Aluminum base cookware

[Hello Kitty]

Is it really that bad?

I know that aluminum extending up the sides is preferred (ala All Clad) but is it really so horrible to buy something that just has Al in the base?

My hard anodized Al nonstick cookware is dying slowly, and I'd like to get something non-nonstick. I love Calphalon One (and my fav pot is that brand), but it's at the same price point as All Clad, so it's kind of out for that reason anyway.

FWIW, I cook a lot, and love it, so I wouldn't just be boiling water and such. I would be looking for 1 and 2ish quart saucepans - my stock pot and frying pans are just fine for my needs.

[tlew12778]

All Clad is SS, not aluminum. Some lines might have an anodized aluminum core but definitely not straight up aluminum (which is toxic).

I wish I were in the US. I would give you my Calphalon stuff. I actually prefer my 5-ply SS now. You can get Calphalon sets for good prices on overstock and smart bargains usually. I have commericial hard anodized (they replaced it with Calphalon One) and I think I paid like $300 for a 10 piece set (which is really like 4 or 5 pots and pans plus relative lids).

Anyway, getting back to your sides question, I think it does make a difference. Your food heats more evenly. If you are not doing deep sauces or boiling water, it really does not make a difference, but if you are letting something stew it does.

This (http://store.foodnetwork.com/shop/product.asp?product_code=4786&department_code=8&category_code=94&subcategory_code=93&search_type=subcategory)set on food network is $199.

[Hello Kitty]

I know all clad is not aluminum, it's SS, but between the interior and exterior SS, there's a 'core' of Aluminum sandwiched between. I guess there must be a reason the true core cookware is $100+/item, but I was hoping maybe it wouldn't be that bad.

I wish you were in the US too :p Your hard anodized non-nonstick Calphalon is exactly what I would want, except it's fully discontinued.

Thanks for the link on the SmartBargains site - I've never heard of it before, and it was nice to see brands I'm looking for.

[1MegMeg]

I have Calphalon One nonstick cookware and about 6 months ago purchased a couple of Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick pieces. I really enjoy the contemporary pieces, just as much as the One....you might like them too since you like your One pieces.

Amazon has some good prices on some of the contemporary pieces, and if you shop through the CC Amazon link, CC gets some money. :)

2 1/2 saucepan with lid (http://www.amazon.com/Calphalon-Contemporary-Nonstick-2-Quart-Saucepan/dp/B0000936JZ/ref=sr_1_1/105-2341931-7186041?ie=UTF8&s=kitchen&qid=1190378841&sr=1-1)

10" Omelet Pan (http://www.amazon.com/Calphalon-Contemporary-Nonstick-10-Inch-Omelet/dp/B0006U652G/ref=sr_1_3/105-2341931-7186041?ie=UTF8&s=kitchen&qid=1190378841&sr=1-3)

8 piece set (http://www.amazon.com/Calphalon-Contemporary-Nonstick-8-Piece-Cookware/dp/B0000936K5/ref=sr_1_8/105-2341931-7186041?ie=UTF8&s=kitchen&qid=1190378841&sr=1-8)

[Hello Kitty]

Well thanks to Tlew, I found exactly what I was looking for, for half of what I would have paid for it retail. :D We really wanted non-nonstick this time around, so this is just perfect.

Calphalon Contemporary Stainless 2.5-Qt Sauce Pan (http://kitchen-and-dining.smartbargains.com/go.sb?pagename=prod&fd=true&fcloc=search&sp=All%2BProducts%252f%252f%252f%252fKitchen%2B%25 26%2BDining%2BBargains%257c%257c%257c%257c%257c%25 2f%252f%252f%252fCookware%252f%252f%252f%252fAttri bSelect%253dType%253d'Saucepans'%252f%252f%252f%25 2f&dk=Cookware&deptid=54&catid=141&prodid=3010311231&t=Cat-Refine.dept-54.cat-141.prod.16)

http://www2.shopsmartbargains.com/images/product/301031/3010311231_LG.jpg