cast iron vs. crockpot: Can these Le Crueset pans replace a crockpot?
137474
a LC pot should not be left unattended, since you are cooking either on the stove or in oven (unless your oven has auto-shutoff); a crockpot will turn off automatically. otherwise, i think cooking process and results are pretty close.
1710751
The "pot" portion comes out easily, it is really light, and won't shatter if dropped unlike your traditional crockpot. The silver/heating element portion is not removable to my knowledge.
796798
I have this Dutch Oven and a similar Le Creuset. On gas ranges I prefer cast iron. For electric ranges I prefer this one in stainless. I'm buying another because I'm now cooking on electric and I'm no longer seeing them at Marshals. Just the inferior ones with welded on bottoms. Cast iron takes too long to heat on electric.
569426
These are not my crock pots. You would have to ask the manufacturer. The one I purchased is of sufficient size.
2093690
A properly seasoned cast iron skillet won't stick. The Le Creuset looks very nice, but sticks pretty easily. Had I to do it over again, I'd go for cast iron.
1401881
Hamilton Beach website would have the best answer. The top couldn't take the higher heat at it has a rubber gasket. Don't think oven to liner for the crockpot would be a problem but you would have to wait a while for it to cool down enough to hold the lid. So best bet go to the website for their answer.
1882266
this set has no teflon... I own these items. All the cast iron item from Le Creuset are not teflon... the steel fry pans that state non-stick might be teflon.
1579220
Absolutely! We still love this crockpot a year later. Great for fondue, or for serving three different hors d'oeuvres Or making three different soups at the same time.
272496
ALL of my cast iron le creuset pans work GREAT on this cooktop! what an energy/time/added-kitchen-heat saver! enjoy the combo!!i wouldn't recommend "scooting" the pan [ANY cast iron pan] across the cooking surface, just in case of rough spots on the pan that might damage the cooktop.[special note: of course, the stoneware/bakeware won't work, but i'm sure that isn't your question.]
2193185
Yes you can cook about anything a regular crockpot will cook just smaller portions.
429049
Yes Julie. I have different size pots and some are not Le Creuset and its only a matter of a screw and the steel knob to attach they work fine.Tony.
2242185
Yes it is . The crock pot cooks much faster than a regular crock pot and it works great. I am on my second one.
880870
I've grown up using cast iron cookware...remember my grandmother and great-grandmother using nothing but cast iron on the old wood stoves... I'd recommend the 7qt - especially if you plan on only buying one size... SOOO many more options for dinner - and one can NEVER have too much fried chicken, right ?? ;-)
817284
I found this site: http://cookinfanatic.wordpress.com/2009/10/19/crock-pots-vs-slow-cookers-yep-theres-a-difference/
798642
Absolutely ! It is usually a 6-8 qt La Creuset or Staub enameled cast iron pot that I am using. No problem at all !
878019
You can get replacement inserts from the Crock-Pot website. Sometimes Amazon has a third party seller that carries the inserts as well, but they are usually double the price. Watch for a sale on Crock-Pot's site; I got mine for $5 each. I am pretty sure the inserts are made of stainless steel or aluminum. Not that you asked, but they clean up very easily!
989185
As it is thin guage metal, it will flex in the middle. An electric skillet would spread the load over a larger portion and might be ok, I would think a crock pot would be a lot of weight in a small area. One option would be to place a cutting board under the crock pot, and that would solve your problem. Over-all we love out cover, really dresses up the stove.