I have always wanted a Le Creuset enamel cast iron Dutch oven but they are very expensive. I've made do with an unnamed knock-off for years and it has served me well enough. I did notice a few chips in the enamel recently and was under the impression that it was unhealthy to cook with once it was chipped. Since the pot is also quite marked and stained on the interior, and new ones were on sale locally, I decided it was time to replace it.
I went to the store and selected a turquoise 7-quart Cuisinart round dutch oven. Actually, I initially chose the 5-quart size (comparable to what I already had) but was shocked at the checkout when they told me the total was $239.99! For some weird reason that one colour and size of pot was not on sale. Of course, I wasn't paying that price and the guy brought me the blue 7-quart size instead. It was 70% off, from $349.99 to $99.99. I wasn't planning on spending that much either but since I kind of did want a larger pot and it was such a good deal (and preferred colour!), I let them up-sell me.
Here are the features:
- Cuisinart Round Cast Iron Casserole Dish provides superior heat retention and event heat distribution
- Dish is perfect for cooking, serving and entertaining
- Surfaces do not impart flavours or absorb odours
- Safe for use on induction stovetop, oven and broiler
- Dishwasher safe
- Casserole dish has a 7 quart cooking capacity
It also has a LIFETIME warranty so I figured for a hundred bucks I had a pot for life. When I got home and opened it up I was thrilled. It is so beautiful and absolutely huge. I can't wait to make my first batch of stew or chicken cacciatore. I'm very happy with my choice and know that I will use it frequently.
As I was discussing this purchase with my friend, who had chips in her pot as well, I just thought to quickly search the safety of using a worn enamel cast iron pot. Turns out that it is actually perfectly safe to continue using it since the enamel is merely a non-stick/non-rust coating. The cast iron is fine to use with or without enamel. I think I was thinking of copper pots... Therefore, I decided to keep my old dish as well and I'm going to purchase some cast iron enamel cleaner (didn't know that existed but found it on my search) to try to rejuvenate the surface and keep my new, gorgeous Dutch oven looking great.
Comments