Very good quality pots. The handles do notmelt and do not get hot over time. They are just a little bit hard to clean and wash after using them. Overall I would recommend them.Save 37% Off
Showing posts with label skillet 2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label skillet 2011. Show all posts
T-fal Simply Delicioso C805SA64 Stainless Steel Oven Safe Dishwasher Safe Silicone Handles 10-Piece
Very good quality pots. The handles do notmelt and do not get hot over time. They are just a little bit hard to clean and wash after using them. Overall I would recommend them.
Revere 10-pc Stainless Steel Set with Tri-Ply Bottom
When I was a kid, we had Paul Revere pots and pans.I think my Mom still uses the same ones to this day.Once I took off on my own, I'd bought any number of different pots and pans none stood the test of time.From those brown clear glass things to a T-Fal pan that shed it's non-stick coating (yech!), they've all come and gone.It wasn't until last year that I asked for a full set of decent pots and pans.And what did I get but old faithful Revere Stainless steel set with tri-ply bottom.Sure, these aren't as sexy as some new non-stick thing you saw on TV, and they aren't endorsed by some wide-mouthed tv chef, but they'll last you a long time and clean up well.The pots are my favorite thing.Sturdy I've used them a ton, banged them around, cleaned them a million times and they still hold up.Sure, food can stick to them, but just use some elbow grease and the occasional SOS steel wool sponge and they're as good as new!I love them.I plan on using them for as long as they last which will be a very long time!!!!
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One sentence:If you buy nothing else for your kitchen, buy Revere pots.They last a LIFETIME, are easy to clean, and fabulous....Okay, so that was two sentences!:DRead Best Reviews of Revere 10-pc Stainless Steel Set with Tri-Ply Bottom Here
Actually I used my set last night.The food cooked evenly. The pans are great.Grew up using revereware No complaint. Will continue to purchase revereware in the future. Im a forever customer of revereware.Want Revere 10-pc Stainless Steel Set with Tri-Ply Bottom Discount?
14" COMMERCIAL ALUMINUM FRY FRYING PAN - NSF GRADE
I really enjoy cooking with this pan because everything can be spread out to cook faster. It has an awesome non stick surface. I used the pan to fry a piece of bologna at one time and wound up chasing it around.
Precise Heat 6pc Stainless Steel Skillet Set with Steam Control Knobs
My wife and I are very pleased with these skillets we purchased online. We really enjoy using them, learning to cook the "waterless and "greaseless" way. When we grill meat on the skillet, we do not need to use any cooking oil. The meat gets cooked in its own fat. For vegetables, we find the cooking time shorter using the skillet, compared to using other pans or pots we have. In addition, the cooked vegetable retains its own natural sweetness. The skillets are also easy to clean.It's truly the healthier way of cooking. On top of that, we save on the cooking oil as well as the gas.
I absolutely love these pans and wouldn't cook with anything else. I would recommend them to over any other pan on the market.
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These pans are terrific!Nothing sticks to them.The construction and materials are far superior to most of the pans I own.I would recommend them highly.HOWEVER, DON'T BUY THEM FROM SELLER BuyDBest!!!The pans arrived with no info on care or use so I tried numerous time to contact the seller and got ABSOLUTELY NO RESPONSE FROM THE SELLER AT ALL!Fortunately there was enough info on the internet about waterless cooking to get me started.
Read Best Reviews of Precise Heat 6pc Stainless Steel Skillet Set with Steam Control Knobs Here
I would recommend these skillets. They are good quality, but they are heavy so keep in mind before you purchase.Want Precise Heat 6pc Stainless Steel Skillet Set with Steam Control Knobs Discount?
Nordic Ware 12-Inch Skillet Extraordinaire
This skillet is amazing.It's very high quality, the likes of which a chef at a restaurant would use.Nothing sticks to it, and it cooks things real nice.If you demand the best out of your cookware, go with this brand.
This would have been good to know BEFORE ordering.I've contacted the manufacturer as well.Online descriptions need to note this information.
