Until I can afford Le Creuset, what is going to be the best inexpensive standby? I am slowly saving up for my Le Creuset dutch/ french oven, but it will be awhile. What is going to be the best, inexpensive option for a sturdy, fireproof casserole size dish that can go from stovetop to oven? Until I can afford Le Creuset, what is going to be the best inexpensive standby? I am slowly saving up for my Le Creuset dutch/ french oven, but it will be awhile. What is going to be the best,... » Read More Until I can afford Le Creuset, what is going to be the best inexpensive standby? I am slowly saving up for my Le Creuset dutch/ french oven, but it will be awhile. What is going to be the best, inexpensive option for a sturdy, fireproof casserole size dish that can go from stovetop to oven? « Show Less
82764
Just in case this confuses anybody - scotchbrite will UTTERLY DESTROY the enamel on a le Creuset pan. Enameled pans have no problem cooking liquid, and soak clean. Lodge bare cast iron is a very different surface (and Lodge enameled cast iron is made in China...)
82765
There's a replacement knob for the Le Creuset that's stainless steel. Although it doesn't tell you anywhere what the max temperature is for the stainless steel. I googled it and nothing. Just that the Phenolic knob is good up to 375. Why is it so hard for people to give us information we need? Why do you have to buy a replacement knob? Why don't they just use a knob that can withstand up to 500 degrees if one already exists...questions questions...Le Creuset L9403-45 Stainless-Steel 2-Inch Replacement Knob
82766
I bought the Sam's product about a year ago. The bottom soon developed horrible brown stains, which could be cleaned only with bleach. Rust spots developed. Imam discarding it. Too bad my dog died. I might use it for his water bowl.
82767
Try one of the Imusa casseroles. Imusa Enamel Dutch Oven, 4.5 Quart, TurquoiseThey don't do heat diffusion very well (you will appreciate the difference when you get the LC), but they have the same easy-to-clean enamel advantage, they're made in Mexico, not China, and for the price of a LC dutch oven you could buy ten of them.
82768
World Market or Cost Plus as it was called has a good substitute. It works great for about $49.00.
82769
The phenolic knob will only go up to 375 in the oven, but it won't get hot on the stovetop. The stainless knob can tolerate a hotter oven, but it *does* get hot on the stovetop (I found this out the hard way). LC used to have cast iron knobs that had a little rubber cover for stovetop use, but that was 30 years ago.
82770
Lodge Color Enameled Cast-Iron 6-Quart Dutch Oven, Island Spice RedI love my lodge! I'm not going to bother with Le Creuset
2051152
I just found out what a Dutch Oven is. My neighbor told me about it. I ordered one to cook a recipe in. Comon sense would tell you to only use utensils that do not scratch the surface. This goes for any pans that have a coating or something. I really just started cooking stuff.
36904
Haven't tried other brands. Everyone I know who has a Le Creuset says it'll last a lifetime so I figured it was worth the price.
974611
Hi,I am in seach of a good countertop oven to use mostly for the rotisserie feature and for meat, pork and not chicken - most reviews focus on baking and chicken. Would you have any specific suggestions or just features/ qualities that I need to look for? I take it that convection would be big deal here. I see a lot of complaints about how flimsy the applicances look and the external heating... Any help will be appreciated, thanks!
283888
Depends what you're looking for whether a campfire Dutch oven or one for stove top and or oven. Generally, the heavier it is, the more stable it is with regards to holding/dispersing heat. I have a campfire version, the enameled one, and another 8 qt with a dome lid. All are Lodge. There are others out there, although I'm not familiar with them. I have an older cast iron skillet that is not a Lodge, and it is fine. I also have a cast iron loaf pan in which I have made breads and meatloaf. I also recently purchased a 12 inch Lodge cast iron skillet, and got a stove top griddle and ribbed square pan as gifts; all are Lodge. Keep your un-enameled cast iron well seasoned. Even if pre-seasoned, I still season them myself.
1872492
My experience is that they were only useful for mildly warm handles. Definitely not oven safe! I ended up purchasing some Le Creuset brand that are far superior but not oven safe either.
772851
I'm not sure why the stand alone pan costs more. My wife loves the Anolon Nouvelle Copper series. I just ordered the 4qt. casserole and the 5qt dutch oven for her.
1401588
I love using these enamelware pans in the oven but not on the stove top. The bottoms are too thin which of course, is an advantage in the oven but not on top of the burners. Use mine for stew and baked beans, scalloped potatoes, etc and then pop on the lid and store the leftovers in the refrigerator.
79480
I use the 7 1/2 quart dutch oven for everything and I usually cook for 2 people. I live with my husband, and the dutch oven is great for making soups, stews, sauces, chili, spaghetti, and I even use it for stir-fry dishes. You can definitely fry chicken for four people in it. I like this size because I can make a full recipe of things like chili in it, and I usually have leftovers when it's just the two of us. For four people, we'll eat the whole thing!
778505
Hello. If you can afford the 3, get it...if the other might be too small, why take a chance? You'll be able to use it more! By the way, ALL-CLAD "rocks"! You'll never be sorry for selecting that maker!!! Professional cook-ware!
