The All-Clad and Calphalon roasting pans are both top-tier choices, but they serve different cooks through key differences in materials, price, and long-term durability. All-Clad roasting pans feature premium bonded stainless steel for professional-grade heat distribution and lifelong performance at a higher price, while Calphalon combines hard-anodized aluminum and non-stick coatings for excellent everyday utility and easy cleanup at a more budget-friendly price point.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right roasting pan for your kitchen and cooking style.
All-Clad Roasting Pan
The All-Clad Roasting Pan is a professional-grade kitchen workhorse, engineered for serious home chefs who demand superior performance and durability. Known for its bonded multi-layer construction, this pan provides exceptional heat conduction from the oven to the stovetop, making it perfect for roasting a Thanksgiving turkey and then making gravy directly in the pan afterward. Its polished stainless steel finish and robust build quality signal a product meant to last a lifetime.
- What it is: A premium, multi-clad stainless steel roasting pan designed for high-performance cooking.
- Key features: Bonded construction with an aluminum core for even heating, large riveted stainless steel handles for a secure grip, and compatibility with all cooktops, including induction. Typically oven and broiler safe up to 600°F.
- Price: Generally ranges from $150 to $300, depending on size and specific model.
- Dimensions: Commonly available in large sizes like 16" x 13", suitable for turkeys up to 20-25 lbs or large roasts.
- Materials/Construction: Features a thick aluminum core bonded between two layers of durable 18/10 stainless steel for stability, warp resistance, and precise heat control.
- Style: Classic, professional-grade appearance with a mirror-polished finish that looks great both in the kitchen and on the table for serving.
- Pros: Unmatched heat distribution and retention. Durable construction that resists warping and staining. Versatile enough for stovetop use to make pan sauces and gravies. Elegant aesthetic suitable for serving. Backed by a lifetime warranty.
- Cons: High price point puts it in the luxury category. Heavier than aluminum pans. The stainless steel surface requires more effort to clean than non-stick alternatives.
An All-Clad Roasting Pan is ideal for those who see cooking as a passion and are willing to invest in a versatile, high-performance piece that will endure decades of holiday feasts and family dinners.
Shop this product: all-clad.com/stainless-steel-roaster-with-nonstick-rack-16x13.html
Calphalon Roasting Pan
The Calphalon Roasting Pan delivers dependable performance and user-friendly features at a much more accessible price. Built with hard-anodized aluminum and often coated with a non-stick surface, it's designed for the home cook who values convenience and easy cleanup above all. It's a practical and reliable choice for preparing everything from roasted chicken and vegetables for a weeknight dinner to a medium-sized holiday roast.
- What it is: A mid-range roasting pan made from hard-anodized aluminum, frequently featuring a non-stick coating for convenience.
- Key features: Non-stick interior for easy food release and cleanup, durable hard-anodized aluminum construction for good heat conduction, and sturdy handles. Oven safe, typically up to 450°F.
- Price: Typically ranges from $50 to $150.
- Dimensions: Available in several sizes, with the 16-inch model being a popular, versatile option for family meals.
- Materials/Construction: The body is made of hard-anodized aluminum, which is more durable and chip-resistant than standard aluminum. The interior dual-layer non-stick coating simplifies cleaning.
- Style: Modern and functional with a matte gray or black finish that prioritizes utility over ornate design.
- Pros: Very affordable compared to premium brands. Non-stick surface makes cleanup remarkably easy. Lightweight and easy to handle. Reliably cooks roasts and vegetables evenly.
- Cons: The non-stick coating can wear out over time and is susceptible to scratches from metal utensils. Lower oven-safe temperature limit compared to All-Clad. Not ideal for making pan sauces on a gas or electric stovetop.
The Calphalon Roasting Pan is perfect for everyday home cooks looking for a reliable, no-fuss pan that gets the job done without a significant financial investment.
Shop this product: calphalon.com/bakeware/roasters/calphalon-classic-nonstick-16-inch-roaster-with-rack
All-Clad vs. Calphalon Roasting Pan Comparison
Materials & Construction
The most significant difference lies in the materials. All-Clad uses a bonded construction of a heavy-gauge aluminum core surrounded by stainless steel. This blend offers the best of both worlds: aluminum's rapid heat conduction and stainless steel's durability, non-reactivity, and impressive heat retention. The pan is built to resist warping and is suitable for high-heat cooking on any surface, including stovetops for searing or making gravy.
