Bayou Classic 8.5 Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Basket

This is my 2nd cast iron dutch oven. The first one was about 10 years old, seasoned perfectly, and then stolen (food and all!)from a camp out (they snuck into our campsite from the woods while we we swimming). The Bayou Classic I ordered is a great replacement. A lot more sturdy than my previous one and includes a lid that can be used to cook other items (a large lip)while your main dish is cooking inside. It also includes a basket so you can do your favorite dish and then not have to pick up the entire pot to drain it (great addition btw!). I seasoned the pot according to instructions and have used it a couple times so far. I'm extremely happy with the dutch oven. It's just the right size for the recipes I use. Since I use it on the stove and in the oven, any larger would be too heavy and any smaller, it wouldn't work for the recipes I use. If you are looking for a well built cast iron dutch oven that performs great, is just the right size and includes some nice touches (the basket, the lid), you can't go wrong with the Bayou Classic 8.5 qt dutch oven.