Why are these on clearance

[cinnabun]

I was just over at Amazon and noticed that there was a couple of LTD all-clad pans on clearance, they are both 19.99 and they are
All-Clad LTD 7 1/2-Inch Fry Pan
All-Clad LTD 1-Quart Saucepan
I did order them because I couldn't resist and knowing my luck they will discontinue the LTD line too, just like Calphalon did the hard-anodized commercial line. These are my first pieces of all-clad so I will be able to try these and if I like them get rid of some more of my non-stick cookware. I am going to try and replace all the non-stick and yes I have my reasons and I won't go into that. The only piece I will be keeping is a kitchenaid 2-qt non-stick pan. It matches my mixer and food processor.

[LaurenP]

How do you like the Calphalon hard-anodized, have you had them for a while and given them a good try out. I saw some for good prices at a TJ's and wondered.

[gperls]

Those two All Clad pieces are always priced about like that. They are promo pieces used to introduce people into the line. Most places that sell All Clad have them at those prices. And you can get the other types of All Clad at similar prices, it's not just for the LTD stuff.

[little_bopeep]

Originally posted by LaurenP
How do you like the Calphalon hard-anodized, have you had them for a while and given them a good try out. I saw some for good prices at a TJ's and wondered.

I luuuuuuuuuuuuuuv mine. Had them for about a year and use them all the time...they clean up like a dream. The only thing I don't like is having to hand wash them (dishwasher detergent is a no-no), but I can live with it. Just bought a 6.5 qt sauce pot that was originally $221 for just $69! Woo Hoo!!!

[jules1993]

The LTD pans that you are referring to are promotional pieces along with the stainless steel versions -- same sizes. They are designed to introduce people to the line without shocking them with the price. That is a wonderful deal b/c their full prices are well over $70 a piece. The LTD is not being discountinued. It is a very popular line. The promo pieces have been around for a while and retailers probably just bought too many of them several years ago and need to move them out. Just an fyi, All Clad mainline pieces never go on sale. They offer promo pieces instead. This is a wonderful cookware line with significantly better results than cooking in anodized like Calph. Anodized cookware (without the non stick surface) is a reactive product. So, when cooking with lemon juice, wine, tomato, your cookware will alter the taste of the food. The acidity also marks the pan. Some people don't care. But, when you make the same dish in stainless, you will see the difference.

Sorry for the long comments but I hope you find it helpful.

[cinnabun]

I agree with what little_bopeep says, I have only had mine (3 pieces of the commercial line they discontinued) for a few months and love it. Yes it isn't fun to have to clean them by hand but they are so easy to clean up. They clean up just as easy or easier than the non-stick I have. But of course, the no dishwasher thing is true for all the pots and pans because the detergent will ruin them.
Jules, when I bought my Calphalon HA, I could of swore that it stated they would not react with acidic foods. Maybe I am wrong.
Do you have a problem keeping the stainless steel clean looking? I got rid of some cheap SS that looked horrid. I can not really explain it but just picture a pan that was cleaned and doesn't even look clean *oh the horror*.

[cinnabun]

I forgot to add, thanks for replying. After I posted this I went looking around and found them for the same price at a few other websites so I just figured they were promos for the line. I can't wait to get them.

[Mimeea]

I just purchased the 1 qt. saucepan from Amazon. It's perfect for heating up individual servings or a small amount of sauce. This is my second piece from the LTD line, and I'm beginning to really warm up to it. Didn't know about the price of the fry pan, I'll have to check that one out!

[jules1993]

The best way to clean All Clad is with a product called Bar Keeper's Friend. It is a powder cleanser that you can get for $2.50 at Bed Bath and Beyond. That will get rid of any discoloration on the stainless and will give you a beautiful shine. If you have the stainless outside, you can use it there too. It is also great on good ss knives. FYI.

[cinnabun]

Jules, Thank you. Do you suppose it will work well on the mc2 or is it good for brushed aluminum? I just shudder when I think of the way those cheap pans looked. You could really tell where the meat was placed in the pan and there was a cloudy circles in the pan. I am not the best housekeeper but with me doing dishes as long as I have been I really can't believe how they looked.

[jules1993]

HI,
You can definitely use it on the MC2. It is a soft scrub of sorts. It will get rid of the rainbow effect you might be getting on the bottom of the pan as well. (if you do get this, it means that you are cooking at too high of a heat. Isn't it great when you cookware helps you cook better?!)

Do not use SOS though. There is a stick resistant surface on AC that you will take off if you use those pads. It is not non-stick but rather something to help you release the food and clean easier. The look is the brushed stainless. If you cook on low heat and use a little oil/fat, the surface is great.

Hope that helps.

[cinnabun]

Jules, thanks. I already know what SOS pads can do to cookware. I never understood why my mother always yelled at me for using SOS pads on the skillets and pans until later on in life. Can you use those scothbrite (green) pads on them. What about those ones that are sold to be used with non-stick cookware? I am only assuming that these will be ok.