Besides the confusing nomenclature for existing owners wanting to expand their classic All-Clad sets, the d3 series cookware matches the quality and properties of the previous (and for some specialty cookware - current) all clad stainless mirror finish products. Though more affordable than the d5, the d3 set heats up faster and is a better option for regular use. The mirrored d5 and d3 series match each other aesthetically, with the d5 being heavier and and retaining heat for longer. It is said that the d5 series cooks more evenly. In practice, the d3 line does a very good job of evenly cooking, and if I weren’t pleased with the performance of the d3, I would look to the copper line rather than adding more bulk to the cookware.

If you are matching older anodized, copper, or brushed stainless cookware, you might want to consider ha1, d5 brushed or copper sets, respectively. Of those lines, the HA1 line doesn’t appear to have the same quality or manufacturing as previous anodized models, which led me to donate my older limited cookware for a unified mirror stainless look. There is anecdotal evidence that big box retailer’s collections of d3 are not up to snuff, but buying directly from All-Clad.com seemed to present better pricing and decent free shipping options.

This set focuses on pots, which is great if your are adding to a collection. There are few pot-based sets available in stores, probably because pans are cheaper and retailers want to WOW you with the number of pieces rather than what pieces you are getting. I didn’t need another set that came with 4 fry pans… I don’t even need 4 fry pans. You may find that this 7 piece set along with a pan set match your price points and needs better than a large single set.

Besides this set and what I’ve donated, I own the d3 1 qt pot, 8 inch fry pan, and 8 qt pasta cooker, and some older mirrored stainless 10 in frypans. The lids on the d3 are thin and heat up, sometimes requiring a pot holder to open, but the cookware itself is all flawless. My favorite pan that is t included in this 7 piece set is the 8” fry pan, which, once seasoned and with additional butter during cooking, makes perfect omelets (it along with the 1 qt pot play with scale and looks great on the pot rack). I also use the pasta cooker (not included in this set) more than the 6 qt pot because of the strainer. This pot seems to be part of the stainless mirror line, which matches but isn’t part of the d3 line. I did notice the pots developing a rainbow hue after their first uses, but vinegar (or simply cooking a sauce that includes vinegar) cleared them up. It’s possible these needed to be washed better before initial use as the problem has not returned.

At the price I paid, this set was an unbeatable deal.

I started out with this set over 25 years ago. My collection has grown to probably 20+ pieces and another 6 or so in a vacation rental we own. Yes, you do have to learn how to cook to avoid sticking, but it's never anything that some Easy-Off Blue oven cleaner or Barkeepers friend can't handle.

Of special note, friends thought we were crazy putting All-Clad in our vacation rental (where cookware gets no respect, trust me) instead of some cheap non-stick pans. Boy, were they wrong! While they replace their cheap cookware every 2-3 years or so, our All-Clad has proven indestructible. One pan lid is a little discolored from sitting on a hot burner, but it didn't even warp at all. Full disclosure, we do keep a couple HA-1 frying pans around for eggs, etc. but in 8 years we've got no complaints and lots of compliments about having 'the good stuff' as one guest referred to it in their review.

Amazing pan, but bottom scratches super easy. I’ve been cooking on All-Clad for decades. They’re amazing pots and pans. My only complaint is that the bottom scratches super easy. On my first cook I made steaks. While basting I tilted the pan, as one does, which instantly made the shiny new pan completely scratched up on the bottom. Instructions say not to move or scoot the pan while cooking. I don’t know too many cooks that doesn’t move a pan during cooking on a cooking grate. Bottoms scratch over time, but it was sad to see it happen so quickly.

However, if you can get over that I’m sure these pans will last an extremely long time.

The pic is after my first cook.

Received this as a gift and it's absolutely terrible on induction stoves -- recently renovated our kitchen and put in a Wolf induction cooktop which works great except for this pan. Unfortunately, this 6 quart pan doesn't cook evenly at all. I love to make a lot of cutlets, so in theory this pan would be great because of it's sheer size. It fits on top of my larger burner perfectly, not undersized at all, but it cooks the chicken so UNEVENLY. It will brown the innermost pieces (especially if there's a piece directly in the center of the pan) but all food that resides furthest from the center barely gets browned -- so frustrating for a product that isn't cheap! All sizzle here, no steak as they say! SO DISAPPOINTED