By looking for a comparison of the D3 and the D5 product lines, itās clear that you trust All clad cookware. In fact, most people do. Together with Demeyere, All clad is one of the āpricierā stainless steel cookware.
Their sets are made of the sturdiest cookware materials you could ever find and this is reflected on their price tags, sadly. The brand has been in the cookware industry for decades now and itās clear that they have a huge customer base.
Would you have thousands of loyal customers backing your products if they were inferior? I doubt it.
Americaās Test Kitchen recommend the All clad D5 set
Back in 1967, when John Ulam (who later came to found All clad) was experimenting with metals, he discovered that alloying them wasnāt exactly the best manufacturing technique. 18 10 Stainless steel was shiny, durable and sturdy ā all desirable qualities.
But, it was no match for aluminiumās (or copperās) heat conductivity. Copper and aluminium were good conductors of heat but their pans wouldnātā last. In his lab, Ulam accidentally discovered a manufacturing technique that would change the game forever, while he was making a small pan for use at home.
The real issue isnāt in how the company was founded, itās in choosing between the D3 (also referred to as tri-ply) or the All-clad D5 cookware product lines. In this post, weāll look at how both products lines fair and what sets them apart.
Isnāt it funny that they have so much in common that we actually need a guide differentiating them? They differ in performance, price, number of items in each set and by design. Before the end of this post (a four minute-read), it will be clear why most shoppers opt for the D3. Hint: Itās about the layer of aluminium
Pricing
Products in the D5 line are 20% pricier (on average) compared to those in the D3 line.Ā
See how much an All clad D3 10-piece set goes for on Amazon
See how much an All clad D5 10-piece set goes for on Amazon
All Clad Comparison chart
Cooking performance comparison: All clad tri-ply vs D5 cookware
All cookware manufactured by All Clad isĀ fully clad.Ā No exceptions. Both the All-clad tri-ply and D5 are made by cladding stainless steel and aluminium layers. This bonded construction is industry standard. Why do they manufacture cookware this way instead of just making the whole thing out of stainless steel, aluminium or whatever material they see fit?
You deserve the best. 18 10 Stainless steel is the sturdiest cookware material but its heat conductivity could do with some improvement. Each material is used for its superior properties while complimenting what it lacks. Full aluminium pans would heat up really quick. But they would be weak and they would develop so many dents theyād be an eye sore. Ever used aluminium foils? Well, that isnāt the strongest gauge of aluminium you could get but you can see how āflexibleā it is. They refer to this āflexibilityā as malleability. Imagine cookingĀ eggs on a non-even pan.Ā This is why you need a pan with an even cooking surface.
Stainless steel is durable but uneven. It would take long heating up too. In fact, aluminium and steel are on opposite sides on the heat conduction spectrum. In 1967, John Ulam figured out that sandwiching an aluminium layer between two 18 10 stainless steel ones made a pan that was durable and heated fast. He was essentially getting the best of both materials.
All clad have been using this cladding technique for decades now and itās clear that this is a superior bonded construction technique. The All-clad tri-ply and the All-clad D5 cookware collections all have a stainless steel exterior thatās durable and an aluminium core that distributes heat fast to the food youāre making. Neither model has a copper core.
How do the D3 and the D5 cookware all clad product lines differ?
The biggest difference between the All-clad tri-ply and the D5 product lines is in the number of layers in each. All D5 cookware have 5 layers while D3 cookware is constructed with 3 layers. The D3 is referred to as the tri-ply while the All-clad D5 cookware is referred to as the 5-ply.
photo credits: cookwarehouse.com
When makingĀ cookware sets in the All-cladĀ tri-ply line, the standard but rather interesting cladding procedure is applied. A stainless steel cooking surface is first layered with an aluminium core that improves its heat conduction properties. AĀ copper core is used in some All cladĀ models serving the same purpose. The third layer is shiny 18 10 stainless steel thatās durable and magnetic too.Ā
For use with induction cooktops. Each layer serves a distinct purpose. The innermost cooking layer is non reactive and wonāt corrode even when youāre cooking with acidic ingredients such as vinegar. Acidic foods are no match for itās superior cooking surface. The aluminium core is for effective heat distribution while the exterior stainless steel layer is for aesthetics, durability and use on induction cooktops. So, the D3 sandwich looks like Steel-aluminium-steel
The cladding technique used on the D5 is rather experimental and not an industry standard. Thereās a stainless steel body forĀ magnetic conductionĀ and durability too. A stainless steel cooking surface is used just like with the D3. But, the D5 has one additional aluminium core layer making it have two alumium layers at its core.
These two layers are separated by a thin steel core. The D5 sandwich looks like steel-aluminium-steel-aluminium-steel. Is this an overkill? Would it be be better replacing one aluminium core with a copper core?
Now that we know that the D3 and the D5 differ by the by number of layers, what difference does this make? When youāre using cookware from the D3 line, you will notice that it heats up faster. The aluminium core absorbs the heat and quickly transfers it to the interior stainless steel cooking surface. This is advantageous as the pan heats up in a relatively short time.
