Slightly off topic and probably doesn't apply to Colettes problem, but i think it all helps and i really want to get this one in.

Lets say we were going to cook a big chilli con carne for the family. Possibly 4-6 portions.
The first thing we do is get out our largest saucepan, casserole, stockpot etc.. and cook it long and low.
Now consider cooking the same 6 portions in a large paella pan 14-16 inch across.

More caramelisation
More intense flavour
More surface contact with most of the contents on the bottom of the pan
Less cooking time required
Saying that, I would still probably end up using my cast iron casserole to cook a chilli ;D ;D