Mario Batali 4-Quart Essential Pot, Chianti

I checked the DHL tracking info while the pot was en route - this 4 qt. cast iron pot ships at 17 lbs. (thank God for free shipping)! I suspected that couldn't be right, but sure enough, this is one heavy hunk of enamel-covered iron, partner. Its lid seems to weigh as much as the pot it sits on. I simply can't imagine Mario Batali's diminutive Italian grandma (well...more diminutive than he at least) hoisting this thing off the stove to put into a high cupboard. Or a low one at that. Imagine that there are bigger sized editions in this line to boot!

Mere heft aside, this is a beautifully-made pot with heirloom substance and I agree that it is the equal of any Le Creuset piece I own or have ever checked out. No wonder Chris Kimball and the staff of Cook's rated this the best buy dutch oven. It's worth what they're asking.

I have many dutch ovens including both French brands at triple the cost. This MB 4 quart is the one that I use the most. The Chianti color and design of the pot is very appealing. It cooks evenly and cleans up extremely well. In fact, I bought another in the Espresso color for our get away place. The 6 quart is nice too, but I don't use it quite as much as the 4 quart.

Very impressed with this cookware and highly recommend it. I understand why Cook's Illustrated gave this enameled cast iron pot a Best Value rating and I absolutely agree! I own two pieces of LeCrueset (which I love), but if I buy more cast iron cookware it will be this brand. The pot heats evenly and holds the heat really well. Also, this pot is good to up to 500 F and many other brands of enameled cast iron cookware shouldn't be used over 400F-- according to the manufacturer. The triple-coating of enamel is outstanding- I don't think it gets any better than this. The lid is heavy and fits well. The lid has a stainless steel knob- not something that can melt in an extremely hot oven. The lid also has "drip spikes" which are nice. Clean up is a breeze- the pot comes clean with hot soapy water and a soft sponge--no scrubbing is required. Since this is a very substantial pot, it will be very heavy when it is full. I like my LeCrueset very much, but I can buy two pieces of...Read more