After having to send the first one back with a big crack the second one came just fine. This is shipped in the cardboard box it came in no extra wrap or padding.Just luck if it gets to you without breaking. The second one seems better quality than the first also don’t know if they improved there cast iron or what? The first one was bumpy and I wouldn’t have given it a good score besides being cracked. Over all the second one no complaints and love the pan. Also no little alligator on top of lid as pictured. But I can live without it…Cleaning is a bit of work you have to clean the wax off it first soap and HOT water then coat it with a small amount of shortening to season it in the oven at 350 for 1 hour. Then its ready–This cooks a great 18 lb Turky! Over all Happy Also the lid does have lip on the edge, I think I read where someone said it didn’t have a lip. The pan its self is streight on the edge but the lid does have a lip that sits on the pan nicely.

After reading the other reviews I was a bit skeptical, but the problems seemed associated only with the inadequate packaging for shipping. With Amazon’s free shipping, I thought I would just have them send me a replacement if necessary.

The unit arrived without shipping damage. But it contained a large crack which was due to the original casting operation. Also the cover didn’t fit. I decided to try ordering the Camp Chef to see if that was any better.

On the packing slip, it states that the S&H was over $26. Amazon must be losing money on just shipping this unit, let alone having to pay for the return shipment via USPS! I can’t believe that Amazon doesn’t either pull the product or make Bayou Classic fix their horrendous QC problems.

I was very hesitant to purchase this 9.5 quart oven — even if it was at a reduced, open box price. When it arrived, I just let it sit out on my table for a few days thinking I would return it – $235 is a lot of money! After reading and re-reading reviews on this – I went ahead and used it. Since then, I have made French onion soup, stews, roasted meats, doughnuts, etc, subjecting it to high stove top and oven temps. Not a problem with the heat — the interior and exterior pot and lid remains pristine. It is easy to clean and very durable. The lid fits tight — there is nothing not to like in my opinion. Yes, it is HUGE and HEAVY and that is exactly what appeals to me. It’s made in France (wish it was the USA, but oh well…) I have no regrets having bought this and would recommend it to others.

I’ve had one of these for a couple of years now. It’s great for making big batches of soup and stew, for braising, and for pot roasts. However, since I mostly use this on the stovetop burner, I’ve realized that I would have been better served by the 9 qt round version. The oval shape on this one means that the ends are a bit colder than the middle. Also wish I didn’t have to buy the aluminum knob (for high temperature oven use) separately; the stock knob is rated for a much lower temperature than the pot.

Creuset makes the best enameled cast iron cookware on the planet and this oval fish skillet is no exception. It’s dimensions however, while being great for cooking a whole fish, require the use of 2 burners (medium size) adjacent to each other. I have a Viking cook top and the largest burner is not capable of heating the pan out to the far edges of the oval, in spite of Creuset’s legendary ability to distribute heat evenly. If you don’t have 2 adjacent medium sized burners on your cook top, this pan is not the right choice for you. The photos suggest a shape that is circular and just slightly out of round, but this is a very serious oval. Make a template using the published dimensions to be sure this is the right pan for you before ordering.

Le Creuset makes a high quality enameled cast-iron pot that will last the cook a lifetime. The secret to its long life is to care for it properly. Do not use harsh cleansers on the inner lining and you will have a pot that cooks like a dream for 40 years or more. Use a wooden or teflon coated spoon to stir your ingredients to avoid damage to the lining. The cast-iron core allows for extremely even cooking, no hot spots where your burner is. It is of course oven-proof and looks good enough to put on the table as well. I particularly like the oval shape as it allows the browning of say a roast or other oblong food. The size is also just right for those who cook for 4-6 people. I know these pots are expensive, but quality cookware pays off in the long run. Better to have one great pot than 3 cheapy ones that do not do justice to your cooking efforts. I have had a pot like this for over 35 years and still use it almost daily. I highly recommend this brand.

Merchandise arrived fairly promptly. Box looked a little old. I wondered if it was a returned item. As far as I know , it performs as expected.