2101266
When i started no-knead bread, I used the 7 qt dutch oven and it was fine, but now i use a 5qt. I prefer the 5qt, but may try a smaller one someday. Once the 7 qt was tied up on braise duty and made it happily in a Cuisinart 735-24 Chef's Classic Stainless 3-Quart Chef's Pan with Cover
2041335
Hi...I own two of these and love them. The Calphalon 5 qt tri-ply stainless steel dutch oven heats very fast. I've used it to cook curry chicken, brown stew chicken and even rice and I've never had food stick to the bottom. Here's the trick with stainless steel pots....if cooking meats, add about a tablespoon of oil to the pot before you add the meat, allow the oil to get very hot. Because the pot has a very thick bottom, it does take about 4-5 minutes to get very hot on medium heat. It is a wonderful pot....use the same utensils that you would have used in your nonstick to protect the interior from scratches. Give it a try! Hi...I own two of these and love them. The Calphalon 5 qt tri-ply stainless steel dutch oven heats very fast. I've used it to cook curry chicken, brown stew chicken and even rice and I've never had food stick to the bottom. Here's the trick with stainless steel pots....if cooking meats, add about a tablespoon of oil to the pot before you add the meat, allow the oil to get very hot. Because the pot has a very thick bottom, it does take about 4-5 minutes to get very hot on medium heat. It is a wonderful pot....use the same utensils that you would have used in your nonstick to protect the... » Read More Hi...I own two of these and love them. The Calphalon 5 qt tri-ply stainless steel dutch oven heats very fast. I've used it to cook curry chicken, brown stew chicken and even rice and I've never had food stick to the bottom. Here's the trick with stainless steel pots....if cooking meats, add about a tablespoon of oil to the pot before you add the meat, allow the oil to get very hot. Because the pot has a very thick bottom, it does take about 4-5 minutes to get very hot on medium heat. It is a wonderful pot....use the same utensils that you would have used in your nonstick to protect the interior from scratches. Give it a try! « Show Less
1575054
Yes! As with all cast iron, you can easily transfer all Le Creuset from stove to oven to make delicious dishes. I love my collection. Take good care of them and they will last you forever.
2258507
I bought 2 sets, 10 piece and 12 piece. The 10 piece shown here my daughter has. It doesn't have but 1 frying pan which is the 8 inch. The 12 piece I have had 2 frying pans with it but no steamer so I ordered me one. Steamer is a basket that goes inside one of the pots. Its behind the utensils. A Dutch Oven is the one right in the front. They are good for using to make roast with potatoes and carrots , stews, or casseroles in the oven. The lid fits down tightly and the food cooks slow and evenly in the oven. We both love our cookware. It cooks great and cleans up great. Couldn't ask for better cookware and the price is excellent. I bought 2 sets, 10 piece and 12 piece. The 10 piece shown here my daughter has. It doesn't have but 1 frying pan which is the 8 inch. The 12 piece I have had 2 frying pans with it but no steamer so I ordered me one. Steamer is a basket that goes inside one of the pots. Its behind the utensils. A Dutch Oven is the one right in the front. They are good for using to make roast with potatoes and carrots , stews, or casseroles in the oven. The lid fits down tightly and the food cooks slow and evenly in the oven. We both love our cookware. It cooks great and cleans up great. Couldn't ask for... » Read More I bought 2 sets, 10 piece and 12 piece. The 10 piece shown here my daughter has. It doesn't have but 1 frying pan which is the 8 inch. The 12 piece I have had 2 frying pans with it but no steamer so I ordered me one. Steamer is a basket that goes inside one of the pots. Its behind the utensils. A Dutch Oven is the one right in the front. They are good for using to make roast with potatoes and carrots , stews, or casseroles in the oven. The lid fits down tightly and the food cooks slow and evenly in the oven. We both love our cookware. It cooks great and cleans up great. Couldn't ask for better cookware and the price is excellent. « Show Less
93289
I got a Swiss Diamond 12" skillet as a gift, and I loved it! It stayed flat and never warped, and the non-stick lasted pretty well. I used it so much I wore it out in 2 1/2 years. I want to buy another, but it's $130 so I'll have to save up.
196231
I bought a remanufactured unit, which was less then the new unit. 349.00 new and 279.00 remfg. I don't know where you found the new unit for 249.00?I have to tell you that I am very pleased with the one I bought.Have not used my regular stove oven since.The convection feature is great.Pizza is the best.Pies are wonderfulCookies are even better.VERY PLEASED.
788192
I am not sure which products you are comparing... But I do love the Lodge Dutch Ovens. I own 3 different sizes, and each costs $50-$60.Le Creuset is made in France, and retails between $250 and $400 per "French" Oven. Lodge is made in America, and is great for slow cooking, Braising, cheaper cuts of meat. Pork Shoulder (called Pork Butt in the Grocery Store) with Carrots, Celery, and Onions, with a cup or 2 of water, will be so delicious when cooked for 3 hours at 350F. You should try it. If you have never used a Dutch Oven, it is amazing the flavor that you can get.