Ina Garten's Favorite Brand Of Pots And Pans Is The Epitome Of Bougie

For over 20 years, Ina Garten — the Barefoot Contessa — has been inviting us into her kitchen, teaching home chefs to cook with the flair of a professional. In addition to her delicious recipes, the public often requests opinions on everything from home decor to the best cookware. Of course, for those who follow Garten, it's widely known that her recommendations — ingredients and beyond — tend to have a higher price tag, and the cookware she endorses is no exception. 

The All-Clad brand of pots and pans is prominently featured in Garten's work, from her TV appearances to her website's cookware shop. The queen of cuisine is drawn to the brand's versatility and high-quality material, keying in on its longevity. "They are expensive, but if you take care of them, they will last a lifetime," she notes to a fan on "Ask Ina," her Q&A page. It's true: the brand's pieces range in price from $49.95 up to a whopping $500, but All-Clad's reputation proceeds it, and bougie home chefs everywhere have been flocking to its items for over 50 years.

From top-of-the-line roasting pans to multipot steamers, All-Clad offers variety. However, Garten is often spotted using (and raving about) the line's stainless steel products. The celebrity chef has been particularly vocal about the brand's Traditional Covered Fry Pan, which will set you back somewhere between $99.95 and $129.95, but that's par for the course for this kitchen investment. With simple girl math, you can definitely justify this purchase.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike love using stainless steel for its safety and durability. Stainless steel's non-porous structure ensures even heating and you can crank up the stove all the way without worrying about damaging the pan. It outlasts non-stick pans by years, even decades, and it's lighter than other materials like cast iron, making it easier to transfer and store. And, one of our favorite attributes: it's simple to clean if you're caring for it properly.

In order to make your All-Clad stainless steel cookware last as long as Garten promised, there are a few best practices. While material like non-stick requires far more care and caution in the cleaning process, your All-Clad stainless steel only has a few sticking points (no pun intended). First, your pan should be properly preheated before adding oil and food to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking without damaging the cookware. When dealing with stubborn food residue, wash the cookware with soap and a soft sponge after each use. For tougher spots, a non-abrasive cleaner like All-Clad's own cookware cleaner or Bar Keepers Friend can be effective.

After cleaning, make sure the cookware is completely dry before storing it to prevent water spots and calcium deposits. If stacking is necessary, place a layer of protection, like a soft cloth or cookware protector, between the items to avoid scratches. This care and attention to detail will help maintain your All-Clad pan's performance (and appearance) for "a lifetime," according to the brand, which is comparable to an heirloom cast iron. Plus, nothing screams "bougie in the kitchen" more than a clean and cared-for skillet.