Cuisinart 4-Quart Skillet, Stainless Metal Cookware Multiclad Professional Triple Ply Saucepan w/Cowl, MCP194-20N

Great saucepan
The 12 piece MultiClad Pro set MCP-12N, sold elsewhere on this site, is by far the better value per piece and includes the 1 1/2QT and 3QT saucepans sold individually here. But I often need to use two 1 1/2QT saucepans at the same time, and I wanted to evaluate product performance before investing in the larger set, so I started with this individual one.
I’m no longer comfortable using my old non-stick anodized aluminum pots and pans, for health reasons. If you’re reading this, you likely have the same concerns and already decided on stainless steel, are wondering whether to get this one or another brand.
Get this one.
The top two brands are All Clad and Cuisinart, all others fall short in one way or another. All Clad are made in the USA, and you pay for that. Cuisinart are made in China, but this is one example where the product is of comparable quality. It really comes down to whether or not you think the Made in USA aspect is worth up to twice the price.
Below are some comments meant to apply to the MultiClad Pro line in general as well as this individual saucepan. But for this saucepan specifically, in the 1 1/2QT size I found it to be wider and shallower than my old non-stick. This was a plus, because it created a larger surface area on the bottom – on my gas range it was difficult with the old one keeping flames from going up the sides even on the smallest burner, but that hasn’t been a problem with this one. The first time I used it, for some broth-based soup, I had some vaguely “rainbow” discolored stains on the bottom. These are hard water stains and they disappeared instantly after applying a little white vinegar. Subsequent uses and cleanings have been easy with no residue requiring extra steps.
In general:
Construction – these have three layers running throughout the cookware, both bottom and sides (many other brands are only layered on the bottom). Inner layer / cooking surface is 18/10 (aka 304 grade) stainless steel, the gold standard for stainless steel kitchenware (316 grade is more corrosion resistant but there’s no advantage in the kitchen, only marine environments). Middle layer is aluminum for heat conductivity (SS by itself is a poor conductor). Outer layer is 18/0 stainless steel, which is magnetic for induction stove compatibility. The middle aluminum layer is completely encapsulated and does not come in contact with food. Handle is cast SS and of a design that stays cool while in use. Lid is all SS. Overall slightly more hefty than non-stick ano aluminum but much lighter than modern cast iron (and cast iron is a poor choice for saucepans anyway).
Cooking – the aluminum core distributes heat quickly and evenly. You really can effectively cook using a lower heat setting than you would with non-stick ano aluminum. Stainless steel is NOT non-stick, doesn’t matter which brand, but that’s more relevant with skillets than saucepans.
Cleaning – it comes with a cleaning guide, which states that after you finish cooking with it, fill it with hot water, add some dishsoap, then let it cool to room temperature while you do your other dishes. This has been surprisingly effective, with a quick scrub using a blue non-scratch scrubbing sponge being sufficient to finish the job. Really, with this saucepan specifically, I usually don’t even have to do that much, just wash it normally like any other pot. If you get some discoloration on the cooking surface, that’s likely hard water stains which are easily and quickly removed with a little white vinegar, also as stated in the included cleaning guide. Anything else you can’t get off can be removed using Bar Keeper’s Friend (a widely available cleaning product), but you typically won’t need to use that unless you’re just burning everything to carbon all the time. It’s also dishwasher safe though that will create more wear over time. Overall, not a challenge to clean if you follow the instructions.
Recommended.

Nice pan. Good value. Would recommend.
We have an All-Clad d5 3qt saucepan and needed to replace a cheap aluminum 1.5qt. I wanted another all-clad so they’d match and because I just like having nice things. My spouse was skeptical about spending $200 on a new pot. So I caved and looked for one that would do the job without breaking the bank.
This one more than fits the bill. I was happy with the weight of the box when it came, and the quality and weight of the pan is great. It’s maybe a touch lighter-duty than the AC but that’s to be expected since it’s 3-ply instead of 5-ply. The AC’s handle is a little more robust but this one is adequate. Otherwise I can’t notice a difference in quality that would warrant a $170 price difference. The pot looks great and the lid has a nice mirror shine. There are very few saucepans out there for less than $80 or $100 with fully-plied sides. Other inexpensive ones that claim 3-ply often only triple-layer the bottom. Additionally, Cuisinart is a known brand with a lifetime warranty that you know will be around to honor it. They also claim to be dishwasher safe—I’m not certain if AC even claims that. For $30, I feel I got about 95% of the utility for like 20% of the price of AC. It’s still new and maybe time will prove me wrong, but right now I’m happy with the purchase. This is discounting the fact that AC are made in US (I think), and ignoring whatever value there is in having matching pans. Nice pan and unpretentious too.

