Used for stews, soups, casseroles and roasts which require long cooking times. It's important that the pan is constructed with heavy-gauge material so it can hold in the heat. You'll want to be able to use this pot in the oven, so the handles need to be oven-safe. (All of ours are!) For more intense flavor while stewing and pot-roasting, make sure to select the right size so the ingredients fill up the entire pot.