I just got my pot last week and used it yesterday for the first time. The hype is all TRUE! It really DOES make you a better cook. I made up some left over veggies into a quick soup. I started with a whole onion chopped into some melted butter in the pot. After they had sweated a little, I added zucchini, carrots, and cabbage. I let these all cook in butter for about 10 minutes until they had wilted a little, but were still crisp. I couldn't believe that I didn't need to add any water - the veggies cooked in their own water. After they were done, I added some water, olive oil, celtic sea salt, ground black pepper, onion powder, and some cooked somen (noodles). I was sure I would need to do more to make such a simple soup flavorful, but when I took a sip of the broth I was positively blown away. It was so complex and rich! How could something so simple, taste so lovely? It was my lovely blue le creuset soup pot working its magic.

I don't have a tripped out kitchen, I don't collect housewares, and I am not a mad cook - in the kitchen at all hours of the day and night. And I am certainly not rolling in money. However, I finally took the plunge and purchased this pot. Right after I made the order on amazon, I started in with some major anxiety over the price and my budget. However, after using this pot, I have NO qualms whatsoever. It's actually going to save me money by turning simple, inexpensive ingredients into magical tasting, wholesome, nutritious meals.

Who knew a pot could do so much? (french housewives, apparently ;)...)

The negative reviews that mentioned flaws in the enamel: I ordered both this pot and the matching blue 12 inch skillet. Neither has any flaws whatsoever.

Stop debating and get this pot, you won't regret it.

How did I live without this?? (Rating: 5.00)
Review : I received this as a gift and the quality is superior to anything i have every used. It still looks brand-new though it is several years old now. Heat distribution is even, no hot spots! Easy clean up, too.

Absolutely my favorite utensil (Rating: 5.00)
Review : I use this pan every time I can. It cleans up beautifully in the dishwasher which is a real plus. It's the perfect size--not too big or small. Great heat conduction. Great for oven or stovetop. Wish I had one in every size!

A great piece of cookware. (Rating: 5.00)
Review : I just purchased this Soup Pot as my first piece of Le Creuset. I had never used it before, but had adored it for a long time. It is beautiful and cooks very well. I've found it takes a little getting used to the enamel, as I've had a couple things stick a bit, however it cleans up like a dream. Enjoy!

If you only buy one "good" pot, buy this one. (Rating: 5.00)
Review : This pot is wide enough to roast a four pound chicken, deep enough to make a standard casserole recipe, and heavy enough to make perfect rice for five people. The rounded bottom is just right for sweating onions and peppers. The tapered sides reduce soup and sauces quickly. The enamel coating soaks clean without scrubbing - even baked on pan juices. I've even served salad in it.

Like other Le Creuset pots, this can't be used for deep fat frying (very high temperatures will trash the enamel). So you'll have to settle for it doing everything else.