Master Chef 2 (MC2) Fry Pan (12-in.) by All-Clad

Let me preface this by saying that the 12" All-Clad MC2 is a very fine skillet; I've used it several times with no complaint. The scullery department, aka my hubby, also has no complaints about clean-up. It's a pricey item that I got on sale, and for that reason I consider it a good value.

My only complaint is that it doesn't come with a lid, and I'm going to have to buy one separately, thus pretty much negating my "good value" rating. That's the only reason I'm not recommending that people buy it. Instead, buy the 12-in covered skillet in All-Clad's Stainless line (which is the ATK recommended one), on sale for just a few dollars more than this one!

I have to say I'm kind of peeved that, even though I looked pretty carefully through the products on this site when I was shopping for All-Clad, I didn't see that the Stainless covered skillet was on sale. I didn't know it until I'd received the MC2, used it, and then happened to leaf through the little mini-catalog that came with the order! If I hadn't already used the MC2, I would have gladly returned it and ordered the covered version.

I love this skillet. This is my first All-Clad purchase. I have a traditional pots/pans set (Belgique) that I have been using for over 15 years with no problem. But until now, I have used a non-stick skillet for everything I needed a (large) skillet for. And every 2-3 years, I need to get a new non-stick skillet because the surface gets scratched. My first choice would have been from the traditional All-Clad series, but the MC2 line was on sale. I cook nearly every day, and the skillet has been exceptional. It heats evenly, not too quickly, does not have hot/hence sticky spots and food makes a wonderful fonde. It is not a non-stick skillet, so don't expect it to clean like one. That is the nature of the beast. Depending on what you cook, you may need some elbow grease to clean the pan. I would invest in some Bar Keepers Friend to make cleaning easier. Using this skillet certainly does cut down on the use of my non-stick skillet; in fact I prefer to use the All-Clad skillet because I think it makes the food taste better. It is certainly easier to monitor the cooking process because the pan is not black. So, yes - I would certainly purchase this again, and I am absolutely delighted with it! By the way, I ordered, and received my shipment within a week. Exceptional service form cooking.com.

This was my first experience with All-Clad MC2 and I was very disappointed. It does not live up my expectations of All-Clad. The pan was very much like something you would find at a discount department store but with an inflated price.

I returned it immediately and will never purchase anything from that line again.

The pan retains heat very well. So well, that coming from far inferior pans I have to watch the heat setting I use.

The pan, like most All-Clad is heavy though. It comes with a two handed length handle, which is good for keeping the handle cool and for allowing you to club down any burglars who might enter your kitchen.

The one downside is that the interior did discolor the first time I used the pan. No amount of scrubbing with steel wool would remove the stain.

I needed a skillet that I could heat to high temperature, as I learned that I should not really be doing that with my non-stick pan. I bought this one based on product ratings in the Cook's Illustrated website. I have now used it for frying, sauteeing, and oven-baking and I have found that it cooks evenly and heats quickly. It is also level on my smooth cooking surface which my older skillets were not. It is a bit on the heavy side for me: I have to use both arms to lift it. After washing it still had white spots on it, that is why not top marks.