Cooks Standard 7-Quart Brushed 18/10 Stainless Steel Dutch Oven

Perfect

Nice heavy bottom, used it to do my tomatoes for the winter. Will be perfect for a large pot of pot pie this winter. I only used it once. Nothing stuck, heated well. I liked the looks of it. The only negative for me was the lid handle. It was high and a little hard to store with my other lids.

I thought when I got this out of the box and set it next to my old 6 qt Dutch Oven that there was no way it held 6 quarts. I used my 1 quart pyrex measuring cup and filled it up with water 6 times in the kitchen sink. I put food dye in it so you can see in the photo that it DOES HOLD 6 quarts but it comes almost to the top of the pot, but doesn't overflow. I measured the old and new Dutch Ovens by Cooks. They both measured the same. From far outside edge to edge they both were a hair shy of 10 inches across and the inside cooking area measured 9 inches. The lid from my old blue Cooks Dutch Oven fits on the shiny new Cooks 6 quarts Dutch Oven.This was bought to replace a 20 + yr. old blue Cooks " Techinque" Hard Anodized 6 qt Dutch Oven. Frankly , the old blue one has held up really well . I never used it in the Oven with the lid. I mainly cook on the stove top. I never put it in the dishwasher. I think that's why it has lasted but I did use a large metal spoon and lightly scrub with SOS pads so after 20+ yrs it has scratches. My loved ones insist that it goes. I decided that I don't want any more " non stick" coated cookware. None of it's nonstick. Over time and multiple use it all " non sick" ends up in the trash. So stainless steel or cast iron, oiled or buttered before searing or cooking and then degazing with liquids afterwards then when finished cooking follow by a soak in the sink seems to be safest. Cast Iron Dutch Oven is much heavier than this nice lightweight metal Cooks Dutch Oven. It's a great price at $60. I am really impressed with the appearance and feel of it right out of the box. It seems to be well made. It sits evenly on counter top and stove and is very stable. There's no rough spots ,warped area or scratches. When I was checking it for size none of the water leaked. The lid that came with it fits snug. The new lid even fit my old blue 6 qt Cooks Technique dutch oven so if you're replacing an old Cooks 6qt Dutch Oven save the old lid for a backup. It seems like it's compatible with Cooks 6 qt pots and skillets. Out of the box it was easy for me to lift and maneuver. I would recommend this Cooks 6qt Dutch Oven for anyone who prefers something lighter than Enamel coated cast iron. Since it's a 3 ply metal be careful to use smooth edged cooking utensils. I bought a different stainless steel pan, a paella pan,and used a pioneer woman metal spatula on it, and the edge of the spatula was not smooth and it scraped it bottom of the brand new paella pan all up! So don't do what I did. Use high temp safe silicone or wooden utensils. I wish it came with better care and usage instructions. I never put cold water in hot cookware. Hot cookware should never be put in a sink of cold water or put in a dishwasher as it can damage the cookware. There are tips online for cooking in stainless steel I am planning to watch some before using this 6 quart Dutch Oven. I mainly use the Dutch Oven to braise things like Chili, Stews, and Roast I think It will be easy to use and keep clean as long as I don't put the lid in the oven. Cooks says the lids not safe after 300 degrees so we can use aluminum foil over the top of the Cooks 6qt stainless steel for temps over 300 degrees.I hope this last as long as my old blue Cooks 6 qt Dutch Oven. Considering the quantity of this Stainless Steel 6 qt Dutch Oven and the price I paid I'm thrilled with my purchase.

I don't have any major complaints about this pot. Cooks well, doesn't stain easily; good pot.I know I phased out my cookwear that had a glass top over the years. I was paranoid that I wouldn't be able to fully clean it out. Turns out I was right. I use this pot for stovetop popcorn and, even though I wash the lid, a bit of oil still ends up on the bottom of my drain rack. Can't see docking a star off for that. If all you use this for is, say, soups or pasta, you probably won't run into this issue at all.

Very nice heavy duty pan, it’s the one we use the most.