It's a very nice pot, and well worth the price IF you don't have an induction cooktop. Although the description clearly states it's magnetic stainless, it's not. All of my cookware is All-Clad, and I love them, but they need to be a little more clear (or honest?) about this one.. it's not made by All-Clad, it's made in China, and it's not usable on an induction cooktop, unlike all their other stainless cookware.

Despite what the description says, this cookware will not work with an induction cooktop. I was quite excited when the package arrived; the item appeared to be well built and was quite heavy. But when I placed a magnet to the bottom of the pot, it did not stick. It appears that Amazon has an incorrect discription of the item. All-clad is famous for their induction cookware, and one doesn't need a top of the line pot to boil water - but it does need to hold a magnet if it's going to work with an induction cooktop. I didn't know how many starts to rate this item. For a gas or conventional electric cooktop, I would give it at least four stars, but for induction, it is really zero stars.

I returned this pot not because I was disappointed with the quality (it's a lower class of all-clad product), but because of the size. It's HUGE! One needs a very large cabinet to store it. I never used it, but I can only imagine how heavy it would be once filled with water. If you work in a firehouse, cafeteria or on a military base---anywhere you need large batches of pasta, soup, chili, etc. then this is a great investment. If you have a normal size family of 4---it's just too much. It won't even fit under the faucet of my sink! Great looking and sturdy, but very big and as far as I can tell, this is the only size available in this caliber of All-Clad multi cookers.

Absolutely awesome, I have many pieces of All clad and was skeptical about it being only clad on the bottom but for it's intended use it is perfect and I have even made soup in it.

I've been cooking with All-Clad for a little over 2 yrs., having finally replaced my much-used, much-beloved 30 yr. old set of Farberware. The difference is unbelievable, but the price of the "real" All-Clad pasta pots was a little rich. I took a chance on this pot, and I'm so glad I did. I've used it for pasta, stocks, and corn on the cob - it's wonderful. An added benefit, when making stocks, is that you can lift the aromatics right out of the broth when the stock is done - no draining and straining into another bowl. The pot is easy to clean, although it might be a tight fit for some dishwashers. It's worth every penny!

I bought this item because it was rated as Induction compatible. It is not. At least I was able to return it.

I should go to the gym more and I am reminded of this every time I use this pot. It is an excellent pot, but when filled, it is heavy. It also puts your range to the test. That's a lot of water to heat. This pot does not have the aluminum core and stainless steel heats very slowly. As long as you plan in advance, it's not a problem.

I bought this pot because I thought it was such a value over the smaller pasta pentola. Suprisingly, my best use for it is during the holidays when I brine turkey.

Update 1/7/07: This pot will not work on induction cooktops.

This multi-cooker is very nice. It is a heavy weighted pot and has a low center of gravity so it won't move if accidentally bumped. It will hold an amazing amount of pasta or soup. The only drawback is that it takes a long time to get the water boiling because of the large amount of water necessary to do the job. I still highly recommend it for many purposes like pasta, soups, steaming of vegetables, and seafood.

I bought this when Amazon had it for $59 but haven't use it yet. It's funny when i read the Walls thinner and it's not made as well cause it's from China. It's a Stainless Steel pot, the sides aren't going to burst and since it's a bottom aluminum disc pan you would expect that over tri-ply threw out pans. I have 3 Calphalon stainless steel pans that were made in China and they all cook fine. One day I'll get the chance to see that for myself when I finally do that fish boil I bought the pan for.

I picked this up a while back on sale at Amazon and have been very happy with it so far. I've been building up a kitchen full of All-Clad Cookware and swear by all of it because of its exceptional quality. This pot sort of really didnt fit in with everything else I have because of its massive capacity, but I couldnt resist it for the price. On occasion in the past I have cooked up a meal or two for a small group of people, mostly for parties or something special going on at my house or a neighborhood gathering. I found myself with the largest pot I had near overflowing and splattering its contents all over my kitchen. After getting this pot, I no longer have this problem. 3 gallon capacity is quite ample for anything that I would attempt to pull off. I might even be able to deep fry a turkey in it.

The baskets included make it a great steamer/strainer for lobster or anything else that would have to be cooked whole. I even cooked up a huge batch of spagetti noodles with the large basket inserted and just pulled it to instantly drain.

Everything about it is impressive, I definately recommend picking one up!

I hesitated to buy this because of a few negative reviews. I'm glad I changed my mind. I bought this a couple of years ago for my mother, who's Mexican-American, to simplify steaming tamales. She loved it!!! The lid fits perfectly and the weight on this pot is ideal, with most of the weight on the bottom for proper balance. Although it is significantly lighter than traditional All-Clad pots it is by no means a flimsy piece. A reviewer of the 16-quart sister (stock) pot was right-on when he mentioned that one only needs 3-ply on the bottom, not on the sides (for stocks). We've used it for clambakes too. Cleaning is a breeze.
Btw, I bought this on sale at a Friday-sale. www.amazon.com/fridaysale

I bought this stock pot primarily to brew beer in, however, since I've bought it I've wondered how I've lived without it for so long. I use it for large batches of soups and broths (such as chicken broth in which I can fit a 4lb chicken inside), beer wort, and cooking corn-on-the-cob.

