The core difference between Scan Pan and All-Clad lies in their primary materials and cooking philosophy. Scan Pan is a Danish brand renowned for its durable, PFOA-free ceramic titanium non-stick cookware, designed for easy food release and cleanup. In contrast, All-Clad is an American heritage brand celebrated for its professional-grade, multi-layered stainless steel cookware that offers lifetime durability and superior heat control for searing and high-temperature cooking.
Here’s what you need to know to decide between Scan Pan's modern non-stick and All-Clad's classic stainless steel.
About Scan Pan
Scan Pan is known for combining advanced non-stick technology with Scandinavian design and an emphasis on sustainability. Their pans feature a patented ceramic titanium surface that is more durable and scratch-resistant than typical non-stick coatings, built on a core of 100% recycled aluminum for excellent heat distribution. This makes their cookware a favorite among home cooks who want reliable non-stick performance without compromising on quality or eco-friendly principles.
- What it is: A Danish cookware brand specializing in high-quality, eco-conscious, PFOA-free non-stick fry pans, pots, and sets.
- Key features: Patented ceramic titanium non-stick surface, made from 100% recycled aluminum, exceptional food release, oven-safe up to 500°F.
- Price: Mid-range, with individual pans typically costing $50 to $150 and complete sets ranging from $200 to $600.
- Style: Sleek, modern, and minimalist with a focus on functional Scandinavian design, usually featuring dark gray or black surfaces with stainless steel handles.
- Materials/Construction: PFOA-free ceramic titanium non-stick coating bonded to a pressure-cast recycled aluminum body.
- Pros: Superior non-stick performance for delicate foods like eggs and fish. Easy to clean. Eco-friendly manufacturing process. Excellent heat conduction from the aluminum core. More durable than standard non-stick coatings.
- Cons: Even the best non-stick coatings have a finite lifespan. Not ideal for developing a deep sear or fond. Requires non-metal utensils to preserve the surface.
Scan Pan is ideal for the everyday home cook who values convenience, easy cleanup, and sustainable manufacturing, especially if low-fat cooking is a priority.
Shop this brand: scanpan.com
About All-Clad
All-Clad is the benchmark for premium, fully-clad stainless steel cookware in the United States. Favored by professional chefs and serious home cooks, their products are built with a bonded construction, layering conductive aluminum or copper between durable stainless steel. This design ensures rapid, even heating and exceptional temperature control, making it perfect for everything from precise simmering to high-heat searing. All-Clad is sold as an investment piece, built for a lifetime of heavy use.
- What it is: An American company famous for its professional-grade, multi-clad stainless steel cookware, known for exceptional performance and durability.
- Key features: Bonded multi-layer construction, high-grade stainless steel cooking surface, superior heat distribution and retention, oven and broiler safe, and often comes with a lifetime warranty.
- Price: Premium, with individual pieces starting at $100-$200 and sets ranging from $400 to over $2,000.
- Style: Classic and professional, with a polished stainless steel finish and riveted, ergonomic handles that signal commercial-kitchen quality.
- Materials/Construction: A core of aluminum (and sometimes copper) layered between an interior and exterior of non-reactive 18/10 stainless steel.
- Pros: "Buy it for life" durability. Resists warping, chipping, and staining. Excellent for searing and browning. Allows for fond development for pan sauces. Versatile enough for any cooking technique on any cooktop.
- Cons: Significant financial investment. Requires proper heat management and oil to prevent food from sticking. Can be heavy and more difficult to clean than non-stick.
All-Clad is for the passionate cook who views cookware as a long-term investment and needs versatile, high-performance tools capable of handling any cooking task.
Shop this brand: all-clad.com
Scan Pan vs. All-Clad Comparison
Materials & Construction
The primary battle here is non-stick versus stainless steel. Scan Pan's entire identity is built on its ceramic titanium non-stick surface, which is bonded to a recycled aluminum body. This makes it light, a great heat conductor, and extremely easy to use for everyday meals. It's designed to make cooking foolproof, especially for sticky foods.
All-Clad's famed multi-clad construction is about raw performance and longevity. The stainless steel interior is inert and won't react with acidic foods, while the aluminum core provides the even heat that steel alone cannot. This construction is perfect for advanced techniques that require precise temperature control and developing a fond (the brown bits) for pan sauces - something non-stick surfaces are designed to prevent.
