All Clad MC2 aka Master Chef 2 is the base level of All Clad cookware. Instead of three layers, these pans only consists of two layer, Aluminum and Stainless Steel. When you get down to it, this is all you really need. A fast conducting aluminum exterior and a nonreactive stainless steel interior. But how does it compare to the other all clad series? This review will take a closer look at the design and construction of All Clad mc2 master chef. We will also take a look at its past offering to see what changes they made.

All Clad MC2 Master Chef 2 Review Quick Summary

Categories	All Clad MC2 Master Chef 2 Cookware Set
Performance	Good
Compatibility	Gas, Electric, Halogen, Glass Top
Colors	Black
Warranty	Lifetime Warranty
Brand Awareness	America
Country of Manufacturer	USA
Thoughts	A great set of cookware. The performance should rival the d3 and most other cookware. However, because of the lack of stainless steel exterior, it is not induction compatible. If you use a gas range, its not an issue at all.
Reviewed Cookware	All-Clad 700393 MC2 Professional Master Chef 2 Stainless Steel Bi-Ply Bonded Oven Safe PFOA Free Cookware Set

History of All Clad

All Clad was founded by John Ulam in 1967. Originally they minted coins and ballistics but they saw a great opportunity in cookware. Using the roll bounded technology that they patented. Their cookware was one of the best in the industry. This fully cladded technology allows a even distribution from the bottom to the top of cookware. As their patent expired, other manufacturer started to copy them. However, none rivals the durability and performance that all clad has been known for.

In 2004, the company was bought out by Group SEB. They are a french conglomerate of cookware that has a umbrella of cookware manufacturer like T-Fal, krups, Moulinex, Rowenta and more.

All Clad Master Chef

All Clad MC2 is the second iteration of All Clad Master Chef series. While the construction and layers are mostly the same, the handle is what really sets them apart. The original master chef featured an silver colored handle that is textured. Much like how the Cop R Chef brass handle is designed. This texture actually adds a better grip ensuring that it doesnt slip or turn when cooking. Having said that, the newer one works just fine. If anything, it feels little bit more comfortable because of how smooth it is.

The thickness of the pan is roughly around 3.5 mm depending on where you measure. Very similar to the current mc2. If not a slightly thicker than the modern one. Although mines is used, there does not seem to be a brush texture to it. Instead it was just a plain aluminum finish. That no doubt dull due to washing.

All Clad MC2 Master Chef Design

This section will discuss the construction and design of All Clad MC2 Master Chef. We will go over all handle, construction and overall performance.

Handle

The MC2 uses All Clad iconic handle. It has a u shape that stays cool to the touch but also dig into your hand. Numerous cooks and chef have complain about how uncomfortable the design is. While you wont likely feel any issue with short bouts of cooking. People who do it professionally or have arthritis issue might feel differently. Aside from the discomfort, it is angled just right so that the handle has leverage and balance. It makes the pan feel lighter than it really is.

One thing to note, is that the handle design is a little different. It does not have the finger notch that the upper scale all clad has. Pretty minor and it does not offer much benefit.

Shape

The Shape of All Clad cookware is one of the reason why they are so successful. For example, the Skillets are designed to perfection. It has low flaring side. This promotes the evaporation of liquid and help fry food. Skillets that have tall sidewall tends to trap moisture and make food steam.

Their sauce pot for example, is more wide than tall. This gives you ample room to sear food in a single batch. This reduces the overall cooking time and ensures that they will not steam. However, the issue with the Master Chef series is that not all of the pots have a rolled lip. A rolled lip is necessary to make pouring of liquid easy. This issue is also prevalent in the D3 series.

Brushed Exterior

The exterior on the aluminum is brushed. While this design might not be liked by all. A brushed design helps hide nicks and cuts when in use. If you actually plan on using it, this is actually a better design. This way you do not have to baby the cookware.

Aluminum for Heat

Aluminum is the go to choice of metal for manufacturer. They are light, cheap and are great conductor of heat. If you look at the thermal conductivity scale, they are at least 4 times as fast as cast iron. Aluminum has a rating of (237 (W/m K)) while cast iron has a thermal conductivity of (52 (W/m K)). The only issue is that aluminum is reactive with acidic food. If you cook things like tomato sauce, it can give a metallic taste. Luckily, they use a stainless steel interior to prevent any issue of of the aluminum.

All Clad MC2 vs D3 vs D5

In terms of heating, the MC2 should actually perform better than the d3 and d5. Since they do not have the extra stainless steel exterior, there is nothing impeding the transfer of heat. However, if you plan on searing food, it is actually better to have those extra layer. Also, some people just like the clean look of stainless steel better. That is really dependent on you though.

One thing to note is that aluminum will not work with induction stove top. It has too weak of a magnetic pull. The other series of all clad get around this with a stainless steel exterior.

All Clad MC2 Master Chef 2 Thoughts

Overall, the MC2 is a great choice if you are only concerned with performance. Some people might be put off by the aluminum exterior because they can change apperance in the dishwasher. But that does not impact the performance one bit. However, if you must have a stainless steel exterior. The d3 is a great alternative.

I hope you like this All Clad MC2 Master Chef 2 Review, If you would like to see more, please visit our Pots and Pans Review page.