Sales Rank: 17453


Features:

Dishwasher-safe; 101-year warranty

Can be used in the oven or on the stovetop

Made of enameled cast iron--unexcelled for heat distribution, retention

Heavy, tight-fitting lid; plastic knob on lid is ovenproof to 450 degrees F

Holds 4-1/2 quarts

Average Rating:
Rating: - Amazingly amazing
A month or so ago I was crusing the housewares department here at Amazon.com, looking for a Dutch oven. I'd nearly settled on Calphalon, but I read a review (gotta love these things!) which said that though Calphalon was generally the cookware of choice, for Dutch - in this case French - ovens, Le Creuset was the brand to buy. I took this advice to heart, in part because I loved the cherry red finish, and bought this 4.5 quart oven.

I want to thank that reviewer; it was one of the best pieces of advice I've had in ages. Le Creuset has produced one of the best, most versatile pieces of cookware I've ever owned. This pan heats evenly and holds the heat, but you really have to work at getting food to burn in it. It goes from stove to oven to table with real panache. Nothing sticks. Ever. Really, I'm not kidding here because I did manage to burn something by walking away and forgetting about it for an hour. But after another hour's soak and a scrub with a nylon pad, the residue was completely removed, leaving no discoloration of the lovely cream-colored enamel of the interior. I use it nearly every day now; I don't know how I got on for so long without it.

I would also like to point out that the cherry red color is very jolly. It might even provoke you to speak French (or at least with an outrageous Monty Pythonesque French accent) while you're cooking. "Allo, now we add zee ahnyon. Zut alors!" That sort of thing. Of course if you find the idea silly, perhaps you should buy the piece in a more sedate color.

Bottom line, this is a great piece of cookware. C'est vrai!

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Rating: - I love Le Creuset cookware.
In my opinion, Le Creuset is the best cookware on the market. Not only is it attractive, but it cooks food beautifully, holds the temperature of the food after you remove it from the oven and looks great when you bring it to the table. The bright colors really liven up your kitchen and they are so easy to clean. The enamel surface is very durable and I have never had it chip or break off. This cookware heats evenly both in the oven and on the stove. While it is expensive, I believe it is worth the price.