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I looked long and hard for a made in the USA skillet just because I believe our quality standards well exceed many of the countries that make most of the famous Chef skillets and well-known brands and I finally found Nordic Ware.I also didn't want to spend a lot of money on non-stick pans when they really have a limited life-span with all the wear-and-tear of normal cooking.This pan fit both criteria.Don't need any oil or butter really, except for flavoring because the food didn't stick to the pan.I've browned meat in the skillet and am pleased with the overall results.What I really like is the heat is well distributed throughout the entire pan and I don't have to adjust meat pieces in order to evenly brown them.Easy to clean as well.Read Best Reviews of Nordic Ware 12-Inch Skillet Extraordinaire Here
We have tried many highend frying pans, but none of the others compare to this pan.It was much lighter than I expected, but it cooks perfectly.
Even more surprizing, nothing sticks to it.We had burned fish in it one day.The house cleaners came, looked at it and hid it in the stove rather than try to clean it.I put it in water for 5 minutes, and everything wiped right out.
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I'm usually impressed by Nordicware products, but not this one.I never actually got around to using the skillet because the handle was snapped off near the base.There was no damage to the Amazon box.There was no damage to the Nordic Ware box inside.The Amazon box had adequate filler to prevent excessive shifting.There is no explanation for this other than that the handle is made of cheap material.One of the other reviewers mentioned that the skillet looks like it will scratch smooth-top ranges.I'd have to agree with this, although I didn't have the chance to test it out.I didn't realize from the single photo image for this item that the bottom surface has dozens of small, raised circular buttons (there are probably better words to describe them, but none come to mind) that are about 1/2 inch in diameter.Each of these raised buttons has a sharp edge, so I'm sure that's what the other reviewer was concerned about.I thought is was just a rough surface, so I took the chance that it would be something that I could smooth down with some extra fine steel wool.
The last comment I'll make is that the skillet surface has a bit of a bronze tone to it, not the brushed aluminum or steel look I expected from the photo.That's not necessarily bad, but it's not what I'd prefer.
Two stars for this one, Nordic Ware.
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Universal Replacement Cookware Pot Glass Lid Cover Knob 2pcs
These are very light weight, cheaply made replacements, but in the end, functional.A pair was less than $5 with shipping.The material looks stainless, but the nut in the knob or the weld spot rusted after a day in the water.Bolt head is little small so I provided own stainless washer.
Wife is pleased; however, I am looking around for other cooking pots that need new knobs; I have found a wonderful solution!.
Bruce Young
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This item was a perfect fit as a replacemernt for my broken knob. Would order thiws item again if needed.Read Best Reviews of Universal Replacement Cookware Pot Glass Lid Cover Knob 2pcs Here
After being frustrated for years with the stripped screw in the knob on my better half's crock pot, the darned thing finally came apart. A quick search found this, and it seems to have solved the problem perfectly. Better still, there's two of themso should I need a knob for one of the other pots, I'm set.Want Universal Replacement Cookware Pot Glass Lid Cover Knob 2pcs Discount?
This product was easy to install and I was so happy, but the screw rusted and was dripping rust in my food.
Kuhn Rikon 6-Piece Duromatic Duo Pressure Cooker Set
We tried so many pressure cookers over the years as Indian Cooking demands heavy use of pressure cooking for making lentil soups and curries. We even tried few models from India but none could last more than a few years. Either they have problems with safety valves, handles, or they would become loose too often that requires tightenening of handles. If they last well, they were too bulky and takes almost forever to open and close the lid. Most annoying of all, they all make crazy sound that scares both my kids.Kuhn Rikon pressure cookers sure have expensive prices but once you see them and feel them, you will find every reason to agree that they are well worth the price. This particular 2 set model is so lovely that my wife decided to get rid of most of her cookware as they both compliment each other so well. They can be used for almost everything we cook for our daily needs. The lids are interchangeable. This makes it so convenient to pressure cook veggies and lentils and then continue to use it with glass lid to make the final curry without having to transfer the cooked veggies and lentils to another cookware to make the curry. You can cook meat much faster and tastier without having to marinate for long.
