Question from Tara

Hi Debra,

I’m on the Williams-Sonoma website, about to purchase a Staub Essential Oven to use on an induction burner as you recommended for a slow-cooker option.

I also realized as my child was talking to me this evening about buying this pot and how he’d like to cook with it when he’s a little older, that the induction set-up would work well for that purpose, because if I recall correctly, that kind of burner doesn’t get hot to the touch, correct? So it would probably be a safer option for a child learning to help with cooking (compared to standing on something in front of the stove with the gas burner on).

Anyway, while I was looking at the Dutch ovens on the Williams-Sonoma website, I came across this Revol brand, which I don’t believe I’ve ever heard of before. Apparently the company has been around since 1768, and they’re from France. Looks like it might be a non-toxic option, so I wanted to pass it along for you to check out. It’s possible there’s something wrong with it; I’ve only read the info here on the product page, haven’t dug any further or looked up the company’s own website, etc. Like the enameled pots, it’s not inexpensive, but I thought I’d pass it along for your review.
www.williams-sonoma.com/products/revol-flametop-round-cocotte/?pkey=cdutch-ovens-casseroles&&cdutch-ovens-casseroles

I also saw that Williams-Sonoma has their own brand of enameled cast iron; I was immediately skeptical, figuring it’s probably a toxic knock-off of Le Creuset and Staub. But it turns out, it’s actually designed by Williams-Sonoma but made by Staub in France. If it’s made to the same standards as Staub’s regular line (all of which is lead- and cadmium-free, then this could be another reasonable option — though it’s not on sale at the moment, so I’m not interested. 🙂 But it does look nice, so if it’s ever on sale, it could be a good option.
www.williams-sonoma.com/products/williams-sonoma-cast-iron-round-oven/?pkey=cdutch-ovens-casseroles&&cdutch-ovens-casseroles

In the W-S line they also have a few other pieces, like this fry pan and a braiser with a glass lid.
www.williams-sonoma.com/products/williams-sonoma-cast-iron-fry-pan/?pkey=ccookware-williams-sonoma%7Cws-cast-iron&&ccookware-williams-sonoma|ws-cast-iron

www.williams-sonoma.com/products/williams-sonoma-cast-iron-braiser/?pkey=ccookware-williams-sonoma%7Cws-cast-iron&&ccookware-williams-sonoma|ws-cast-iron

Debra’s Answer

Great finds Tara!

I checked out the Revol website and indeed they are “Made only from environmentally friendly, natural components; contains no heavy metals (lead, cadmium) or toxins and PTFE-free.” And they are made in France. In addition to Williams-Sonoma, they are also sold at Sur La Table, their own website, and even online. I just added them to Debra’s List.

I’m fine with Straub, and the Williams-Sonoma pieces made by Straub.

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