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
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.
168945
I would contact Le Creuset directly. They are pretty good with replacement and warranty items.
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!
68710
Practice and oil. Do not expect stainless steel cookware cook easily like nonstick . I can make good omelette, maybe 80% of time only. Have not tried crepes yet.
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.]
1401877
I have never tried it, but the stoneware crock itself is very sturdy and I have put less sturdy casseroles in the oven at 350 degrees. Seems it would work quite well as an extra warming utensil.
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.
1371101
I love this little oven. You can do anything a big oven can do,-Just on a smaller scale. It can fit one slice of a large pizza at a time. Because there is no window, each time you open it to look inside you will lose some of the temperature you selected..but it will recover very quickly, again because of the size. I have made very good cresent rolls & buttermilk biscuits (from ready made in the cardboard roll). Make note of temp & how long you cooked the items you cook so that next time you have a reference for the "doneness" you prefer. Really good purchase.
761522
This is the newest model that Sunbeam made but unfortunately they have been discontinued as stated. Fortunately, they are still widely supported and parchment pouches are still being manufactured. I recently purchased a package of 3 reusable teflon pouches that are supposed to be good for 50 uses. I accidentally damaged one of them the second time I used it so the jury is still out on those. Personally, I own 3 of these. One for the kitchen that we probably use no less than twice a week, one I bought for my buddies boat so we can cook quick, easy meals after a hard day fishing (LOL) and one that sits in the closet just in case either of the other two should fail. I haven't ever had a dial break but I have seen them for sale so I'm thinking I may grab one or two of those based on what you have told me. And you are absolutely right when you said they are the best appliance ever!
1255211
This is a French Oven. A Dutch Oven has legs, a flat top, and can be stacked one on top of the other if you have more than one. Look for items from Lodge if you want excellent quality and price.
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
1119393
I use it on a gas stove and in the oven. You need to be aware that this pan is extremely heavy. I have a hard time lifting it with one hand. Below is from their site under &gt;stoneware.. http://cookware.lecreuset.com/cookware/care_10151_-1_20002 Heat recommendations Le Creuset cast iron cookware can be used on all heat sources including gas, electric solid plate or radiant ring, vitro-ceramic glass, induction, and ovens fired by gas, oil, coal or wood. When using any glass-topped stove, always lift the pan when moving it; never slide it, as this may damage the stovetop or the base of the pan. Always match the pan's base size to the stovetop heat zone to maximize efficiency, and to prevent overheating of the pan sides or damage to the handles.
1744572
Kate, in my large repertoire of pans and lids, I haven't found one that fits well, this pan is for frying, you could use a screen over it if it spits oil on the stove, but usually you should have the heat turned down low enough to eliminate this.This pan cooks well with low heat.I ended up getting the 5.5 quart French oven which I like a lot better than the frying pan.You can slow cook anything in this pot and it comes out flavorful and tender.I know I got off the subject of the lid, because I couldn't find one, but the French oven is wonderful.
381739
I'm not sure about a dutch oven, but we have a 12 inch cast iron skillet, and the whole set up (with skillet) was very solid. Actually, a dutch oven is probably also okay. It's very stable.
328184
Cast iron interior and what the heck is PFOA? Major cooking done in Le Creuset and has been for years and I ain't dead yet!!
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 ?? ;-)