All-Clad Stainless 13-Inch Braiser Pan

I have several all clad pans and they are all nicely built and work great, including this one. I am giving this pan only 3 stars mainly because I don't think the design is very good. I see several people have left good reviews but for the life of me I find very little reason to ever us this pan.

I should premise that I bought this pan to replace an old revere type skillet my wife has had forever. I use this old pan all the time. It is 12" diameter at the top and has rounded sides (rather than splayed) like the new all clad french skillets. OK, back to this pan, so I splurge for it. Upon 1st inspection, the bottom surface area on this 13" braiser is the exact same as my old 12" cheap skillet. In other words, the sides on this thing are splayed so dramatically that you're losing an entire inch of surface area on the bottom of the pan. OK, wells that's good for frying I guess but I never fry with this, the sides are low and grease gets everywhere and I don't feel like screwing around with a splatter screen every time I want to brown 6 chicken thighs.

If I want to brown and then braise 6-8 pieces of chicken, or beef for a french stew, I always end up using my le creuset dutch oven. If I poach salmon I always grab the cheap 12" skillet. If I make risotto I use the cheap skillet. If I make any type of pasta sauce and then finish with the pasta in the pan I use the cheap skillet since the sides are a smidge higher. For me, the only actual regular use this pan gets is as a glorified roaster for a whole chicken, something I do 5-10 times a year.

I don't want to make is sound like I have a personal vendetta against this pan, but I'm just not impressed with the design and I would not buy it again. You get a small cooking surface area with a large storage space requirement. Ask yourself what you are going to use it for. You can get a decent roasting pan for $40. (who cares if it's tri-ply when you're roasting, if you need to make gravy afterwards just pour the juices in a saucier or saucepan) IMO, the new all clad french skillet design is nicer. I bought my 13" braiser before they were on the market so I didn't have that option to consider, but I probably would've gone that route. Too bad they didn't make a 12" french skillet, until someone does, I'll still be using my old one.

After using it for a month, it has overtaken the Calphalon non stick as the everyday pan. Cooking is even and although i was initially scared about clean up it is a breeze. Th biggest test was cooking sausage that was sticking to the pan. Soaking with Bar keepers friend and a quick wipe was all it needed. This is my first piece of All Clad and I am a believer. It is worth the extra money, no questions asked. I m not wealthy and buying these by the piece so it is worth waiting and buying quality.

I used this for the first time this week. I wanted something rustic, so I decided to braise turkey thighs with some root vegetables. Preparing the dinner was almost as good as the finished product.

Because of All-Clad's technology, I didn't have to turn the range above medium to sear. There was ample space for browing both turkey parts. Adding color to the veggies was a quick process. Deglazing was very easy because the bottom was so roomy.

From the oven came evenly done, tender and juicy turkey thighs. Clean up was easy. Wiped it out and put it in the dishwasher. Didn't even need to use any polish.

My next task for this pan is a frittata.

I ordered this item because of the great reviews and was excited to receive it. I received the first shipment damaged on both the lid and pot. It wasn't in the original box and the packaging was terrible. I was sent a second pot and even though it was in the original box, it had a 3 inch long scratch on the lid. If I am paying full price for an all clad stainless pot, I expect it to be pristine. I have not received a response from Amazon yet about a replacement. I will give them one more shot.

This pan is great. It cooks very steady and evenly. After you cook something you can bring it right to the table as it is so attractive and well designed. We use it as a serving dish as well as a pan. Afterwoods, it is easy to clean and there is only one thing to clean as opposed to both a pan and a serving dish. Great for a busy family.