Customer Reviews

Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 15-1/2-Quart Oval French Oven, Red

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I got a deal on this monster a few years ago and bought it even though I thought it was way bigger than I would ever need. WRONG! It has become one of the most used items in my kitchen. Large batches of soups or sauces are never a problem, and any extra room just keeps things cleaner due to reduced splash. This pot will hold a good sized turkey, or 3 whole chickens, or 1 whole pork shoulder, etc, etc. Quality construction, very useful, long life. Also, a canners dream. Buy it.

I acquired this pot from my lovely wife this past Christmas. It is huge! And I love it. I did a double batch of the Lee Brothers 'Country Captain' recently and when all ingredients were in and simmering (24 chicken pieces)...it was only half full!

Today we are having a large group of friends over for the Phila Eagles playoff game. I am braising (3) eight pound ham shoulder butts. That's 24 pounds of ham (with bones) and they all fit! Plus mirepoix, wine, 1/2 gallon of stock, herbs etc. Bottom line, this pot will handle just about any amount of meat you may ever need to cook at one time. And not just meat. This can serve as a huge stock pot, great for massive souffles, soups, casseroles etc...

The way these pots cook is nearly magical. From browning to simmering, to finishing the sauces etc...they're a dream to use. Food retains moisture in this unlike any other pot I've used because of the blanket of heat that surrounds the food. Due to that heavy tight fitting lid, food is simply more flavorful...same ingredients, same recipe, same temp, same time...the recipes just turn out better and more tasty in the Le Creuset.

But one word of caution...right now, my pot filled with the ham and liquids weighs just under 55 pounds! And so in and out of the oven is quite a lift. I'm a pretty big guy, so it's manageable...but for some, this would, no doubt, be an obstacle. Even when emptied of its contents, it still weighs 25 pounds!

But as for me...I love this thing! Thanks Honey!