I use this one every day! It's awesome... (Rating: 5.00)
Review : I admit it: I get a little carried away sometimes, but I truly love this pot! The 4 1/2 quart size is amazingly versatile. I use this size every day, so I actually own two of them. It's great for browning meat, making chili, stews, roasts, you name it. It's not quite big enough for a whole chicken, but then Le Creuset makes the large oval "French Ovens" for that. I always christen each new Le Creuset purchase with an authentic French recipe (hey, I told you I get carried away!)--this size is great for Boeuf Bourguignon. These pots cook foods perfectly every time, and are very energy-efficient in the process. Add in the 101-year Le Creuset warranty, and the seemingly high prices are fully justified. Clean-up is a snap as well, thanks to the super-hard and smooth porcelain enamel coating. It cleans almost as easily as Teflon, but is extremely durable (which Teflon isn't). And, on top of all that, the colors are breathtaking! I store all my Le Creuset on open shelves in the kitchen--they are too beautiful to be hidden in a cupboard.If you only buy one Le Creuset piece, start with this one. Use it a few times, and I'm sure you'll want more! Happy cooking!
My kitchen workhorse (Rating: 5.00)
Review : I got my first Le Creuset cookware in 1978. It was my college graduation week, & I was relaxing on the lawn reading the Sunday Boston Globe. I saw an ad for a Le Creuet starter set (French oven + 2 covered saucepans + skillet) for $..., so I decided to go for it since I was about to be out of the dorm living on my own. That purchase turned out to be one of my best investments ever, as I still use all the pieces today. I now have 3 French ovens, 5 covered saucepans, 3 skillets, 1 oval au gratin, 1 multi 2-in-1 pan with nonstick omelette cover, & 1 cheese fondue set, all in flame. These cast iron utensils are virtually indestructible, except for a few minor dings in the outer enamel. They cook very evenly, given the cast iron, making me a possibly better than average cook (they're one of my unfair advantages). My only problem with the cookware is the heavy weight, but that comes with the territory with cast iron utensils. I guess I'll have to get someone else to lift the pots when I'm old & decrepit. I know they'll outlive me! The 4-1/2 qt French oven is the workhorse of my kitchen, so much so that I have two. I boil pasta in it & make big soups, gumbos, stews, casseroles, & you name it in it. I use it on top of the stove & in the oven. And then it goes to the table for serving, given its attractiveness. Don't be put off by the high price of Le Creuset pots & pans. In the long run, they're a bargain because of their long life. I intend to pass mine down to my sons. Bon appetit!
Well worth the price (Rating: 5.00)
Review : I've had one of these pots for almost 20 years and just love it. It works great on both gas & electric ranges. The even-heating and durability of this pot makes it well worth the investment.
The Le Crueset 4 1/2 quart Round French Oven (Rating: 5.00)
Review : I've read the other reviews and agree that this is a most useful tool to have in my kitchen. It washes up beautifully and the cream colored inside is easier to check for spots than the dark non stick ovens. I like the fact that the oven holds its heat for a good long time after the food is cooked enabling me to use the attractive utensil to serve from at the table and to leave for guests to take seconds from without reheating. I've had no trouble with cracking or chipping, but then I take care not to abuse it. My son is getting one for Christmas from me, what else can I say?
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