Kitchen Aid Cookware: Enamel Cast Iron Red Round Dutch Oven 7 1/2 Qt. Review

I only rated this product a four because I have only recently purchased it and have not been using it very long. I was extremely impressed with the product description and the process by which it is forged and enameled: "The Porcelain Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven is hand-cast from molten iron in individual sand molds. The raw iron pieces is hand prepared before several layers of enamel are applied and baked in very high temperature ovens. High quality porcelain enamel coating is impermeable to odors and stains. No seasoning required · Safe on all cook tops and in the oven to 475 degrees F."

I already owned a small and a large iron frying pan and a five quart cast iron dutch oven. I wasn't too certain about whether my dutch oven was appropriate for say making rice, where a large amount of water would be involved. My base line meal is rice and beans, with mirepoix, mushrooms and roast pork added. It ends up being a greater volume than the five quart can handle. So, for both of those reasons, I took the plunge, ordering a larger but enameled cast iron dutch oven. In looking over reviews for other products, I was surprised to see so many negative comments, centering mostly around chipping and staining of the enamel. In particular, the Lodge enamel dutch oven received quite a few critical comments. My five quart is a Lodge, so while they are masters of cast iron, they appear not to be so for enamel.

This product had no reviews, so it was a long shot. I was looking for metal handles and this has them. That description, though, was the only solid evidence I had to hang onto in everything I had read. The price was certainly right. Shipping was $20+, which kind of bowled me over, but I was expecting it, for such a heavy product. (It does, after all, weigh more than the average person, or at least a good sized leg.) Being a friend to the environment is important to me, so I do plan to keep this forever. If I had to buy another, it would be a crushing blow to my planning and character. No matter how you slice it, enamel just isn't as tough as steel or stovetop safe glassware. Consequently, the most serious use this piece of cookware will have to endure is to sauté vegetables; I doubt that I will use it for any heavy duty applications, such as browning meat. If one were to do that, however, the enamel application process looks outstanding, I do believe it would hold up to more stressful cooking. Best regards.

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Product Description:
The 7 1/2-qt. Dutch Oven (with lid and enamel cast iron knob) is energy efficient, versatile and long lasting. Energy efficient enamel cast iron distributes heat evenly, prevent foods from burning or forming lumps, and retains heat longer to keep foods hot for serving. This remarkable cookware is safe for stovetop, oven and dishwasher-you can even use it to store food in the refrigerator. Tight-fitting lid locks in moisture and flavor resulting in tender roasts and stews. The Porcelain Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven is hand-cast from molten iron in individual sand molds. The raw iron pieces is hand prepared before several layers of enamel are applied and baked in very high temperature ovens. High quality porcelain enamel coating is impermeable to odors and stains. No seasoning required · Safe on all cook tops and in the oven to 475 degrees F.· Hand washing is recommended to preserve the cookware's original appearance Enamel Cast Iron knob The flat bottoms are enameled as the two tone red exterior. REG.$139.99, Sale: $74.99, save up to 46%. Please visit www.paylesscookware.com for different colors available.