Most helpful customer reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful.
Nice and big without the tall sides like on stockpots
By C. Keller

This pot measures about 12.25" inches across the top, and about 4.6" inches tall.

The big pot that comes with most cookware sets is only about 5 or 6 quarts, anything bigger and you are usually looking at stockpots (I already have them). I wanted something bigger, but without the tall sides. I didn't want the heavy weight of a cast iron dutch oven. I didn't want nonstick, because no matter how good it is, it always wears out eventually. I didn't want aluminum, because it will pit with certain foods. I also wanted a pot that I could use on the stove, as well as in the oven.

This Calphalon Contemporary Stainless 8-Quart Dutch Oven fit my needs perfectly. It is fully tri-ply stainless steel (not just the bottom). It is dishwasher, oven, and broiler safe (up to 500°F, although I believe the lid is only safe up to 450°F). It will work with any stove top, including induction. It comes with a lifetime warranty. It cooks great, and cleans up nice (use a little "Bar Keepers Friend" to keep your stainless steel shiny and new looking).

The only negative is; the lip is not beveled, which can cause liquid to run down the side when pouring.

The price is very reasonable considering it'll last you a lifetime (my mom has some try-ply stainless steel pots that are over 50 years old). The only other pots that I found that compared in size and quality to this one, were more than twice the price. So I'm very glad I found this one.

All-in-all, it's a very versatile pot (you can cook small things in a big pot...but you can't cook big things in a small pot).

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful.
Best cookware EVER
By Happy cooker
If you need ONLY one pan, this is the BEST. I've made soup, fried chicken, sauces, pasta etc...great temperature, secure lid and cleans up easily!!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful.
A Dutch Oven to last a lifetime
By Jimmie
If you're wondering if it's worth the price, it is. This pan is quality! The handles do not get hot. It is easy to wash completely clean, and it's huge enough for a pot of stew to feed a crowd or a roast with pounds and pounds of potatoes. I am more than satisfied with this purchase.

(I've written a more detailed review over at Hubpages.com.)