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.

Beautiful Cherry Coccotte

First, I'm quite impressed with the customer service. I received prompt reply from Sim (thank you!). I've always wanted to own a Staub dutch oven but is often reluctant because of the price. Having stumbled upon the sale, I was elated but first, needed to clarify if the discount is offered due to factory defect or visual imperfections as seen from one dealer. Assured that its not, I went ahead and ordered. Shipping is fast and my new dutch oven arrived, packed with great care. As mentioned by another reviewer, the color is not as bright red as in the picture but more of a deeper, earthy, almost gradient color (darker, almost maroon color in the looped handles) which I love. The 4 qt, seems to be sufficient for cooking a meal for a family of 4 and it has a more ... MoreFirst, I'm quite impressed with the customer service. I received prompt reply from Sim (thank you!). I've always wanted to own a Staub dutch oven but is often reluctant because of the price. Having stumbled upon the sale, I was elated but first, needed to clarify if the discount is offered due to factory defect or visual imperfections as seen from one dealer. Assured that its not, I went ahead and ordered. Shipping is fast and my new dutch oven arrived, packed with great care. As mentioned by another reviewer, the color is not as bright red as in the picture but more of a deeper, earthy, almost gradient color (darker, almost maroon color in the looped handles) which I love. The 4 qt, seems to be sufficient for cooking a meal for a family of 4 and it has a more comfortable weight. The personal touch, an email from one of the owners, is greatly appreciated, too. Overall, highly recommended and will always check for good deals and quality products in this store.

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.

Great Dutch Oven! Truffle White Color Inaccurate.

This is a great dutch oven! The 5.5 quart size is perfect for a family of 2-4, but I would recommend a larger size for anyone who is planning to host or has a large family. Taking off one star due to inaccurate color depiction. We purchased the "Truffle White" color, which appears to be off white on the website but is more of a light grey in person, with a significant number of brown "flecks" (which pull out significantly more when heat is on the dutch oven). Other than the color discrepancy, I would highly recommend this dutch oven for amateur and seasoned cooks alike!

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.

One of the best cookware pieces available today

Excellent quality. The enamel is very well done, and the self-basting dimples on the inside of the lid definitely seem to help keep the food moist. I’ve had a couple Dutch/French oven’s in the past that were cheaper ($80 - $120) but they did not perform well and didn’t last long. I’d recommend buying the right higher quality cocotte. The quality justifies the price, whether it is Staub or LC. The store I bought the cocotte from, Consiglio’s Kitchenware, shipped the item really quick, and it was really nice to discover they are family-run business…makes the purchase experience feel more personal vs buying the same item at a big chain-department store. And! Consiglio’s prices were the best (after a few months of shopping around). I’d definitely recommend Staub ... MoreExcellent quality. The enamel is very well done, and the self-basting dimples on the inside of the lid definitely seem to help keep the food moist. I’ve had a couple Dutch/French oven’s in the past that were cheaper ($80 - $120) but they did not perform well and didn’t last long. I’d recommend buying the right higher quality cocotte. The quality justifies the price, whether it is Staub or LC. The store I bought the cocotte from, Consiglio’s Kitchenware, shipped the item really quick, and it was really nice to discover they are family-run business…makes the purchase experience feel more personal vs buying the same item at a big chain-department store. And! Consiglio’s prices were the best (after a few months of shopping around). I’d definitely recommend Staub Cocottes and Consiglio’s to anyone looking to buy high quality kitchenware.

Perfect Pot

I bought this a gift for myself. I have always wanted one and when I saw it on sale I decided it was time to make my purchase ! I made a soup the day after I got it. It was EVERYTHING I had hoped it would be and more!! It cooked my veggies perfectly. Nothing stuck to the bottom of the pan. I LOVED LOVED LOVED the see thru glass top. I could adjust my simmer just by looking at it without taking the cover off and releasing the heat.The clean up was super easy. The size of the pot is perfect. Its not too big and heavy.It is an all around great pot. Cant wait to do more cooking in it! My only regret is that I didn't buy one sooner!!

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.