In the D5 cookware collection however, the heat has to be conveyed through two additional layers before getting to the food. These two extra layers are both advantageous and disadvantageous.
Advantages of the 2 additional layers in the D5 cookware collection
Even heat distribution
Thereās a thin stainless steel layer between the two aluminium cores. This barrier is primarily used to ensure that thereāsĀ even heating to the cooking surface. There wonāt be hot spots or cold spots in the food youāre making. Stainless Steel is a lower conductor of heat while the layer of aluminium core conducts heat well.Ā All cladĀ explains that this patented 5-ply cookware manufacturing technique ensures that thereās lateral heat flow. This is the most efficient way of eliminating hotspots in cookware. Does this mean that the D5 cookware distributes heat evenly while the D3 doesnāt? No. The two extra layers in the D5 cookware just ensures that thereās even heating every single time youāre using their cookware sets.
Heat retention
This is a desirable quality when youāre makingĀ soups and dishesĀ that should be simmered over low heat for long. In comparison to the D3, the additional aluminium core layer in the D5 product line ālocksā in heat after youāre done cooking. Though, to be honest, a copper core would have locked in heat better. This way the food stays warm after cooking. Sometimes you donāt want to serve immediately after cooking and the heat retention is beneficial. The cooking surface will ensure that the food wonāt go cold.Ā
Heat tolerance
The D5 cookware is slower to heat (and at cooling too) in comparison to the D3. When you accidentally turn up the stove too high, the D5 will forgive you but the D3 wonāt. Youāre more likely to burn or overcook food when using the D3 than when with the D5. Does this mean thatās impossible to overcook food with the D5 cookware? No. You just have a larger margin of error.
Durability
The D5 cookware feels tougher than the D3 though theyāre both indestructible. Even when misused, either cookwareĀ set will still outlive its utility. There wonāt be much stability gained from these additional layers in the D5, in all honesty.
Disadvantages of the 2 additional layers in the D5 collection
The D5 takes longer heating up
In comparison to the D3, the D5 takes about 10% longer to heat up. Of course, this isnāt a significant difference but when you need to make quicks after waking up late and the pan isnāt heating up, youāll be mad.
Slower response
Heat changes arenāt conveyed quickly to the food when your cooking with the D5. This helps mitigate the risk of overcooking food. But its a disadvantage when you need to make sensitive dishes like scuffles that require precise immediate temperature adjustments.
The D5 is heavier
The two additional layers in the D5 definitely contribute to its weight, For comparison the 12 inch frying pan in the D5 set weighs 4 pounds and 4 ounces (with the lid) while a similar pan in the D3 line is just 4 pounds. Cookware weight often determines how comfortable they feel and manoeuvrability when cooking.Ā
In a nutshell, both are great performers. Their quality is unmatched. This is why tens of thousands of chefs around the globe back All clad. At first you may not notice any significant difference between the D3 (tri-ply) or the D5(5 ply). But with time, you will start to appreciate the reliability that All Clad cookware come with. Youāll even wonder how you were cooking without either.
Design: comparison between All clad tri-ply and 5-ply
Design wise, you will notice three differences between the D3 and the D5 a first glance. These differences are in their lids, the flared rims and in the handles. They are both dishwasher safe.
Exterior
The tr-ply comes with the conventional polished stainless steel casings characteristic of All clad cookware. It has a beautiful glow that will complement your kitchenās dĆ©cor. The D5 on the other hand comes in a D5 brushed matte exterior. If youāre looking for cookware with a contemporary feel to it, you will fall in love with the D5.
With the D5, you get to choose between a matte dull exterior or the traditional shiny stainless steel exterior. Thereās no matte option with the All-clad tri-ply. Of course, this is only an aesthetical feature and doesnāt impact on its cooking performance. They are beautiful though. See for yourself. What do you think of the shiny cooking surface?
Please note that with the D5, you can either buy individual pieces with the polished exterior. However, the brushed stainless exteriors pieces cannot be bought individually and you have to get the whole set. You CANNOT get D3 cookware with a brushed stainless exterior. Not as individual pieces. Not as the whole set.
Handles and lid
Both collections have stainless steel handles securely riveted to the unit at multiple points. Thatās their similarity. However, the handles on the D5 are slightly larger than in the D3 perhaps for better grip. The handles on the tri-ply are smoother as they donāt have the All clad logo engraved there.
Photo credits:williams-sonoma.com
Theoretically. The larger (and heavier) handles on the D5 would make grabbing it comfortable and easier but you wonāt feel any difference when cooking. Thereās no difference in terms of cooking performance or durability.
Flaring on the cookwareās rim
They both have flared rims for easy and mess free pouring. The flare on the D5 is more pronounced compared to that of the tri-ply. You will notice that all pieces in the D5 set have flared rims. However, with the tri-ply, only the pans, skillets and saucepans have flares on their flared rims. The D3ās stockpots and saucepans all have straight edges and these arenāt the easiest to pour liquids from.
