Customer Reviews

Mario Batali 6-Quart Italian Essentials Pot , Chianti

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

This is a beautiful pot, with great style and color. It's just as functional as the more expensive French model, but without the high price. The white interior stains a bit, but I still like it because the white makes it easy to see changes in sauce or roux color. A wonderful addition to my kitchen!

As much as I love cooking in this pot and just looking at it because it is really beautiful, the first time I used it the handle chipped even though it was handled carefully. The second time I used it, I made a lentil soup and the bottom of the pot discolored. It did not burn and I used a low flame but it still discolored. I have used Le Creuset Dutch ovens for years with absolutely no problem. I don't think I will purchase any more Mario Batalia Dutch ovens since they seem to be inferior. I am very disappointed because it is really a beautiful looking pot, especially in the Chianti color.
Emileen Hanna

I purchased this Dutch Oven because it is beautiful and the price is mid-range. When I got it home I washed it by hand, handling it very carefully, and placed it in a plastic strainer while I washed the lid. I had thoroughly inspected it coming out of the box, it was fine, after washing it had two chips in the handle. Cooking with it is great, it retains the heat well, heats evenly and the lid is snug, but the third washing produced another chip on the curve of the bottom and the interior stained. I went back to the store where I purchased this Dutch Oven and was told except for two (one being mine), all the others sold were returned. While this Dutch Oven is still usable I didn't want to have to check it for new chips every time I use it; I've replaced it with a Lodge enamel covered 6-quart Dutch Oven which provides the same benefits in cooking but doesn't chip or stain. The price for the Lodge was half of what I paid for this one.

Distributes heat evenly. Food doesn't stick! Nice and heavy. Metal knob on the lid (instead of plastic) makes popping into the oven simple and thoughtless. My only complaint is that despite hand-washing and careful handlng, the pot already has a small chip on the edge. Disappointing.

I own this dutchoven, and use it a lot, two to three times per week. Yes, it is heavy, but beautiful so I leave it on the stove. I have done research and comparison pricing like everyone else. It was only after I had owned this and used it all the time I discovered a new bread baking technique which requires this type of dutch oven, but more importantly as I learned later by accident, this pot and lid can tolerate oven temps up to 500', a very important selling point for me. I have to use this oven up to 475' for the artisan bread I make, and this oven can handle it. Mario Batali has a great product at an amazing price, and if you buy this you will find you use it for everything, and it truly does not stick. I just let it cool, and then fill with hot sudsy water and let it soak a bit, then wash with a plastic scrubber. I plan on giving this to all my friends as gifts. Don't hesitate as long as I did. I could not justify the costing of the other main brand. It is an added bonus that you get free super saving shipping through Amazon. Bon Appetite...

Copious research went into the selection of my new enamel-cast iron Dutch oven. When Cooks Illustrated rated it right up there with Le Creuset, I decided it would be the one. I mean, for the price, who could afford not to try it!

I only have one difference with the Cooks Illustrated reviewers: I don't think it is too heavy at all. And, with the excellent heat retention and conductivity provided by a cast iron pan, the weight is well worth the effort. And, really, we could all stand to "buff up" a bit, yes?

Mario's design is great, the lid provides plenty of self-basting nodes that work. The enamel is smooth and doesn't appear to have flaws -- and the pictures online do NOT do the wonderful chianti color justice. It is a beautiful pot.

I have made a thick, long simmered pea soup that did not stick to the smooth interior and caused no discoloration. The lamb shanks -- well basted and no hot spots. Stock just holds a slow simmer wonderfully.

I would definitely buy this quality product again, and am looking now at other Mario Batali cookware.

Thanks, Amazon for the quick shipping and good service.

I received this item as a gift and was skeptical. The construction seemed to be solid, but a quick inspection revealed chipped enamel under the handles. I didn't even get to use mine and had to send it back. Personally, I automatically avoid products that are celebrity endorsed because they merely slap their name on whatever product offers them the most cash. This "made in china" dutch oven was bought on sale for $60 at Amazon and I don't think I will be trying another sample.

The design is appealing, though the handles seem unsuited to carry the weight of the pot. Just my impression.

I've used a cast iron dutch oven for many years. It's still good for some things, but the enameled dutch ovens are terrific! No more iron flavored gravy! I don't know that this one is better than any other on the market, but I LOVE IT! It arrived in perfect condition. I've used it over and over and I've experienced none of the complaints other reviewers had with chipping, staining, etc. I'm sure I'll be using it for many years to come. It's now my go-to pot for everthing from cooking fresh grean beans, to oxtail stew. I wish a had a 4 quart one for my smaller meals and gravies.

I love this pot. A lot. I use it for everything, but where it really shines is braised dishes. You can sear the meat, saute vegetables, then pop the whole thing in the oven without dirtying another pan. Everything I've cooked in the pot has turned out flavorful and moist.

As for cons, it can be a bit unwieldy to clean. It's cast iron and HEAVY. The spikes on the lid help with basting, but they are a pain to clean around.

I've had this for well over a year and it's still in terrific shape.

I had bought this dutch oven in the expresso brown about a year ago and loved it so much that when I recently saw the same pot in the new Chianti Color in the warehouse deal for $49.00 I decided to buy another one!...This pot makes the best soups and stews..also this week I made a pot roast that was out of this world. The Self basting lid is wonderful though the pot and lid is very very heavy...for the price your not going to get a better pot!
Thanks Amazon for another great deal!