For decades All-Clad cookware has been a defining product line in the world of professional cooking. You'd be hard pressed not to find several in any chef's personal collection. It all started when the founder patented a way to bond stainless steel and aluminum, and then created his first cookware collection in 1974. And it's still proudly handcrafted in Canonsburg, PA.

The All-Clad Stainless line that is most familiar to the public was first introduced in 1990, quickly proving to be the most popular All-Clad collection. The aluminum core is found on the bottom as well as all the way up the sides of every pot ensuring even heat distribution, while the handles are positioned just so for great ergonomics as well as staying cool to the touch. Soon after, in 1993, All-Clad Nonstick pans were introduced, and their sauté pans soon became the go-to pan for perfect omelets, frittatas (they're oven-safe), scrambles, and worry-free sautéing.

The All-Clad Copper Core line was first introduced in 1999, and its 5-layer construction is billed as the ultimate in performance for even heat and, importantly, ease of cleaning as the stainless encases the copper. (Copper is known for is conduction abilities and beauty, but also for its difficult polishing demands.) These are the pans to get for the serious home cook, who will cherish them for a lifetime (and they come with a lifetime warranty, to boot).

The All-Clad D5 Brushes series is one of the newest innovations for All-Clad, with 5-ply construction around a patented stainless steel core that prevents warping. The rolled lips on the rims makes for easy pouring and there's an engraved capacity marker on the bottom of each pan.

Cooks are so accustomed to the quality of their All-Clad cookware that they often aren't aware of the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into each piece. The supreme usability and durability of All-Clad products are the result of laborious planning and consistent quality control.

The process of creating professional-quality cookware for consumers begins when the company's metallurgists select materials for each product and determine its micro-structure. This stage of development is even more complicated than it sounds. All-Clad's metallurgy team must focus on creating the ultimate in user-friendly cookware instead of simply making products that are cheap and easy to manufacture.

That's why the interior surface of an All-Clad cooking vessel is made from 18/10 stainless steel for easy cleaning and to prevent reactions with food. Careful attention has even been paid to the rivets, which are crafted from stainless steel. The steel is treated to ensure that no trace elements of iron remain and cause corrosion.

All-Clad keeps an eagle eye on craftsmanship by using American-made metals and employing American workers. Every piece is inspected after each step of the manufacturing process to ensure that no All-Clad product leaves the facility without meeting the company's rigorous standards.

From the intricacies of engineering the perfect composition of materials to multiple inspections of each piece during the manufacturing process, All-Clad goes the extra mile to guarantee that its pots, pans, griddles, baking dishes, colanders, splatter screens and other kitchen items meet the high standards of both All-Clad and its customers.