Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 2-1/4-Quart Pumpkin Casserole (Flame)

I went mad when I first saw this amazing cassarole. Fans of the other shaped le creusets will love this beauty. Unlike the heart and shamrock designs, the pumpkin has a more realistic 3D shape. But what really impressed me was the daring offset handle on the lid. Genius! Of course, the shaped cassaroles have the same high quality of all of the le creuset pieces. I use mine mostly for stovetop dishes that finish in the oven. Of course, like all le creuset dishes, this one does double duty as tableware--but this time, with even more panache than usual! Okay, I'll quit gushing now. But I just love that pumpkin!

I do not think there is a better way to sample this product line than through the fun casserole pots. They are reasonably priced, much cheaper than the standard 2 quart casserole, and still carries the same quality. These are extremely heavy pans that distribute the heat evenly though what you are cooking. I like the pumpkin for the fall cooking, I also purchased the tomato as well for summer and other seasonal cooking. This holds your standard casserole recipes. This is great for a pot luck, I promise you will be able to identify your dish, and it just flat out looks attractive. The colors are bright and distinct. You will enjoy this pot for many years to come.

I have collected all of Le Creuset's fruit and vegetable shaped cast iron enameled casseroles. This was the first one that I bought and I have used it the most. They are beautiful to display on a table or on a kitchen counter and very practical in cooking delightful casseroles, soups, stews and other wonderful dishes. The color that they can add to a kitchen brightens every vist there. The exterior and interior enamel coating is very durable and easy to clean. I have cooked a multitude of dishes in these casseroles and have found them to be excellent in heat conduction and preventing "hot spots". The wider and lower shaped casseroles are a little better in spreading the heat.

The warranty against defects of 101 years will certainly last beyond my expected needs but it is nice to know that I have the protection since these are not inexpensive purchases.

The comments of guests served from these casseroles is always positive and never fails to bring a smile to my face.

There is a drawback to these whimsical cookers and that is the rim of both the top and bottom of the casseroles. There is no enamel on these rims and they can rust if not dried immediately after hand washing. They are dishwasher safe but I do recommend that you hand wash and dry immediately. I also recommend that you let them sit out for an hour or so to air dry before storing them.

When wet this casserole can be very slippery and the handles on the bottom and top help in preventing dropping them. Be really careful!

Finally, closely inspect your casserole when it arrives. My first garlic casserole had a two inch crack in the enamel. I did not have to contact Le Crueset since Amazon.com immediately sent a replacement to me and had the defective item picked up at my home at no charge. I commend them for standing behind the products they sell.