Cookware fashion -- what's with the glass lids?

I'm seeking to replace a beloved but battered Dutch oven. The original, which was part of a set my husband brought to our marriage nearly 27 years ago, is a West Bend cast aluminum pot with a nonstick interior.

I like cast aluminum because it cooks very evenly while being lightweight, and it's much less expensive than clad pans. If I could find a twin for this pot, I'd be delighted, but West Bend no longer makes pots and pans, and I'm not finding much that's similar. Most of the aluminum pans I've found aren't nearly so thick-walled as the one I have. Also, the lids are nearly all tempered glass.

I don't understand the attraction of glass lids. They're heavy and you need to take extra care when storing them and your ability to see through them is typically hampered by steam anyway.

Agreed on all points - hate 'em.

I like the glass lids. The lids do steam up at times. I have both kinds. With regard to cast aluminum, have you looked into vintage Club aluminum? As I recall, I had some of this stuff back in the l980s and it cooked well. I am not sure why I got rid of it. There seems to be a brisk resale business of certain vintage cookware on ebay. Then again you might want new but I do not think they make club aluminum anymore.

West Bend Company is now Regal Ware ( still in West Bend ) and the cast aluminium is Kitchen Fair http://www.kitchen-fair.com/ . I believe they still have a company store that is open on Saturdays and has some tremendous deals including the cast aluminum. It had mostly over runs and seconds, but still top quality. I used to live nearby, but made my last trip to the store a little over a year ago.

Hope this helps,
Jeff