IMUSA 3.5qt Cast Aluminum Nonstick Caldero with Glass Lid, Blue - 24cm

I first stumbled across IMUSA in Walmart a few years back, but had never used a caldero before. Found one used at a thriftshop which wasn't non-stick. Ended up loving it (especially for making stews, soups, popcorn); but because it was old, and I used it so often, I went back to Walmart to buy another, this time non-stick. The uncoated caldero itself becomes non-stick with use, but aluminum pits when too many acidic soups/sauces have been made in it. Result? When I pop corn in my thriftshop caldero, it's perfect, but.. within a few hours, oil residue migrates to the outside of the pot, and it's slick. That requires a few more minutes with an SOS pad, then into the dishwasher. Maybe if you never use acidic mixtures in the pot, this won't happen. Walmart offers different versions: T-Fal (with weird handles), Mainstay trio, an IMUSA trio (18, 24, 30 cm, with the middle as depicted here, about 3.4 Qts) -- and individual pots. This one also came in midnight blue, for the price depicted. I bought this one rather than the trios, and am glad. Two reasons why it's worth more: 1) the non-stick interior is not painted, but is part of the aluminum, looks like they melted the two finishes together (same for the exterior). 2) the aluminum is much thicker, about the same thickness as cast iron. Because it's non-stick, you don't have to worry about pitting. Without the top, you could put it in an oven. Not sure I want to do that, but it's possible. Had this sold for $30, I still would have bought it. The trios are flimsy by comparison. The Mainstay handles are riveted on, and the IMUSA trio aluminum is way too thin. The instructions recommend seasoning with first use. Cleanup is easy; you could just wipe clean. Because the non-stick coating is so good, you'll be tempted to use the dishwasher and/or metal utensils. Don't. Over time, any dishwasher will dry out the coating; metal utensils will scratch the interior, even though the coating will remain. Scratched interiors lead to food sticking, even if the coating itself is not damaged. I think this one also comes in a red exterior, but couldn't find it. Yes, the handles are hot. Aluminum heats far better than other materials, so you can get a good boil from mEdium (and only mEdium high, pops corn well). So just get used to using mitts or old thick socks. :)