Looking for the best saute pan with lid is not that easy. But if you apply our guide mentioned in this post, the whole process will be a lot faster and more straightforward. We put a bunch of brands to the test and here are our top picks:
Here are the best sauté pans with lid you can buy in 2024:
- Best For High Heat (Ceramic Saute Pan): Blue Diamond Cookware CC01811-001
- Best For Even Heating (Ceramic Saute Pan): GreenLife CC002348-001
- Fast Heating (Ceramic Saute Pan): GreenPan CC002637-001
- Sturdy (Aluminum Saute Pan): Ninja C30150
- Largest Capacity (Aluminum Saute Pan): Farberware 21946
- Best For Low Heat (Aluminum Saute Pan): SENSARTE 10-inch Saute Pan with Lid
- Easy To Clean (Stainless Steel Saute Pan): Cuisinart 733-30H
- Durable (Stainless Steel Saute Pan): AVACRAFT 18/10 Tri-Ply
- Smallest Capacity (Stainless Steel Saute Pan): Calphalon 2095189
| 9 Best Sauté Pans With Lid | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For High Heat | Blue Diamond Cookware CC01811-001
| |
Best For Even Heating | GreenLife CC002348-001
| |
Fast Heating | GreenPan CC002637-001
| |
Sturdy | Ninja C30150
| |
Largest Capacity | Farberware 21946
| |
Best For Low Heat | SENSARTE 10-inch Saute Pan with Lid
| |
Easy To Clean | Cuisinart 733-30H
| |
Durable | AVACRAFT 18/10 Tri-Ply
| |
Smallest Capacity | Calphalon 2095189
| |
Best For High Heat: Blue Diamond Cookware CC01811-001
- Best for high-heat cooking up to 850 degrees F – the exclusive diamond-infused ceramic nonstick coated pan & the 425°F oven-safe lid
- Reliable – no cadmium, lead, PFOA, or PFAS leached out from its coating
- Great form retention - Heavy-duty base
- Heavy
While most ceramic saute pans that we tested limit their capacity to 400 degrees F, the Blue Diamond Cookware CC01811-001 stands up for high heat – 850 degrees F. Even its lid is oven-safe up to 425 degrees F.
It’s an exaggeration to say this saute pan is the most versatile option out there for those who tend to cook on higher heat and are afraid of the side effects of using Teflon-coated nonstick cookware – which may leach toxins if utilized 500+ degrees F of heat.
Blue Diamond’s exclusive diamond-infused ceramic nonstick also brings other benefits. Such as superior conduction to copper, extra longevity and toughness compared to traditional coatings.
The heavy-duty base is also notable as it doesn’t warp or deform under high heat or harsh use.
| Blue Diamond Cookware CC01811-001 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 5.19 pounds |
Size | 12 inches |
Capacity | 5 quarts |
Highlight Features | the exclusive diamond-infused ceramic nonstick coated pan & the 425°F oven-safe lid no cadmium, lead, PFOA, or PFAS leached out from its coating Heavy-duty base |
If you frequently cook at high heat, the Blue Diamond Cookware CC01811-001 is the ceramic saute pan for you. Its temperature ranges are up to 850 degrees F
Best For Even Heating: GreenLife CC002348-001
- Even-heating - the diamond-reinforced ceramic nonstick coating, tough and vibrant aluminum core, and forged wobble-free base
- Safe to use – the cool-to-touch handle grip
- Easy to clean – dishwasher-friendly saute pan
- No complaint
When compared to other ceramic saute pans, the GreenLife CC002348-001 stands out for its even heating whether we used electric or gas. That all thanks to the diamond-reinforced ceramic nonstick coating, tough and vibrant aluminum core, and forged wobble-free base.
In our testing, whether for browning pancakes or searing steaks, this unit is always a great performer.
The handle is another highlighted feature. It stays cool to touch and is comfortable to hold. Moreover, it’s dishwasher-friendly and wear-resistant.
| GreenLife CC002348-001 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 5.13 pounds |
Size | 7 3/4" in diameter |
Capacity | 5 quarts |
Highlight Features | the diamond-reinforced ceramic nonstick coating tough and vibrant aluminum core forged wobble-free base |
If your top priority is even heating when it comes to ceramic saute pan with a lid, there may be no better choice than the GreenLife CC002348-001
Fast Heating: GreenPan CC002637-001
- Fast-heating - ultra-thick aluminum base
- Perfect for cooking at low heat - oven-safe up to 350 degrees F
- Not compatible with induction stoves
In our sear test, our testers noted the GreenPan CC002637-001 heats the fastest and distributes the heat evenly to cook food to the perfect browning, all thanks to its ultra-thick aluminum base.
