Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron 5 Quart Oval French Ovens

We were reluctant to spend the money on this french oven but it was worth every penny. It heats up evenly and browns meat beautifully. We use this 5qt. french oven to make great one pot meals (4 servings). Just last night we made braised short ribs that were mouthwatering. We often use this pan on the stove for browning or searing and then transfer the dish to the oven for further cooking. Other times we use it for slow cooking on the stove. Clean up with the pan is super easy. Everything just wipes right out. The pan is really heavy but that's what makes it cook so well. My wife used to hate to cook (I used to be the only cooking enthusiast in the family) but she loves this french oven because all her recipes come out tasting so good.

We can't live without our Le Creuset cast iron oval French oven. Not only does it cook beautifully, clean up easily and transition easily from one environment to another, but it helps me feed my army while delivering a plethora of nutrients and vitamins.

For example, I'll cook a huge pot-roast with cabbage, carrots, potatoes and onions one night, then put all the leftovers in the refrigerator overnight. The next day I'll just pull out the French oven, cut up the left overs, add more veggies and some beef stock and let my homemade veggie beef stew simmer all day long. No need to change containers! All the nutrient rich juices, tidbits and gravies stay inside the oven and become easily incorporated into the next meal that I prepare.

The oval oven fits larger birds for steaming, roasting and boiling. I also find that it competes for different "foot space" than my other pots and pans and thus doesn't cause crowding on my stove top when I've got several...Read more

This was my first and is still my favorite Le Creuset piece. It heats evenly, cleans up easily. It's great for small roasts (make your gravy in the same pot, it goes right on the stovetop), chili, soups, and everything in between. I can't imagine my kitchen life without this pot.