I bought a Le Creuset stockpot for my wife. She used it a few times to cook rice, then noticed a big hole in the enamel in the bottom of the pot. The pot is not high quality like I thought it was.

This is a nifty little set, and I'm glad I picked it up. While these pieces don't serve all of our needs, they are what we reach for when frying up eggs for one, or other dishes for one or two people. When I unpacked the set, I was worried about the grainy, satin enamel finish on the skillet. But thanks to some good advice from other reviewers, there were no problems. I pre-warmed the pan over medium-low heat for a couple of minutes, then added butter and coated the pan. Then I added my eggs and cooked as usual. Nothing stuck to the pan -- the eggs slid right out, and the pan cleaned up easily with a swish of the sponge and a bit of dish soap. That's it! Don't let the finish on the pan deter you from buying it... just heat it gently before adding butter or oil and all will be well. High heat is unnecessary, as you'll discover. Using the Le Creuset silicone spoon spatula to lift out the food is gentle on the pan and works like a charm.

Almost forgot... the lid for the 3.5-qt round oven in this set fits nicely over the 9" skillet (except the pouring spouts will be exposed, but that's not a big deal), in case you're wondering what to use as a cover for it when the need arises.

I like the set, but the handles get VERY HOT...Beware...should sell handle grips/covers to prevent burns. In addition the so called "NONSTICK" is not true...and scrubbing is not an option as scratches on coating will only create more sticking in the future. The set is VERY heavy...so work out those arm muscles.

In my mind Le Creuset has meant - high maintenance. But I decided to give it try - why not, the price was right. I've been pleasantly surprised. Although you do have to hand clean everything, it's not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. The cooking experience has been great too. Everything gets evenly cooked and I believe there is a difference in taste.

This is a great deal. This set is manufactured in France, whereas the enamel coated steel Le Creuset pots and pans are manufactured in the far east with about 1/3 the quality, but for a much cheaper price.

Le Creuset enamel coated cast iron is among the best cookware my family has used. My wife likes it even better than the 1930's era 16 piece set of Revere Ware she had inherited from her grandmother, which is world class cookware itself, and now-a-days, a collector's item.

We have several various pots and pans that we have purchased over time from Calphalon and All Clad, but for versatility, even heat distribution, functionality, easy clean up, lifetime guarantee, style and elegance, and beautiful colors to fit in any decor, you can't beat Le Creuset. My wife has been using these pots every day since May of 2007, and they look just like they did when we first brought them home.

They are easy to clean because of the enamel coating, and being cast iron they are a bit on the heavy side, but being cast iron they are extremely durable and don't warp or bend out of shape like some aluminum, steel or copper pots and pans.

This company has many pots and pans that you may add to this special starter set, but expect to pay up to twice as much, on a piece to piece basis, as you are paying per piece in this set.

I have added five more pieces of Le Creuset cast iron cookware to this initial set since last year, and my wife loves every one of them.

Do yourself a great favor and replace all of your old cookware with the Le Creuset cast iron cookware. Not only will you love it, but it is of such quality and durability that you'll be proud to pass it down to your children.