HakanSuphan Handmade 4.7-Quart Midi Clay Cooking Pot with Lid, Natural Unglazed Cookware, Terracotta Cazuela, Casserole Dish, Rice Cooking, Stewpot, Korean, Indian, Mexican Dish 4.5 L

Very smart functional design and well made. I use it strictly for cooking soupy pinto beans with bacon or beef/pork short ribs in it... delicious flavor. High quality... very well packaged.IMPORTANT TIPS: To avoid cracks, it must be cured properly(immerse in water for 2-3 days... don't rush the process. ALSO, increase the heat gradually and low boil or simmer. AVOID high heat... there is no need for it, unglazed clay retains very good heat. To avoid mold: Wash with coarse salt and water ; dry it well(sunlight helps). Do not store it with the lid on it. Occasional immersing in water helps avoid cracks.FIRST TIME USE: Just low boil water with garlic, etc and discard... get rid of impurities. THEN start cooking in it. Hope it helps avoid disappointments.

Why did you pick this product vs others?:Good quality

I followed the care/cooking directions precisely but the pot still cracked after only two uses. I am very disappointed since I really liked the flavor of food that came out of this pot. Just to add the smell that came out “ from” this pot during cooking time was unbearable, but I thought that it is normal for a first few uses (since the food flavor was not affected). Anyway I don’t recommend this product.

Do not forget !! let it immersed by 2 to 3 days in water. No rush!!

Like how it can be used for several cooking methods i.e. open flame, in oven and even in microwave. Note: follow instructions to season it (oil well) BEFORE use then it will serve you well. It does give off oil smell while being seasoned in hot oven, but no "odd" odors or flavors imparted when cooking. No need to soak in water before using like the German clay Romatopf. Cooked dry kidney bean recipe and lamb dish recipes with great results. If seasoned properly, clean up is easy.

I really liked this clay cooking pot at first, it worked great and seemed to be high quality. However, after just six or seven uses, it developed a crack. I always used it on a gas stove with no more than medium heat, washed it by hand after each use, and let it dry completely before using it again. I mainly used it for cooking beans, so it was never placed on the stove empty. Unfortunately, despite careful handling, it still cracked, which was disappointing. If you're considering this pot, be aware that durability might be an issue.

Works like it should. Important to follow instruction to not crack while heating

High quality.....retains heat well....can cook meats, soups, stews, make bread, etc......Awesome!