The ceramic nonstick coating is great; you need little to no butter or cooking oil during cooking and delicate foods never stick to the bottom.
The only thing you should take note is this saute pan is oven-safe up to 350 degrees F. So, it’s best to cook on low heat.
| GreenPan CC002637-001 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 5.07 pounds |
Size | 12” |
Capacity | 5 quarts |
Highlight Features | ultra-thick aluminum base oven-safe up to 350 degrees F |
When fast-heating is paramount, our favorite pick is the GreenPan CC002637-001
Sturdy: Ninja C30150
- Extremely sturdy - ultra-thick aluminum base, double-riveted stainless steel handle, and a thickened stainless steel rim of the lid
- Never flake, chip, or stick – the exclusive NeverStick Technology
- Reliable
- Heavy
- Wish it was deeper
We were pleasantly impressed with the sturdiness of this 12” saute pan from Ninja.
It boasts an ultra-thick aluminum base, double-riveted stainless steel handle, and a tempered glass lid with a thickened stainless steel rim. All of these parts are oven-safe up to 500 degrees F and much sturdier than the brand’s Foodi NeverStick Essential C100 series.
The pan is also renowned for its exclusive NeverStick Technology, which is capable of withstanding aggressive scrubbing and high heat without flaking, chipping, or sticking.
Last but not least, it works well on all stovetop types, including induction stoves.
| Ninja C30150 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 8.73 pounds |
Size | 12 Inches |
Capacity | 5-Quart |
Highlight Features | ultra-thick aluminum base double-riveted stainless steel handle a thickened stainless steel rim of the lid the exclusive NeverStick Technology |
We love the Ninja C30150 for its sturdy construction that never gets rusted or flaked during use or cleaning.
Largest Capacity: Farberware 21946
- Ideal for feeding a family or a big group – a 6-quart capacity
- Easy to hold - one long, double-riveted handle & a helper handle
- Not true to color
Whether to prepare meals for feeding a crowded group or a family, you should opt for a saute pan with an extra-large cooking surface. And, the Farberware 21946 is our favorite pick for you.
It features 12” diameter and 4” raised edges for 6-quart capacity. On average, other similarly-priced aluminum saute pans on the market have a capacity from 3.5 to 5 quarts.
But what’s worth talking about this model is its lightweight yet durable design, so your hands won’t feel fatigue from carrying the pan around when it’s full. Besides, it includes two handles: one long, double-riveted handle and a helper handle for a firmer holding feel.
| Farberware 21946 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 6 pounds |
Size | 12” |
Capacity | 6 Quarts |
Highlight Features | a 6-quart capacity one long, double-riveted handle & a helper handle |
If you’re seeking the largest aluminum saute pan with a lid, then look no further than the Farberware 21946
Best For Low Heat: SENSARTE 10-inch Saute Pan with Lid
- Ideal for low heat - Oven safe up to 302 degrees F
- Easy to pour - a pour spout
- Dependable – SGS-approved design
- A bit difficult to attach the handle
Oven-safe up to 302 degrees F, the SENSARTE 10-inch Saute Pan with Lid is an excellent performer at low to medium heat for making foods like veggies, poached chicken, bacon, and sauces.
The size is perfect for these recipes, too. Evenly, there’s a pour spout for soups and loose sauces.
Like other picks in this review list, the saute pan is food-grade, toxin-free, and safe to use. It also meets all the safety standards of SGS and works well on all types of stoves.
| SENSARTE 10-inch Saute Pan with Lid Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 4 pounds |
Size | 10” |
Capacity | 3.5 Quarts |
Highlight Features | Oven safe up to 302 degrees F a pour spout SGS-approved design |
For those who cook at low heat, the SENSARTE 10-inch Saute Pan with Lid is an excellent choice.
Easy To Clean: Cuisinart 733-30H
- Easy to clean – dishwasher-safe design
- No residue stuck at the bottom - great nonstick layer
- Very heavy, especially when it’s full
We love the Cuisinart 733-30H for not only its exceptional cooking performance but also its effortless cleanup.
As the pan is nonstick and well-made, you can easily clean it up whether by hand or by the dishwasher.
