How's that for thoughtful design? -Kara Karll.

S. A. , lids and components manufactured overseas. All-Clad Cookware Lifetime Warranty: From date of purchase, All-Clad guarantees to repair or replace any item found defective in material, construction or workmanship under normal use and following care instructions. This excludes damage from misuse or abuse. Minor imperfections and slight color variations are normal. The bestseller among All-Clad's renowned cookware collections, the Stainless line provides serious and professional cooks all the virtues that make All-Clad's worldwide reputation unsurpassed. Key to its high performance is a three-ply, bonded construction. Sandwiched between layers of stainless steel is a thick core of pure aluminum that spreads heat evenly across the bottoms of pots and pans and all the way up the sides. The interior is highly polished 18/10 stainless steel, so it's stick-resistant as well as stain- and corrosion-resistant. The exterior is gleaming, magnetic stainless steel that works on induction as well as conventional stovetops, and, with care, remains beautiful during this cookware's lifetime warranty against defects-and beyond. This classic 2-1/2-quart Windsor pan, with flared sides so sauces can be easily and completely whisked, makes clear why All-Clad's Stainless line is so popular. Because the aluminum core extends up the sides, foods cook uniformly in the pan, even though it's 4 inches deep. And because the interior is nonreactive, the taste of citrus-based sauces and other acidic foods won't be metallic. Its polished 18/10 stainless-steel pan and lid handles are riveted for strength and grooved on the top for comfort. The long handle (holed for hanging on a hook or peg) stays cool on the stovetop but won't be harmed by an oven's highest heat. Although Stainless cookware is dishwasher-safe, hand washing is recommended. -Fred Brack.

Le Creuset cookware comes in a variety of sizes, colors and styles to match any kitchen and cooking preference. So lasting, you'll pass it on to the next generation of promising cooks.

Key to its high performance is a three-ply, bonded construction. Sandwiched between the exterior and an 18/10 stainless-steel interior lies a thick core of pure aluminum that spreads heat evenly across the bottoms of pots and pans and all the way up the sides. The interior is highly polished, so it's stick- as well as corrosion-resistant. The striking exterior resists scratching, chipping, and peeling. This classic straight-sided 1-quart saucepan makes clear why All-Clad's LTD cookware is so popular among contemporary cooks-it's practical as well as beautiful. Because the aluminum core extends up the sides, foods cook uniformly in the pan, even though it's 2 inches deep. And because the interior is nonreactive, tomato-based sauces and other acidic foods won't taste metallic. Its polished 18/10 stainless-steel pan and lid handles are riveted for strength and grooved on the top for comfort. The pan's long handle (holed for hanging on a hook or peg) stays cool on the stovetop but won't be harmed by an oven's heat. LTD cookware carries a lifetime warranty against defects and should be hand washed. -Fred Brack.

The long handle (holed for hanging on a hook or peg) stays cool on the stovetop but won't be harmed by an oven's heat. LTD cookware carries a lifetime warranty against defects and should be hand washed. -Fred Brack.

Glass covers are convenient for watching food cook and have curved handles plus wide-banded stainless-steel rims for durability. Heating in this 3-1/2-quart saucepan is sure to satisfy the performance requirements of discerning cooks. The pan boasts triple-layer construction with stainless-steel exteriors bonded over a full aluminum core that extends up the sides as well as through the bottom. Aluminum is an excellent heat conductor, providing consistent cooking for large batches of tomato sauce, stewed fruit, or steamed vegetables. The stainless-steel pan is safe in the oven and can withstand broiler temperatures as well as the use of metal utensils. However, the lid is oven-safe only to 450 degrees F. All Contemporary Stainless is dishwasher-safe for quick cleanup and is covered by a lifetime warranty. -Cristina Vaamonde From the Manufacturer As the kitchen becomes the social center of more and more American homes, consumers are focusing greater attention on the details of kitchen design. Now, style-conscious home chefs with a taste for all things modern have a new line of cookware to call their own: Calphalon Contemporary Stainless. Calphalon Contemporary Stainless brings stunning, contemporary design into the home kitchen. Crafted from lustrous, brushed stainless steel and featuring clean lines and curvaceous silhouettes, Calphalon Contemporary Stainless expresses the very soul of modern style. Sweepingly sexy, sculpted handles and subtly domed glass covers lend additional panache to each piece. Professional, Versatile, Comfortable Calphalon Contemporary Stainless features tri-ply construction-the choice of many professional chefs. A layer of heavy-gauge aluminum, sandwiched between the stainless-steel interior and exterior of each pan, provides superb conductivity and even heating throughout the vessel. Each uniquely shaped Calphalon Contemporary Stainless vessel is designed to accommodate several cooking techniques. Pans are ideal for use on the stovetop, in the oven, and even in the broiler. They'll also look fabulous on your table, so you can use them for serving, too. Calphalon Contemporary Stainless makes it easy to keep an eye on what you're cooking. Sparkling glass covers let you monitor a whole stovetop full of pans at a glance. The cookware also features long, sculpted handles that are as comfortable as they are beautiful. Not only do they feel great in your hand, they're designed to stay cool on the stovetop. Easy Cleanup Calphalon Contemporary Stainless is 100 percent dishwasher-safe for effortless cleanup. (That's a feature you'll appreciate at the end of a long evening of entertaining. ) You can also hand wash your pans using a dishcloth and hot sudsy water. For occasional polishing, we recommend Bar Keeper's Friend. Features Distinctive, Contemporary Design Calphalon Contemporary Stainless cookware's sleek, curved design makes a striking statement when displayed on pot racks or open shelves or in glass-front cabinets. Versatility The Calphalon Contemporary Stainless vessel shapes are suitable for a wide variety of techniques and recipes-and for serving in style, too. Tri-ply Construction The choice of many professional chefs, tri-ply construction offers great cooking results on the stove, in the oven, and in the broiler. Full Aluminum Core Sandwiched between the stainless steel interior and exterior of each pan, the pan's full aluminum core provides superb conductivity and even heating. Brushed Stainless-Steel ExteriorsNot only beautiful to look at, these exteriors help hide wear and help promote incredibly long life for the vessels. ConvenienceThe pans feature long handles that stay cool and comfortable on the stovetop, as well as glass lids that are oven-safe to 450 degrees F and that securely fit the vessels, making it easy to keep an eye on what you're cooking. Dishwasher-Safe The dishwasher-safe nature of the vessels makes for easy cleanup, which is especially nice when entertaining or when serving large numbers of people. Lifetime Warranty.