The small one is so convenient if you have small babies and would like to feed them fresh boiled veggies, rice, or lentils. It saves lot of cooking time and the cook book that comes with it is wonderful. It gives you so many nice and simple receipes for everyone.
Couple of our guests got so impressed with this that they bought it right away from Amazon.com without waiting to get an incredible deal for it in their Amazon.com GoldBox like I did.
My wife makes succulent turkey drumsticks in only eight minutes of cooking time.
None of the other brands, we previewed, appeared to be constructed as well as the Kuhn Rikon models.
Needless to say, our family considers this set a great value.More important,we use it almost daily.
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I received a 5-liter Duromatic pressure cooker as a gift 7 years ago, and wondered, "What on earth will I do with it?"Now I use it almost every time I cook.It is well-constructed and lives up to every promise they advertise: fast, healthful cooking has never been easier.If you love beans, there's no better way to cook them--dinner's ready in half an hour or less.Steam vegetables in 1 minute, cook a whole chicken in 19 minutes,or make perfect risotto with NO stirring in under 10 minutes from start to finish! You can make wonderful puddings and cheesecakes, too, with a little practice.
I ordered the "Duo" set to get the glass lid and the smaller cooker.Though I didn't need another 5L, it is quite handy to have two (I use it without pressure for cooking pasta or some soups.)The smaller (2L)size is wonderful for quickly cooking cereals, small quantities for babies or kids, or side dishes.
The recipe book provided with this set is extremely helpful and detailed, so don't be put off by having to learn the cooking techniques (Note to Kuhn-Rikon: a video or CD-ROM would be wonderful!I received a marketing CD-ROM a few years ago but IMO it should be in the box.)It can be tricky to convert recipes, the book contains thorough charts with cooking times for most foods, and once you get the basics down you'll be ready to start experimenting with your favorites.If you would like to cook with more whole grains and beans, this is a must-have.If you want that slow-cooked tenderness, but not the boring taste of Crock Pot cooking, pressure cooking is for you.Unlike the Crock Pot, the PC allows you to start with a saute', use the pressure to speed up your cooking time, and then add more delicate ingredients at the end so they stay crisp and colorful. Also, on a hot day like today, I appreciate that the shorter cooking time uses less energy and doesn't heat up the kitchen!
At first I had a hard time finding good PC recipes, but lately there seem to be more cookbooks coming out as the PC seems to be enjoying a bit of a revival.I just ordered Rick Rodgers' "Pressure Cooking for Everyone" and am happy to see more recipes for "gourmet" foods as well as everyday meals.
My only complaint, and it's a small one, is that I wish they sold custom cooking inserts for puddings and cheesecakes.The standard method is to cover your springform pan with foil and make a "harness" from foil to lift your pan in and out.You end up wasting a lot of foil, and it is easy to accidentally dump your dish on the way out. It would be great if they made an insert with a lid and handles to make this easier.
It would be hard to find a more versatile cooking tool, and I'm newly in love with my Duromatic(s) again after receiving my new set.BTW, the 7-year-old set is still perfect, not even the gasket has worn out, although it looks a bit shabby compared to the new styling and shiny finish of the new set.I can't say enough good things about Kuhn-Rikon or Duromatic.Give it a try!Here's to healthier, faster cooking in your home!
Read Best Reviews of Kuhn Rikon 6-Piece Duromatic Duo Pressure Cooker Set Here
I purchased the set for use on my boat where I wanted to save energy and time while preparing meals and have been using them for several months now.
I found the 5 liter pressure cooker to be great. It is extremely well made and if cared for I have no doubt that it will outlast me. The glass lid is also very useful if I want to use the cooker as a regular cooking pot, which I do quite often.
