Staub 4 Quart Round Cocotte, Basil

If you aren't already addicted to Staub yet, one purchase will convert you. This is a beautiful pot with a gorgeous enamel, beautiful color, clearly well made, and made to last several lifetimes. It is made in France, and each mold is used only once, so this is certainly not a "high production factory" turning out these pans. Yet I would argue that it is affordable for many people, especially considering that you will never have to replace it again. [Just don't drop it :)]. It is black inside, but this black matte is treated cast iron that does not need to be seasoned like plain ole' cast iron does. The bottom of the pan is a beautiful blueish color that I assume is the same on all of their pans. I'm not good with the technical details but all of the elements of the pan are designed to make your meal turn out delicious. The advantage of Staub over Le Creuset is more one of personal taste, but I will note that their silver knobs are oven safe whereas Le Creuset's plastic ones...Read more