The finish on this is a bit rougher than expected at this price point. The upper edge where the lid touches feels a bit too grindy for something that is enameled. Even my Lodge doesn't have that kind of grind to it. I would have gone with the other big name but it was just way over the top too much for what it is, even this on sale was a stretch. Then there is the lid. Everyone said the lid had a tight seal. It doesn't, it slides around a pretty good ways on top of the pot. In fact, I don't see how this thing is going to keep any moisture in it with that kind of slop in the lid.I do like the lid design with the basting bumps on it, the bottom of the pot being less rounded and more right angled at the edges, the handles provide a bigger loop than my old one, and ... MoreThe finish on this is a bit rougher than expected at this price point. The upper edge where the lid touches feels a bit too grindy for something that is enameled. Even my Lodge doesn't have that kind of grind to it. I would have gone with the other big name but it was just way over the top too much for what it is, even this on sale was a stretch. Then there is the lid. Everyone said the lid had a tight seal. It doesn't, it slides around a pretty good ways on top of the pot. In fact, I don't see how this thing is going to keep any moisture in it with that kind of slop in the lid.I do like the lid design with the basting bumps on it, the bottom of the pot being less rounded and more right angled at the edges, the handles provide a bigger loop than my old one, and finally it is much lighter than my old 7 1/2 quart.Would I buy it again? No. The finish on it is simply not up to any standard that would match the price point and the lid is a loose, sloppy mess that grinds on the rim which is sure to wear the enamel off in short order and make this a total loss instead of a buy it for life pot. Complete pass.

I bought this 4qt cocotte in French blue during the Black Friday sale. I already owned a Le Creuset 5.5qt and 7.25qt Dutch oven but the price for Staub was so good here at Sur la table that I just couldn't resist. This size is perfect when cooking smaller batches. I usually end up with about 3 generous portions of food which is great because I eat one immediately, have another portion for the next day and end up freezing the third for those days when I don't feel like cooking. If I compare it to Le Creuset I honestly can't say a single negative thing about either. Both are of the highest quality cookware that is out there. The main difference is the interior color and the lid and knob design. With Le Creuset the light interior helps caramelizing food and not burning ... MoreI bought this 4qt cocotte in French blue during the Black Friday sale. I already owned a Le Creuset 5.5qt and 7.25qt Dutch oven but the price for Staub was so good here at Sur la table that I just couldn't resist. This size is perfect when cooking smaller batches. I usually end up with about 3 generous portions of food which is great because I eat one immediately, have another portion for the next day and end up freezing the third for those days when I don't feel like cooking. If I compare it to Le Creuset I honestly can't say a single negative thing about either. Both are of the highest quality cookware that is out there. The main difference is the interior color and the lid and knob design. With Le Creuset the light interior helps caramelizing food and not burning it and with Staub the little "pointy" things on the lid help hold in the moisture slightly better for baking crusty bread. Also the metal lid knob can withstand the higher heat while in the oven. But with that being said you can buy a Le Creuset knob replacement. I make soups, stews, curries, rice, dried beans, bread, you name it. There is nothing more satisfying than having a tough cut of meat fall apart with a fork after it has been slowly braised in a cast iron pot. It's really a joy for me to use. I love both equally and I would highly recommend it especially if you can het it on sale.

I bought this cocotte as a present to someone after buying one for myself a while back. I used it last to cook a veal marengo, and it was perfect. I've cooked with it on an electric stove and in the oven.The size is very manageable (you get plenty to work with, and yet it's not too heavy to handle), it retains and distributes heat and moisture well, the concave lid allows one to pour ice or water in it for extra moisture inside (something not possible with other brands), and I found it very easy to clean.Because the lid does a great job at retaining moisture, you do need to keep an eye on your food so things don't get overly soupy/watery inside (just let out the steam as needed).Super happy with this cocotte and I highly recommend it.

