Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless-Steel 2-Quart Covered Saucepan

High quality with a great handle!
For years I have been looking for a quality alternative to the over-rated and very expensive All Clad. All Clad has the most uncomfortable handles ever made, even the new improved version. Piazza out of Italy has been one of my favorites, but it has become virtually impossible to buy in the US, if they are even being made anymore. This new line by Le Creuset is a winner, and it has some features that make it much better than All Clad. The handle is nice to hold, no sharp edges or danger of rolling in the hand when the pan is full and heavy. There is also a helper handle, and the handles stay cool to the touch. I love the rolled rim (a favorite feature on my beloved Piazza pans), as it helps prevents drips down the side and makes pouring a lot more exact. There are also measurement markings on the inside of the pan. I wouldn't rely on them exclusively, but it is nice to have for a guesstimate, or for keeping track of a reduction. So far I only have this size and the steamer insert,...
Best Everyday Cookware
My first choice was to Buy America when I decided I needed to replace my 40 year old Farberware. After reading many reviews I bought some All Clad. After using it for several months I concluded that it is too heavy and it is impossible to get a good grip. I had avoided LeCreuset stainless because it was made in China but decided to give the small saucepan a try. No Contest! I bought more LeCreuset. The LeCreuset is better balanced, comfortable handles and on some an auxiliary handle and the lip around the edge serves to hold the covers. However the biggest difference is that when I use the AllClad I always have to use the recommended Bar Keepers Friend to remove the water marks. I use the LeCreuset every morning to boil water and I NEVER have to clean up water marks. The finish on the LeCreuset just seems better. I love it.
The Best Clad Cookware
After doing rigorous comparison shopping, including looking at commercial clad cookware like Vollrath Tribute, I consider the new Le Creuset cookware to be the best available, hands down. The lids are thicker, the pot bodies are heavier, and the handles are more comfortable. These pots and pans put brands like All Clad to shame.

Yes, they are made in China. Only All Clad, which now makes their handles and lids off-shore too (they don't tell you where) and Vollrath are made in the US. All Clad is no better than Cuisinart (which would be my second choice, and a lot cheaper) or Calphalon, now discontinued, in the clad cookware category. And All Clad is ridiculously expensive, which in my opinion is completely unjustifiable, not to mention that their handles are as uncomfortable as they come.

If I didn't care about looks I would have gone with Vollrath, but the Le Creuset are very attractive (for pots and pans). The new handles are thick and easy to grasp. The...
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