Scanpan makes five stainless steel ranges that we stock, and on the shelf they can look very similar. The real differences are in how each one is built, which affects how it heats. This guide compares Impact, STS, Clad 5, Coppernox and Axis side by side, using Scanpan's own specifications. Browse them all in our Scanpan collection.
Scanpan stainless steel at a glance
| Range | Construction (per Scanpan) | Induction | Oven safe (per Scanpan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impact | 18/10 stainless; thick impact-bonded base with an aluminium disk between two layers of stainless steel | Yes | 220°C / 250°C with/without lid (fry pan) |
| STS | Premium-grade 304 stainless; impact-bonded sandwich base with aluminium core | Yes | Body to 250°C (fry pan) |
| Clad 5 | 5-layer stainless steel construction, 18/10 interior | Yes | 200°C |
| Coppernox | Mirror-polished 18/10 stainless; impact-bonded base with a copper wedge between two layers of aluminium | Yes | 220°C (fry pan) |
| Axis | 5-layer construction with a stainless steel body and copper core, 18/10 satin interior | Yes | 200°C |
Oven temperatures can vary between individual pieces and lids, so always check the product listing.
Impact bonded vs multi-layer: what's the difference?
Impact, STS and Coppernox use an impact-bonded base. A heat-conducting core (aluminium, or copper and aluminium in Coppernox) is sealed into the base, beneath a stainless steel body. Scanpan says impact bonding is standard on its single-ply collections.
Clad 5 and Axis use a five-layer construction. Scanpan says Clad 5's five layers give rapid, even heat distribution, and Axis has a copper core that spreads heat quickly and evenly.
The ranges in detail
Impact
Scanpan's Impact range has a thick impact-bonded base designed for heat transfer and retention, cast stainless steel handles with internal rivets designed to stay cooler for longer, tempered glass lids, a drip-free pouring rim and internal capacity markings. It's the most extensive range we stock, from fry pans to stockpots, roasters and tagines. Read our Scanpan Impact guide, or shop the Impact 26cm fry pan.
STS
STS is made from premium-grade 304 stainless steel with a polished exterior. Scanpan says its base is completely flat for strong magnetic contact on induction, and its long handle is designed to stay cooler, with a helper handle on larger pieces. Shop the STS 26cm fry pan, 20cm saucepan or 32cm chef pan.
Clad 5
Clad 5 has a five-layer stainless steel construction and 18/10 stainless steel interiors, which Scanpan says are suited to sautéing, frying, caramelising and searing. It's designed in Denmark. Shop the Clad 5 26cm fry pan, 30cm sauté pan or 32cm chef pan.
Coppernox
Coppernox has a mirror-polished 18/10 stainless steel body and interior. Its base is impact-bonded with a copper wedge, enclosed by two layers of aluminium, for fast, even heat. The cast stainless handles have soft-touch silicone inserts. Shop the Coppernox 26cm fry pan or the Coppernox 5-piece set.
Axis
Axis combines a heavy-duty stainless steel body with a copper core in a five-layer construction, a satin-finish 18/10 interior and distinctive copper bands. Shop the Axis 26cm fry pan or 24cm Dutch oven.
Impact vs STS: which should I choose?
Both use an impact-bonded base with an aluminium core and both work on induction. The main differences Scanpan describes are in the details: Impact has 18/10 stainless steel, cast handles, a drip-free rim and capacity markings, while STS is made from premium-grade 304 stainless steel with a polished exterior and long ergonomic handles. Compare the pieces and handle styles to see which suits you.
Caring for Scanpan stainless steel
- Scanpan says its stainless ranges are dishwasher safe, though product pages recommend hand washing to extend the life of the cookware.
- Heat can cause discolouration. Scanpan suggests a stainless steel cleaner, Barkeepers Friend, Bon Ami or a paste of baking soda and water to restore the shine.
- Never use aerosol cooking sprays. Scanpan says they leave residue that can be hard to remove, and that residue damage isn't covered by warranty.
See our Scanpan care FAQ for more.
Warranty
Scanpan offers a 10-year warranty against manufacturing defects on its stainless steel cookware.
Back to the Scanpan cookware guide, or browse the full Scanpan range.