619897 Thu May 14 13:34:40 -0700 2009 2 41 Cookware 0 4684246 Hi. Long time listener, first time caller :) So I can't afford retail All-Clad, but I love the stuff so I've been collecting second hand and irregulars. Never had a problem, and all my pans look and cook great. Except for my last (and what was supposed to be final) purchase--a 3qt stainless cassoulet that I purchased used on eBay. The second I picked up the package I felt that something was off, that it was too light. I opened up the package and when I pulled the dish out I still thought it was too light. But the pot looks stainless, and it has the All-Clad label on the handles and there is no second quality mark on it. Nor is there an obvious disc on the bottom to show that it isn't full clad. The rim of the pot was badly stained and after looking closely I noticed it wasn't coated--you can see the metal (aluminum I guess) that is sandwiched between the stainless. Another oddity I didn't like. Did I get ripped off? Is this a fake or did somewhere down the line All-Clad make some cheaper quality stuff that I don't know about? I've got the pan soaking right now and in a bit I'll give it a good workout in the kitchen to see how it holds up compared to my other pots. But I wanted to get an informed opinion from some long time All-Clad users--to satisfy my curiosity if nothing else. Thanks, Stacy Thu May 14 13:34:40 -0700 2009 292703 Kexia 1 4684272 You will be able to see the aluminum sandwiched in between the 2 layers of stainless. That is 110% normal. As for the weight, well I'm just not sure how much it weighs, of course. But aside from the staining you should be fine. After a good soak you can very safely throw these pans in the dishwasher. The dishwasher detergents usually do a pretty good job on stains especially if the pan has been soaking for a while. Thu May 14 13:43:20 -0700 2009 4684246 283259 SQHD 2 4685462 And you are 110% right. I looked more closely at my saucier and I could indeed see the three diff layers. I guess on this casserole the aluminum is worn down a bit and gunked up, so it's much more obvious. Thanks for telling me that. Thu May 14 20:17:55 -0700 2009 4684272 292703 Kexia