Is the Le Creuset Stainless 12-Inch Fry Pan Worth It?
Based on tests by America's Test Kitchen (Jun 2025). How we score
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Why
America's Test Kitchen rated Le Creuset's tri-ply skillet Recommended: "This three-layer pan mostly browned well, due to its roomy cooking surface and low, flaring sides." But its handle was "a little too round and slippery," it "sometimes cooked a bit unevenly," its shiny surface developed black spots, and "It also dented a bit more than higher-ranked pans and warped slightly during abuse testing." ATK's winner, the All-Clad D3 12-inch, has the same size cooking surface and weight, rated higher for ease of use and durability, includes a lid, and usually costs less.
Cheaper alternatives, scored against the Le Creuset Stainless 12"
D3 Stainless 12" Fry Pan with Lid
From 1 tester: America's Test Kitchen
From 1 tester: America's Test Kitchen
America's Test Kitchen's winning stainless skillet, with full marks in every category; the Le Creuset scored 2.5 of 3 for ease of use and for cleanup and durability. "It resisted warping and withstood thermal shock and outright abuse with nary a scratch or dent," and its grooved handle "won’t rotate in your hand." Both pans have a 9.5-inch cooking surface and weigh 2.8 pounds, and the D3 comes with a lid.
| Criterion | Le Creuset Stainless 12" | All-Clad D3 12" |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3/3 | 3/3 |
| Ease of use | 2.5/3 | 3/3 |
| Cleanup/durability | 2.5/3 | 3/3 |
From America's Test Kitchen: The Best Stainless-Steel Skillets (updated June 25, 2025)
Sources: America's Test Kitchen: The Best Stainless-Steel Skillets (updated June 25, 2025), Manufacturer specs via Amazon listing
Common questions
Is the Le Creuset stainless steel fry pan worth it?
Not according to America's Test Kitchen: it browned well, but its handle was slippery and it warped slightly in abuse testing. ATK's winner, the All-Clad D3 12-inch, rated higher, includes a lid and usually costs less.
Sources: America's Test Kitchen: The Best Stainless-Steel Skillets (updated June 25, 2025), Manufacturer specs via Amazon listing
