This I have had for many years, and it is simple to look after, and with some basic knowledge will last for my entire life - warm up slowly, clean via soaking and then wipe with a soft cloth, don't subject to temperature shock.Ethically I'm more comfortable with an item made in France than some Far East countries. That comes with a price though hence one star off...they are expensive!But back to the product... the first tip I have, is to go for a darker shade rather than a lighter shade, as they can gather tiny little splat marks over the years. Easy to clean regardless of colour but darker in hindsight would be my choice. If taking one of the trend colours these seem to exist for ca. two - three years so stock up accessories in matching shade whilst you ... MoreThis I have had for many years, and it is simple to look after, and with some basic knowledge will last for my entire life - warm up slowly, clean via soaking and then wipe with a soft cloth, don't subject to temperature shock.Ethically I'm more comfortable with an item made in France than some Far East countries. That comes with a price though hence one star off...they are expensive!But back to the product... the first tip I have, is to go for a darker shade rather than a lighter shade, as they can gather tiny little splat marks over the years. Easy to clean regardless of colour but darker in hindsight would be my choice. If taking one of the trend colours these seem to exist for ca. two - three years so stock up accessories in matching shade whilst you can.Second tip, where I disagree with some friends, is the shape - if you plan to roast whole pieces go for the oval, if you plan to stew, soup or bake loaf go for the round.

The first ever Le Creuset casserole I got was for my wedding may moons ago. Since then, I bought at least a dozen items. I got this shallow casserole in pale blue because it looks so beautiful.I don't know why I bought all these Le Creuset casseroles because they are a pain tp clean. Most food stick to the bottom. While you can remove it after a long soak, after a few uses, the enamel gets stained and cannot be restored to its initial splendour.Another problem is that you should not put them in the dishwasher because it will damage it in the long run. And boy, it is so heavy to wash by hand.So, I only use them very occasionally and they just sit in a corner of my kitchen looking thoroughly stylish.The only two items I use more often is the non stick frying pan ... MoreThe first ever Le Creuset casserole I got was for my wedding may moons ago. Since then, I bought at least a dozen items. I got this shallow casserole in pale blue because it looks so beautiful.I don't know why I bought all these Le Creuset casseroles because they are a pain tp clean. Most food stick to the bottom. While you can remove it after a long soak, after a few uses, the enamel gets stained and cannot be restored to its initial splendour.Another problem is that you should not put them in the dishwasher because it will damage it in the long run. And boy, it is so heavy to wash by hand.So, I only use them very occasionally and they just sit in a corner of my kitchen looking thoroughly stylish.The only two items I use more often is the non stick frying pan and the square grill pan which is also non stick. Please note: do not over heat these, as they will get damaged.I must say the shiny exterior enamel of all my Le Creuset items have stayed as new as the day I got them. Shame I cannot say that for the interior.

I bought this item in the store but it had to be shipped, so I was not able to really see the color. I was so excited when it arrived, but upon openingthe box, the oyster color was not what I was expecting. Since I needed it for a dinner I was preparing for the weekend, I went ahead and used it. The Dutch oven’s performance is exceptional however, I have only used it that one time due to the color. I specifically told the women who was working with me that I did not want the dull grey pot with the dull darker grey bleeding into the dull grey lid. She went into the back, came back to me and said that the oyster was more of a soft grey with no bleeding of color. Of all the colors this Dutch oven comes in, the oyster color is dull and lifeless. Very expensive for ... MoreI bought this item in the store but it had to be shipped, so I was not able to really see the color. I was so excited when it arrived, but upon openingthe box, the oyster color was not what I was expecting. Since I needed it for a dinner I was preparing for the weekend, I went ahead and used it. The Dutch oven’s performance is exceptional however, I have only used it that one time due to the color. I specifically told the women who was working with me that I did not want the dull grey pot with the dull darker grey bleeding into the dull grey lid. She went into the back, came back to me and said that the oyster was more of a soft grey with no bleeding of color. Of all the colors this Dutch oven comes in, the oyster color is dull and lifeless. Very expensive for only one dinner.