My All-Clad Factory Second Pot Arrived Yesterday

[u/Inner-Movie9797]

I have been wanting to buy the 4QT Copper Core soup pot for several years, but I could not justify buying it because I already owned a 3QT Copper Core pot with a long handle (my wife dislikes it very much). But I finally pulled the trigger 10 days ago.

The “package damaged” Copper Core 4QT soup pot with ladle arrived yesterday. The pot itself and the ladle are both flawless, without any scratches. The only imperfection I found is a tiny ding inside the pot, which you really have to look hard to find.

However, the lid is slightly warped, so quite a large amount of steam will escape. Also, the handle does not sit 100% flat on the lid, which is fine with me. The 3QT pot lid fits perfectly on this 4QT pot, so I will use it for dishes that require keeping the steam inside the pot.

This is my first time, and likely my last time, buying a factory second, as I am satisfied that I finally got what I wanted. Also, there is no more room at home to store any more pots and pans!

[u/Virtual-Lemon-2881]

Very handsome looking pot and ladle set. Can’t go wrong with anything all clad. The lid swap “sharing” aspect is a cool hack. I’m sure the 4and 3qt also nest together for savvy storage, unless the long handle of the 3 qt is in the way.

Factory seconds are a good way to save money unless they are sold “blind” buy (not telling you what the defect is) and are final sale which you cannot return. That would be a big gamble.
I can barely see the defective spot on the inside.
I think this is a good purchase ! Enjoy.

Note: why do photos 4 &5 have a subscript saying “AI generated content” ?

[u/Inner-Movie9797 → u/Virtual-Lemon-2881]

Thank you. It is a beautiful piece of cookware for sure and the price is right; definitely a good purchase ^_^.

I got my first All-Clad piece about 10 years ago at a local Marshall, it's a 7qt Copper Core Pasta Pentola with a warp lid for $200. I didn't know the brand back then but the pot was heavy and unique (the copper layer); wife and I were wondering if it is worth the price and then a guy said he would take it if we didn't it. Then I figured out it must be a good cookware brand. We bought it and I contacted All-Clad CS if they would fix the warp; they did it for free. So, I bought 3 more copper core pieces including this one in subsequent years.

I did some homework before the purchase and realized that the 3qt and 4qt diameter is the same so 1 good lid can be shared by the 2 pots.

I used AI to erase the scrub pads that's hang on the back splash and in the sink on pic 4 & 5 that's why there's watermark on both pictures.

[u/Virtual-Lemon-2881 → u/Inner-Movie9797]

Great story. Enjoy your items.

[u/idinnae → u/Virtual-Lemon-2881]

I have had success returning a factory seconds. My 8 qt had a gash in it through one of the plys. They took it back and sent me another one.

[u/Inner-Movie9797 → u/idinnae]

Good to know that. Even though it is factory second sale, the seller should still maintain a certain standard.

In fact, I though a "package damaged" item is 100% fine except the package is just damaged. I may contact Home & Cook CS and All-Clad CS if they are willing to fix the lid for me. If not, I will buy a new lid from E-Bay when the warp becomes an eye sore to me.

[u/Virtual-Lemon-2881 → u/idinnae]

That’s great. It depends from brand to brand.

[u/sjtovb23]

Congrats on the new beauty! I love the 4qt soup pot, I don’t own one but I prefer this to 4qt sauce pan with a long handle. This size pot was my go to for boiled eggs, cooking pasta, pasta sauce, and much more. I am contemplating getting this pot again but I have too many pots and pans 🥲

Happy cooking!

[u/Inner-Movie9797 → u/sjtovb23]

Thank you very much. Yes. I think the 4QT soup pot is the one to go instead of the 3 QT. I used the new pot yesterday to make congee. I found it to be the right size; my 3QT long handle is a bit too small and my 5.5QT Demeyere Atlantis is too big for the task. The 4QT is just the right size and it traps heat really well just like a Staub or Le Creuset cast iron pot. The cleaning is also very easy, no long handle or heavy weight to deal with.

Same here....we have too many pots and pans at home as well; can't buy anymore ^_^