Imperfections are visible, but that is reflected in the very low price. A couple bubbles on top, couple on the bottom, a small divet inside and the color on the bottom has a slight circular pattern. It's on the bottom so I don't care. The grey color is very nice. I was unsure about oval shape on my regular gas burners. It heated quite evenly. I carmelized a large batch of chopped onions on medium heat and watched them closely to see if there was uneven heat across the large oval shape. It worked wonderfully. For scalloped potatoes, I then simmered them in a mixture of heavy cream and whole milk. I was very happy with it. I did take 5 min to slowly start heating on med low, using my higher power burner. I chose a large size b/c I braise pork shoulder in a tomato ... MoreImperfections are visible, but that is reflected in the very low price. A couple bubbles on top, couple on the bottom, a small divet inside and the color on the bottom has a slight circular pattern. It's on the bottom so I don't care. The grey color is very nice. I was unsure about oval shape on my regular gas burners. It heated quite evenly. I carmelized a large batch of chopped onions on medium heat and watched them closely to see if there was uneven heat across the large oval shape. It worked wonderfully. For scalloped potatoes, I then simmered them in a mixture of heavy cream and whole milk. I was very happy with it. I did take 5 min to slowly start heating on med low, using my higher power burner. I chose a large size b/c I braise pork shoulder in a tomato sauce that has become a family favorite. I can sear a 9-10 lb Boston Butt in this and then braise it in the oven. The enamel coating can handle tomatoes. I cook other large roasts, etc and make chilli, so 8.5 qt oval is great. It is heavy, but I can handle it fine. The extra weight makes you more deliberate in moving it, so I find that I am less likely to slide it around. I guess if Texas loses power again, I can even use it on my propane grill, on low, since they can take 900 degrees w/o the lid or 500 with it. That seems to be a year round threat in Houston now, from tropical storms or deep freezes.

Ordered this Dec.2020 in preparation for use in our new kitchen when it was finished. Finally 6 months later when the new gas stove came in we put it to use. It is very heavy to be sure. Most of the time I have someone stronger than me lift it in and out of the oven because bending and lifting it requires a better back than I have. I can lift it onto the stove top. It is recommended to not use on a glass cooktop so I didn't when we had ours. That said it cooks wonderfully on a gas cook top and convection oven. (I have a Bosch dual fuel now.) Roast chicken, Pot roast, stews and bean soups. The lid has little steam producing nodules on the under side and it really works. The meats come out so moist and evenly cooked. It seems to take less cooking time too. Absolutely ... MoreOrdered this Dec.2020 in preparation for use in our new kitchen when it was finished. Finally 6 months later when the new gas stove came in we put it to use. It is very heavy to be sure. Most of the time I have someone stronger than me lift it in and out of the oven because bending and lifting it requires a better back than I have. I can lift it onto the stove top. It is recommended to not use on a glass cooktop so I didn't when we had ours. That said it cooks wonderfully on a gas cook top and convection oven. (I have a Bosch dual fuel now.) Roast chicken, Pot roast, stews and bean soups. The lid has little steam producing nodules on the under side and it really works. The meats come out so moist and evenly cooked. It seems to take less cooking time too. Absolutely spectacular. I have the grenadine color. Getting ready to purchase the oval gratin pan in grenadine to go with. This pan gets used1-3 times a week. Very versatile. These are heavy pans and require some strength but they are excellent cookware to add to ones assortment.

I decided to take a chance in buying a 7 qt. oval Black matte cocotte with visual imperfections. I imagined it would have slight cosmetic imperfections, not easy to see. I pulled the trigger because the price was so good. I would have never bought it at a higher price. Upon arrival, I inspected it and could feel the inside of the handles slightly rough, and could see a dimple the size of a head pin on the inside bottom of the pot and two tinier than that. However, they are not deep and are not chips, only little indentions. Had I read the one star reviews of people getting a big chip or a cracked pot, and no answer from customer service to their emails or phone calls, I would have never taken a chance. I hope Staub improves their customer service and posts what the ... MoreI decided to take a chance in buying a 7 qt. oval Black matte cocotte with visual imperfections. I imagined it would have slight cosmetic imperfections, not easy to see. I pulled the trigger because the price was so good. I would have never bought it at a higher price. Upon arrival, I inspected it and could feel the inside of the handles slightly rough, and could see a dimple the size of a head pin on the inside bottom of the pot and two tinier than that. However, they are not deep and are not chips, only little indentions. Had I read the one star reviews of people getting a big chip or a cracked pot, and no answer from customer service to their emails or phone calls, I would have never taken a chance. I hope Staub improves their customer service and posts what the imperfections are instead of being surprised. Luckily for me, I got a very nice pot, I would say perfect. I have had it for less than a month and cooked a pot roast and chicken soup twice. I brush it with avocado oil and start heating it on the lowest setting until it gets hot, following recommendations. After washing it, if I see a little discoloration from minerals or food film, I pour vinegar and let the pot soak for 20 to 40 min instead of using Bar Keeper's friend I use Arm and Hammer baking soda with a dishcloth or paper towel to scrub the bottom of the pot. And it's like new again. It is 15 pounds, too heavy for me, I wish it was less heavy. I do like cooking with it.