All-Clad Pots: Premium Stainless Steel Cookware

All-Clad pots are made of bonded metals, typically a combination of stainless steel, brushed stainless steel, brushed aluminium alloy, black hardcoat anodized aluminium, copper, and copper core. The company was founded by metallurgist John Ulam, who created a patented roll bonding process that sandwiches layers of metal together to form a cooking vessel. This results in even heat distribution, easy cleaning, and no alteration in flavour. All-Clad offers a range of cookware sets and individual pieces made from these bonded metals, providing durable and high-performance cooking solutions.

All-Clad's history and founder

All-Clad Metalcrafters, LLC is an American cookware manufacturer headquartered in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. The company was founded in 1967 by metallurgist John Ulam, who had more than 75 patents for metal crafting. In 1971, Ulam established All-Clad as a company specialising in cladded cookware.

Ulam's interest in applying his metal crafting methods to cookware began when he took some bonded metal (aluminum bonded to stainless steel) and formed it into the shape of a pan. He liked the pan so much that he began selling copies to friends and at local fairs. These pans conducted heat well and, due to their stainless steel lining, did not produce off-tastes like all-aluminium pans. They were also structurally stronger.

In 1971, Ulam established All-Clad Metalcrafters to sell this cookware. Two years later, Bloomingdale's picked up the brand for its upscale housewares department. The company's products were also promoted at trade shows and targeted at restaurants.

In 1988, All-Clad Metalcrafters was purchased by the Pittsburgh Annealing Box Co. and, in 2004, it was bought by the French conglomerate Groupe SEB. John Ulam died from cancer in early 1989.

The materials used in All-Clad pots

All-Clad pots are made of a combination of metals, including stainless steel, brushed stainless steel, brushed aluminium alloy, black hardcoat anodized aluminium, copper, and copper core. The company's founder, John Ulam, was a renowned metallurgist with more than 75 patents for metal crafting. He applied his knowledge of metals to create a new type of cookware that cooked food more evenly, was easy to clean, didn't alter flavours, and didn't tarnish or warp.

The All-Clad pots are made using a patented "roll bonding" process, where metals are sandwiched together and then formed into a cooking vessel. This cladding process is applied not only to the bottom but extends up the sides of each cooking vessel. The company has been issued several patents for this process by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

The cooking surface of All-Clad pots is made from Type 304 stainless steel, which is certified to meet ISO 9000 and ASTM A240 standards for food-grade type 304 stainless steel. Some products also include a nonstick coating on top of the stainless steel.

All-Clad offers a range of cookware sets and individual pieces made from different combinations of metals. Their stainless steel cookware sets, such as the D3 and D5 lines, feature an aluminum core bonded between two sheets of surgical-grade stainless steel. The D3 line is a tri-ply construction that heats up quickly and is available in polished and brushed finishes. On the other hand, the D5 line has 5-ply stainless steel and aluminum technology, resulting in more even heat distribution.

For those who prefer a copper core, All-Clad offers the Copper Core line, which combines 18/10 stainless steel with a copper core for precise results. This line is induction-friendly and features 5-ply bonding.

In addition to stainless steel cookware, All-Clad also offers non-stick cookware options, such as the HA1 and Essentials collections. These feature a durable non-stick surface combined with the brand's layered metal technology. The HA1 collection is especially designed for compatibility with induction cooktops, with stainless steel induction plates on the bottom of each piece.

The different collections available

All-Clad offers a wide range of cookware collections, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here is an overview of some of their popular collections:

D3 Everyday Collection

The D3 Everyday Collection is designed for day-to-day cooking and features All-Clad's best-selling tri-ply cookware. This collection offers practical features requested by customers and is exclusively available on the All-Clad website.

D3 Stainless Collection

The D3 Stainless Collection is a classic bonded cookware line that can handle all kinds of culinary tasks. It is made with three layers of steel and aluminum, ensuring even heat distribution and lasting durability. This collection suits any kitchen and is ideal for those seeking a combination of performance and style.

G5® Graphite Core Collection

The G5® Graphite Core Collection stands out with its distinctive blend of metals, which includes graphite. This collection offers faster cooking, a lighter build, and an enjoyable cooking experience. It is a great choice for those seeking enhanced performance and ease of use.

Copper Core Collection

The Copper Core Collection is designed for cooks who want to take their culinary skills to the next level. It combines the responsiveness of copper with the durability of stainless steel, resulting in unparalleled performance. This collection is perfect for those who seek the ultimate in cooking results.

D5 Brushed Collection

The D5 Brushed Collection offers both functionality and style. It features a vintage-inspired brushed look and five layers of stainless steel and aluminum. This collection provides the best heat distribution of any stainless steel cookware in the All-Clad range.

D5 Polished Collection

The D5 Polished Collection delivers exceptional heat distribution and performance, just like the D5 Brushed Collection. However, it features a classic polished finish, adding a touch of style and sophistication to any kitchen.

NS Pro™ Nonstick Collection

The NS Pro™ Nonstick Collection combines All-Clad's professional performance and durability with superior easy release technology. This collection is perfect for those who want the convenience of nonstick cookware without compromising on quality.

HA1 Hard Anodized Collection

The HA1 Hard Anodized Collection offers the convenience of PTFE nonstick coating and the performance of heavy-gauge aluminum. It also features a stainless steel induction base, making it a versatile collection for quick and efficient meals.

Essentials Nonstick Collection

The Essentials Nonstick Collection is all about convenience and ease of use. It features PTFE nonstick cookware that releases food effortlessly, nests for simple storage, and is a breeze to clean. This collection is ideal for those who want a no-fuss cooking experience.

Enameled Cast Iron Collection

The Enameled Cast Iron Collection combines professional performance with a timeless and sustainable material. It is perfect for those who want to cook and serve their meals in stylish and long-lasting cookware.

All-Clad's manufacturing process

The company uses a patented "roll bonding" process, where metals are sandwiched together and then formed into a cooking vessel. This cladding process is where the company's name comes from, and it is applied to the entire vessel, not just the bottom.

All-Clad's stainless steel is certified to meet ISO 9000 and ASTM A240 standards for type 304 stainless steel intended for use with food. The company purchases some of its metals from United States-based suppliers, including Pennsylvania Steel Company.

The cookware is available in a variety of exterior metal finishes, including stainless steel, brushed stainless steel, brushed aluminium alloy, black hardcoat anodized aluminium, copper, and copper core.

All-Clad's products are handcrafted by skilled craftspeople at their mill in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. The company has been creating cookware in this location for over 50 years, benefiting from the region's history as the birthplace of the American steel and aluminium industry, and the skilled metalworkers that come from the area.

Where to buy All-Clad pots

All-Clad pots are made of bonded tri-ply stainless steel, which is a combination of steel and aluminium. This combination of materials ensures even heat distribution and durability.

You can buy All-Clad pots directly from their website, where they offer free shipping on orders over $99.95. They also have a Hot Deals page, where you can find limited-time discounts on a range of cookware pieces, sets, and accessories.

Alternatively, you can find All-Clad pots and cookware sets on Amazon, with some items offering free delivery. Macy's also stocks All-Clad products, and they currently have a sale and clearance section on their website.

If you're looking for a specific set, the All-Clad D3 Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 10-Piece Set is available at Williams Sonoma for $700. This set is highly recommended by professionals and is known for its durability and even heat distribution.

You can also find All-Clad pots and pans at Home Depot, where they offer the Tramontina Gourmet 12-Piece Tri-Ply Clad Cookware Set for $289, which is a more affordable option that still offers even heat distribution and comfortable handling.

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