Product reviewed: Lagostina Rossella 5.8 quart covered stewpot
I switched from electric to an induction cooktop recently, and the one piece of cookware that was not compatible in my new kitchen was my old stewpot. I’ve been making do with saucepans and a soup pot, but I didn’t realize just how much I missed a good stewpot until I received this one to test out.
The Lagostina Rossella 5.8-quart stewpot is a high-quality 18/10 professional grade stainless steel pot with a beautiful red ceramic exterior that can go from stovetop to oven, to table. I loved the wide, flat bottom which works well with an induction cooktop, as well with gas or electric. The straight sides make mixing or scraping with a spatula very easy and efficient.
This stewpot also has a nice weight, which is important for even heating and cooking, but at the same time, it’s not too heavy to lift. I tested it out with pasta, and because of its two sturdy handles (which stayed cool), it was easier to life and drain than my large saucepan. I also made a beef stew, and found that the pot sautéed meat and vegetables evenly on the cooktop, and it was easy to transport from the cooktop to the oven – oven mitts are required for oven use. While I didn’t test it with soup, I anticipate that it will perform as well as my favorite soup pot, and since I’m only cooking for two these days, it will be much easier to lift and require less refrigerator space than a soup pot.
Because high-quality cookware is an investment, I only hand wash my pots and pans (and knives), and I panic if I see anyone try to load it into the dishwasher. Luckily, I’ve been in that habit for a while, so I don’t mind that the product instructions state the stewpot is not dishwasher safe, and should be hand washed without abrasive sponges or powders. Not to worry, because I also found that this stainless interior cleans up very easily.
Whether you’re sizing down or just starting to pick out kitchen equipment this stewpot is a very worthwhile investment and I highly recommend it. It’s a perfect size for cooking pasta, stew, or soup, and because it’s not too deep, you can also use it to sauté meat or vegetables, so it’s perfect for almost any use.
It is a bit of an investment, but if you care for it properly, this type of high-quality cookware should last a lifetime.