Professional Cookware but Heavy and Stubborn Cleaning
This is a solid and aesthetically beautiful piece of professional quality cookware. That said, if I could I’d give this 3.67 stars due to its oppressive heaviness and the fact that it’s a bit of a pain to clean. While attempting to lift this, one feels like Lou Ferrigno (the Incredible Hulk, Mr. Universe). There were several times where I had to put it down to regain strength while scooping out rice. At 5 lbs, it’s HEAVY! To handle it I often wear a wool grill glove. The handle is also a bit large and oddly shaped, so it’s best to grab it firmly where the handle is welded to the pot. I recently replaced my old non-stick cookware (a saucepan and skillet) with this 4 QT stainless steel saucepan and the Cuisinart SS Stir-Fry ‘Wok’ Pan. Both of these items look beautiful next to each other on my electric stove. The finish shines and sparkles.
Like all stainless steel, this pan can be a pain to clean. I purchased special steel sponges specifically for cleaning my new SS cookware. It becomes much easier to clean if it is soaked in the sink for 5-10 minutes in soapy water.
I’ve mostly used this for rice and pasta, but it is large enough to simmer, boil, and braise about 3-4 pounds of food for stews and soups. If already purchased, this saucepan has a learning curve, so I recommend waiting about a month before deciding whether the weight is a deal breaker.

High quality saucepot!
This saucepot is a bit heavy because it is excellent quality. I use it mostly on an induction hot plate, and am delighted with both. The handle stays cool and is long enough to brace on my forearm when I lift it. The lid fits well, but sadly it isn’t see-through. Like all uncoated stainless cookware, it cleans easily and occasionally needs soaked to remove burned-on foods. Highly recommend!

Cuisinart multi-clad pans are difficult to find. I have one sauce pan in this range that is slightly larger, so I was pleased to find this size. I use it every day. It’s the perfect size and weight for warming soup or steaming vegetables. I prefer a stainless steel surface to Teflon. It’s easy to clean with a stainless steel scouring pads. Exceptional quality, even heat distribution, great value for money.

The Cuisinart MCP19-18N MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel 2-quart Saucepan with Cover has become an indispensable part of my kitchen, and I truly cannot imagine cooking without it. This saucepan has proven to be a game-changer for my culinary endeavours, combining elegance, durability, and exceptional performance in one sleek package.
From the moment I started using this saucepan, I was impressed by its impeccable construction. The triple-ply stainless steel design ensures even heat distribution, crucial for achieving perfect results. Whether I’m simmering delicate sauces, cooking rice, or preparing soups, this saucepan delivers consistent and precise heat every time. The even heating prevents hot spots, allowing me to cook with confidence and precision.
One of the standout features of this saucepan is its versatility. The 2-quart size is perfect for a wide range of tasks, from boiling eggs to making a small batch of pasta. It’s the ideal size for everyday use, yet large enough to handle more substantial recipes when needed. The stainless steel lid fits snugly, sealing in moisture and flavour, which enhances the overall cooking experience.
Cleaning this saucepan is an absolute breeze. The stainless steel interior resists stains and does not react with acidic foods, ensuring that it remains in pristine condition even with frequent use. The saucepan is dishwasher safe, but I often find that a simple hand wash with warm, soapy water is all it takes to keep it looking brand new. The polished exterior maintains its luster, adding a touch of elegance to my kitchen.
I also appreciate the ergonomic design of the handle. It stays cool to the touch, providing a comfortable and secure grip while cooking. This thoughtful design ensures safety and ease of use, even when handling hot contents. The handle is also riveted for extra strength, giving me confidence in its durability.
But what truly sets this saucepan apart are the health benefits it offers. The stainless steel construction is free from harmful chemicals, ensuring that my food is prepared in a safe and healthy environment. Unlike some nonstick pans, there’s no risk of harmful substances leaching into my food. This peace of mind is priceless and makes the Cuisinart saucepan a trustworthy companion in my kitchen.
In conclusion, the Cuisinart MCP19-18N MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel 2-Quart Saucepan with Cover is an exceptional kitchen tool that I cannot live without. Its superior construction, versatility, ease of cleaning, and health benefits make it a must-have for any home cook. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, this saucepan will elevate your cooking experience and deliver excellent results every time. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to invest in high-quality cookware that stands the test of time.