Since the 1960s, the All-clad brand has developed a reputation for making very high-quality, high-end cookware – the two sets in the All-Clad d5 vs. d7 comparison live up to that reputation. But which set is best for the needs of your household?
When you first look at these cookware sets, you may notice some obvious differences but not enough to distinguish between them. That’s what this page is here for.
Below you will find everything that you need to know about these cookware sets before you buy.
Click here to see price for All-Clad D5
Click here to see price for All-Clad D7
All Clad D5 vs D7: Which Super High-End Cookware is Best for you?
Other cookware comparisons:
Construction
Both of these sets are made out of high-quality food-grade 304 – 18/10 stainless steel alloy. Those numbers aren’t just randomly given to the steel grade. They actually represent the amount of chromium and nickel that are present in the steel. In 18/10 steel, there is 18 percent chromium and 10 percent nickel present in the metal.
But stainless steel isn’t the only part of the equation. As stainless steel alone will not evenly distribute heat, you will find that many of the pans made with stainless steel are actually layered. There is usually a layer of aluminum sandwiched between the layers of steel. Don’t worry. The aluminum never comes in contact with your food.
The model names, d5 and d7, refer to the ply or alternating steel and aluminum layers. In the D5 set, there are 5 different layers – 3 layers of stainless steel and 2 layers of aluminum. For the D7 set, there are 7 layers – 4 layers of stainless steel and 3 layers of aluminum. The alternating ply of steel and aluminum works to retain and distribute heat evenly.
Appearance
Both of these sets are good-looking, strikingly good-looking even. Whenever we visit the William Sonoma store, our eyes are instantly drawn to the All-Clad pots and pans. Both the d7 and d5 are very shiny with a high polish finish. The d5 is available in brushed stainless steel as well.
There’s something that is kind of timeless about these sets. They look like they would be a staple of a modest kitchen in the 1960s. And yet, I can envision them being in high-tech kitchens in the future.
Number of Pieces
The numbers in the model names, d5 and d7, do not represent the number of pieces that come with the set but rather the number of layers. So, for example, both of the models being compared here have 7 pieces in the set.
Get more details on the All-Clad D5
Get more details on the All-Clad D7
The D7 has the following pieces:
- 10-inch skillet
- 2-quart sauce pan with lid
- 3-quart roaster pan with lid
- 8-quart round oven pot with lid
The D7 has the following pieces:
- 10-inch skillet
- 1.5-quart sauce pan with lid
- 3-quart saute pan with lid
- 8-quart stockpot with lid
Flared Edges and Lids
Both sets have flared edges. This prevents the pans from dripping when you pour. This is a very convenient feature that ensures that you have fewer spills and less time cleaning up.
The lids are different for these sets. The d5 has flat lids, while the d7 comes with domed lids for added capacity.
Handles
Both sets have high-quality stainless steel handles. But the D7 line, with its flatter handles, has the advantage in comfort. In addition, the bolsters are large (the part of the handle that connects to the pot) to provide more support when carrying the pot. Now, I know you’re probably thinking, “if the handle is made out of stainless steel, won’t it get too hot to handle?” Actually, they are designed to prevent the heat from transferring from the pot or pan itself.
And they were designed to last. All of these All-clad pots have large flat steel rivets. So you won’t have to worry about the handles breaking off.
Stovetop Compatibility
People with induction stoves have first to consider if their cookware is compatible with the cooktop. This is because induction stoves require that there is a magnetic element as part of the construction. Both of these sets are compatible with all stovetops. But they are optimized to work with induction stovetops.
Starburst Finish
There is no nonstick coating on these pots and pans, but here is what the company refers to as a starburst finish – it isn’t a chemical but rather a part of the polishing process that is supposed to make the pot or pan more resistant to food sticking to the interior surface.
Care and Maintenance
Both of these models are safe to use in the oven and clean with the dishwasher. There are some things that you need to be aware of, however:
- Allow your pot or pan to cool before washing
- Allow the water to boil before adding salt (to help avoid pitting – pitting won’t change performance but it will change the appearance)
- Don’t use steel wool or steel scouring pads to clean – instead use a nylon scrub brush or fine-powdered cleanser
Warranty
A limited lifetime warranty covers both sets.
Summary
When you consider both cookware sets in the All-Clad d5 vs. d7 comparison, there is no definite right or wrong way to go here. For example, one person might like the d7 because the lids are domed to greater capacity. Yet another shopper might like the flat top lids for ease of storage reasons.
There is one advantage that the d7 has over the d5, though, and that is layers – the d7 pots and pans have 4 layers of stainless steel compared to 3 stainless steel layers for the d5. The advantage is supposed to be more heat retention and evenly distributed heat.
In the end, I don’t think that you can really go wrong here.
All-Clad D5 – Check Price
All-Clad D7 – Check Price
you missed he boat on the handles. The D5 has the old uncomfortable all-clad handles. The D7 has the newer flat all-clad handles.
Thank you for your insight Scott!