There’s something almost elemental about cooking in clay. It changes the way heat moves, the way moisture is retained, it’s less aggressive, and more gradual. This pot is pure tradition.
First impression? It is gorgeous. The finish, the color, the presence, it’s the kind of piece that belongs just as much on the table as it does on the stove.
Performance wise, clay does what it’s always done well, gentle, even heat and excellent moisture retention. Soups, stews, grains, but it comes with very real constraints.
This material is most vulnerable to sudden temperature changes (thermal shock), dropping or hard impacts, or extreme transitions (like moving from hot stovetop to a cold surface) so you have to keep these in mind.
Because of that, you don’t rush it. You preheat gradually, cool it slowly, and handle it with care. It is better for entertaining with almost ceremony, than using everyday and risk damaging it for good.
What a beautiful, traditional cooking vessel. Love it, care for it, in return you’ll get performance, but only if you respect its limits.
Disclosure: This review is part of Amazon’s Vine Program, which provides products at a reduced cost in exchange for honest reviews (taxed as income). I personally test all products, and my opinions are my own and uninfluenced. I hope this review helps with your purchase decision.