Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven, 5.5 qt., Licorice

If you're like me, you've been eyeing Le Creuset pots for a while. When I saw this one, in the desirable 4.5 quart size, at a reduced price I grabbed one. I had a few Le Creuset pots in a former life and there is nothing as fun to cook with. Aside from their beauty, they seem to make everything taste better. Be aware of a few things however. First, this one in the color Meringue is not a true white. It's very pale beige. Second, be prepared to be amazed at the weight. It's incredibly heavy. And third, it requires some understanding of the limits of high heat. Official Le Creuset Guidance: Le Creuset recommends low to medium heat for most cooking to protect the enamel from thermal shock (rapid temperature changes that can cause crazing, cracking, or chipping). However, they explicitly allow medium-high to high heat in these specific cases: Boiling water (for pasta, vegetables, etc.) Reducing stocks or sauces High heat is fine here only when the pot has a good amount of liquid in it from the start. The liquid helps distribute and buffer the heat evenly. Also, never put a hot pan into cold or cool water, always let it cool at room temperature first. Finally don't use any metal utensils on it. The lovely enamel coating needs to always be handled gently. No immersion blenders or metal whisks should be used. I purchased some silicone ladles and spatulas to use with this. So if you're ready to bring your cooking to a new height of pleasure, and have saved up enough funds, I recommend this gorgeous pot. It makes a great gift, and can last several lifetimes.

I picked one of these up in 5.5 quart because we needed to replace a lesser name brand of ceramic pot that was staining very badly. We have a few other Le Creuset pots that we love, so upgrading was an easy choice. I got the hibiscus color because my wife wanted it, and she loves it. We have become accustomed to the high quality of Le Creuset and really like these pots.

Zoals Le Creuset is, om lang plezier van te hebben.

I like everything about this pot. I’ve had one for a few years now and it never disappoints! It can be used on top of the stove or in the oven and it’s so beautiful, it adds a lot to the kitchen decor. I was surprised to see how many colors are available.

This was more expensive than I planned on. However, I have no doubt that it will outlast me. The quality is the very best, something I have not found when purchasing things "made in China' . I would rather pay more up front and not have to replace or feel that I'm eating some of the interior of the pan every time I cook something in it. I would buy again if I could find another size in the same color. I am not fond of some of the new colors, just a personal choice.