Simply Calphalon Nonstick 7-qt. Dutch Oven & Cover

This pan's depth and width are exactly what I've been looking for in a non-stick pan [I so truly hope this lasts]. So far, I've found this to be excellent for:1). Making long pasta like spaghetti/linguine/fettuccine/angel hair etc. because the width gives you more room to allow the pasta to boil down into the pot.2). As a chicken fryer but deeper with much less splattering3). Stews and soups and sauces. I made a large batch of navy bean soup and a batch of homemade ketchup with this pan and they both came out perfect.4). Frittatas. I love the fact this is oven safe up to 400ºF which is perfect for making a cheesy frittata.5). Stir frying. Even though this isn't round like a wok this pot performs great for stir frying and does a great fried rice as well.6). Sticky buns and cinnamon rolls. Yes, you can bake gooey cinnamon rolls in this pan and all of the buttery, sugary, cinnamon filling stays on the rolls instead of running off like on a regular sheet pan.This isn't dishwasher safe [not a big deal for me since I always wash every pan I own by hand anyway].As with all non-stick, the clean-up is a breeze.The bottom seems very sturdy and so far no warping issues on my gas cook-top.This is not metal utensil safe as per most non-stick pans so stick with silicone/melamine/nylon/wood utensils.As someone who has used (and abused) non-stick cookware for years. Here are my tips for helping it last longer:A. Never use non-stick spray (it's the death knell of non-stick cookware). I learned this the hard way after throwing away a lot of destroyed non-stick pans. The silicone in non-stick spray as an anti-foaming agent is the kryptonite of non-stick cookware and will literally eat away at the non-stick surface.B. Adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and only use high heat for a very short time for searing/browning [using high heat for too long will not only damage the non-stick but warp the pan as well].C. Never rinse your hot pan right away [even with hot water]. Let it cool down on a cool burner or heat proof cook-top before washing.

I bought this after getting Calphalon's 10 and 12 inch pans. I'm really looking forward to using this for a variety of meals. As of this review, I've used it to simply make pasta (not really a significant task I realize), but I plan to update this review as the use of the pot/dutch over increases.Right off the bat, here's what I love:- non-stick surface is legit: treat it right and it will treat you right- construction quality is solid- hard-anodized exterior looks great (especially when you have a whole set on display)- made in the USA- handles are insulated fairly well- easy to clean per non-stick surfaceI've used the before-mentioned 10 and 12 inch pans.. the non-stick surface is great for eggs, etc if you use a little pam. I imagine the performance on this product will be similar since the surfaces are exactly the same.After having old pots and pans for a long time (college and post-college), this is worth the price to upgrade. To the one reviewer who did not like the thickness of the bottom, I guess you're looking for something more professional. It does not seem like the bottom is more thick than the walls.Regarding the insulated handles - no they don't cover the entire handle (see photos), but I can't imagine having any issues. I don't have extremely large hands either, so that may be something to consider.I recommend this product and will make an update after this year's canning and cooking has put some miles on it.

Update: I bought this in 2016, in 2020 it is time to replace it due to scratches in the Teflon. I have used this every week for four years.I have been looking for a pot for some time since I burned my 5qt pot by leaving it on the stove for too long. Got this when it went on sale. At first I regretted getting this because it seemed too big, but then when I tried to cook some spaghetti I was prepared for my usual pre-soak and bend method (all of my other pots are small), but this pot is the perfect width to fit full length Spaghetti! You don't have to bend them or break them in half to make them fit.As far the construction of the pot, it doesn't seem to be any worse or better than some of the other basic $30 pots out there. On the other hand the only con I could think of is that I wish the lid had a hole for a meat thermometer that my 12qt pot has T-fal A92280 Specialty Total Nonstick Dishwasher Safe Oven Safe Stockpot Cookware, 12-Quart, Black but otherwise lacking this it's easier to clean.

I just ordered this 7 qt dutch oven, because I needed a larger pan to mix and/or cook large rice dishes (like kitcherees, or Afghan pilau, etc.), and I have to say this is fantastic.I only received it yesterday, but I have used it three times already to very comfortably cook these rice dishes. Even though I have a problematic stove top, it diffuses heat uniformly throughout. The rice does not stick at all, nor does the oil/ghee (I admit I am unused to this highly nonstick coatings, so this was quite surprising), and everything slips right off.I was hesitating because it is not dishwasher safe - but honestly, it is so easy to wash, and it would it have taken up so much room in the dishwasher anyway, that this is really a minor quibble. (Note that the cover can go in, by the way.)Finally, I should note that it is extremely light, and I can handle it with just one hand - very convenient when serving with only a flat wooden spoon.