The 2 liter cooker is quite disappointing though. Since you are not supposed to fill a pressure cooker more than half full at best you only have 1 liter to work with. Even for one person this is not much. I have found that I can use the larger cooker and if I have smaller amounts to cook I just use a small metal bowl as an insert. I was hoping that it could double as a fry pan but it does not have a non-stick coating and the stainless steel is quite sticky.
If I were to do it again I would buy the 5 liter cooker and the glass lid separately.
Additional info: after having the fry pan for close to ten years the bottom is delaminating form the pan. I'm hoping I can get it replaced under the warranty before it runs out in a few months.
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When I decided I wanted to buy a pressure cooker I "shopped" here at Amazon.com.The reviews were a great help.The pressure lid works like magic.It's so quiet.I also like having the 2 pot sizes.The smaller one is great for quick-cooking grains and beans.The larger one is great for cooking larger quantities or larger items like corn on the cob.I just cooked up some rice for rice pudding.Only 5 minutes!A really nice product.
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Cuisinart MCU-12 MultiClad Unlimited Dishwasher Safe 12-Piece Cookware Set
First off let me say that this is a beautiful cookware set.For the pans that are included this is a steal.Cooking performance is superb and is equal to All Clads LTD. set.The one place that this cookware loses a star is in the finish.Where the anodized exterior meets the stainless interior is somewhat sloppy.It's not horrible but I expect more from Cuisinart.There are also a few barely perceptible dents here and there.I believe that I found two on the exteriors that no one else can see.I have also found at least two in the interiors.This does not at all take away from the cooking performance and I highly recommend this set.Update 2009:After using this cookware for two years I have to upgrade my review to five stars!It has performed flawlessly under heavy use.It is as good as it was the day I got it and I love it even more now.This set is the best value out there!
I've always been an avid cook, but never quite appreciated the importance of a great set of cookware. After being diagnosed with an illness that was probably caused in part by years of Teflon use, I decided to get rid of my kitchen-full of T-Fal Teflon cookware and splurge on stainless steel. After much research, I decided on this set of Cuisinart Multiclad. My thought was I wanted something durable, heavy-duty (yet not so physically heavy that it was a pain to pull out pots and pans every time I cooked), and that would not leach harmful chemicals into food and the air while I cooked.
I admit, I was intimidated by stainless steel... I had the idea that food easily became burned on and that it took intense scrubbing after each use. I also had the idea that a good set of quality stainless steel would cost at least $1,000. After finding this set of Cuisinart Multiclad, I decided to take the plunge.
When my order arrived and I began pulling pots out of the box, I was delighted -I wasn't expecting them all to be so darn *beautiful!* They also felt magnificent in my hands... just the perfect feel... substantial, but not uncomfortably heavy. (Confession: For several days after I received them, I would sneak peeks even when I wasn't cooking with them... I would open the cabinet door just to gaze at them. Yes, folks, I consider them a work of art!)
Cooking with my Cuisinart cookware is a whole new experience. Of course, great cookware won't make anyone a better chef, but I find myself inspired to concoct more gourmet creations than I used to. With cookware that makes you feel like a professional chef, heating soup out of a can seems mundane!
Cleaning the cookware has been just as easy as with my old Teflon. I just rinse each pan as soon as I'm finished with it and it cleans up beautifully. I am also especially careful never to let anything burn (in fact I rarely need to go above medium heat unless I'm boiling water). I also use a tip I've read on several reviews: heat the pan first for a minute or two before adding the food. That tip, plus brushing a fine layer of grapeseed oil inside anything I'm sauteeing, has prevented food from sticking to the pan.
I did have some water-spot-looking discoloration appear once after cooking brown rice. Regular washing did not remove these spots, but I let a bit of white vinegar soak in the pot for about 20 minutes, then scrubbed with a Mr. Clean Magic Erase, and ran through the dishwasher again... good as new!
