I purchased this CUISINART CHEF'S CLASSIC STAINLESS 2-QUART WINDSOR saucepan because it's so pretty, with its sloping sides. Then I discovered that it's the perfect pan for making caramel ice cream (the absolute favorite ice cream in my household, and also the one that's the most work). There's something about the pan's shape that makes it work so well for caramelizing sugar, but I couldn't begin to say what it is.Like all Cuisinart Chef's Classic stainless cookware, this pan is solidly constructed, with a riveted handle, and has a beautiful highly polished finish. The Chef's Classic handles never get hot, so you don't need a hot pad or oven mitt when you take them off your electric burners. The Windsor shape makes this a specialty pan, but if you can find one, you'll probably love it as much as I do.