Calphalon Stainless Steel Dutch Oven Review

After researching Dutch ovens online and handling them in the stores, I finally settled on a stainless steel Calphalon 8.5 quart Dutch oven.

It is beautiful!

In fact, I had a friend over for tea and conversation the night I received my package from Amazon. She immediately noticed it on the stove top and literally couldn't keep her hands off of it. She was so impressed with this dutch oven that she even read the entire informational brochure that came with it.

Looking at this sturdy pan and considering its lifetime warranty, I am convinced that this Dutch oven is a great investment in my kitchen and my family's health. Eating at home means that I can cook healthy meals from scratch that are both economical and delicious.

When shopping for Dutch ovens, I was shocked at the price ranges. How could a $29.99 pot compare with a $100 pot? Was there a real difference or was this a matter of overpriced brand names?

Well, with kitchen tools, the adage "you get what you pay for" is usually true. If you cook at home often, you need quality tools that will last. A $29.99 investment that has to be replaced every two years is not as smart as my $100 last-a-lifetime Calphalon Dutch oven.

I agree that $100 is quite a hefty price for a single pot. You can buy an entire cookware set at some discount stores for just a bit more than this one Dutch oven. But I am totally content with my purchase, knowing that this Dutch oven will offer me a lifetime of use. Besides, because this pot can be used on the stove top and in the oven, it's like getting two pieces in one.

This 8-quart Dutch oven is made of stainless steel and has a full aluminum core. So it's heavy but not so heavy that you can't pick it up with one hand when it's empty. It's heavy in a way that says "quality construction." No wonder this pot has a lifetime warranty!

The riveted side handles feel great in your hands and, surprisingly, stay cool to the touch. I have not needed to use pot holders when touching my Dutch oven on the stove top.

The tempered-glass lid allows you to keep an eye on food while it cooks without lifting the lid. Of course, it does steam up, so you can't get a crystal clear view, but you can get a good idea even through the water droplets.

I contemplated buying the non-stick versions of this Dutch oven, but after seeing customer complaints about the coating flaking off, I decided to opt for traditional stainless steel. I was somewhat concerned about food sticking, but I needn't have worried. This pan is very easy to clean with non-abrasive cleansers and pads. (See more about caring for this pot below.)

A major selling point for me was that this Calphalon Dutch oven can be placed into the oven and even used under the broiler! That means you can brown a large roast on each side in this pan and then put the entire pan into the oven to bake.

One pot means fewer dishes to wash and stack onto my dish drainer. Anything that simplifies my time in the kitchen is well worth the cost.

Calphalon recommends that you NOT use aerosol cooking sprays on your stainless steel Dutch oven. There are chemical propellants that are very difficult to clean off.

Instead, use a non-aerosol mister that you fill with oil yourself. Or simply pour some oil into the pan and brush it over the bottom and sides with a heat-resistant silicone cooking brush.

Metal utensils such as whisks, spoons, and spatulas can be used with stainless steel Calphalon.

But, of course, you never want to use sharp utensils such as knives or electric mixers inside the pan.

This Calphalon Dutch oven can be put into the oven and under the broiler. The glass lid can also be used inside the oven but only up to 450°F.

Calphalon recommends hand washing stainless steel cookware with hot sudsy water and a Dobie (non-abrasive) scouring pad.

Other recommended cleansers are

• Bon Ami
• Barkeeper's Friend
• Penny Brite

Abrasive cleaners, baking soda, bleach or other cleaners are not to be used on Calphalon stainless steel cookware.

You can wash your Dutch oven in the dishwasher, but discoloration may occur. So hand washing is the safest bet.