Another thing I love about this particular set is that it's an outstanding collection of very useful pieces. You have all the sizes and types of pot you need. The only thing I've added is the Cuisinart Multiclad Unlimited Dishwasher-Safe 5-1/2-Quart Saute with Helper Handle & Cover. It's a larger version of the saute pan that comes in the set, and I like the larger size for the very large, vegetable-heavy meals I cook for my family. I use the 3 1/2 quart saute from the set just as often, so it's not as though it's a wasted piece. A large family may consider investing in a larger stockpot and perhaps the 12" skillet, but I haven't found that necessary at this point.
One piece in this set that has become a surprise favorite is the steamer (I have two other steamer inserts and didn't think I needed another one). My generic steamers fit down into various pots, leaving only enough room for an inch or two of water at the bottom. The Cuisinart steamer sits atop the 3qt saucepan... not hanging down into it... so that you can actually use that pot for boiling potatoes or whatever, while simultaneously steaming with the same pot... I love how efficient that is.
The bottom line is that this is an absolutely gorgeous, wonderful-to-use set of cookware. I'm hard-pressed to think of anything I don't like about it... it did bug me that little hairline scratches appeared in the bottom finish after cooking, but that's not that big a deal. If tiny scratches in the outer finish would bother you, I would suggest getting this set without the dark exterior finish (the Multiclad set that does not specify it's dishwasher-safe -even though it is). This is definitely a 5-star product that I plan to use and enjoy the rest of my life!
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I bought these and was generally happy with them until they started exhibiting significant wear on the bottom and side of the pot. I had it less than 8 months, and it has a 3 year warranty on workmanship, so I started that process.
The Warranty process is absolutely atrocious:
1 They won't tell you over the phone whether the defective pot will quality for the actual warranty or what the specific requirements are.
2 They make you pay for shipping in BOTH directions (ridiculous considering it is likely their defect).
3 They don't give you a notification that they have received the pot. I had to call and I found out they have had it for over 2 weeks, and the technicians still haven't even LOOKED at it.
4 The process takes 6-8 weeks, but they don't tell you that when you set it up.
5 The customer support representatives on the phone are rude and seem to know very little about what's actually happening.And the hold times are terrible.
One of the reasons to buy good cookware is that they are supported by a warranty, Cuisinart needs to stop shying away from the process and step up their warranty efforts. At this point I'll never buy another Cuisinart product again.
Read Best Reviews of Cuisinart MCU-12 MultiClad Unlimited Dishwasher Safe 12-Piece Cookware Set Here
I have both. Using this for vacation home. About 30% thinner and lighter than allclad ltd. Conducts heat well, almost but not quite as good as ltds (easier to overcook custard ice cream base with this). Fit of lids on pots looser than I'd like. Very attractive, well made. For the price, 5 stars. Allclad is better though at more than 2x the cost.Want Cuisinart MCU-12 MultiClad Unlimited Dishwasher Safe 12-Piece Cookware Set Discount?
I bought this set 2 years ago and I have to say I don't think I could be happier. This set is incredibly durable and has suffered through my daily use and abuse and is still in amazing condition. I am a bit of a foodie and love to cook so I've used these pans for pretty much everything you can imagine and I certainly don't treat them like delicate flowers.
This set was a bit of an impulse purchase for me, I looked at a lot of sets but for no other reason than gut instinct settled on this one and I've never looked back. The cookware has excellent heat distribution and is very easy to clean. Any time I've burned something on or let something sit too long all I have to do is fill the pan with hot water let it soak and I can wipe everything away. The handles do stay cool when being used on the stove stop so no fussing with awkward pot holders.
The only thing that I might consider a drawback is that the part on the inside where the handle is attached can sometimes hold on to a little food so it needs a few extra seconds of attention when cleaning.
Otherwise highly recommended.
