Review of the All-Clad G5 Graphite Stainless Steel Skillet

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When I made the decision to relocate to Hawai’i, I faced the challenge of choosing which kitchen tools I could fit into my limited carry-on. The space was tight, and I had to be mindful of the weight and bulkiness of the items I packed. In the end, I selected just two essentials: a saucier and a skillet, both from All-Clad’s remarkably lightweight G5 (graphite core) series.

I first encountered All-Clad’s graphite core cookware as a surprise Hanukkah present last year, starting with the saucier. Since then, my collection has expanded significantly. These pans have quickly become staples not just for travel but also in my everyday cooking. They are lightweight, heat up and cool down swiftly, and provide even heating, far surpassing the performance of other stainless steel pans I’ve used previously.

What Distinguishes All-Clad’s G5 Line From Other Stainless Steel Cookware?

All-Clad offers several varieties of stainless steel cookware, each with its own unique features. They construct their pans using multiple layers of metal, commonly in three-ply or five-ply designs. Generally, more layers translate to heavier, more durable cookware that also retains heat longer, albeit taking more time to warm up. The metal featured in the core greatly influences the pan’s ability to distribute heat evenly.

The brand’s standard offerings, such as the D3 and D5 lines, combine stainless steel outer layers with an aluminum core, which provides effective heat conduction but isn’t food-safe on its own. The copper core range substitutes aluminum with copper, offering a lighter weight and better heat distribution. The innovative G5 collection utilizes a stainless steel interior and exterior, flanked by two layers of aluminum for rapid heating, along with a graphite core for superior heat conduction. All-Clad claims that the graphite core is lighter and offers faster, more even heating compared to both aluminum and copper.

Notably, All-Clad was the first prominent brand to introduce cookware featuring a graphite core. Visually, the interior of the G5 pans showcases distinct round indentations that create a honeycomb effect, enhancing heat distribution while significantly reducing the weight compared to traditional stainless steel options.

Reasons Why I Appreciate My All-Clad G5 Cookware

The All-Clad D5 series is recognized for its quick heating abilities and lightweight design, making it a favorite for many culinary tasks.

When searching for stainless steel cookware, consumers often have to choose between heating efficiency and even heat distribution. However, the G5 line manages to provide all of these advantages: a lightweight build, rapid heat-up and cool-down times, and consistent heat distribution. Here’s a more detailed look:

They’re lightweight: The graphite core design offers an impressively lightweight experience, providing ease of handling—essential for those who may struggle with heavier equipment. For example, my 10.5-inch skillet weighs merely two pounds and 2.5 ounces, almost a pound lighter than the 10-inch D5 skillet even with its additional surface area.

Rapid heat-up: The All-Clad G5 skillet can reach temperature levels in about half the time it takes for one of my other five-ply skillets. It achieves high heat within less than a minute, which is perfect for quickly searing seafood or meats. Furthermore, because it heats so swiftly, I can cook at lower temperatures while still achieving excellent browning results. When dealing with thicker cuts, it’s wise to reduce the heat after the initial searing, as the pan retains its heat effectively.

Temperature control and even heat distribution: The responsiveness of this cookware to small heat adjustments allows for better control while cooking. Additionally, the graphite core ensures uniform heat distribution, which contributes to achieving perfectly caramelized crusts on meats and other dishes.

Quick cooling: After removing the pan from the heat, it cools down significantly faster than traditional stainless steel cookware, reducing the risk of overcooking. This feature is particularly crucial for delicate pastry tasks, where timing is everything. The G5 saucier has become my preferred choice for making pastry creams, caramels, and curds due to its quick cooling capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the All-Clad G5 pans nonstick?

While stainless steel pans do not achieve the same nonstick quality as dedicated nonstick cookware, they can behave nearly nonstick when used correctly. To optimize their performance, preheat the pan before adding fat, ensure there’s sufficient oil or butter while cooking, and deglaze any remaining residue with water immediately after use.

Are the All-Clad G5 pans oven-safe?

The G5 line is designed to withstand oven and broiler temperatures up to 600°F and is compatible with all stovetop types, including induction.

How do I clean stainless steel pans?

For everyday maintenance, warm water and a non-abrasive sponge can effectively address most stickiness. For more thorough cleaning, applying Bar Keepers Friend evenly across the surface before scrubbing will help eliminate tougher stains. For comprehensive cleaning guidelines, refer to our detailed guide on maintaining stainless steel cookware.

Why We’re the Experts

Zoe Denenberg is a chef, baker, and food writer who divides her time between Maui, Hawai’i, where she takes on the role of pastry chef, and Denali National Park, Alaska, where she serves as the executive chef at a wilderness lodge. She regularly relies on her All-Clad G5 10.5-inch skillet and 2.5-quart saucier, which she has utilized daily for the past year, bringing these essential tools along on all her culinary journeys.

Source
www.seriouseats.com