All-Clad
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Cookware manufacturing |
| Founded | 1967 |
| Founder | John Ulam |
| Headquarters | Canonsburg, Pennsylvania , United States |
Area served | United States, Australia, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom |
| Products | Bonded ovenware, kitchen utensils, cookware accessories |
| Owner | Groupe SEB |
| Website | all-clad |
All-Clad Metalcrafters, LLC is a cookware producer based in the United States, with its main office located in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. The company distributes its cookware products to department stores and specialty retailers throughout the U.S., Australia, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom, offering a range of bonded ovenware, kitchen utensils, and related accessories.
History
The company was established in 1967 by metallurgist John Ulam, initially focusing on manufacturing bonded metals used in coinage, avionics, and ballistic applications. It was instrumental in advancing the use of bonded metal coins.
The cookware segment originated when Ulam created a pan for his own use. Officially founded as All-Clad Metalcrafters in 1971, the brand gained recognition two years later when Bloomingdale's began carrying its premium kitchenware. In 1988, ownership transferred to Pittsburgh Annealing Box Co., and later in 2004, it became part of the French multinational Groupe SEB.
In 2000, All-Clad collaborated with chef Emeril Lagasse to introduce the "Emerilware" collection. Subsequently, in 2014, a partnership with Chef Thomas Keller led to the launch of the All-Clad TK line incorporating bonded aluminum and stainless steel with a copper core.
United States patents
From its inception, All-Clad employed a patented "roll bonding" method that fuses multiple metal layers into cooking vessels. The brand name reflects this cladding technique that extends from the base upward along each piece’s sides. The company holds numerous patents granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Production
Some raw materials are procured from suppliers within the United States, such as the Pennsylvania Steel Company.
Product Issues
In 2022, All-Clad encountered class-action lawsuits claiming that certain stainless-steel bonded cookware lines were advertised as “dishwasher safe,” despite repeated dishwasher cycles causing exposure of the aluminum core. By August 2022, the company consented to a proposed settlement amounting to up to US$4 million without admitting liability.
Interior finishes
The cooking surfaces utilize Type 304 stainless steel, with select items featuring a nonstick layer applied over the steel. All stainless steel complies with ISO 9000 and ASTM A240 standards for food-grade type 304 stainless steel.
Exterior finishes
Available exterior finishes include stainless steel, brushed stainless steel, brushed aluminum alloy, black hardcoat anodized aluminum, copper, and copper core options.
Comparison Chart
| Feature | Stainless Steel (D3) | d5 Brushed Stainless | Copper Core | Hard Anodized | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rolled Brim | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Induction Compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Ply Construction | 3 Ply | 5 Ply | 5 Ply | 1 Ply | 1 Ply |
| Exterior Material | Magnetic Stainless Steel | Magnetic Stainless Steel | Magnetic Stainless Steel | Hard Anodized Aluminum | Stainless Steel |
| Cooking Surface Material | 18/10 Stainless Steel | 18/10 Stainless Steel | 18/10 Stainless Steel | PFOA-Free Nonstick Coating | 18/10 Stainless Steel |
| Core Composition | Aluminum Core | Aluminum & Stainless Steel Core | Aluminum & Copper Core | Aluminum Core | 18/10 Stainless Steel Core |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Oven Safe Temperature Limit | Up to 600 °F | Up to 500 °F | Up to 500 °F | Up to 450 °F | Up to 500 °F |
| Country of Manufacture | USA | USA | USA | China | China |
Semiannual Factory Sale
Twice yearly, in June and December, All-Clad Metalcrafters organizes a factory seconds event close to its Canonsburg base, drawing in a large crowd of shoppers.