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Lodge Logic L12DCO3 Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Camp Dutch Oven, 8-Quart
This is the classic size Dutch Oven that is used by boy scouts, girl scouts, chuck wagon cooks, and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. My review is mostly limited to the outdoor uses of this wonderful classic dutch oven, but I use one at home as well. This model is a #12 dutch oven which is the "standard" size most commonly used, but there many sizes bigger and smaller. This one holds 8 quarts, measuring 12" in diameter by 5" tall. It has the tripod legs and a recessed lid best suited for cooking in coals. But those legs make it harder to use in a conventional oven, you need to maneuver the legs if possible onto your grill rack. They make a legless version with the domed lid for a home oven, and I have used it in a fire as well. On this model, you can even flip this lid over and use it as a skillet in a pinch if you need to in camp. You can do it all with a Dutch Oven cobblers, stews, beans, roasts, dumplings, you name it.It is the ultimate "one pot" pan.QUALITY: There is a reason you can find old cast iron pans in antique stores, it lasts forever. I have quite a few pans and stuff inherited from family members and even some garage sale finds. I have found pans rusted and abused to where they would head for the trash bin if they were made of anything else, but you can bring cast iron back with some elbow grease and a re-seasoning or two. While my modern expensive non-stick cookware seems to last no more than a few years before replacement in my kitchen, but this stuff can easily last many decades of daily use. Lodge has a life time warranty! I love to cook with cast iron even at home, it is so durable, but I can take it camping too. Easy to clean up, the only drawback being it is heavy and hard on your wrists as you get older. Cast iron takes a bit longer to heat up, but the heat transfers very evenly without hot spots and it retains its heat for a long time. It can go from stovetop to oven with ease. Do not use it at temperatures higher than 500 degrees, as it can crack. I am not sure why, but people swear certain foods just taste better in cast iron.I believe that cast iron only improves with use and proper care instead of wearing out like other pans. As for Lodge, there really is a big difference in quality, their current pans are noticeably better than the other brands.
SEASONING FINISH:Seasoning of cast iron cookery does not refer to flavor, but the finish, a kind of glaze on the pan. I love old pans because they have the best seasoning, the older the better. I have inherited many old pans. The modern version sold here is "pre-seasoned" and ready to cook in, but we used to have to season these ourselves in the old days. It needs to stay black and a bit shiny inside to stay seasoned. If you do lose your seasoning due to rust or an overaggressive cleaning, simply wipe it with oil inside and out and place it in a hot oven for about 20 minutes or so. Let it cool in the oven slowly and naturally to room temperature again. It also helps to wipe it with a paper towel of oil after cleaning, or spray it with cooking oil and wipe. If it gets rusty, re-season it, you can get it like new again. DO NOT cook on it without re-seasoning though, as the food will stick. A note on what type of oil to use for seasoning, if you can do so use bacon grease, lard or butter, vegetable oil can sometimes get a little sticky in the pan and does not seem to get enough glaze as the animal based fats in my experience.
CLEANING: There is a debate on the cleaning of cast-iron that is as old as the pans, as to whether to use soap or not and how that affects sanitation. The Lodge company recommends cleaning without soap, but some people do so under certain circumstances. To clean without soap wash it with hot water or boil hot water in it and scrub it with a long handle brush or plastic scrubber, but never a metal scrubber as you can scratch the seasoning glaze. If you do use soap be sure it is very mild, maybe just dip your scrubber in the dishwater but don't immerse your pan in it. Immediately drying the pan is critical to its care either way, as soon as you clean the pan hand dry it with a paper towel and re-oil the pan immediately.For the most part, cast iron is non-stick as long as it is seasoned. If you use the pan on a fire, you can get soot on the exterior. An old Boy Scout trick to keep the exterior clean of soot if used on a campfire, is to treat the pan prior to cooking in the following manner. First wipe thepan (exterior only!) with some wet soap or a wet SOS pad, then let it dry before using it on the fire. Then when you are ready for washing, the soap has laid a protective layer over the exterior surface and the soot just wipes right off when you clean up with water.
