Our favorite stainless-steel skillet is the All-Clad D3 Stainless 12” Fry Pan with Lid and has been for several decades. Its fully clad construction helps it heat responsively and brown evenly. Its broad cooking surface provides ample room for searing and sautéing, and gently flaring sides allow moisture to evaporate quickly and let you pour from the pan easily. On the whole, the skillet is relatively lightweight and sturdy but well-balanced. It has a well-designed stay-cool handle, so it’s especially easy to lift and maneuver. And while it’s not cheap, it’s durable—a worthy investment for home cooks.
If you’d like a smaller version of our favorite, we also recommend All-Clad’s 10-inch and 8-inch models.