Paula Deen 5 Quart Cast Iron Covered Oval Casserole

 (7 customer reviews)

I am a recent convert to cast iron cookware. I thought the stuff my mother used was old fassioned. Boy, was I wrong!!! Cast iron is great! Even heat distribution, non-stick (follow the instructions), and it doesn't slide around on the burner because it is heavy. I had to learn a bit about curing and cleaning but now that I have it down this is better than any stainless steel or non-stick cookware. WARNING - the handles get hot, the lids get hot and don't drop it on your toes. You will notice on the high end cookware that they always advertise how thick the pot bottoms are or how the multiple layers of metal distribute heat evenly - well cast iron does this naturally. Great pot - CAST IRON RULES (don't wait 50 years to find out)

This Paula Deen cast iron (dutch oven) is the best I have ever used. What makes this pot unique is the shape. For me, I can handle the weight of the iron pot in this shape with my hands much easier than with a large round pot when handwashing and drying. Also this size fits in the oven better, not taking up all the room where I can add another small baking dish and cook more than one item together. The style of this pot is so attractive, I leave it on the top of the stove while not in use. You can do everything all in this pot; brown, saute and bake for one receipe such as beef stew, roast beef, roast pork or lamb and of course chicken. This pot is so attractive, I even take it to the dinning table and serve right out of it. Paula Deen also makes this pot covered in a enamel coating in lots of beautiful colors. I like the natural look of the iron. Great pot for the money.

I've used this pot several times now for searing meat, braising, and making stews. It's so sturdy and I love the way it looks. I enjoy having pretty things to cook my food in, but they must also get the job done and be easy to clean. This one fits the bill in all these areas. I'm very happy with my purchase. After making my beef stew tonight, it looked like I had a "baked-on, caked-on mess". But after letting the pot and lid soak for literally a couple of minutes, the food came right off. Now that's my kind of cleaning.
The pot is very heavy, but all cast iron is heavy. We can all use the extra exercise!!