It cooks delicate foods like scrambled eggs with little oil required. No residue stuck at the bottom, either. So, after cooking, you can wipe the pan clean with a dry paper towel.
Take note that this saute pan is 5.5-quart capacity, which may be heavy when full. If you have weak hands or are suffering from arthritis, think twice.
| Cuisinart 733-30H Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 6.15 pounds |
Size | 12” diameter |
Capacity | 5.5-Quart |
Highlight Features | dishwasher-safe design great non stick layer |
The Cuisinart 733-30H is our favorite stainless steel saute pan because it’s reliable and easy to clean.
Durable: AVACRAFT 18/10 Tri-Ply
- Durable - Tri-ply bonded body construction
- Prevent crack, corrosion, stain, and rust - 18/10 stainless steel material
- Sleek and modern look - mirror exterior
- Long cook time
While two-ply saute pans are durable enough for common cooking styles, this 10” model from AVACRAFT takes the game a step further. It’s upgraded with tri-ply body construction for superior heat distribution and scratch resistance.
Meanwhile, the 18/10 stainless steel material reduces the risks of crack, corrosion, stain, and rust plus it’s 100% food-grade.
As a result, the AVACRAFT 18/10 Tri-Ply becomes the most durable option in its field.
As a bonus, its mirror exterior brings a sleek and modern look.
| AVACRAFT 18/10 Tri-Ply Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 5 pounds |
Size | 10” diameter |
Capacity | 3.5 quarts |
Highlight Features | Tri-ply bonded body construction 18/10 stainless steel material mirror exterior |
For a more durable option, the AVACRAFT 18/10 Tri-Ply - Stainless Steel Saute Pan is worth considering
Smallest Capacity: Calphalon 2095189
- Ideal for single uses - 3 quarts in capacity
- Compact & easy to store – 8” in diameter
- Easy to strain a large pot - the lid strainer
- The lid could fit better
- Thin edges
The Calphalon 2095189 is a very small pan. Its capacity is only 3 quarts and the bottom diameter is 8”, which is enough for cooking 1-2 portions at a time.
But that makes it one of the fastest-heating in the category, so you don’t have to wait for so long to cook sauces or noodles. The sturdy-yet-lightweight design is easy to store in any narrow kitchen and travel-friendly.
We also love the lid strainer – which comes in handy if you find it hard to strain a large pot on your own.
Note: the whole pan is oven-safe up to 450 degrees F to be safe for dishwasher, broiler, oven, and stove.
| Calphalon 2095189 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 5.9 pounds |
Size | 8 Inches in diameter |
Capacity | 3 Quarts |
Highlight Features | 3 quarts in capacity 8” in diameter the lid strainer |
For students, single individuals, narrow kitchens, or travelers, the Calphalon 2095189 is the best bet as it’s the smallest capacity option available on the market.
How To Choose The Best Sauté Pan With Lid?
Size & Capacity
Size
There are two measurements you should consider when considering the size of saute pan:
- Height – which refers to the pan’s deepness
- Diameter – which refers to the surface area of the pan
The biggest benefit of a reasonably deep saute pan is it prevents unexpected splashing, which is suitable for cooking saucy foods or simmering liquids.
The ideal depth of the saute pan ranges from 2” to 3.5”.
But take note that the lid will add up to the overall height of the pan. So, if the manufacturer describes the height of their pans as 3”, for example, make sure to check that the number is the height with or without the lid.
Next, diameter.
The diameter of saute pans ranges from 9” to 13”, therein, 12” is the most common.
You should prioritize diameter over height if you frequently cook tofu cutlets, salmon fillets, chicken breasts, or steaks because these food items require more space.
Capacity
The minimum capacity of saute pans is 3 quarts, enough for 1-2 servings at a time. This mini-size pan is perfect for single uses, couples, and small families.
On the market, there are bigger sizes of pans up to 7 quarts. They are specifically made for large families and large groups.
But take note that the bigger the pan capacity, the heavier, the more expensive, and the more cumbersome.
Materials
The materials of cookware are vast, such as nonstick, stainless steel, cast iron, copper, aluminum, ceramic, and so much more.
But when it comes to saute pans, the material must be responsive to the heat – meaning that it can heat up fast, distribute heat evenly, and cool off just as fast. In other words, pay attention to the pan’s conductivity.
A highly conductive saute pan can evenly transfer heat from across the base and up to the edges.