I purchased this Staub piece when I used to live in NYC with the intention that it would give me a connection to a city that I had lived in for many years. This piece not only brings me great feelings of nostalgia but continues to become a trove or memories attached with every dish that I cook in it. First, this Dutch oven is constructed with the upmost care and is clearly designed with function and durability without compromising on style (it’s gorgeous!). Second, this pot is absolutely versatile and can be used to make a plethora of things! Avoid spending unnecessary money on gimmicky kitchen gizmo and gadgets and invest in a quality piece of cooking equipment. Finally, be prepared to have this pot always out and always used! This piece of cookware is not only to ... MoreI purchased this Staub piece when I used to live in NYC with the intention that it would give me a connection to a city that I had lived in for many years. This piece not only brings me great feelings of nostalgia but continues to become a trove or memories attached with every dish that I cook in it. First, this Dutch oven is constructed with the upmost care and is clearly designed with function and durability without compromising on style (it’s gorgeous!). Second, this pot is absolutely versatile and can be used to make a plethora of things! Avoid spending unnecessary money on gimmicky kitchen gizmo and gadgets and invest in a quality piece of cooking equipment. Finally, be prepared to have this pot always out and always used! This piece of cookware is not only to cook but a statement piece when serving. Worth every penny just remember to give it the proper care!

First Dutch oven purchase a success

The 7qt in turquoise is my first Dutch oven, and I can't stop looking at it! Perfect for batch cooking, especially roasts and meat stews. The enameled cast iron makes such a difference in retaining cooking heat and cooking everything evenly. With my other pans, higher heat was needed to keep a simmer, but this Dutch oven lets me get that same simmer at a lower burner setting. The result is more tender meats, vegetables that don't get mushy, and flavorful broths. I didn't become a better cook overnight; this pot made all the difference in elevating my standard recipes to a new level

Great Dutch Oven

I won't state the obvious. This is a great dutch oven. The lid fits very well with the slightest amount of wobble. You can twist the lid slightly in either direction and you can find where it won't wobble, but that's not too much of a concern. The reason for the 4, instead of 5 stars is due to the steel knob and the bolt for it not being packaged/tied down in the box. Because they were just rolling around/bouncing in the box, the nice knob was scratched up. Not a huge deal but it wouldn't take much effort to either install them at the factory or put them in some plastic so they don't get knocked around.

Imperfections?? I See None!!

Amazing, amazing find…almost felt like I “stole” this Staub piece for the price I paid!! It was sold with “slight imperfections”, but after scouring over the pot and lid, both inside and out….well, you got me!! Can’t find a blemish!This is my introduction into the world of Staub cooking. It took this great price to get started but I’ll be back for more pieces again.I was getting tired of wasting money on “non-stick” cookware and decided it was time to buy my last set - a set that will follow me to my grave (hopefully not anytime soon)!! No better way than to start my collection with Staub!

Makes cooking more enjoyable

My first experiences were cooking with the cast iron cocotte that I received as a gift. I’ve since expanded with various pieces of cast iron and ceramic. My favorite piece is the large grill pan for grilling steaks, artisan sausages and many types of vegetables. The even cooking that the Staub pieces produce makes cooking unique comfort food an immersive experience rather than just a task. The cocottes go from stovetop to oven to serving on the table. Cooking with Staub gives me such confidence that I regularly explore new recipes knowing that my cookware will help produce chef quality results.

Quality is not consistent

It is a good pot but food is easy to get stuck on the surface and difficult to be removed. It is not improved even though I season it with vegetable oil after each use. Also, I washed it withsoft cloth and warm water. The emerald is getting off gradually and the surface is becoming thinner and thinner as using the pot to cook. It is so thin right now that the I can see some small white iron spots at the bottom. It seems like the emerald is worn out and that happened within one year of usage. I am not sure if it is because I got the pot at discount but not with visual imperfection or a quality degradation in general.

The best

New addition to my my staub collection. So far performs as expected. Minor imperfections under the handle, little rough, but the interior is perfect. Quite expressive compared to most other enameled cookware, but the quality is better. Too costly to buy a full set so I bought slowly over the years. The braiser was my first and I used it for everything. Really like the black interior finish, personally find it better than others on the market that I have tried. I feel it browns food better, doesn’t stain as easy, in fact I’ve had mine for 5 years and no permanent stains. Just follow the cleaning, storing, and heating guidelines.