Circulon 5-1/2-Quart Dutch Oven

Comment: This is a great size and of excellent overall quality. Not too big, and not too small, just right.

Comment: I purchased this as a replacement for a 5 1/2 quart pan that was recently ruined when it was being used for steaming...with no water. Oh well, luckily I got a great deal on the Circulon 5-1/2-Quart Dutch Oven and so far I'm very pleased with it's quality.

I've used it for numerous things: boiling water for pasta, simmering a large pot of marinara sauce, a pork roast in the oven and even a cheese sauce. It seems to maintain even heat, without any hot spots. I also like the clear lid so that I can see how things are progressing without removing the lid and losing heat. The only complaint I have and the reason for not giving it 5 stars is that the metal handles on both the sides and lid do get hot. I would expect that when using it in the oven, but even when using it on the stove they are too hot to touch without a hot pad.

Comment: This 5 1/2 quart Dutch oven is wonderful for pasta, soups, anything being made in a larger quantity or needing space to cook: mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, the list goes on and on. I don't deep fry things, but this would work for that purpose as well. It's a very versatile piece. This is one of those larger pieces that I would recommend for anyone who wants to try Circulon for the first time, is just starting to stock their kitchen with good cookware, or is a serious cook who is looking for great quality anodized cookware. I love Circulon and have been using it for years. The high low texture makes it easy to clean and I love the glass lids for the newer styles like this one. *Note that anodized cookware should be hand washed and never heated higher than the manufacturer recommends. It will warp if overheated. It heats more quickly and evenly than most other cookware, but can scorch food or boil over just like other cookware. Plan to cook on lower temps and don't go any higher than medium high on the stove top. Do what the manufacturer says regarding oven temperatures. It is not magnetic, so is not compatible with magnetic induction cook tops.

Comment: I specifically bought this model because the Amazon ad stated it was dishwasher safe. When it arrived the packaging information says that it isn't to be put in the dishwasher (it is hard anodized). Bummer. I'm not going to return it - I do need a pot - so I guess I'll have to hand wash it now.

Otherwise seems like a good deal - I just wish I had known the details before hand and I probably wouldn't have gotten it.

Comment: This is no Le Crueset, ok? If you're looking for that, get one, but if you want a cheap alternative, this is it!

It the best non-stick ever; I cooked sausage spaghetti sauce in it, burned it thoroughly and let my kid clean up after dinner... she forgot to rinse it out (so it sat overnight in the sink).

In the morning, sure my new pot was ruined, I used the sink sprayer and...

The stuff just kind of fell off.

AWESOME!!

I wouldn't use this for fine french cooking, sure, but for a good-size soup/sauce/dutch-oven-dessert pot? Absolutely.

I took away one star because the packaging had a big "our gift to you" sticker - this was, at some point, a large stock of gift with purchase items, and they're now selling them cheap, but whatever. 20 bucks!