Cast Iron Cookin'

I have the 7qt blue Cuisinart Dutch oven and am very happy with it. I’ve had it a few years and use it a couple of times a month for braising beef or pork.

I bought one, and it came with chipped enamel. Cuisinart sent me a replacement, but billed me for shipping! Then, the replacement’s enamel chipped, too. I am not abusing these.

The enamel on the cooking surface is not smooth like on a Le Creuset. The sear is not at all the same. It’s slightly more non-stock than a well-seasoned cast iron pan, but not as easy to clean as the more expensive Le Creuset.

I wouldn’t buy another Cuisinart. If you want a low-cost alternative to Le Creuset, look for Lodge.