Le Creuset Cookware Review

A 5.5-quart Le Creuset dutch oven entered my life last Christmas, and I wish I'd had it all my life! This vessel is not only a gorgeous and classic red color, but it is the best cooking vessel I will probably ever own.

The Le Creuset products are cast iron pots coated in smooth, colorful finishes. My dutch oven is a round vessel that is extremely versatile. The first thing I made in it was a delicious tomato-bean soup a la Giada de Laurentiis. Last night, I cooked a rice pilaf dish with shrimp, lemon and garlic.

I am amazed at how little heat I need to apply to the pot. The stovetop (mine's ceramic) only needs to be turned a third of the way up to get excellent heat for sweating vegetables. I can't help but think that this is going to save on energy. On another occasion, I was amazed at how well the pot retained heat. I had to turn it off as it kept boiling the liquid, even at the lowest heat!

The pot is so beautiful, I enjoy having it in view on the cooktop at all times. To wash it, I wait for it to cool most of the way and fill it with warm, soapy water. After soaking a few minutes, I give it a quick wash and dry.

However, it is extremely heavy. Someone who has trouble holding heavy items may have difficulty dealing with this pot. A person should always be mindful that it is heavy and the handles and lid get extremely hot.

After 20 years of enthusiastic cooking, my only regret is not knowing about this amazing pot decades ago! I highly recommend it as a gift for any excellent cook or even a newlywed. It is quite expensive, but well worth it for the lifetime of delicious meals it will help you make!