Le Creuset Oval French Oven 5 qt - A Must In Any Kitchen

Okay so you can purchase other Dutch or French Ovens for less, why all the fuss about the Le Creuset Oval French Oven 5 qt.? Are they worth the price? Absolutely! They are unbelievably durable and it's not unusual to find people who've had their Le Creuset cookware for 20,30, 40, 50 years or more. I'll bet your grand-mother has one in her kitchen that's she's owned since her wedding day. So, you could purchase a cheaper casserole for say $50 and the Le Creuset Oval French Oven for alot more than that, say $300. Well, what if your other dutch oven only lasted 10 years and your Le Creuset lasted 60 years, then if you calculate the cost per year that you owned each casserole, then the price is really the same isn't it?

The Le Creuset Oval French Oven 5 qt. is so attractive and so retro! It comes is several really funky colours, the classic Orange Flame, Colbalt Blue, Cherry Red, Kiwi, Dijon, Carribean Blue, Black Onyx and Dune White. It's made of cast iron and two layers of enamel. And, although we talked about Le Creuset lasting 60 years, it has a 101 year warranty against defects and the knob on it's lid will handle temperatures up to 450 degrees farenheit and it will handle all heat sources including gas and electric stovetops.

Le Creuset Oval French Oven 5 qt. owners love them! You can be an average cook and turn out beautiful dishes including soups, stews, roasts and full one pot meals. Because of it's construction and tight fighting lid, Le Creuset cookware helps to seal in the moisture and natural food flavors so that food comes out tasting delicious.

We were reluctant to spend the money on this french oven but it was worth every penny. It heats up evenly and browns meat beautifully. We use this 5qt. french oven to make great one pot meals (4 servings). Just last night we made braised short ribs that were mouthwatering. We often use this pan on the stove for browning or searing and then transfer the dish to the oven for further cooking. Other times we use it for slow cooking on the stove. Clean up with the pan is super easy. Everything just wipes right out. The pan is really heavy but that's what makes it cook so well. My wife used to hate to cook (I used to be the only cooking enthusiast in the family) but she loves this french oven because all her recipes come out tasting so good.

Nothing beats this heavy gauge pot for even cooking of meats and stews. I've had mine a few years and it's the pot I always reach for when I cook a pot roast or braised short ribs or stuffed peppers. The oval shape lends itself wonderfully to leg of lamb or any elongated cut, and wash up is a breeze.

Use it on top of the stove or in the oven with equally fantastic results. Yes, it's pricey, however, this is a pot you'll keep for a lifetime and pass down to your kids.

I have been following the Le Creuset products for some time now. I must admit that I was very tempted to buy a more affordable brand such as Martha Stewart's but I resisted thinking that it's an investment. My daughter has the whole line and she is a chef. My first piece was the 2 3/4 Qt size but found it too small for the majority of dishes I cook for my family of 4. (Although it's great for side dishes.) The 5 Qt is perfect. I have used it multiple times already. I prepare main dishes in it and take it as is to church gatherings and pitch ins. It keeps the food hot for some time. The only negative is for the money it should have a better knob on the lid. The plastic just doesn't do it justice. So far very easy to clean.

We can't live without our Le Creuset cast iron oval French oven. Not only does it cook beautifully, clean up easily and transition easily from one environment to another, but it helps me feed my army while delivering a plethora of nutrients and vitamins.

For example, I'll cook a huge pot-roast with cabbage, carrots, potatoes and onions one night, then put all the leftovers in the refrigerator overnight. The next day I'll just pull out the French oven, cut up the left overs, add more veggies and some beef stock and let my homemade veggie beef stew simmer all day long. No need to change containers! All the nutrient rich juices, tidbits and gravies stay inside the oven and become easily incorporated into the next meal that I prepare.

The oval oven fits larger birds for steaming, roasting and boiling. I also find that it competes for different "foot space" than my other pots and pans and thus doesn't cause crowding on my stove top when I've got several burners in use. I also love the fact that I can use the upturned lid as a holding space for veggies and other items I prepare for the pot.