Conversely, Calphalon primarily uses hard-anodized aluminum, which offers good heat conduction and durability for an aluminum pan. Its key feature is the non-stick coating. While fantastic for cleanup, this coating is the pan's weak point, it has a finite lifespan, is sensitive to metal utensils, and might not be suitable for searing at high temperatures directly on a burner.
Performance & Ease of Use
In terms of raw cooking performance, All-Clad has a clear edge. Its superior heat distribution ensures that large roasts cook evenly without hot spots, and its ability to go from a high-heat oven directly to a cooktop is invaluable for developing fond (the browned bits used for gravy). However, cleaning requires some effort, especially after roasting sugary glazes.
The Calphalon roaster offers extreme convenience. Its non-stick surface means food releases effortlessly, and cleanup is often as simple as a quick wipe with a sponge. While its heat distribution is very good for everyday roasting, it doesn't quite match the precise control and retention of All-Clad's multi-clad construction.
Price & Value
There's a substantial price gap between the two. An All-Clad roaster is a significant investment, often costing three to four times more than a Calphalon. However, its value is realized over a lifetime of use, backed by a warranty that reflects its durable build. It's a "buy it once, cry once" purchase.
Calphalon represents outstanding immediate value. For a reasonable price, you get a highly effective roasting pan that simplifies one of the most tedious cooking cleanups. It’s an accessible workhorse for any home kitchen, though you might need to replace it after several years if the non-stick coating begins to fail.
Dimensions & Sizing
Both brands offer versatile sizes, but All-Clad tends to focus on larger-capacity pans suited for big holiday meals, easily fitting a 20-pound turkey. Calphalon offers a range of family-friendly sizes that are perfect for weekly chicken dinners, vegetable roasts, and smaller holiday gatherings.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both roasting pans are excellent choices in their respective categories, but they cater to very different priorities and budgets.
Choose the All-Clad Roasting Pan if:
- You are a serious cook who wants professional-level results at home.
- You want a "buy-it-for-life" piece of cookware and are willing to invest accordingly.
- You frequently use a pan-to-stovetop method for making gravies and sauces.
- Aesthetics and premium build quality are important to you.
Choose the Calphalon Roasting Pan if:
- You prioritize easy cleanup and convenience over everything else.
- You're shopping with a defined budget.
- You need a dependable roaster for family meals and occasional holiday cooking.
- You prefer lighter cookware that's easier to lift in and out of the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between All-Clad and Calphalon roasting pans?
The main difference is material and price. All-Clad uses a durable, high-performance stainless steel and aluminum construction and comes at a premium price. Calphalon uses hard-anodized aluminum with a non-stick coating for ease of use and affordability.
Is an All-Clad roasting pan worth the money?
For dedicated home cooks who will use it frequently for large roasts and value its stovetop versatility and lifetime durability, an All-Clad pan is a worthwhile long-term investment. For casual cooks, the high price may not be justified.
Can you use an All-Clad roasting pan on the stovetop?
Yes, one of its biggest advantages is that it's designed to be used safely on all cooktops, including gas, electric, and induction. This makes it perfect for searing roasts before they go in the oven or for making pan gravy on the stove after.
Is a Calphalon non-stick pan safe for the stovetop?
It's generally not recommended to use non-stick roasting pans over high, direct heat on a stovetop, as it can damage the coating. It's best kept for oven use only. Always check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model.
How long does the Calphalon non-stick surface last?
With proper care - avoiding metal utensils, high heat, and abrasive scrubbers - the non-stick coating on a Calphalon pan can last for several years of regular use. However, it will not last indefinitely like an All-Clad pan's stainless steel surface.
Which roasting pan is heavier?
All-Clad roasting pans are noticeably heavier due to their multi-layered stainless steel and aluminum construction. Calphalon pans, made primarily of aluminum, are much lighter and easier to handle.
How do you clean a stainless steel All-Clad pan?
For best results, wash with warm, soapy water. To remove stubborn browned bits, you can deglaze the pan with water on the stove or use a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend, which works wonders on stainless steel.
Which roaster is better for a beginner cook?
A Calphalon roasting pan is generally the better choice for a beginner. Its forgiving non-stick surface, easier cleanup, and lower price point make it a more accessible and less intimidating option for someone just beginning to explore roasting.
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