Cuisinart MCP19-18N MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel 2-Quart Saucepan with Cover

The 12 piece MultiClad Pro set MCP-12N, sold elsewhere on this site, is by far the better value per piece and includes the 1 1/2QT and 3QT saucepans sold individually here. But I often need to use two 1 1/2QT saucepans at the same time, and I wanted to evaluate product performance before investing in the larger set, so I started with this individual one.I'm no longer comfortable using my old non-stick anodized aluminum pots and pans, for health reasons. If you're reading this, you likely have the same concerns and already decided on stainless steel, are wondering whether to get this one or another brand.Get this one.The top two brands are All Clad and Cuisinart, all others fall short in one way or another. All Clad are made in the USA, and you pay for that. Cuisinart are made in China, but this is one example where the product is of comparable quality. It really comes down to whether or not you think the Made in USA aspect is worth up to twice the price.Below are some comments meant to apply to the MultiClad Pro line in general as well as this individual saucepan. But for this saucepan specifically, in the 1 1/2QT size I found it to be wider and shallower than my old non-stick. This was a plus, because it created a larger surface area on the bottom - on my gas range it was difficult with the old one keeping flames from going up the sides even on the smallest burner, but that hasn't been a problem with this one. The first time I used it, for some broth-based soup, I had some vaguely "rainbow" discolored stains on the bottom. These are hard water stains and they disappeared instantly after applying a little white vinegar. Subsequent uses and cleanings have been easy with no residue requiring extra steps.In general:Construction - these have three layers running throughout the cookware, both bottom and sides (many other brands are only layered on the bottom). Inner layer / cooking surface is 18/10 (aka 304 grade) stainless steel, the gold standard for stainless steel kitchenware (316 grade is more corrosion resistant but there's no advantage in the kitchen, only marine environments). Middle layer is aluminum for heat conductivity (SS by itself is a poor conductor). Outer layer is 18/0 stainless steel, which is magnetic for induction stove compatibility. The middle aluminum layer is completely encapsulated and does not come in contact with food. Handle is cast SS and of a design that stays cool while in use. Lid is all SS. Overall slightly more hefty than non-stick ano aluminum but much lighter than modern cast iron (and cast iron is a poor choice for saucepans anyway).Cooking - the aluminum core distributes heat quickly and evenly. You really can effectively cook using a lower heat setting than you would with non-stick ano aluminum. Stainless steel is NOT non-stick, doesn't matter which brand, but that's more relevant with skillets than saucepans.Cleaning - it comes with a cleaning guide, which states that after you finish cooking with it, fill it with hot water, add some dishsoap, then let it cool to room temperature while you do your other dishes. This has been surprisingly effective, with a quick scrub using a blue non-scratch scrubbing sponge being sufficient to finish the job. Really, with this saucepan specifically, I usually don't even have to do that much, just wash it normally like any other pot. If you get some discoloration on the cooking surface, that's likely hard water stains which are easily and quickly removed with a little white vinegar, also as stated in the included cleaning guide. Anything else you can't get off can be removed using Bar Keeper's Friend (a widely available cleaning product), but you typically won't need to use that unless you're just burning everything to carbon all the time. It's also dishwasher safe though that will create more wear over time. Overall, not a challenge to clean if you follow the instructions.Recommended.

I'm more than pleased with this triple-ply 1.5 qt saucepan so far and I'm glad I found it. I've boiled water in it (see below), used it once to reheat food including sticky cheese, and washed it in the dishwasher. It still looks new and I don't anticipate any problems with it. The bottom is flat and fits my smaller size 6" burners perfectly. It's heavier weight than the one it replaced. The stainless steel handle doesn't get hot and I like the design of the lid and the no-drip rim. I usually cook one or two servings and 1.5 qt is probably my most often used saucepan size.Some reviews complain about rust and discoloration. Maybe that was an older version? Stainless steel should not rust and if some foods discolor it, vinegar or Bar Keepers Friend should take care of that. One concern of mine was that Cuisinart's instructions say to not ever use it on high heat, even to boil water. What?! I don't use the highest heat setting for anything other than bringing water to a boil, but I've never had bringing water to a boil on high hurt any pan. I tried it with this pan and it was fine too. (I'm not telling anyone else to do that, but that's what I've always done and will do.) I don't do things like put cold water in a hot pan, boil pans dry, etc., but I didn't want a pan I must baby. This seems to be a great pan and a great value at $20. (It was $40 at Kohl's.) If it shows any rust or corrosion later I'll try to come back and edit this review. My other stainless steel cookware has never rusted in decades of use and I don't expect this one to do so either.

The Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless is a saucepan with main character energy. I picked it up to finally ditch the shady non-stick coatings and microplastic anxiety—and honestly? I should’ve made the switch sooner.This thing is an absolute champ. Heats evenly, handles beautifully, and looks good doing it. Whether I’m simmering sauces, boiling eggs, or reheating something I pretended was “meal prep,” it’s become a daily-use kitchen staple. No gimmicks, no coatings to flake off mysteriously after six months—just solid stainless steel doing what it was born to do.Cleaning is easy (especially if you actually heat and oil it right—pro tip), and it holds up to daily abuse like it wants the smoke. It’s heavy enough to feel professional, but not so weighty that you regret your life choices while doing dishes.Bottom line? If you’re ready to stop playing roulette with your health and your cookware, this is a no-brainer. Built to last, built to work, and officially upgraded to the saucepan I reach for without thinking.