i dont want aluminum cookware, but how about a stainless steel set with an aluminum core. Is this the same as aluminum pots and pans? Thanks.The aluminum is encased in the stainless steel, usually as a thick disk in the bottom. It is an excellent conductor of heat and holds the heat well once it gets hot. All you see is the stainless, none of the aluminum because it\'s between two layers of stainless in the bottom of the pots. You are right, you don\'t want food cooked in straight aluminum, some metal taste can transfer to certain foods. That won\'t happen with stainless.Other related question