Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 13-1/4-Quart Round French Oven Red

Versatile

This is indeed a large pot but I have found it extremely useful and use it at least once a week. I didn't want a large number of pots and pans so I looked for versatile pieces. We are just 2 in our household right now but I bought this size mostly because it will be even more useful for the future - a family company. I use it to cook many things that I start on the stovetop and finish in the oven. For example to brown chicken pieces on the stovetop add herbs ingredients etc and bake it in the oven. The heavy tight fitting lid keeps the steam locked in and the food moist. I bake entire chickens in it when I am short on time (skin isn't very crispy though)- it really cooks a whole 4-lb chicken in about half an hour at 450 degrees with the pot and oven preheated. Works great with chili soups beans tomato-based sauces even jams. The cast iron heats slow and holds heat in - I don't burn anything in this. Clean-up is so easy!More detail ...