Best 5 Quart Saute Pans [Buying Guide & Reviews for 2021]

Best 5 Quart Saute Pans [Buying Guide & Reviews for 2021]

You have probably carefully curated the cookware in your kitchen. You have at your disposal a number of tools that can be deployed at any moment to prepare a delicious meal for yourself or your loved ones. But have you taken a look at your saute pans lately?

A saute pan should be and typically is a part of your cookware set. The problem is, if you did buy it as part of a set you may not have gotten the best pan possible. If you are looking for an upgrade (or for your first one) take a look at our list of the best 5 quart saute pans.

Best

T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick 5 Qt. Jumbo Cooker

T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick 5 Qt. Jumbo Cooker

 Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars 

First of all, it comes from T-Fal so you know it will have an exceptional nonstick coating. Secondly, it has a high 5 inch lip which almost qualifies this saute pan as a wok. What we’re getting at here is that this T-Fal saute pan is very useful.

Of course, it is a 5 quart pan. It also comes with a clear glass lid with a vent so you can see your food as it cooks. And like many T-Fal products, it comes with the “thermo spot” which glows red when the pan has been thoroughly preheated and is prepared to start cooking. 

Pros
  • Multi-purpose pan
  • Easy to clean
  • Titanium coating
Cons
  • Center is raised a bit
2

Ozeri 8″ Stone Earth Frying Pan

Ozeri 8" Stone Earth Frying Pan

 Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars 

If you are looking for a large-capacity saute pan that is also affordable and durable, this would be a great option. This Ozeri pan features a natural stone nonstick coating that was perfected by German cookware manufacturers. 

The pan is 8 inches in diameter and is incredibly nonstick. The lip is also pretty high on this saute pan so it can almost be used as a wok as well. In any case, it’s perfect for sauteing, stir frying and roasting if you put a lid on it. 

Pros
  • PFOA free
  • Silicone handle
  • Great for induction stoves
Cons
  • No lid included
3

T-fal B36290 Specialty Nonstick 5 Quart Jumbo Cooker Saute Pan

T-fal B36290 Specialty Nonstick 5 Quart Jumbo Cooker Saute Pan

 Editors’ Choice: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars 

Number 3 on our list is similar in most ways to the first T-Fal pan that started our list. But there are some key differences. First of all it is a bit more affordable since it’s not made of anodized steel. Secondly, it includes a helper candle lined with silicone. 

But everything else is the same. You still get a great nonstick coating, a clear glass lid, the patented thermo spot and sturdy riveted handles. You can also use this pan in the oven up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Pros
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Lifetime guarantee
  • PFOA free
Cons
  • Also includes raised center
4

Cuisinart 733-30H Chef’s Classic Stainless 5-1/2-Quart Saute Pan

Cuisinart 733-30H Chef's Classic Stainless Saute Pan

 Editors’ Choice: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars 

This Cuisinart saute pan is a little bigger than the other ones on our list. It boasts a 5.5 quart cookign capacity so it’s a bit bigger and beefier than the others. But the stainless steel finish lends a classic look to any kitchen. 

And it performs wonderfully. It has a 4.5 inch lip and comes with a matching lid. There is also a rolled pouring rim so you can go straight from pan to plate without making a mess. 

Pros
  • Helper handle
  • Aluminum cook surface
  • Mirror finish
Cons
  • Gets dirty easily
5

Calphalon Classic Nonstick Saute Pan

Calphalon Classic Nonstick Saute Pan With Cover

 Editors’ Choice: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars 

Next on our list of the best 5 qt saute pans is an offering from Calphalon. This saute pan is made from durable anodized aluminum and features a triple layer nonstick coating that prevents adhesion but doesn’t hinder heat distribution. 

The durable design makes this a very versatile piece of cookware. It comes with a lid so you can use it like a Dutch oven as well. And it’s safe to use in the oven up to 45o degrees Fahrenheit. 

Pros
  • Includes helper handle
  • Tempered glass lid
  • Riveted handles
Cons
  • Heavy (7 pounds)
6

T-fal Dishwasher Safe Cookware Lid Fry Pan

T-fal Dishwasher Safe Cookware Lid Fry Pan

 Editors’ Choice: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars 

The final T-Fal product on our list features a 10 inch diameter design and hard anodized aluminum construction. And if you have an induction cook top, you’ll be happy to know that this saute pan is 100% induction safe. 

And like the other T-fal models on our list, this 5 quart saute pan comes with a glass lid, titanium reinforced nonstick coating and comes in your choice of single handle or double handle design (standard handle and help handle).

Pros
  • Reputable manufacturer
  • Vented lids
  • Large capacity
Cons
  • The bottom warps
7

Farberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker/Saute

Farberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Saute

 Editors’ Choice: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars 

This is another very handy piece of cookware because it can be used for so many things. The high walls and included lid makes it suitable for roasting, frying and even braising. This is actually a 6 quart saute pan so it would also be perfect for home cooks who typically feed a lot of people. 

The pan itself is made from aluminum and it includes a tempered glass lid. This saute pan is dishwasher safe and can be used in the oven up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Pros
  • Comfortable handles
  • Large capacity
  • Clean design
Cons
  • Not induction safe

Saute Pan Buying Guide

We highlighted the best 5 quart saute pans because that’s a good size for medium capacity cooking. But here are some other general rules of thumb to go by:

Nonstick Coating

Be sure that whatever saute pan you choose has a durable nonstick coating that won’t start to flake off after a year.

The Right Size

You may need a smaller or larger saute pan. Be aware that many of the models we included in our list come in different sizes. 

Included Lid

It helps to have a perfectly fitting lid for when you want to braise or roast. It just makes your purchase more versatile. 


Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: What is a good saute pan?

A: Cuisinart, Calphalon and T-Fal are expert and consumer favorites

Q: What is the best size saute pan?

A: 5 quart pans are ideal for cooking for between 3 and 5 people.

Q: What is the difference between a saute pan and a frying pan?

A: A saute pan will have sides that go straight up. Technically, pans with slanted sides aer frying pans, fry pans or woks.


Some Final Advice

While you can always cover a saute pan with a lid from a stock pot or some other piece of cookware, you may not get a tight enough seal for when you want to braise or roast. So again, we would emphasize that in order to get the best 5 quart saute pan, you should opt for a product that comes with a lid. 

Also, honest about how much food you typically cook. A large saute pan can take up a lot of room and may not be necessary if you typically cook for 1-2 people. But our list has a wide variety of saute pans so check it out to help you shop.

OrbReviews Editorial Team

The OrbReviews Editorial Team (OET) is made out of experts in the product research and engaging content creation space. In addition, OET is passionate about researching kitchen related products and sharing the learning with our readers.