Cuisinart 7qt Enameled Cast Iron Casserole

Seven quarts of enameled cast iron — the pot for anything that takes its time.

Cast iron holds heat so steadily that a low simmer will still be a low simmer three hours later. That's the whole appeal. You can wander off, come back, and the pot has just been quietly getting on with it. The enamel means tomato, wine and vinegar are no trouble at all, and there's no seasoning routine to keep up with.

Why this one

• It doesn't flinch when you add cold meat. Lighter pans lose their heat the moment the food goes in, which is why things end up grey instead of browned. This one holds its temperature and gives you a proper sear.
• Stovetop, oven or broiler. Brown it, braise it, then finish it under heat without moving anything to another dish.
• It's good enough to put on the table. The cream enamel means you're not decanting a stew into a serving bowl at the last minute.
• Seven quarts goes a long way. A whole chicken fits, and so does a batch big enough to feed everyone twice.

The details

• Capacity: 7 quarts, round covered casserole
• Enameled cast iron, cream finish
• Oven and broiler safe

Looking after it

Hand wash with a soft sponge. Try not to drag metal across the enamel, and never take it off a hot burner straight into cold water — that's how enamel cracks.