No kitchen is complete without a stockpot--a staple among chefs for centuries. Times have changed and so have stockpots. This 7-quart model is made from durable cast aluminum and features three layers of nonstick surface on the interior to allow for fat-free cooking and to protect food from sticking. The break-resistant, ovenproof glass lid (with a heat-resistant knob) lets you keep an eye on your soups or stews as they cook. It also comes with thermogrip cotton table servers, which are like mittens for the handles, to make it easy to move it from the stovetop or oven to the table. To clean, hand wash the pot with warm water using a dishwashing liquid and soft cloth or sponge. It's manufactured by Berndes in Germany and comes with a lifetime warranty. --Linda Dahlstrom