I BOUGHT THIS BEAUTIFUL POT AND STEAMED MUSSELLS IN THE BOTTOM AND 2 SNOW CRAB CLAWS AND 4 CORN ON THE COB IN THE TOP STEAMER BASKET. I STILL HAD ROOM FOR MORE. THE CLEAN UP IS SO EASY AND THE POT PERFORMED PERFECT. I AM SO PROUD TO DISPLAY THE POT THAT I THINK OF WHAT I CAN MAKE FOR COMPANY SO I CAN SHOW IT OFF. I LOVE ALSO NO SHIPPING CHARGE. IT DOES BRING THE COST DOWN. THANK YOU KATHY ROULETTE

I purchased this on a whim through my little gold box (back when it wasn't full of jewelry offers). It was a little larger than I had expected but this has turned out to be great. I make pasta and stock (chicken and beef) in it all the time. Nothing has ever burned on me using an electric or gas stove. I was a bit hesitant based on some of the reviews but honestly found this product very useful. I would not think twice about buying it again. I gave it one less star because the lid is a little unlike the quality of the rest of All-Clad's products but I usually don't cook on the lid.

It is true that this stockpot is differently constructed if compared to the ususal all clad stockpot. But there is a reason for it. It is made to be used for pasta kind of cooking. It is not usefull to have very thick steel on sides for these type of cooking uses. For other purpose, you want to have as even heat distribution as you can using steel thickness to acheive distribution of heat.

The bottom is ULTRA THICK and it is solid and heavy.

Overall I consider I made a very good purchase.

Ok, this is obviously not the same as the traditional All Clad stock pots, if it was it would be more then triple the price of this one without the 2 inserts. It is part of the disk bottom collection, however it is still top quality stainless steel and very well made. I certainly would not consider it secondary. It is a little lighter in weight than the traditional All Clad but it is not a light weight pot by any means. It is great for pasta, soup, stew, steaming veggies, etc. You will love it and you can't beat the price. It is very easy to clean and the inserts can be stacked and stored inside. A+

Tip: If you should get something stuck to the stainless steel use a product called "Bar Keepers Friend" to clean it. Most supermarkets have it and Kitchen Etc. and Bed, Bath and Beyond carry it too. The container (like a Comet can) is gold with blue and white writing. All Clad recommends it for cleaning stainless steel and it works like a dream and is very inexpensive.

I recently purchased the All-Clad 12-quart multi-cooker with two inserts, and I could not wish for a more useful addition to my cookware collection. It is a manageable size and weight (even when full), and the inserts make draining a breeze. No more steam burns for this kitchen klutz! The quality is excellent. It performs as advertised and cleaning is easy. I love this pot!

This is an incredible value, considering you get the lid, the pot, and the two baskets at a great price. It performs very well and is a welcome addition to an All-Clad set. However, it is not the same quality as the rest of my All-Clad's. As an example, the lid is made of the same type of steel as my other lids, however, it is thinner.

Yes, this item is indeed a bit inferior when compared with All-Clad's Stainless line, but do not let this dissuade you from choosing this product.
When comparing this multi-cooker to similar ones, you'll find that the quality far supersedes many of them, and the price cannot be beat. I recently spotted this same item (All-Clad product #59912) at a major department store for TWICE Amazon's price!
Don't expect the stainless you may be familiar with from All-Clad and you won't be disappointed. However, if you're expecting the thin, easily-dented stockpots common to many kitchenware stores, you'll be pleasantly surprised!

I'm always amazed at reviews that express shock or disappointment at the product. This is because Amazon does a great job with being clear and up front on items...especially all-clad.
This item is a particular value. I found it to be as good as most of my all-clad collection, and having the same sturdy construction. Considering the lid, the pot, the two baskets, I regard this not simply as a quality item, but an exceptional value too.
It may not be great for a lobster bake, but for soups, stock, pasta, shellfish like mussels or clams, shrimp...it is a hit. Best of all, there is no obligation to keep a product you don't like.
I think this will be one of the pieces I use most frequently.

Having a number of All Clad products in my kitchen, I was excited to see this stockpot at such a low "close out" price. When it arrived, I was somewhat disappointed to see that it is not the same construction or quality as the other All Clad cookware that I have. When I ordered it, I wondered why this 12 qt pot was priced so much less than other smaller stockpots (and about 1/3 the price of the All Clad pasta cooker), and now I know - this "multi cooker" was not made in the U.S., it was made in China (as is the Emerilware). It seems deceptive (and is disappointing) that this bears the exact same label as the U.S. product and the description gives no indication that it is anything less than the same U.S. made All Clad, which is well known to many of us. However, in fairness, I need to say that priced at under [$$$], this is still one heck of a pot that I will enjoy using, but just be aware that it is a different quality of All Clad cookware.

This is a good product, but not what I was expecting when I ordered it. Don't be fooled, this stockpot is not from the regular line of Stainless products by All-Clad. It's from a lesser-quality line of products. The walls are thinner and it just seems to be of less overall quality than the regular All-Clad products (which are fantastic in my opinion!) Mounted on the bottom of the pan is another piece of metal for conduction (totally unlike regular All-Clad, but just like Emerilware). For the price it is a good product, but if you want true All-Clad quality hold out for the more expensive version.

Just tried the All-Clad 12 qt multicooker, and I am quite
impressed. Certainly I would have imagined a unit of this
caliber to cost double with All-Clad's name on it. Each
component fits together as it was machined to, caution
removing the lid after boiling as it may seal tightly. I
prepared chicken fettucine with broccoli for four just with
this one pot. Boiling the chicken stock first, then adding
the pasta to the basket and the broccoli (spears included)
to the upper basket. Cleanup was much easier than I had
expected... the pot (barely) fit under the faucet, and
the baskets fit into the dishwasher. Thanks to All-Clad
for a lid that reverses well, It actually fits on the 13"
shelf in the cabinet beneath the counter. A true kitchen find
for the price!