Anolon Vesta Ceramics Au Gratin Pan, 3-Quart, Cobalt Blue

I have had stoneware in the past, rated to 500F, that cracked at high oven temperatures, so I am pleased to say this survived my first test — 465F in a well calibrated oven. Seems well made, good flawless surface, solid. If this cracks in the future (500F use weekly) I will come back and downgrade this rating, so as long as this review is 5 stars, you know mine is working with weekly abuse.Note, mine came with a cardboard wrap around it, a layer of bubble wrap from Amazon, which was fine with me, not having excess wasteful packing. A few people “negative” because theirs did not arrive with sufficient wrapping, but that is a reflection of Amazon’s packing job rather than the Analon company.A summary of info that came with the dish ... MY OWN WORDS, NOT THEIRS summarizing the package’s instructions:Oven safe to 500F / 260C. Interior glaze “protects against stains, cleans easily”Handles built in (((yes, they are large enough to get a nice grip even through heavy oven mitts)))Do not use stoneware on cooktop or stove top. Keep children away from hot things...Pet warning (((nothing specific to this dish, just that pets can be harmed by cooking fumes, e.g. birds can’t take overheated oils and cooking sprays))))This stoneware is microwave safe. But use potholders, it might be hot coming out of an oven.Broiler: Not to be used under broiler or direct flames or heating elements.Oven use: always use potholders when removing from an oven. OK to put this stoneware at room temperature into a hot oven up to 500F. If the stoneware is colder than refrigerator temp., then you can put it into an oven up to 350F but not hotter. If the stoneware is hot, let it reach room temperature before putting it into a fridge or freezer.Thermal shock: avoid sudden temperature changes such as putting very cold food into a hot dish, or putting a hot dish into a cold fridge or freezer, or cooling down only a part of the dish.Safe in fridge or freezer.Glass cooktops: this stoneware is safe, but you shouldn’t SLIDE it ‘cuz it can scratch the glasstop. Lift instead.Countertops: if you put a hot stoneware on a cold countertop the thermal shock might crack the stoneware. Put it on a towel, a trivel, a wood board, etc.Tabletop: don’t slide the dish on a tabletop, may scratch the table. Instead, put it on a towel or cloth or trivet or board, etc.Utensils: OK to use metal or sharp utensils on this stoneware — may make minor scratches on the stoneware but it will still work just fine.Storage: if you put something in it, they suggest putting paper towel cardboard between dishes to prevent chipping. Don’t drop it. Don’t ever try to repair it if it’s cracked or chipped. Not intended for commercial or restaurant use.Cleaning: soap and water, before first use.Do not use scouring pads, harsh cleaners, abrasives.Definitely good for dishwashers.If you clean by hand, Fill with warm soapy water, let it sit 10 minutes, then scrub with nylon or non abrasive pads.Do not let it soak for long periods (((I assume the water can absorb through microcracks or something))).Don’t immerse a hot dish in cold water when cleaning it — let it cool first.So this dish at $30-35 costs more than some stoneware, but my final anaysis so far is, if you want to cook at high temperatures go with this one — I have had less expensive dishes crack at temperatures they were supposed to withstand. And, you do NOT want to see what happens to your oven when a dish full of food and liquid cracks inside the oven at hot temperatures!

still looks new after several years of use.

I have bought 2 of these dishes but have not used them yet as I bought them for Thanksgiving still a few days away. I bought them because the temperature tolerance is 500° which is higher than most. They are heavy and look nice. I do think they may be a little pricier than some, but if they hold up under high temperatures it will be worth it. What I didn’t like was the packaging. They arrived in a box with a paper-thin piece of plastic layered on the bottom. So of course it was broken when it arrived. I did receive a full refund but had to take it to a UPS store and ship it back first. Gas and time. They definitely need to change the packaging method on this item

It's pretty, but very small. It very clearly says 2-qt on the bottom of the dish, and the dimensions are only about 10.5" x 8.5" x 2.5". I needed a 3-qt capacity casserole for hosting Thanksgiving (same capacity as a 9x13 dish), and I wasted a week waiting for this inaccurate dish to arrive. Not happy.

Came quickly and in perfect condition! Can’t wait to use it tonight for dinner!

Beautiful for serving as well as baking. Stoneware, but heavy like LeCreuset. Absolutely non-stick; better at this than LeCrueset enameled pans. I love this pan; not crazy about the color selection, but hey, I am liking the color better every time I use (and clean) the pan!

I bought the red dish which is a crimson--not a garish red at all--but was very festive for a Christmas dinner. Most of the au gratin dishes listed were individual sized--too small for a crowd, but this one was perfect. I baked, broiled the top, and took it to the table. Very satisfied!

Perfect size for a family casserole. Color is deep blue; ver attractive

Sturdy, with well-defined handles and a pretty terracotta glaze, this is a perfect au gratin dish.