What is fully clad cookware?

Good modern cookware is made from layers of different metals to take advantage of the different qualities of each. Stainless steel is often the outer layer because it is tough, easy to clean and doesn't react with food. However, it doesn't conduct heat well, so it often has inner layer(s) of aluminum or copper which are good heat conducters. Most cookware has these extra layers only on the bottom of the pan where it is in contact with the heat source. A few (expensive) lines of cookware (e.g. All-Clad and some KitchenAid) have this layered construction all the way up the sides of the pan, which helps to conduct the heat up the sides as well. This is what is called Full Clad and is expensive to make and buy. If you have the money, it is the way to go, but the kind of cookware with the layers only on the bottom is very good also and much less expensive. As a side note, avoid non-stick like the plague. Stainless steel cleans easily (use medium to low heat to cook) and is much healthier for you and your family. There is a company called Maxam that makes a line of "waterless" stainless steel cookware which is quite nice. You can find it all over the internet under different brand names (look for the item number KT17) in sets for $200-$300. Also all the regular lines of cookware make stainless sets at quite reasonable prices. Enjoy your cooking!