The All Clad D5 and BD5 collections share the same premium five-ply bonded construction, but differ in one key area: the cooking surface. The original D5 collection features a natural stainless steel interior perfect for searing and browning, while the BD5 incorporates a PFOA-free non-stick coating for easy food release and cleanup.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right All Clad cookware for your kitchen.
All Clad D5 Brushed Stainless Steel Collection
The All Clad D5 line is a flagship collection for the brand, embodying professional-grade performance through its signature five-ply construction. Alternating layers of stainless steel and aluminum provide exceptional heat distribution that prevents hot spots and gives cooks precise temperature control. Famous for its durability and cooking prowess, the D5 is a favorite of serious home cooks and pro chefs who need reliable, high-performance gear.
- What it is: A premium cookware collection featuring a five-ply bonded construction with a stainless steel cooking surface.
- Key features: Brushed stainless steel exterior that resists fingerprints, riveted stay-cool handles, and oven safety up to 600°F. Compatible with all cooktops, including induction.
- Price: Ranges from around $150 for a sauté pan to over $400 for a large stockpot.
- Style: Sleek, modern, and professional aesthetic that looks at home in any high-end kitchen.
- Materials/Construction: Five alternating layers of stainless steel and heat-conductive aluminum for optimized performance.
- Pros: Superior heat conduction and retention provide perfectly even cooking. Extremely durable and can last a lifetime with proper care. Develops excellent fond for pan sauces. Handles high heat ideal for searing.
- Cons: Has a significant learning curve to prevent sticking. Higher price point than other cookware. Can be heavy due to its multi-layer construction.
This cookware is for the demanding home chef who values performance, precision, and longevity above all else, and is willing to invest in pieces that last a lifetime.
Shop this product: all-clad.com/collections/d5-brushed-stainless-steel
All Clad BD5 Brushed Stainless Steel Collection
The All Clad BD5 collection offers the best of both worlds: the same high-performance D5 five-ply foundation with the added convenience of a non-stick cooking surface. This variation is designed for cooks who want professional heat distribution but also value the ease of use that non-stick provides for delicate foods like eggs and fish. It simplifies both cooking and cleanup without a major compromise on the underlying quality.
- What it is: The D5 cookware collection with a PFOA-free, reinforced non-stick coating on the cooking surface.
- Key features: Identical five-ply body, brushed exterior, and stay-cool handles as the D5, but with an easy-release non-stick interior.
- Price: Generally 10-15% more affordable than the standard D5 stainless collection.
- Style: A modern brushed exterior with a contrasting dark gray or black non-stick cooking surface inside.
- Materials/Construction: The same five-ply bonded layers of stainless steel and aluminum, plus a durable, PFOA-free non-stick coating.
- Pros: Excellent for cooking sticky or delicate foods with minimal oil. Extremely easy to clean. More approachable for beginner and intermediate cooks. Slightly lower price point.
- Cons: The non-stick surface will inevitably wear out over time and has a much shorter lifespan than stainless steel. Not ideal for deep searing or creating fond for pan sauces. Requires more careful handling to avoid scratching the coating.
The BD5 is an excellent choice for everyday cooks who prioritize convenience, easy cleaning, and healthier cooking with less fat for foods prone to sticking.
Shop this product: all-clad.com/collections/bd5-brushed-stainless-steel
All Clad D5 vs. BD5 Comparison
Materials & Construction
At their core, the D5 and BD5 are built from the exact same platform: a patented five-ply bonded construction alternating aluminum and stainless steel. This build is what gives All Clad its reputation for superb, even heating. Both lines benefit from this design, ensuring that sauces simmer perfectly and proteins cook uniformly. They also share the same riveted stainless steel handles that are designed to stay cool on the stovetop.
The single crucial difference is the cooking surface. The D5 features an 18/10 stainless steel interior that’s incredibly durable and perfect for searing. The BD5 replaces this with a reinforced, multi-layer non-stick surface. While high-quality, this coating fundamentally changes the pan's performance and lifespan.
