Product Review: Anolon Vesta Cast Iron Covered Braiser

The Ranting Chef does not get paid or receive any revenue from manufactures or retailers of products reviewed. I occasionally receive products that I am asked to use and see what I think. I take a look, try them out and tell you all about them.

A box arrived for me the other day…

Inside was the Anolon Vesta Cast Iron Covered Braiser.

This 5 quart pot is cast iron and covered in a ceramic outside that comes in Paprika Red.

The lid is tight-fitting with a stainless steel handle.

The stain-resistant interior and ceramic exterior makes it easy to clean. This is a sharp looking piece for the kitchen.

The braiser works with all cooktops (gas, electric and even induction). Time to put it to the test.

There is nothing better than cast iron to sear meat. It can get up to a high heat without warping and retains such an even heat for quite some time. This lamb seared perfectly.

Here is where the braiser part comes into play. Holding a total of 5 quarts, you can add a significant amount of liquid ingredients in the same pot where you sear the meat.

The last part of braising is to cover the pot and into the oven it goes for a long cooking time. The Anolon Vesta Cast Iron Covered Braiser is oven-safe, and with the tight-fitting lid it retains the liquid, allowing even tough meat to become tender. It is even safe to use under the broiler.

My Take: Anolon comes through again with another great piece of cookware. Professional chefs know that cast iron is the best thing to put on top of your stove and with this piece, Anolon makes it the best thing to put into your oven as well. This braiser is large enough to use for family cooking and perfectly sears meat before the long braising. It is not only functional, but stylish as well. The Anolon Vesta Cast Iron Covered Braiser is a professional level piece of cookware that belongs in the kitchen of every home chef. You can purchase it here.