The All Clad 4112 and 41126 are nearly identical stainless steel fry pans, differing primarily in one key area: size. The 4112 is a 12-inch pan designed for larger meals and family cooking, while the 41126 is its more compact 10-inch counterpart, which also makes it slightly less expensive. Both share the same professional-grade, tri-ply bonded construction that has made All Clad a staple in serious kitchens.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide which size is the right fit for your cooking style and household.
All Clad 4112 Fry Pan
The All Clad 4112 is the brand’s quintessential 12-inch stainless steel fry pan trusted by both professional chefs and home cooks. Its generous size provides ample surface area perfect for searing multiple steaks, browning large batches of vegetables, or pan-frying chicken without crowding the ingredients. Built with All Clad's signature tri-ply construction, it delivers consistent, even heating from the base all the way up the sides.
- What it is: A premium 12-inch stainless steel fry pan built for versatile, high-performance cooking.
- Key features: Tri-ply construction with a responsive aluminum core, oven and broiler safe up to 600°F, riveted stainless steel handle designed to stay cool, compatible with all cooktops including induction, and dishwasher safe.
- Price: Approximately $150–$180
- Dimensions: 12-inch diameter, ~2-inch depth.
- Materials/Construction: A core of aluminum bonded between two layers of durable stainless steel.
- Style: Sleek and professional, featuring a polished stainless-steel finish that fits into any kitchen decor.
- Pros: Spacious cooking surface ideal for family-sized meals. Exceptional heat distribution prevents hot spots. Versatile enough for searing, frying, and sautéing. Highly durable and backed by a lifetime warranty.
- Cons: Heavier and more cumbersome to handle when full. Requires more storage space than a smaller pan. Higher price point.
This 12-inch pan is perfect for home cooks who regularly prepare meals for three or more people or for anyone who values having extra space for a perfect sear.
Shop this product: all-clad.com/collections/frying-pans/products/9112-2414-4112
All Clad 41126 Fry Pan
The All Clad 41126 offers the same high-end performance as the 4112 but in a more compact, 10-inch package. This size is ideal for everyday cooking tasks, such as frying eggs, sautéing vegetables for two, or preparing smaller cuts of protein. Its lighter weight and smaller footprint make it extremely maneuverable and easy to store, making it a go-to pan for smaller households and kitchens with limited space.
- What it is: A smaller, professional-grade 10-inch stainless steel fry pan for day-to-day cooking.
- Key features: Shares the same features as the 12-inch model: tri-ply construction, 600°F oven safety, a stay-cool riveted handle, induction compatibility, and dishwasher tolerance.
- Price: Approximately $130–$160
- Dimensions: 10-inch diameter, ~2-inch depth.
- Materials/Construction: Responsive aluminum core bonded with two layers of stainless steel.
- Style: Polished stainless steel finish with a classic, professional aesthetic consistent with the All Clad line.
- Pros: Perfect size for individuals or small families. Lightweight and easier to handle. Heats up quickly and uses less storage space. Slightly more affordable.
- Cons: Cooking surface can feel crowded when cooking for more than two people. Less suitable for searing large cuts of meat. Not as versatile for batch cooking.
The 10-inch 41126 is the superior choice for singles, couples, or anyone in need of a precise, high-quality pan for smaller and more frequent cooking jobs.
Shop this product: all-clad.com/collections/frying-pans/products/41126
All Clad 4112 vs. 41126 Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
The primary difference between these two famous frying pans is their cooking surface. The 4112 model features a 12-inch diameter, which translates to a significantly larger flat cooking area. This makes it ideal for spreading out ingredients to achieve a proper sear or for cooking meals for a family of four. You can comfortably fit two large steaks or four chicken breasts in the 12-inch pan without overcrowding it.
In contrast, the 10-inch 41126 is better suited for smaller jobs. It's perfect for cooking for one or two people and excels at tasks like making omelets, pan-searing a single filet of fish, or sautéing side dishes. While an excellent performer, trying to cook a large meal in it will lead to steaming instead of searing.
Materials & Construction
On this front, the 4112 and 41126 are identical. Both are made in the USA from All Clad’s iconic tri-ply bonded construction, which features an aluminum core sandwiched between two layers of 18/10 stainless steel. This combination provides the best of both worlds: the rapid and even heat conductivity of aluminum and the durability, stability, and non-reactivity of high-quality stainless steel.
