Like all cast iron cooking surfaces, this skillet needs seasoning prior to its first usage. Otherwise, some food particles with high protein content such as eggs are likely to stick. I applied a very thin layer of grape seed oil (which was in my pantry), and baking consecutively at 350, 400 and 500 degrees, cooling and re-oiling in between to season the skillet. This creates a harder cooking surface which is slightly smoother than the original. Cooking thereafter becomes easy and cleaning is relatively effortless. Henceforth, every cooking will add to the protection and further seasoning of the surface. This skillet is well made with a good flat bottom which doesn’t rock on the cooking grate. The outer enamel is also well applied. Like all cast iron cooking ... MoreLike all cast iron cooking surfaces, this skillet needs seasoning prior to its first usage. Otherwise, some food particles with high protein content such as eggs are likely to stick. I applied a very thin layer of grape seed oil (which was in my pantry), and baking consecutively at 350, 400 and 500 degrees, cooling and re-oiling in between to season the skillet. This creates a harder cooking surface which is slightly smoother than the original. Cooking thereafter becomes easy and cleaning is relatively effortless. Henceforth, every cooking will add to the protection and further seasoning of the surface. This skillet is well made with a good flat bottom which doesn’t rock on the cooking grate. The outer enamel is also well applied. Like all cast iron cooking surfaces, this skillet distributes heat evenly which makes for better cooking. This skillet is recommended for those seeking more predictable cooking.

6th Wedding Anniversary Gift and so Worth It!

My husband and I just celebrated out 6th wedding anniversary this past April. The 6th wedding anniversary is known to be the iron anniversary. So what better way to celebrate than to get a new cast iron dutch oven. The color was a Crate&Barrel exclusive and we were drawn to the color. We already know that Le Creuset has wonderful quality and the price and color were just right for us too. Definitely, a wonderful gift to us.

Do not trust their lifetime warranty

I had the same pot instead an older model for over 8 years. I only use that to make soup or stew. Never over boiled or burn without liquid in the pot. I made the first “life time warranty” claim because the vegetables and meat were staring to burn and stick under the pot . They said it was cause by overheating! How?! So I spent thousand dollar to buy a whole set and none of them will cover by the warranty?! Lesson learned.

Just what I wanted

Sturdy and beautiful, and just the right size for me! Any bigger would be too heavy, and any smaller would not fit my recipes. I have used it for baking, stewing, deep oil frying, and pan frying, it's lovely and cleans up so well. It's heavy construction means that even on my electric stove it keeps hear consistent with no hot spots. I've only had it a few months, but the construction seems sound as well - no chipping, cracking, or fading.

Le Creuset Oblong Casserole 3.4 L

I bought this to fit in my oven alongside my medium round brazier to cook 2 different foods at the same time. The 2 fit in perfectly and I only wish I had got it years ago! Size is good but I do agree with another reviewer that the bottom is a bit too slanted. I wish it was more the sharper base curve leading up to the sides much like the other braziers are shaped. Size is exactly what I had expected when I pre-calculated the litre capacity & cm size to my other Le Creuset casseroles etc.

Perfect Size

I use this nearly everyday multiple times a day because its just the perfect size to reheat a dish (if you don't like microwaving them) its so versatile, easy for a smaller family/portion sizes. I love the handle this one comes with because I have all older models (10+ years older) and they all came with the classic black knobs and you can't put those in the oven. I know now I can upgrade them, but they are $$$ so one at a time. That's why I can use this size pot so much and for everything. It's the perfect size for sauces, smaller casseroles, side dishes, and not as strenuous as the larger sizes. Highly recommend.

Perfect for a couple!

Chose this size for a couple just starting out in their new household. In my opinion and based on my experience: it is the perfect size for a couple, in making dinners on weeknights and otherwise. And if and when their household grows over time… it will always be perfect as a side dish. I love Le Creuset… and wish that I had started out building my small collection, earlier in life! Happy to pay it forward to the next generation. PS I bought it in white.

Perfect size for a small family.

I purchased this dutch oven in white and in smaller sz because the 7.25qt that I purchased from another online store was just way too heavy for carrying. I really like this size, 2.75qt. It's perfect for our family of three and I've used it just about every chance I can. So far it is easy to clean. I would not suggest using any kind of metal in it. I made the mistake of using a metal skimmer to take the crumbs out while the duty oven was still being used and almost scratched the bottom of it. I used some baking soda and a soft sponge to scrub/wash it and thankfully the scratched looking marks came off! Baking soda is key to light scrubbing for these enamel cookware.I've been wanting a le creuset dutch oven for years now, so I'm thrilled there was a sale decent ... MoreI purchased this dutch oven in white and in smaller sz because the 7.25qt that I purchased from another online store was just way too heavy for carrying. I really like this size, 2.75qt. It's perfect for our family of three and I've used it just about every chance I can. So far it is easy to clean. I would not suggest using any kind of metal in it. I made the mistake of using a metal skimmer to take the crumbs out while the duty oven was still being used and almost scratched the bottom of it. I used some baking soda and a soft sponge to scrub/wash it and thankfully the scratched looking marks came off! Baking soda is key to light scrubbing for these enamel cookware.I've been wanting a le creuset dutch oven for years now, so I'm thrilled there was a sale decent enough from Macy's for purchase. I wouldn't buy it at full price because the lids do get quite hot during cooking time and you need a heatproof mat or glove to grab the lid each time. I would still recommend it though.

Versatile size for two people

I bought this 2.75 quart shallow dutch oven because I now have only two of us living together. With a family of 5, I previously used a 5.5 quart DO. The 2.75 quart size is now the perfect size for making oatmeal, steaming vegetables, preparing chili and soups. It is so useful that I keep this (beautiful) piece on my cooktop as an accent color in my kitchen. I highly recommend this versatile piece as a go-to pot for two people.

good product terrible shipping experience

It took two tries to finally receive my item. Love the French grey color and the width. Was given this as a Christmas gift and it came four weeks late after saying it would come on 12/17. When it arrived, in a large half opened box, the side was cracked all the way through and a big chunk of the enamel on the outside was missing(didn't even know thiswas possible). Had to take it back to the store, came home and was ordered another by the gift giver. Came in a week but said it was delivered and it was not. Had to scour the neighborhood and finally found it at a condo complex in the neighborhood. The Le Crueset box on the inside was all chewed up but the product seems fine. I am not sure I would order anything of value from WS again as they seem to have shipping ... MoreIt took two tries to finally receive my item. Love the French grey color and the width. Was given this as a Christmas gift and it came four weeks late after saying it would come on 12/17. When it arrived, in a large half opened box, the side was cracked all the way through and a big chunk of the enamel on the outside was missing(didn't even know thiswas possible). Had to take it back to the store, came home and was ordered another by the gift giver. Came in a week but said it was delivered and it was not. Had to scour the neighborhood and finally found it at a condo complex in the neighborhood. The Le Crueset box on the inside was all chewed up but the product seems fine. I am not sure I would order anything of value from WS again as they seem to have shipping issues and quality control issues. Big disappointment for my kids not to have a gift for me on Christmas but even bigger disappointment to go through the hassle of dragging the item around.