Durability & Longevity
The standard D5 cookware is built to last a lifetime. Stainless steel is incredibly resilient and can handle high heat, metal utensils, and aggressive scrubbing without issue. With proper care, these pans can be passed down through generations. Conversely, the longevity of the BD5 line is limited by its non-stick coating. Even with careful use of non-metal utensils and handwashing, all non-stick coatings eventually degrade, scratch, or lose their effectiveness, typically within 3-5 years of regular use. The D5 is a clear winner for anyone seeking a true long-term investment.
Price & Value
The standard D5 collection carries a premium price reflecting its professional-grade materials and lifetime durability. It is an upfront investment for years of high-level performance. The BD5 collection is typically priced about 10-15% lower than its stainless steel counterpart, making it a more accessible entry into the All Clad ecosystem. Its value lies in convenience and ease of use, though its shorter lifespan means you might have to replace pieces sooner, impacting its long-term cost.
Style & Aesthetics
Both collections feature the elegant brushed stainless steel exterior that All Clad is known for, making them visually compatible in a mixed set. The D5 offers a uniform, sleek stainless look both inside and out. The BD5 introduces a visual contrast with its dark non-stick interior. Both are designed to look professional and performance-oriented, so the choice comes down to personal preference for a matching steel interior or a non-stick surface.
Who Each One Works Best For
Choosing between these two lines depends entirely on your cooking habits and priorities. The D5 collection is tailored for passionate cooks who appreciate the art of temperature control, love to sear meat and want to build flavorful pan sauces from the browned bits (fond) left in the pan. It's for those who see their cookware as a permanent part of their kitchen toolkit.
The BD5 is made for practicality. It serves the everyday home cook who deals with breakfast eggs, fish fillets, and pancakes and wants cleanup to be as simple as possible. It’s also a great option for those new to cooking with All Clad who desire its heating performance without the steep learning curve of stainless steel.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both collections offer exceptional performance thanks to the same bonded construction, but they serve very different cooks.
Choose the All Clad D5 if:
- You want to achieve a professional-grade sear and create rich pan sauces.
- You value durability and want cookware that can last a lifetime.
- You don't mind a learning curve and are comfortable using techniques to manage food sticking.
- You want the freedom to use metal utensils and high oven temperatures without worry.
Choose the All Clad BD5 if:
- Maximum convenience and effortless cleanup are your top priorities.
- You frequently cook delicate, sticky foods like eggs, fish, and pancakes.
- You prefer to cook with minimal oil or butter.
- You want the premium performance of an All Clad pan with a more forgiving cooking surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the All Clad D5 and BD5?
The only significant difference is the cooking surface. The D5 has a durable, classic stainless steel interior, while the BD5 features a PFOA-free non-stick coating for easier food release and cleanup.
Are both the D5 and BD5 induction compatible?
Yes, both collections are engineered with a magnetic stainless steel exterior layer, making them fully compatible with all cooktops, including induction, gas, and electric.
Which All Clad line is more durable?
The original D5 line is significantly more durable. Its stainless steel cooking surface can withstand high heat and metal utensils, and with proper care, it will last for decades. The BD5's lifespan is limited by its non-stick coating, which will eventually wear out.
Which is better for searing steak?
The standard All Clad D5 is far superior for searing meats. Stainless steel excels at creating the high, direct heat needed for the Maillard reaction, which develops a deep, flavorful crust. Non-stick surfaces are not designed for the very high temperatures required for a great sear.
How do you clean the D5 and BD5 cookware?
Both lines are technically dishwasher safe, but handwashing is strongly recommended for the BD5 to prolong the life of its non-stick coating. For the D5, you can scrub vigorously with products like Bar Keepers Friend to restore its shine. For the BD5, use only soft sponges and gentle soap.
Is the non-stick coating on the BD5 safe?
Yes, the non-stick coating used in the All Clad BD5 line is PFOA-free and made without harmful chemicals, adhering to modern safety standards.
Do the handles on D5 and BD5 pans get hot?
No, both collections feature All Clad's signature stay-cool handle. The long, riveted handle is designed to dissipate heat effectively, staying cool to the touch on the stovetop. As with any cookware, the handles will get hot in the oven.
Which one is a better investment?
For long-term value, the D5 is the better investment because it can last a lifetime. For short-term convenience and accessibility, the BD5 provides excellent value by delivering premium heating performance with the ease of non-stick.
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