Le Creuset 9-Quart French Oven: FLAME

Comment: I ordered two pieces of Le Creuset items from Amazon. I have wanted to cook with their product for years, but this was the first time I was able to squeeze it into my budget.

Imagine my dismay when both items had scratches in the inner enamel (not on the outsides of the pieces). I know I got a deal from Amazon, but I started to wonder if Amazon was selling second quality. The "Le Creuset" labels on the pots were white, which indicates "first" quality. If they had been seconds the label would have been orange.

With a sinking feeling in my gut, I proceeded to return both items. If it had been just one piece, I would have thought it was a fluke. But with two the incident just didn't sit right with me. I wasn't about to risk another return. I decided to try my chances with Flemington's liberty village Le Creuset where, even if I was purchasing second quality, I would have more control over the flaws I would have to deal with.

As it turns out, the price of the seconds were exactly the same as those at which Amazon sells theirs. However, as the outlet was having an amazing sale, I was able to purchase three for the price of two and get free shipping. Chris the salesperson I dealt with personally looked over the pieces and chose items with flaws that I could live with. I couldn't be more pleased.

So if you ultimately decide to purchase your Le Creuset from Amazon, be very sure that you inspect your items very carefully. If the scratches or flaws are on the outside, this is something you can live with. You're getting the items at the price of seconds and they'll get scratched over time anyway. But if there are scratches or protrusions on the inside of the pieces, I would seriously consider returning the items. You don't want the integrity of the pots to be compromised.

Comment: Bought this as a gift - but I use this cookware and it is fantastic. Food cooks quickly and evenly. I highly recommend Le Creuset products even though they are a bit on the heavy side - nothing cooks better than cast iron!

Comment: I LOVE this dutch oven - it gets used at least 3 times a week for one thing or another. It is extremely versatile - you can use it for sauteeing veggies (the high sides help keep down any oil splatter); braising beef, pork, or chicken; it makes a beautiful roaster in the oven, and for soups, stocks, and lentil dishes, you cannot beat it.

The heat retention and dispersion is excellent, and the finish cleans up nicely. It does take a few uses for the finish to become 'seasoned', for lack of a better word - it did stick when I first started using it, but seems to be almost non-stick now. I always thought these were overrated - but someone gave me a Le Creuset roasting pan for a housewarming gift 10 years ago, and I finally bought the dutch oven to match, this past summer. They are expensive, but worth it - I will have this piece for the rest of my life, and pass it down to a niece or nephew one day!

One thing I would recommend, if you are planning to use this product as a roaster in the oven, spend a few more dollars and purchase the stainless-steel knob for the lid. Not only is it more attractive (in my opinion), but the stainless knob will withstand much higher temperatures than the knob that comes with the lid.

Check the outlet stores for this product, too - they are phasing out this colour and there are some deals to be had. Even the regular outlet price is a steal, which is what I paid for it. Of course, that was offset by the cost of the matching tagine that we also purchased at the same time.

Definitely recommended!! Happy cooking.....

Ken

Comment: This thing was huge. I had to return it and suck up the 15 dollar return charge. Plan to go with the 7 qt model.

Comment: This is without a doubt a five star Cooking pot. My wife and I purchased our pot after comparing it with other smaller sized and priced enameled castware available. We found this pot had thinner side walls that reduced the wt. of this larger 9QT. French oven. The lid is heavy and fits well for a better seal. The over all fit and finish are what you would expect on a pot in this price catagory. The price is high but we believe worth the extra cost in performance, size to weight ratio, quality casting and enamel coating(we have cobalt blue). To smaller and older cooks the overall weight was a consideration for us as well. We are pleased that this size was manageable and not too heavy when lifting the filled pot without the lid.