Both pans also feature securely riveted stainless-steel handles, oven and broiler safety up to 600°F, and flared rims for drip-free pouring. The build quality on both is exceptional and made to last a lifetime.
Price & Value
The All Clad 4112, being bigger, naturally comes with a higher price tag - typically around $20-$30 more than the 41126. The best value depends entirely on your cooking habits. If you have a larger family or frequently host guests, the 12-inch 4112 offers immense value in its capacity and versatility, easily justifying the extra cost. For a single person or a couple, the 10-inch 41126 provides all the performance of its bigger sibling at a lower price point and is more than sufficient for daily needs.
Comfort & Usability
The smaller 10-inch 41126 is noticeably lighter and more agile on the stovetop. It’s easier to flip ingredients with a flick of the wrist and less strenuous to lift and clean. The 12-inch 4112, especially when loaded with food, can feel heavy and may require two hands for secure transport from the stove to the oven or sink. Both feature the same classic All Clad handle, which is designed for a secure grip but noted by some users for its U-shaped design that can feel a bit sharp in the hand compared to more rounded handles.
Who Each One Works Best For
Ultimately, choosing between these two pans is a simple exercise in self-assessment. The 12-inch 4112 is built for volume cookers, families, and anyone who wants a "workhorse" frying pan that can handle almost any searing, browning, or frying task you throw at it. Its generous real estate is a key advantage for achieving professional-level results at home.
The 10-inch 41126 is the ideal pan for individuals, couples, or anyone with limited kitchen and storage space. It’s the perfect size for everyday meals and performs just as flawlessly, provided its capacity is respected. It also makes for an excellent companion pan to a larger skillet, allowing you to cook a main course and a side dish simultaneously.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these All Clad pans deliver professional-grade performance, but they are designed for different household sizes and cooking styles.
Choose the All Clad 4112 if:
- You regularly cook for a family of three or more.
- You meal prep in large batches and need plenty of space.
- You love to sear large cuts of meat like steaks and pork chops without crowding the pan.
- A heavier pan isn't an issue, and you have adequate storage space.
Choose the All Clad 41126 if:
- You typically cook for just one or two people.
- You have a smaller stovetop or limited cabinet space for your cookware.
- You prefer a lighter, more maneuverable pan for everyday tasks like eggs or sautéing.
- You want the premium performance of All Clad at a more accessible price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the All Clad 4112 and 41126?
The only significant difference is size. The 4112 is a 12-inch frying pan, while the 41126 is a 10-inch version. All other aspects, including materials, construction, performance, and key features, are identical.
Are both pans safe to use in the oven?
Yes, both pans are oven and broiler-safe up to 600°F, making them perfect for starting a dish on the stovetop and finishing it in the oven.
Are these pans compatible with induction cooktops?
Yes, both the 4112 and 41126 have a stainless steel exterior, making them fully compatible with all cooktops, including induction, gas, and electric.
Which pan is better for searing a steak?
For searing steak, the 12-inch All Clad 4112 is the superior choice. Its larger surface area allows you to achieve a better crust without steam buildup and provides enough room to sear two large steaks at once.
How do you prevent food from sticking to stainless steel?
Since these are not non-stick pans, technique is key. Always preheat the pan properly before adding oil, and wait until the oil is shimmering before adding food. This creates a temporary non-stick surface, and developing a fond (browned bits) is a desirable outcome for making pan sauces.
How do I clean my All Clad stainless steel pan?
Both pans are dishwasher safe. For stubborn, stuck-on food and to maintain the polished finish, handwashing is often recommended. Let the pan cool, then deglaze it with water or use a powder-based cleanser like Bar Keepers Friend to restore its shine.
Is the 12-inch pan too big for everyday use?
For a single person or a couple, a 12-inch pan might feel like overkill for daily meals like scrambling a few eggs. However, its versatility for larger meals makes it a staple in most well-equipped kitchens. The 10-inch is often considered the more practical "everyday" size for smaller households.
What does tri-ply construction mean?
Tri-ply construction refers to the bonding of three layers of material. In these All Clad pans, it's a layer of highly conductive aluminum bonded between an interior and exterior layer of durable, non-reactive stainless steel, ensuring even heating throughout the pan.
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