The flared rims have more to do with functionality and less of aesthetics. Eggs, soups sauces and just about anything is easier to slide off from a flared rim. Flared edges are kind of a double-edged sword. They make pouring food easier but itās a challenge containing the food. Eggs and pancakes may just slide off the pan while youāre flipping them. Cleaning wonāt be a challenge either as both models are dishwasher safe.
photo credits: williams-sonoma.com
D3 product options
There are three product series in this line and the first is the most bought
OUR TOP PICK
This was their first line and itās still the best seller UpToDate. The original cladded D3 Ā 18 10 stainless steel line is used in thousands of homes in the United States.
All clad has 54 options in this category and among them are sets ranging from 6 to 10 pieces. 50 Pieces in this line can be bought individually.
EDITORS CHOICE
Thereās isnāt much aesthetic difference between the D3 stainless steel and the D3 Compact line. The Comact line is a āmodernizedā version of the classic stainless steel line. These pieces are designed to be stacked over each other.
Perhaps suggesting that theyāre built for the contemporary kitchen where cupboard real estate is valuable. Pieces in the D3 stainless steel line come with straight handles but those in the compact series come with curved handles.
There are only 6 products in the D3 compact line but youāll find them valuable if storage space is the biggest consideration.
BEST VALUE
Think of a 18 10 stainless steel cooking layer with bumps engraved onto it for quick release. Stainless steel is durable and scratch-les, but its non stick properties could do with some improvements. The bumps help in sliding off food.
There arenāt many options in the D3 Armor line either. The pieces available are all pans.
the All-clad D5 line
All-clad D5 brushed
This is arguably the most beautiful set from All clad. The matte exterior will surely draw in compliments from guests if they happen to get into your kitchen.
A few forum users argue out that the dull matte exterior is better at hiding scratches than a polished stainless steel surface. Iāve been using polished cookware all my life and I know that those unsightly scratches come off with steel wool (and some elbow grease).
As long as you take good care of your cookware, it wonāt lose its shiny, gorgeous exterior. There are 26 D5 brushed stainless exterior products and among them are 5 to 15 piece sets. You can get individual pieces too
All-clad D5 polished
Itās basically the same cookware as with the brushed line except that it has a polished stainless steel exterior instead. There are 33 individual pieces and you canāt be them as a set either. If you need a set, youāll have to order the individual pieces separately.
Individual pieces are often pricier than getting the whole set but thereās room for customization. If you donāt want a fish frying pan, donāt get one. From what I think, the All-clad D5 polished line is meant for customers that want to experience the advantages of 5-ply cookware without having to own the whole set.
Perhaps you may get a 5-ply stockpot and get a few D3 stainless steel pans instead as they tend to heat up faster.Ā
Pricing
The D3 or the all-clad D5, both are hefty investments. Itās more of a financial choice. Would you rather get high-quality cookware that has a lifetime warranty or spend more, in the long run, buying different sets over the years? With their lifetime warranty, youāre sure that Youāll be saving money by getting All clad cookware.
The D3 stainless steel and D3 compact variations come at almost the same cost. However, the D3 armor variant is pricier perhaps because of its textured stainless steel surface. The All-clad D5 polished and the All-clad D5 brushed stainless lines have almost similar pricing too. But, note that you can only buy the polished series as individual pieces. They are not sold as a whole set. Individual pieces tend to be more expensive than the whole set. The D5 brushed line will be cheaper if youāre getting the whole set. Get individual pieces from the polished line instead.
Summary: Should you buy All clad D3 or D5
Theyāre both great but they differ in performance, pricing and design. What factors do you give weight to when choosing cookware?
If itās performance youāre after, the D3 will heat up faster than the D5. The D5 all-clad is forgiving and you wonāt overcook or burn the food when you accidentally turn up the stove way too high. The D5 all-clad isnāt responsive to temperature changes. But it will keep the food warmer for longer after youāre done cooking. Isnāt the cooking surface great?
If its precise temperature control youāre after, then the D3 is the right set for you. If youāre great at multitasking and can cook 10 dishes at the same time, then the D5 is for you. It will forgive you if you forget to stir food.
Donāt ignore aesthetics altogether, the brushed exterior on the D5 brushed variant looks great but youāll quickly get used to it. You will be owning this set for decades and you want something you wonāt get sick of seeing.
You may not notice the huge difference between the handles on the D3 line and those of the D5 line. However, the real difference is in the exterior. You can get a dull, brushed matte exterior in the D5 but this isnāt available with the D3.
Of pricing, both are expensive. D5 all-clad products cost about 20% more than D3 ones. If youāre looking for a āone-size-fits-allā recommendation. Get the D3. It heats up fast, has even heat distribution, wont scratch overtime and is almost indestructible. If there isnāt massive cupboard space the All clad D3 compact will stack up nicely in your cupboard using minimal space. All all clad products are available on Amazon. Check features, compare prices and see reviews from other buyers
