Fantastic soup pot
Pros: Even heating, non-stick interior, oven or stove top use
Cons: heavy, pricey
I purchased this 7.5 qt Le Creuset Bouillabaisse pot at a Le Creuset outlet store. I was informed that it was there because it was a discontinued item. I checked for defects, but after 20 minutes of searching found nothing. I also purchased a stainless steel handle, which I strongly recommend for anyone who wants to use the pot for braising in the oven.
The most striking feature of this pot is its ability to heat evenly and retain heat. Constructed of cast iron and coated with enamel, it is extremely durable, and will no doubt serve its purpose for many years. The non-stick inner enamel makes cleaning extremely easy.
At 7.5 quarts, this pot is larger than most standard dutch ovens, which makes it much more versatile. It performs equally as well in the oven as on the stove top. It is perfect for everything from French onion soup to osso bucco, and from chili to bouillabaisse.
The largest negative is the size/weight. Cooks in small kitchens or that have difficulty lifting heavy items may find this pot too large for their purposes. In addition, the $250 price tag (although I paid much less) may be a turn-off as well.
Overall, this is a cornerstone of my cookware that is used at every available opportunity. Even at $250, I believe this pot still has a great value. It is extremely durable, cooks wonderfully, and is easy to clean. Highly recommended.
