We just made a beef barley soup!  Sauteed  mushrooms first, then beef, then onions celery and carrots.  All with medium heat.  The flat bottom evenly distributes the heat.  Everything cooks with ease unlike my previous enameled pot.  It is heavy but the rewards are worth it!  Lid is equally heavy but when stewing or simmering steam does not evaporate.  Awsome  worth every penny!