ACCESSORIES: There are plenty of terrific Dutch oven and cast iron cook books here at Amazon.com. You can also get videos/DVD on Dutch Oven cooking like the one with Cee Dub. You can get affordable accessories too such as a Dutch oven tote bag, tongs, lid lifter, lid stand, and gloves. To be safe if cooking on coals or fire, use the lid lifter accessory, it will keep you from getting burned. I highly recommend this pan, and have decades of experience behind that statement, enjoy your cobbler!
If you're reading this, you probably already know about camp dutch ovens. I've been a Boy Scout my whole life, and a Scoutmaster and adult leader for several years now... (and an avid camper and outdoor cook to boot.) I have owned 5 or 6 dutch ovens in my life, and I'm now convinced that there is no match for the quality of LODGE dutch ovens.They are worth paying a little extra for. The others aren't really worth buying-the cheaper ones don't keep a finish like the LODGE ovens do.
I've bought the original finish and now this one with the LOGIC factory forged finish. I LOVE the pre-seasoned cookware. It isn't the finish that you'll get after years of seasoning, cooking and taking care of an oven, BUT you'll love that you will be able to cook on this oven RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX. So, if you're into instant gratification (with no downside-they season perfectly as you use them) this is the oven choice for you.
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In more than a decade of outdoor cooking experience, I have learned one valuable lesson: always trust anything from Lodge.This rule has been tested on everything from a simple skillet to the monster dutch ovens crafted to feed an army.In all those years, Lodge has never failed me.
I tried to save money by using cast iron utensils from other firms, and have paid dearly for it.No body has the durability, the skill, or the quality of Lodge.There is something magic about the Lodge method of manufacturing, and that magic is worth every penny that you pay for.When you purchase from Lodge, you aren't simply buying a pot or skillet, you're acquring a lifelong companion that your children will be using when you are gone.
I have 5 dutch ovens of various sizes, numerous skillets and griddles, and all of them bear the Lodge name and logo, and all of them still perform just like they did when I first got them, although they have improved with age because the taste and the smell of the food that comes from them says it all.
Trust me, friends: you can save money by buying another brand, but you will be making a grave mistake.Don't try to be cheap, buy Lodge and prepare yourself for a quality product that will last for a long, long time.
Read Best Reviews of Lodge Logic L12DCO3 Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Camp Dutch Oven, 8-Quart Here
I wanted to try out campfire cooking so I did a little research and purchased this Lodge dutch oven.Let me first say that I have bought other Lodge cast iron products and they are the "Mercedes" of cast iron cookware.No shortcuts here, just beautiful, functional cast iron products that can be passed down to your children or grandchildren.On to the review...
The pot lid is very, very heavy.The pot itself is beautifully made.The instructions are clear (I recommend you follow them, they are correct).The iron handle is robust enough to take the pot off the fire filled hot food without giving you any concern.
The pot is "pre-seasoned" so all you have to do is give it a quick clean.I usually clean my cast iron products using hot water, a soft plastic brush and a little salt.Not much sticks anyway, but the salt works to give the brush a little "bite", plus I think the salt helps the seasoning a little.
The next step is to make a nice fire about 2 hours ahead of your cook time.The pot is NOT placed on the fire directly, but a few hot coals are dragged away from the fire for cooking.
I place the pot over about 10 hot coals on the botton, and about 20 hot coals on the lid.I turn the lid every 15 minutes or so and replace the coals with new ones about every 45 minutes.
Generally this method will cook a 4-5 pound chicken with a few potatoes, carrots and onions until it "falls off the bone" in about 3 hours.
It's really hard to describe how chicken tastes after being cooked over fire coals.It seems to keep the character flavor of the pot from meal to meal, and tastes ever so slightly smoky.It's very similar to cooking I've tasted in New Zealand where meat and vegetables are wrapped up on palm fronds, place over white hot stones, then buried for about four hours.It just has it's own unique flaor.
I've also cooked chile, leg of lamb and a number of other dishes.They've all been great.
A word of warning.Most people (including myself) can't believe that just a few coals below the pot, and double the number placed on top of the lid, can really cook the contents, but less is truly more in campfire cooking.
