| Coated inside and out with rugged nonstick, Circulon 2 cookware eliminates the chore of scrubbing pots and pans. Inside their bottoms, Circulon's patented Hi-Low system of concentric grooves creates narrow ridges to take utensil abuse, leaving low, wide grooves unscathed to readily release food and ensuring long life for the nonstick coating. Beneath the nonstick is harder-than-steel anodized aluminum. Pot and pan bottoms are left uncoated to conduct heat quickly and prevent hot spots. Slip-resistant synthetic grips on riveted, polished, stainless-steel handles stay cool on the stovetop and go safely in an oven up to 350 degrees F. Heavyweight, 18/10 stainless-steel lids polished to a mirror finish present a gleaming contrast to the attractive, charcoal gray, enamel-like appearance of Circulon 2's nonstick exterior. This 5-1/2-quart casserole pot comes with a cleverly designed colander-like lid that locks onto the pot with a twist. On its sides, patterns of holes (one set small, the other large) allow liquid to be poured from the pot without the lid slipping. That means pasta can be drained right in the pot before sauce is added. Or braising liquid can be poured off for saucemaking. In addition, the Hi-Low concentric grooves climb an inch or so up the pot's rounded sides, permitting thorough stirring and scraping without damaging the nonstick coating. Without its lid, the pot stands 4-5/8 inches high and measures 10-1/2 inches in diameter. It carries a lifetime warranty against defects and should be hand washed. --Fred Brack |