Price & Value
Scan Pan sits in the upper-mid-range price tier. You're paying a premium for a superior, long-lasting non-stick surface and eco-friendly manufacturing, but it remains more accessible than heritage stainless steel brands. Its value lies in providing years of convenient, easy cooking before the non-stick surface eventually wears out.
All-Clad is unapologetically a premium, investment-grade product. The cost reflects its American-made quality, lifetime warranty, and professional-grade performance. The value is in its longevity, a set of All-Clad can be passed down through generations. While the upfront cost is high, its per-year cost can be very low for those who cook regularly.
Style & Versatility
Scan Pan's aesthetic is clean, contemporary, and distinctly Scandinavian. The dark, matte cooking surfaces and sleek lines fit perfectly in modern kitchens. In terms of versatility, it's a workhorse for breakfast, weeknight dinners, and any dish where you want to avoid sticking.
All-Clad features a timeless, professional look with its gleaming polished steel. It's equally at home in an industrial chef's kitchen or a classic farmhouse setting. Its versatility is its greatest strength, capably handling everything from boiling pasta to searing a steak at ripping-hot temperatures under the broiler.
Who Each One Works Best For
Scan Pan is the clear choice for home cooks who prioritize convenience above all else. If your cooking routine involves a lot of eggs, pancakes, delicate fish, or you simply detest scrubbing pans, Scan Pan provides a premium non-stick experience. It's also the better choice for the environmentally conscious consumer.
All-Clad is built for the enthusiastic cook, the culinary student, and anyone who wants to master techniques like searing, sautéing, and creating pan sauces. It’s for people who see cookware as essential tools and are willing to learn the proper techniques for cooking on stainless steel in exchange for unmatched performance and durability.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands produce exceptional cookware, but they excel in fundamentally different areas and cater to different types of cooks.
Choose Scan Pan if:
- You want a high-performance, easy-to-clean pan for everyday cooking.
- You mostly cook eggs, fish, pancakes, and other foods prone to sticking.
- You value sustainability and PFOA-free, eco-friendly manufacturing.
- You want superior quality but aren't ready for a full premium stainless steel investment.
Choose All-Clad if:
- You are a serious cook looking for durable, "buy it for life" cookware.
- You love to sear meat, brown vegetables, and make pan sauces from fond.
- You prioritize performance, heat control, and longevity over convenience.
- You are willing to invest in professional-grade tools that can be passed down for generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Scan Pan and All-Clad?
The main difference is the cooking surface and core purpose. Scan Pan specializes in durable, eco-friendly non-stick cookware for convenience and easy release. All-Clad specializes in bonded stainless steel cookware designed for professional-grade heat control, searing, and lifetime durability.
Which brand is better for everyday cooking?
For most people's definition of "everyday cooking" - quick meals, eggs for breakfast, and easy cleanup - Scan Pan is a better fit due to its non-stick surface. However, an experienced cook may find All-Clad more versatile day-to-day for a wider range of techniques.
Can I use metal utensils on Scan Pan cookware?
While Scan Pan's non-stick is tougher than most, they still recommend using wood, nylon, or silicone utensils to maximize the lifespan of the coating. Metal utensils will eventually cause scratches and degrade the non-stick properties.
Is All-Clad cookware non-stick?
The vast majority of All-Clad’s flagship products are clad stainless steel, not non-stick. They do make non-stick lines, but their reputation is built on stainless steel. To prevent sticking, you must properly preheat the pan and use an adequate amount of fat or oil.
Is Scan Pan's cookware PFOA-free?
Yes, all Scan Pan cookware features a PFOA-free and PFOS-free non-stick coating, which is one of the brand's primary selling points for health and eco-conscious consumers.
Which cookware is easier to clean?
Scan Pan is significantly easier to clean. Its non-stick surface allows food to slide off with minimal effort, often just needing a simple wipe-down with a sponge. All-Clad stainless steel can require soaking and more vigorous scrubbing, especially after searing.
Is All-Clad worth the money?
For passionate cooks who will use it frequently for many years, All-Clad is widely considered to be worth the investment. The performance, durability, and lifetime warranty justify the high price tag. Casual cooks may not see enough benefit to warrant the cost.
How long does Scan Pan's non-stick last?
With proper care (avoiding metal utensils, high heat, and dishwashers), a Scan Pan can last for many years - typically 3-7 years or more - which is much longer than inexpensive non-stick pans. However, all non-stick coatings eventually wear down and lose their effectiveness over time.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
