I purchased a Wolfgang Puck 5-Quart Enamel Dutch Oven three years ago because I believed that this was a quality product being sold by a company with integrity. The manufacturer's packaging stated that the product has a lifetime* warranty against manufacturer's defect. Unfortunately, I was wrong on both accounts. The enamel on the exterior had a chunk fall off shortly after purchase. I didn't worry since that didn't affect the product's main performance objective. However, yesterday I noticed that the interior was spider-webbing and exhibited pockmarks I called what their greeting identified as their warranty department and spoke with Renata ((310) 432-1500, option 2), who told me she is the customer service manager of the company and there is No One that she answers to at the company. Renata explained to me that Mr. Puck has a policy that says that they will not warranty any product they distribute through whom they deem to be a third party, regardless of what the packaging material says. Unless their product is purchased through the HSN or QVC, it only carries a 1-year limited warranty, despite this information not having been relayed to the buyer at the time of purchase. It seems obvious to me that they know their product is junk. Why else would one have an internal policy to not honor their warranty? I no longer believe that Wolfgang Puck is an honorable person, and his company is sketchy. This pot will go into the trash now, where it belongs. PLEASE do the same should this happen to you. Enamel is a glass material and can cause you severe personal harm should you continue to use it when it has failed. Mr. Wolfgang Puck, you sir have FAILED as a decent human and as a businessman. I will never use anything even slightly related to your name. User's recommendation: DO NOT Buy Wolfgang Puck products!

Where are the chips located? The enamel will chip on the pan bottom if heated without oil or some other liquid in it. It could be from pan being hit by other pans,thin enamel to begin with or even a defect in the pan. I bought some of Martha Stewart's enameled au gratin dishes at K-Mart and it was not long until there were chips around the edges and a long scratch in the bottom on one. But to answer your question this is not normal. I have a skillet from Le Creuset that I have used for more years than I care to admit and while there is a small chip or two around the edge the bottom and sides are still fine.

I wouldn't go by the 4time Felon and others using things, when they sell them. Kind of a bias there, right? But yes, a lot of good cooks use cast iron. And a lot of good cooks do not use cast iron. These arguments go on and are similar to the gas vs. electric stoves each are used by a number of good cooks. Let's not lose sight of a simple fact: Neither the appliance nor the cookware make a cook a good (or great) cook. A good/great cook can cook with and on most anything. I used cast iron at the lake a lot. But that gas stove was not the best for use with it, though it worked and is what I had out there. I have a cast iron dutch oven in the basement and haven't used it in decades. Part of my problem was my old stove was a corningware top that wouldn't work well with cast iron. I've since replaced it and have considered getting some cast iron but for the most part I look at it as if I haven't needed it for decades, do I need it now? Will I really use it? I can't think of much I really would use it for. However Aldi has their cast iron sale a couple times a year and for $20-$30 I figure I could try a few things. They should be having it again in a month or two. I'll watch for it and consider it then. Weight is a big factor for me. Another hesitation. Cookware is a personal thing. My mother used mostly cast iron and I learned to cook in it. But I've found other alternatives that I like too. I'm not as locked into things as some. If you think you need it or want to try it, get a cheap one or see if someone has something you could borrow. Remember to season it and uncoated cast iron requires more care than other cookware. Not too big a deal but if it rusts, you're in for some work and they can rust easily if not properly cared for.

Thanks arkansas for posting this. My Aldi store did not have a good selection either. The free shipping got me to purchase it. I ordered it and I will report back when I have used it. I will be doing alot of stove top cooking now that my oven is broken. I want to take my time deciding on a new range - there are so many options. Teresa