Wow! Good deal and all looks in good condition too.

The aluminum pans not only have the "causes alzheimers" hoopla going on about them and all that debate but they do interact with acidic foods and pit them so affecting the flavor and coloring of the foods.

NCHFP supports that warning about using them in cooking or canning acidic foods such as tomatoes, fruits, and foods with vinegar in their basic FAQs.

We had a discussion about this last week here with info links etc. but I can't recall what thread it was in so I'll see if i can find it for you.

Dave

Here is a link to one recent discussion. If you search 'aluminum pans' on the forum it will pull up a couple of other discussions too.

Here is a link that might be useful: Stainless steel vs. aluminum pots

I don't give the health concerns a lot of credence, but I don't cook in aluminum because it is going to react with anything acidic and leave an unpleasant aftertaste.

I do use an old Aluminum Guardian Service canning kettle as a water bath for small batches of preserves, so they do still have their uses.

Kudos on your purchase. There's real value there, especially that big stainless stockpot. Looks like a Vollrath, and they're a treasure.

Carol

I'd just use the aluminum for boiling water, waterbath canning or non-acid foods.
Good score!

I'm curious if anyone knows the purpose/use of that stand funnel. I've never seen one.

Deanna

I'd bet the stand funnel is for filling jars when you need two hands to hold up all those heavy stock pots full of hot stuff.

Before they made those light weight plastic ones.

Through my training, all of our MFP materials say to cook in a non-reactive pan of steel, glass, or ceramic coated.

I think Deanna has the right idea on uses.

It is a Vollrath 4305 - which makes it an "Aluminum Alloy", not Stainless. I bought it for cooking tomatoes and applesauce. Is it gonna be acceptable? I really don't have much use for it beyond that. Well, maybe sweet corn and green beans.

Darn. I wouldn't risk it. You don't want your tomatoes and applesauce to taste like aluminum.

Carol

Me neither. I'd use it for a BWB canner if it is deep enough or save it for boiling corn like you said or maybe cooking beans and ham in. Too bad, it's a good looking pot.

Dave