Le Creuset 9.5-Quart Oval French Oven: Cobalt

Comment: What can I say other than. . . these work as advertised. Made very well and enamel is rock solid. We have been using this a lot and are looking at purchasing more. Yes, they are expensive but worth it if you are going to use it.

Comment: I bought this pot specifically for making cassoulet, stews, chilis, roasts, curries, spaghetti sauce - I have used it for all these things and it is wonderful. I don't know why, but food has never tasted so good as when it's cooked in a Le Creuset. One thing I like to do is put all the ingredients in it and place it in the oven set at 200-250 degrees F and slow cook all day - kind of like using a crockpot. I also love to be able to cook the meal and just leave the leftovers in the pot and put them in the fridge - I could never really do that with my cast iron Lodge pots. I have found the 9.5 quart is not too big for just the two of us because we like to cook and eat our meal and freeze leftovers for work lunches. I also have the 5-qt buffet casserole and it definitely sees more use than the 9.5qt pot, but it's probably the shape of the pot more than the size that has caused this - the buffet casserole is very versatile, but also heavier (or so it seems!)
As is recommended by Le Creuset, I use wooden, plastic, or silicon utensils only - I have scolded my husband for using a metal spoon in this pot - it does leave metallic streaks on the surface. Some foods will stain the enamel (especially curry!) but the food stains and the streaks from the accidental metal utensil clean up with a "Tuffy" - that orange and yellow plastic mesh scrubby - and some Bon Ami - and the finish looks as good as new. The special cleanser Le Creuset sells seemed expensive to me (especially when I often use my pans 2-3 times a day) and Bon Ami cleans the pot without damaging the finish.

Comment: I have had this french oven for 13 years and it looks just as good as when I first opened it. the enameled cast iron construction is superior for cooking everything from turkey to pot roast. the enamel keeps food flavors pure and makes clean up a snap. I do keep the lid and the pan in felt covers and use baking soda to clean. I hand wash and dry this item. this really is a life time investment and well worth the price.

Comment: OK....Yes, it's expensive and yes, it's so heavy I can barely lift it when it's full.....but, this is what I have wanted forever!

Food stays hot and the clean up is easy. And, you will have this for the rest of your life. I purchased this from Amazon because I needed it right away and they had the best service and the best price.