Le Creuset Cookware Review

My husband purchased a Le Crueset enamel coated cast iron dutch oven last year.  I try to cook with it as often as I can; stews, soups, and sauces.  I honestly believe that the food not only cooks better and faster but tastes that much better than when I made it in a stainless steel pot.  It retains heat and browns meats and vegetables wonderfully.  The food I have cooked in it cooks much faster.  Several of my family members own some Le Crueset and they love all their pieces. 

There are two concerns people may have. The price and the care insrtuctions.  Le Crueset products are rather costly but they offer a great warranty and their products are of high quality.  Macys and other department stores carry them (it is great if you can find them on sale) as does Williams Sonoma (but they are too over priced and I have never seen them go on sale).  You have to heat the pot up gradually and as they told me at Le Crueset you should never put the heat on highger than medium.  You also have to let it fully cool.  This is all to prevent cracking.  Cleaning must be done with a non abrasive cloth/sponge with gentle soap.  Another issues may be the weight of the pot itself and the weight of it with the food.  I keep my pot at counter top level close to my stove for easy transportation.

In case you are wondering, I have been reassured that Le Crueset stands by its products 100% and if anything happens to your item they will promptly take care of it or offer you a replacement.

Beware, Le Crueset makes cast iron products as well as pottery/clay ones.  I am only writing this review for the cast iron ones.  My mom does have some pottery cooking vessels and she seems to like them just as well although for a family five they are a bit small.