Crafted from stainless steel (with an aluminum core), this 1.5-quart saucepan is the one I bought when I moved to my first apartment; at the time, I was looking for one from a reliable brand that ...

But even with stainless steel, treatments, care, and conductivity can vary from pan to pan. Size Sauciers come in 2 to 4-quart sizes, so various options exist.

The best saucepan overall: All-Clad D5 3-Quart Stainless-Steel Saucepan. All-Clad D5 Sauce Pan with lid 3 quart. $250 $140 (44% off) All-Clad. $220. Amazon.

Cuisinart Stainless Steel, 5.5-Quart Sauté Pan with Cover . Amazon. $60 $50 at Amazon. Cuisinart Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set . Amazon. $300 $220 at Amazon.

The set includes an 8-inch fry pan, a 10-inch fry pan, a 5.2-quart Dutch oven with a lid, a 3.6-quart sauté pan with a lid, and two saucepans (3.4-quart and 2.4-quart), each with lids.