Two exact examples
| Difference | Demeyere Industry 5 Stainless 10-piece set | All-Clad D3 Stainless 10-piece set |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Stainless clad | Stainless clad |
| Cooking surface | stainless steel | stainless steel |
| Included shapes | Skillet; Skillet; Saucepan; Saucepan; Sauté pan; Stockpot | Skillet; Skillet; Saucepan; Saucepan; Sauté pan; Stockpot |
| Supplied lids | 4 | 4 |
| Pan oven limit | 500 °F | 600 °F |
| Empty total weight | 31.66 lb (entire set) | 25.9 lb (entire set) |
| Dishwasher | Dishwasher safe | Hand wash only |
| Induction | Works on induction | Works on induction |
Layers and handles
Demeyere's Industry 5 has five layers with a thick aluminum core, clad from rim to rim; All-Clad's D3 has three. More layers make a pan heavier and slower to heat, then steadier once it's hot: Demeyere's 10-piece set weighs 31.66 lb, All-Clad's D3 10-piece 25.9 lb.
The handles differ too. Demeyere welds its handles on, so there are no rivets inside the pan for grease to collect around. All-Clad's D3 has double-riveted handles shaped for an underhand grip.
Oven, washing and the finish
All-Clad rates D3 to 600°F in the oven and under the broiler, and asks you to wash it by hand. Demeyere rates Industry 5 to 500°F, broiler included, allows the dishwasher and metal utensils, and treats the steel with what it calls Silvinox, a finish it says keeps the steel silvery and resists fingerprints. Both work on every stove; Demeyere designs the flat base of Industry for induction.
Where they're made, and the sets
Demeyere makes Industry in Belgium, with a lifetime warranty. All-Clad makes D3 in Pennsylvania with parts from abroad, with a limited lifetime warranty. Demeyere's 10-piece set has 9.5- and 11-inch frying pans, 2- and 4-quart saucepans, a 3-quart sauté pan and an 8-quart stockpot. All-Clad's D3 10-piece has 8- and 10-inch frying pans, 2- and 3-quart saucepans, a 3-quart sauté pan and an 8-quart stockpot.
Which one to buy
Choose Demeyere Industry 5 for steady heat, pans you can put in the dishwasher, and smooth insides with no rivets to scrub around. Choose All-Clad D3 for lighter pans that answer the burner faster and a 600°F broiler rating. All-Clad's own five-layer line is D5; D3 against D5 has its own page.
How these comparisons are made
Questions about this choice
Is Demeyere better than All-Clad?
It's heavier and steadier: five layers against D3's three, welded handles with no rivets inside, and the dishwasher allowed. All-Clad D3 is lighter, quicker to respond and rated higher in the oven, 600°F under the broiler against 500°F.
Can Demeyere and All-Clad go in the dishwasher?
Demeyere says Industry 5 is dishwasher safe. All-Clad says to wash D3 by hand only.