Lodge 3.6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Oval Casserole With Lid– Dual Handles – Oven Safe up to 500° F or on Stovetop - Use to Marinate, Cook, Bake, Refrigerate and Serve – Oyster White

I bought this 3.6 quart braising pan used in "Good" condition. I knew this meant it might be damaged in some way, but couldn't find any specifics. Nonetheless, it was a good price, and I was unsure if this large cast-iron pan was really what I wanted, but I wanted to try it out. Apparently "good" means extensive chipping around the edges of the lid and on the handles.The "Caribbean Blue" color is a nice sky blue grading into darker navy, though it's not as vibrant as the photos online suggest (not just on Amazon- everywhere). But I actually do like the color, and the pan cooks beautifully. I don't mind the chipping too much as it's purely cosmetic and otherwise I got a great pan for around $50. I knew what I might be getting into, so no stars deducted. Still, let the buyer beware- "good" is definitely more "meh" than "great".I'm using this on an induction cooktop. I received an Always Pan for Christmas that didn't quite work- the Always Pan has a small "foot" that keeps it from making full contact with an induction burner, so while it technically worked only the center of the pan was properly hot. This cast-iron pan is completely flat on the bottom, makes complete contact and thus has a great big flat cooking surface. The enamel cleans up easily and should be much more durable than non-stick. Making a meal in it is a pleasure, with plenty of room to maneuver whatever I'm browning.If you were wondering, the bottom half of the 3.6 qt braising pan weighs 6 lbs, and the lid weighs 6 lbs. That's heavy, but manageable for me. My husband isn't a fan of big heavy pans (hence not wanting to spend a ton of money testing one out), but as a compromise I bought a cabinet storage rack especially for it. He warmed up to the heavy pan a little once I made it easy to put away!

I have the Lodge 3.6 quart cast iron enamel casserole pan, and I love it. I also have Lodge dutch ovens in 3 quart, 4.5 quart, 6 quart and 7.5 quart. I have had them all for about six months and I use them all the time.Lodge never claimed that these cast iron enamel coated products are made in America, their cast iron skillets and such are made in America, and I guess if where something is made is what determines whether you like an item, you will most likely not like this casserole pan.I am not sure what some of the reviewers are doing with the casserole pan, or why they have peeled and cracked really bad. I use my casserole pan all of the time. I take care of them, I don't put them in the dishwasher, which is what causes the enamel to crack, I store them carefully, though I guess not too carefully as they are stacked together, and I don't wash them when they are still hot, but I don't let the food sit in them for extended periods either. I do not use this pan as an everyday skillet either, and I don’t believe it was meant for that either, that is what their skillets are for. I heat them up prior to putting food in them to cook, though I do use high temperatures at times. I put them in the oven almost every time I use them after starting on the stove.This casserole pan has held up wonderfully and make the most wonderful meals for me and my family. I love it, and it is not super expensive. Seeing as I have five items from Lodge, if there was really something wrong with the enamel coated products, I would assume I would have experienced something by now with at least one of the ovens or casserole pan, and I have not. Don't put them in the dishwasher!! They will not hold up. These are truly wonderful tools for cooking. I make the best pot roasts, short ribs, chicken coq au vin, and more with them.The 3.6 casserole is perfect for chicken coq au vin, and one pot chicken and rice, and dishes like those. I absolutely love that pan and I use it frequently. I make enough food for four people comfortably, five or six depending on portions. It can fit about 8 chicken thighs with skin and 1 pound baby potatoes or a cup of rice.I will detail the other items that I have below, just as an FYI.I have made pot roast and beef stew in the 3 quart dutch oven, and it has come out so good, so don't pay attention to the people that say you can't do so with the smaller ovens. You 100% can. I make my elder parents food in the 3 quart all the time, and it the makes perfect amount for them to have a couple of dinners. The 3 quart is also great for baked ziti dishes, bread, and the like. This dutch oven is perfect for a single person to make magnificent meals in.The 4.5 quart dutch oven is also perfect for making pot roasts, stews, and such for a couple of people. It has a little more room than the 3 quart, making it perfect for two people.The 6 quart dutch oven is perfect for making food for my husband and I that we can eat for a few days. It is also great for making food when we have company over. This oven would be perfect for a family of four, though you could also make enough for six without leftovers.The 7.5 quart dutch oven is perfect for a large family. I use this when we are eating with my brother and his children, or we are having several couples over and want left overs. My husband loves leftovers.I hope this helps. The only time I have ever written a review this long or detailed is for the Lodge enamel coated items. I really love these products and find them extremely useful. This casserole pan is a wonderful addition to my kitchen.

The first covered casserole I received had a bulge on the bottom and would not set flat on the burner. I called lodge to see if that was normal and they told me it should set flat, and recommended that I return it. The second casserole I received was perfect! It works wonderfully well as an open or covered skillet as well as it's intended purpose of a casserole. I washed it thoroughly and applied a small amount of oil or butter before using it. Eggs, potatoes, pancakes, caramelizing onions, and etc., cook great and do not stick. It is fantastic for braising and browning on top of the stove as well as baking in the oven. This is a great pan to use all of the time and can be used to cook anything. It is a beautiful color, very well made and very good quality just like my Lodge enameled 6 qt. Dutch Oven that I use all the time for stews and chilies. The size is very convenient for two people. I don't think you can go wrong with this pan.Update: 05/05/2016.......I use this covered casserole all of the time, not only for casseroles, chili, soups, stews, etc., but also for bacon, eggs, sauteed foods, and a myriad of other tasks! Recently, i misjudged how much room I needed to add the potatoes on top of my shepherds pie. The results cooked over quite messily in my oven. This was the biggest test so far for my pan. I thought I was going to have to get my Scrub Daddy out and go to work on it! Wow, after soaking the empty pan in warm, soapy water for 5 minutes, it came out looking brand new! I am so impressed! Nothing I have cooked in this pan has stuck AND it cooks everything just great! Another benefit is that after baking in the oven, the pan keeps everything much hotter for a longer period of time! This is one fantastic pan!!!!

I have searched all over the internet, and this is the best vessel for Chinese hot pot for 4-6 people.It's wide, shallow, durable, induction compatible, and relatively cheap.