All-Clad Factory 2nds Sale: 12-Inch SD5 Fry Pan Expired

OK now we're talking. This sale didn't look so great without the 15% and free shipping. Now it's got some great deals.

As always, check this sticky All-Clad thread before asking questions.

I've tried to collect every question that's ever been asked about this sale, or about these products, such as the difference between D3, Curated, Everyday, etc..

First, good call. That's the way to do it.

Second, the answer depends on a few things, but most important is whether you're cooking for one or two or four, and whether you have space limitations like a tiny cooktop.

That being said:
One skillet. I like 'em big, like a 12" skillet. There's nothing you can do in a tiny skillet that you can't do in a bigger one. The D3 everyday 12.5" is a really great deal on a nice pan. I've never used that one but I have the regular D3 12" and use it all the time. It's a shame that they are charging a lot more for the ones with a lid. You don't usually need a lid with your skillet, but if you aren't in a hurry, sometimes a deal for the D3 12" covered skillet comes around for $100 or less.

One mid-sized sauce pan, maybe two. If you're buying two, then it's an easier decision -- get one in the 1-2 qt. range and one in the 3-4 qt. range. If you're just starting with one, then I'd get the bigger one. A 3 or 4 quart saucepan can do everything from sauces to soups to stews to rice to popcorn to small batches of pasta or steaming vegetables. I like All-Clad's D3 3qt with an optional steamer insert (a bit pricey this time at $49). The steamer insert is a pricey luxury but I swear I use it every day and it's so much better than steamer baskets. I also love the shape of the saucier pans with the more curved bottoms. Great for anything that requires stirring or whisking, but also just easier to clean.

If you're starting small on a limited budget, then stop there with the All-Clad. My minimalist collection would include these 2-3 All-Clad pans, plus:A cheap stock pot for spaghetti, soups (you want a heavy bottom but don't need All-Clad's cladding all the way up the sides). If you don't mind paying for All-Clad, their big pots are nice, but not necessary.

An enamel-coated cast iron dutch oven (good ones from Le Creuset or Staub are very pricey and worth it but you can survive for years on cheaper ones like Amazon Basics)
A non-stick skillet (see the sticky thread for why you don't want an expensive nonstick skillet). A cast iron skillet counts as cheap nonstick as well, and if you're willing to learn how to use cast iron, you'll love it.Finally if you're filling out your collection, you'll make good use of a covered saute' pan, like the 3qt. covered saute' pan. These are big high-sided pans that are great for one-pot meals and stovetop-to-oven meals. The D3 covered saute' is sometimes as low as $70.