Mario Batali 0-49011 6-Quart Italian Essentials Enamel-on-Cast-Iron Pot, Espresso

I never thought I'd buy cookware from a so-called "celebrity chef" on TV, but alas, this is a real find.

I'm a Le Creuset devotee, so it was with some reluctance that I followed the recommendation of a fellow gourmand to order this pot. Now that I have it I L-O-V-E it. It's identical in weight, quality and construction to Le Creuset, except it's half the price. The only material difference is the knob on the lid: Mario Batali's is stainles steel, Le Creuset is plastic (although cheap-looking, plastic is actually more practical because it doesn't get hot).

It's nice to have some unique colors not found in Le Creuset: persimmon (burnt orange) and espresso (deep brown) are both beautiful.

Le Creuset should be shaking in their chasseurs if Mario Batali expands this line to include more pieces.

I was just about to break down and pay the money for a le creuset french oven when I stumbled upon this one. It got favorable reviews as opposed to some other dutch ovens and the price was right, so I snatched one up. The quality is good and I like the fact that it has a metal handle on the cover instead of plastic. It cleans up easily and the color is very nice (I got the expresso). Definitely a great product.

I think I'm a little spoiled in my kitchen. I have some Le Creuset Pans and love them, but not a dutch oven. So I got this for making sauces in. A couple problems, first, the lid's handle is Metal which gets hot - which accounts for the first loss of a star. The second star gone is because the heat distribution inside the pan is lowsey, I'm guessing the bottom is not heavy enough, but it's got a definately hot spot problem. And maybe it's only me, because I cook with Emerilware/All Clad pans, so I'm expecting simular performance.

I'll definately continue to cook with it, and for the price it's not a bad pan, but if you have the money, get a Le Creuset. Better heat distrubution and a heavy plastic handle that doesn't get hot.