A thick core of pure aluminum (on the base and, in some cases, partially up the sides) is encapsulated, or sandwiched, between two other layers of metal. The pure aluminum core provides excellent heat conductivity, while the interior/exterior metals provide such properties as durability, stick resistance or an attractive color. Encapsulated cookware also may be referred to as clad, because the aluminum core is clad with layers of one or more different metals.