You're correct, that is the way it's supposed to be.

Thanks, you saved me a long trip to look at one in a store.

I also picked up a "second" from HG. Mine is a 6-3/4 qt oval in red and it was a STEAL at $69.99. Silly me had to CONVINCE myself to buy it.

The only flaw I've found is how the paint fades up from darker to ligher color. It's not as smoothly integrated as other pieces. Sometimes the thing that makes it a "second" is not such a big deal.

cooperbailey--enjoy that pot! I just used mine for the first time yeserday. It is amazing. I have the 5 qt. and would like to find the 3.5 at HomeGoods--you have given me hope that it will show up there. I bought mine with a multiple coupon deal at a dept. store and paid $117 so am quite happy and am sure you will be too. It cooks very hot--and stays hot. Made black bean soup. H was pleased at how easy it was to clean.

Noodles- used my LC tonight and made zucchini soup. It was tasty. It was so much more pleasant to use than my 30 yr old warped revereware stock pot.

cooperbailey-too funny! that is the same warped reverware and even was 30--actually 38 years old!! I think the joy of cooking with LC and All-Clad is amazing. I just brought home a stainless All Clad wok from HG's. I have a built in 2500 btu wok in my stove (I'm a veggie).

"The only flaw I've found is how the paint fades up from darker to ligher color."

Sometimes it's called a 'gradient' finish and done on purpose (see link below) ;o) Either way, it sounds like a great deal!

Here is a link that might be useful: Gradient finish