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 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!

Excellent, Top of the Line in Dutch Ovens

Bought the 5QT Dutch oven/cocotte for my wife for Christmas. Her favorite color is red. She loves to make long simmering soups, stews & braises. Other cocottes have enameled interiors that are not as superior as Staub’s, as they crack & craze after only a few uses. The interior is non-stick but not made with the chemicals most all other non-stick cookware it made from. Staub is truly the ultimate in cast iron cookware. The lid has little drip nodules to redistribute moisture back into the food. She was elated with the gift! Thank you Staub for you superb products!

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.

Staub is the BEST!

This was my 2nd purchase of Staub cookware and I can honestly say I have retired all my other cookware. I have zero negative comments about either pieces I own. It is very heavy cookware but that’s the price you pay for cooking with cast iron. I’ve not had any problems with food sticking but I will say cooking with cast iron is different from other types of cookware and you definitely need to use lower heat. Clean up is always a breeze but I never place mine in the dishwasher. The finish looks as pretty as the day I bought both of them. This one I’ve been using approximately 4 months and my other piece I’ve been using over a year and both still look brand new. I’ve ordered the braiser with the glass domed lid and I cannot wait until it gets here. I use my cocottes ... MoreThis was my 2nd purchase of Staub cookware and I can honestly say I have retired all my other cookware. I have zero negative comments about either pieces I own. It is very heavy cookware but that’s the price you pay for cooking with cast iron. I’ve not had any problems with food sticking but I will say cooking with cast iron is different from other types of cookware and you definitely need to use lower heat. Clean up is always a breeze but I never place mine in the dishwasher. The finish looks as pretty as the day I bought both of them. This one I’ve been using approximately 4 months and my other piece I’ve been using over a year and both still look brand new. I’ve ordered the braiser with the glass domed lid and I cannot wait until it gets here. I use my cocottes for soups, boiling pasta, chili, pasta sauces. Once I did notice a slight dulling of the finish inside after cooking a very acidic tomato based sauce so I took a paper towel and very lightly rubbed some olive oil in it then wiped it off. It came right back to life and have not noticed that again since. This brand is very expensive but I can say that it’s worth every penny as it will last your lifetime if you take care of it. I used to say I would never buy a pot that cost so much but now I don’t feel that way. I consider it an investment. After seeing the difference in my food cooked in this vs some competitors I’m addicted. My next dream piece is an oval shaped piece. One thing I will warn you about is the handle on the lid gets very hot even just cooking on the stove, so be careful and keep a potholder handy. You will love the tight fitting heavy lid that keeps the steam inside and allows the moisture to drip “rain” down on your food as it cooks. There’s just nothing negative to say about this and I am sure I could go on and on about the benefits of it. Happy cooking!

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.

The easiness of cooking cream-based soups

After having searched for non-toxic cook ware that is also durable, I've finally come across this cocotte. The first dish that I've cooked in it is Minnesota Wild Rice and Mushroom soup , and the result was more than I had expected. The cooking quality that stood out was that there was no burning of the ingredients at the very bottom of the pot, which usually happens with milk-based dishes. I used a wooden spoon for mixing as had been instructed in the manual. The heat retention was superb as well, as compared to my experience with other cast iron pans I have. I used noticeably less gas, and the cocotte had to remain in room temperature for some time before I could put it into the fridge. Aesthetically, I look forward to featuring this piece on a dining table when ... MoreAfter having searched for non-toxic cook ware that is also durable, I've finally come across this cocotte. The first dish that I've cooked in it is Minnesota Wild Rice and Mushroom soup , and the result was more than I had expected. The cooking quality that stood out was that there was no burning of the ingredients at the very bottom of the pot, which usually happens with milk-based dishes. I used a wooden spoon for mixing as had been instructed in the manual. The heat retention was superb as well, as compared to my experience with other cast iron pans I have. I used noticeably less gas, and the cocotte had to remain in room temperature for some time before I could put it into the fridge. Aesthetically, I look forward to featuring this piece on a dining table when we invite guests. The ultra-marine color looks unique and goes well with other colors, such as shades of black and red. Most importantly, I appreciate the idea of washing fewer dishes as the food does not need to be transferred into new pots to look good while serving. In sum, main features that stand out are: heat retention, size, ability to perform multiple functions (boiling, baking, caramelizing), aesthetic appearance, and longevity. In addition, mainly glass coating over cast iron core is what had sold this product to me.