Innova Color Cast Porcelain Enameled Cast Iron 5-Quart Round Dutch Oven, Blue

I purchased the Innova Color Cast 5 quart round porcelain enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven for several reasons. I had seen similar products with non-stick interiors and didn't like this feature. I also considered the high priced French Brand but decided to try this model at 1/3 the price. I used the Dutch oven to make Coc Au Vin and was very pleased. I browned, carmelized, deglazed and simmered. The food was delicious and the clean up was effortless.

I usually cook almost exclusively with Lodge Logic pre-seasoned cast iron cookware (Dutch ovens, skillets, etc.) and they are superb. However, when I make pasta sauce in their 5 quart Dutch oven, and simmer the sauce for several hours, the acidity of the tomato puree added to the sauce erodes the seasoning that coats the cast iron. This requires re-seasononing, which isn't difficult but is somewhat time consuming. I figured I'd try the Innova porcelain covered cast iron, but expected it to be lighter and cheaper than the Lodge Duch oven. Much to my surprise, it proved to be perfect for making sauce. It's heavy, retains heat well and the cover fits perfectly. Even better, after making sauce, all you have to do is rinse and wipe - no re-seasoning. If you like to simmer sauce for a long time, as I do, put this on the top of your shopping list. Also, consider buying a heat diffuser so you have no "hot" spots when you simmer. I use two different ones, and both are good. One is...Read more

I ordered this in blue since it cost so mush less than the others but there is something you should know. Innova has gone out of business as of this April and any warranty is worthless. You can read all about it on HSN Bulletin Boards under the threads Ultrex.