Each material offers a specific conductivity level. For saute pans, here are the best choices:
Ceramic
Ceramic is less common than the two other options because of the price and durability.
Once the bottom and the sides of the pan are worn out, it becomes sticky for all foods and there’s no way to overcome that issue.
Yet, this is still a worthwhile option for those who want a healthier way of cooking way. Ceramic is 100% toxin-free, non-reactive, and contains no chemical additives.
Aluminum
This material is known for its lightness and even heat distribution. Compared to most other materials, it’s easy to clean, durable, and affordable.
Stainless Steel
The biggest advantages of stainless steel saute pans are:
- No reaction to acidic foods or colorful foods (like tomatoes), so it doesn’t affect the food flavor or gets stained
- Long-lasting
- Durable
But this material is susceptible to food sticking and heavy to hold. But unlike ceramic, you can use cooking oil to combat the food sticking issues.
While copper is also great at heat transferring, we don’t pick it because of the high price points, high maintenance, and heavyweight.
Lid
Aside from sautéing, you may use the pan for other cooking styles – such as braising, where a well-fitting lid is essential for flavor preservation.
Also, look for pans with transparent glass lids, so you can easily keep an eye on the cooking process. Make sure to check the glass lid’s durability and temperature ranges. It lets you know where you can cook the pan and the lid on.
Tempered glass is the most durable material.
The temperature ranges of the lid should be equivalent to the heat ranges of the pan.
If a pan with high temperature ranges pairs with a lid with too low temperature ranges, you hardly use them together.
For example, a pan oven safe up to 850 degrees F is versatile enough to work well on broilers, ovens, dishwashers, and more. A lid oven safe only up to 350 degrees can’t withstand the high heat in the oven and broiler.
Which Brands Make The Best Sauté Pan With Lid?
Blue Diamond Cookware
Blue Diamond is a newcomer in the kitchen cookware industry. However, they are now the fastest-growing brand by offering unbelievable products for daily cooking.
They become widely recognized thanks to the exclusive diamond-infused ceramic nonstick which is faster-heating than copper and more durable than traditional coatings.
GreenLife
What makes GreenLife’s saute pans outstanding from the competition is they only use Thermolon™, the first ceramic nonstick coating – which is renowned for safety. Their cookware is also loved for beautiful, eye-catching design.
GreenPan
Founded in 2007, GreenPan is another reliable stop for those who are looking for high-quality ceramic nonstick cookware. They are the creator of Thermolon™, the original healthy ceramic nonstick that is free of calcium, lead, PFOA, and PFAS.
Ninja
Ninja is one of the most popular brands of SharkNinja Operating LLC, a pioneer in cleaning solutions and small household appliances. Have you ever heard or seen Mark Rosenzweig on TV? He is the founder of SharkNinja.
Farberware
The giant in the US kitchen appliance industry, Farberware – founded in 1900.
They are widely known for providing aluminum and stainless clad cookware coated with hybrid ceramic. Their products stand out from the rest for value, innovation, and durability.
Calphalon
In the premium-quality cookware industry, Calphalon is the leading brand. Started in 1963, they are globally renowned for their hard-anodized aluminum cookware and the aerospace-grade manufacturing process.
When it comes to Calphalon’s saute pans, durability and high performance are the two characteristics found in most customers’ feedback.
FAQs
What is the difference between a frying pan and a sauté pan?
The difference between a frying pan and saute pan is the pan sides. Frying pans feature slanted sides while saute pans feature straight sides.
Is a sauté pan necessary?
Yes, it is. A saute pan can tackle multiple cooking styles, such as braising and frying.
Can I use a sauté pan as a frying pan?
Yes, you can. Not only can you use a saute pan as a frying pan but also for cooking liquid foods or tackling liquid cooking methods – such as braising and poaching.
What is a sauté pan with lid used for?
A saute pan with lid is used for liquid cooking methods that are susceptible to splash or for trapping heat inside during cooking.
What is the best size sauté pan?
The minimum size of a saute pan is 3 quarts – which is best for cooking sauce, single uses, narrow kitchens, or small families of people.
For larger kitchens, larger families, or big groups, the best size of saute pan is 4 to 5 quarts.
Conclusion
While the nine picks above are top-rated in certain aspects, they all share a few good things in common, such as quality, safety, and reliability. So, no matter what your choice is, just be reassured to try it.
We hope you find the best saute pan with lid for your needs and budget that leads you to many healthier and more tasteful meals. Thanks for reading!
