Our five-ply cookware has three layers of aluminum sandwiched between two layers of nonreactive stainless steel. The aluminum core heats evenly and retains that heat well, eliminating hot spots, while the magnetic stainless steel exterior makes this premium cookware ideal for any cooking surface, including induction cooktops. The skillet's heavy-duty construction also ensures that it won't warp over time, unlike thin metal pans that become raised in the center. And the rounded, oven-safe handle feels comfortable and well-balanced in the hand, even when handling a full pan of food; plus, the handle's hollow core is lightweight and stays cool during stovetop cooking. We use an 8-inch skillet for a wide range of kitchen tasks from toasting nuts and spices, to breakfast duty, to omelets, to smaller jobs such as steak for one.

This 10-inch stainless steel skillet is the workhorse of our kitchen for searing, frying and sautéing. It goes from stovetop to oven (handling temperatures up to 500 degrees) and is great for everything from vegetables and sauces to meats and poultry. It is made from 5-ply professional grade stainless steel sandwiched around a pure aluminum core that provides superior heat conductivity and cooking performance. The magnetic stainless steel exterior makes this premium cookware ideal for any cooking surface, including induction cooktops. The handle is a custom ergonomic design that makes the pan easy and comfortable to lift.

If you are only going to purchase one skillet, this 12-inch Christopher Kimball stainless steel 5-ply skillet is the one to have. It can handle the biggest jobs, including a whole chicken of parts, big batches of vegetables or greens, or even for cooking our Spanish Pork and Chorizo Stew (Carcamusa) on the stovetop. This skillet is made from 5-ply professional grade stainless steel sandwiched around a pure aluminum core that provides superior heat conductivity and cooking performance. The magnetic stainless steel exterior makes this premium cookware ideal for any cooking surface, including induction cooktops. No hot spots. Even heating. Great durability because the weight and construction of the pan discourages warping. (Never put a hot pan in a cold sink.) It is made from 18/10 stainless steel and is oven safe up to 500 degrees. The handles are custom designed for comfort and ease of lifting.