cover. There are some difference in sizes, with the Multiclad Pro offering a 1.5-quart saucepan against the All-Clad’s 2-quart piece, for instance. But both brands essentially give you the basic tools: saucepans, skillets, and stockpots. 

Durability

Although the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro is built to last, All-Clad has more years of experience and expertise to vouch for their cookware’s durability.

The pieces you get from Cuisinart and All-Clad are all seamlessly constructed. Even the way the handles are riveted to the pans guarantee enhanced durability. However, All-Clad does have the edge, especially since it pioneered, and continues to lead the bonded-technology for cookware. Even with its standard D3 collection, the pans are less likely to warp over years of use. This can be attributed to the rigorous quality standards All-Clad adheres to, which include hand-inspection of the items throughout the manufacturing process. 

And since it has been in the industry much longer than Cuisinart, you will find more anecdotes of All-Clad’s cookware items truly standing the test of time. This isn’t to say Cuisinart’s Multiclad Pro doesn’t compare. In fact, given its price point, you’ll be surprised at how durable the construction of the pans are. But we still don’t know if it will hold up as well as All-Clad’s pieces, which have decades of consumer experience to vouch for its durability. It’s also good to keep in mind that All-Clad started as a metallurgical company that specialized in bonded technology. As such, you know that their cookware line is deeply anchored in their expertise.

Cooking Performance

Both the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro and All-Clad collections are compatible with induction cooktops. They also deliver fast and even heat distribution, and can be safely used in ovens and broilers. 

There isn’t a noticeable difference between the performance of Cuisinart Multiclad Pro and All-Clad. Both are non-stick cookware, so you will need a fat or oil, and of course, cooking skills to ensure the food doesn’t stick to the pans. If it does, cleanup is relatively easy. Both cookware heat up fast too, and are compatible with induction stoves. 

Cuisinart does boast of what it calls Heat Surround Technology for more even heat distribution along the base and the sidewalls of the pans. This is an upgrade from its other collections, which only has a core conductive layer at the bottom. In contrast, All-Clad cookware collections—whether stainless steel or non-stick—have a conductive core layer throughout the pan. Regardless, you’d be hard pressed looking for hotspots in either cookware, even when they are not centered on the stovetop. 

Both the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro and All-Clad sets are oven and broiler-friendly. The high sides of the sauté pans, on the other hand, mean you’ll have no problem making sauces or even oven roasting meat. However, Cuisinart Multiclad Pro does give you added versatility with the inclusion of its steamer insert. It’s a handy tool for preparing dumplings, reheating food, or prepping healthy, steamed vegetables. 

Price

The All-Clad Stainless Steel collection is twice as expensive as the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro.

From a design and construction stand-point, Cuisinart Multiclad Pro and All-Clad are quite comparable. Both look and feel like premium cookware collections. When it comes to the price, however, there’s a huge gap between the two brands. The 12-piece stainless steel set from Cuisinart retails at around $300. In contrast, the D3 Compact collection from All-Clad comes with a pricey $699.95 tag. 

As mentioned early on, All-Clad’s line of cookware is backed up by expertise and experience. Manufacturing is also located in the United States, which means higher labor costs translating to higher price points. Cuisinart, on the other hand, has outsourced theirs to China. Nonetheless, in terms of cooking performance, All-Clad doesn’t exactly have a winning advantage over Cuisinart’s stainless steel collection. Of course, All-Clad is renowned for its durability thanks to years of consumers vouching for the brand’s quality. But Cuisinart is slowly but surely making a name for itself not just as a budget alternative, but as a top-of-the-mind choice as well. 

Verdict

If you’re on a budget, opt for the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro. If you have the money and want to invest on your cookware, then the All-Clad Stainless Steel collection is the way to go. 

With its solid construction and a modern aesthetic, it’s hard to believe that the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro is half-the-price of its premium counterpart, the All-Clad stainless steel set. Its 12-piece stainless steel cookware collection, for instance, employs a similar bonding technology as the Compact D3 set, while also including a steamer insert that expands the functionality of your pans. The Multiclad Pro cookware heats up just as fast as All-Clad’s stainless steel pans, and also sports ergonomic design features for ease-of-use and cleaning. If you’re on a budget, there’s no shame in opting for the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro.

However, if you can afford it, the All-Clad D3 Compact Stainless Steel set is a more worthy investment. Contrary to popular belief, you’re not just shelling out money for the brand name—although it does play a huge part in the cost. See, while All-Clad only has some marginal advantages over the Cuisinart in terms of cooking performance, you do get over 40 years of experience behind the products. And there are plenty of reviews out there demonstrating how the premium cookware has generally held up over time. So if you want something tried and tested, while impressing friends with the brand name too, then All-Clad is the superior choice. 

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