I never thought I'd buy cookware from a so-called "celebrity chef" on TV, but alas, this is a real find.
I'm a Le Creuset devotee, so it was with some reluctance that I followed the recommendation of a fellow gourmand to order this pot. Now that I have it I L-O-V-E it. It's identical in weight, quality and construction to Le Creuset, except it's half the price. The only material difference is the knob on the lid: Mario Batali's is stainles steel, Le Creuset is plastic (although cheap-looking, plastic is actually more practical because it doesn't get hot).
It's nice to have some unique colors not found in Le Creuset: persimmon (burnt orange) and espresso (deep brown) are both beautiful.
Le Creuset should be shaking in their chasseurs if Mario Batali expands this line to include more pieces.
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I was just about to break down and pay the money for a le creuset french oven when I stumbled upon this one. It got favorable reviews as opposed to some other dutch ovens and the price was right, so I snatched one up. The quality is good and I like the fact that it has a metal handle on the cover instead of plastic. It cleans up easily and the color is very nice (I got the expresso). Definitely a great product.
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I think I'm a little spoiled in my kitchen. I have some Le Creuset Pans and love them, but not a dutch oven. So I got this for making sauces in. A couple problems, first, the lid's handle is Metal which gets hot which accounts for the first loss of a star. The second star gone is because the heat distribution inside the pan is lowsey, I'm guessing the bottom is not heavy enough, but it's got a definately hot spot problem. And maybe it's only me, because I cook with Emerilware/All Clad pans, so I'm expecting simular performance.
I'll definately continue to cook with it, and for the price it's not a bad pan, but if you have the money, get a Le Creuset. Better heat distrubution and a heavy plastic handle that doesn't get hot.
Honest reviews on Mario Batali 0-49011 6-Quart Italian Essentials Enamel-on-Cast-Iron
I had wanted an enamel-cast iron dutch oven for a while now and searched online at many places. The prices were a lot more than I was willing to pay (over $200 for brand names). I found this pot on Amazon, read great reviews, and decided on this one. I am so glad I did! I love this pot! The price is the best around and the pot is of excellent quality. It is super easy to clean as the enamel makes it non-stick. Just of note: it is a very heavy pot (as is all cast iron) that is SUPER heavy with a pot roast in it.
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I received this pot for Christmas and I absolutely love it!! It provides very even, steady heat and only requires a low flame to keep its heat. The enameled coating is great. It browns beautifully with minimal sticking and the light color allows you to see the fond very well (little brown bits on the bottom of the pan). The braising spikes on the lid are a bonus as well. To my knowledge Le Creuset does not offer those on their pans. I love the size, too. It is very roomy, but not so mammoth that you cringe having to lug the pan out. And the clean up was very easy. I have always wanted a pan like this but could never afford the hefty price tag of the Le Creuset or the Staub. I am so grateful to Mario Batali for coming out with such a wonderful product at such a reasonable price. I am usually skeptical of celebrity cookware, but this one is a true gem. I can't wait to try some of his other cookware.
