The 5 Best Sauciers, According to Our Tests

This Made In pan was our favorite for a few reasons. For once, it is made from five layers of brushed stainless steel, so it is superior at heat conduction. It has a sturdy handle that might be long for some cabinets, but I found it comfortable to handle, especially since it stays cool. It was easy to reach all the food in the corners of the pan since it is very rounded. The pan has a rolled rim, so it’s more comfortable to pour from. I found this saucier larger and wider than its competition. It’s great for sauces, risotto, pasta, and soups, and I used it for all of the above. 

This is an excellent pan that conducts heat evenly and cleans up easily. It’s also oven-safe up to 800° F, but make sure that you let the pan heat and cool slowly so it doesn’t work. While you can always throw a metal pan into a dishwasher, the manufacturer recommends that you hand wash this pan, and so do we.

Capacity: 3-quart | Material: Stainless steel | Oven-safe: Yes | Dishwasher-safe: No

The Cuisinart Saucier is a great value option, but it’s not the most heavy-duty of the pans we tested. It’s made from stainless steel and has a heat-safe rating of up to 500°F. This saucier has sloped sides, a wide opening, and a lid. It’s made from stainless steel and is medium-sized at 3.5-quart. Since it’s on the above medium side, you can use it for pasta and soups. I had no issues with food sticking to the interior while I tested this pan. 

This pan performed well in every test I used it for. I made various sauces for various casseroles, utilizing a lot of dairy, and I appreciated the interior measurements on this particular pan for liquids. It’s dishwasher-safe, so it’s super easy to clean. I had no issues with staining during my tests. It’s also finished with some treatment that helps it resist fingerprints, so it all shines up nicely. It performed well compared to the other pans for a value option.

Capacity: 3-quart | Material: Stainless steel | Oven-safe: Yes | Dishwasher-safe: Yes

The All-Clad is a smaller saucier, at 2 quarts, with a tight-fitting lid. It’s made from stainless steel with an aluminum core between its three-ply construction and is very well-balanced. It has the classic riveted All-Clad handle, which I find very comfortable, especially since the pan is smaller. The construction feels incredibly durable, which is on par with the brand. Its nice rounded interior makes it easy to reach all the ingredients.

Overall, I found it very easy to use the pan. Even when it was full of water and an entire box of elbow macaroni, I got it from the stovetop to the sink without incident. I noticed staining after I cooked pasta once, but the brand says you can remove it with lemon juice or a nonabrasive cleaner. It’s safe for ovens up to 600°F and compatible with any type of cooktop, including induction. 

Capacity: 2-quart  | Material: Stainless Steel | Oven-safe: Yes | Dishwasher-safe: No

I didn’t expect to like this stainless steel saucier from Le Creuset as much as I did. It was one of the larger saucepans in my test, but I appreciated its size because it was a nice in-between pan for a larger stock pot and a smaller saucier or saucepan. It feels substantial and durable but is lighter than the others I tested. It is incredibly wide and shallow with a curved interior that is great for whisks. I could reach all the food in the corners of the pan. It is very rounded, so most spatulas and whisks will work. The handle is also heat-safe, so you won’t burn your fingers.

I love this pan for many reasons, but I have concerns about the staining inside. The brand says you can remove stubborn food residue by cooking with water inside the pan over low heat until it’s easily removed. They also advise that the cookware can discolor if it’s not completely cleaned before reheating, so make sure to clean it well the first time. Even with those complaints, it’s a beautiful pan that works quickly and evenly.

Capacity: 3.5 quart  | Material: Stainless steel | Oven-safe: Yes | Dishwasher-safe: Yes

The Misen is a heavy stainless steel pan that heats quickly and is oven-safe to 800°F. The manufacturer says it can even be used in a pizza oven. Its cool, rounded handle makes it comfortable to use on and off the stove. Because of its dramatically rounded shape, it was incredibly easy to remove food from the corners and whisk sauces with smooth strokes.

Its weight comes from five-ply stainless steel, so it’s a heavy bottom pan. This does feel heavier than most, so it is not great for people with mobility issues. It is heavier when full, so that is something to note if you prefer something lighter. Its weight, however, was a positive for me because I was able to get liquids to a boil faster, and you can also trust that it won’t work. That also means that you can throw it in the dishwasher, which gives it even more positive marks in my book.

Capacity: 3-quart| Material: Stainless steel | Oven-safe: Yes | Dishwasher-safe: Yes