If too many coals are used, the food will taste strangely overcooked, but not burned.So best to exercise much restraint.
If you want to try campfire cooking and buy quality that can last for generations, then I say buy this quality pot and go out and cook!
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We are very pleased with our Lodge Logic 8 quart camp dutch oven. It's true about the preseasoned readiness of the dutch. Straight out of the box, we rinsed it with hot water, applied a thin coat of cooking oil, and started cooking. The instruction/recipe book was most helpful to us,being first time owners. It listed the amount of charcoal needed for various cooking temperatures and sizes of the dutch ovens being used. We used one of our own recipes, stuffed meatballs. The food turned out great! We think it tasted better. We plan on buying a 10" and an 8" camp dutch to use with this 12" so we can try the stacking method of cooking. As a side note, we found the Weber chimney charcoal starter to work well, and at a price under 13 bucks at the HomeDepot. Also my husband came up with the idea of using leather welding gloves for safe handling of the charcoal chimney and the hot dutch. We found a pair at Sears for under 10 bucks. To use our dutch while camping we thought it best to use a metal container of some sort for a cooking table that is light weight and packable. We found the solution at a restaurant supply store, a huge 15"dia.aluminum cake pan with 2" sides. We also found 16" tongs at that store. This is a fun and tasty way of cooking outdoors.
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KitchenAid Gourmet Hard Anodized Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set
()This Kitchen Aid cookware set (manufactured by Meyer) comes with the "gourmet" tag because of the windsor style shaping of the two saucepans and the stockpot.Windsor indicates that the sides are very tall and straight until they reach the top when there is a slight flare.This configuration facilitates faster evaporation of liquids and shortens the time for reduction of sauces.In the case of the stockpot, by placing the lid on the pot you will capture all the liquids and have them return to the broth you are making.The hard-anodized outer layer over aluminum is a very easy surface to work with.I have other pieces with this finish and find it holds up wonderfully.I do not, however, put any of my cookware in the dishwasher regardless of what a manufacturer may say.I always like to make sure of what is meant by measurements given by a manufacturer.In this case an 8 quart stockpot held eight measured quarts of water, but there was only about 3/4 inch of room left to the top of the pot.I would never fill the pot that much because of the danger of boil-over during the cooking period.I placed a five pound whole chicken and the vegetables I like to use for stock in the pot and then added 4 quarts of water.This filled the pot to within 1.5 inches of the top.By keeping the glass lid on the entire time I ended up with a very good stock and chicken cooked to perfection.I have used the 3 quart sauté pan to prepare a one-dish entrée.I really like this pan because of the unusually tall sides (which are a full 3 inches tall and have no flare) because that seemed to reduce the spatter when I was sautéing the beef for my dish. So far I have only scrambled eggs in the 8.5 inch skillet, but both saucepans have also been used.Clean-up has been a real breeze, even for the sauté pan which was not washed for several hours.
One of the things I particularly like about this set is the design of the handles.There is a combination of stainless steel on top and a silicone material on the bottom for comfort when gripping the handles.These are oven safe to 350 or 400 degrees I've seen conflicting information about that.The handle joins the pan in a "Y" configuration which gives a really good, sturdy feel to the saucepan or skillet when it has food in it plus the handles are a little shorter than I'm used to.These handles are 8 inches long, compared to 8.75 inches for another cookware set I own.There is no accidental twisting of the pan because it is out of balance.
This set is suitable for cooking on solid plate, radiant ring, ceramic, halogen or gas stoves.My commercial gas range matches up very well with each of the pans in this set that I've used so far.The only negative comment I have is that I would have liked some kind of small pamphlet or brochure describing this set to be included with it.What I got was a business size white envelope with some sheets inside giving me the information about the set.Certainly not very inspirational!Despite that small quibble, I am looking forward to many years of cooking with this very attractive set of cookware.
*****EDIT***** March 19, 2011 Just a short addition to say how much I am enjoying using this cookware set.The non-stick coating is the best of any of the pans I own.It has a very smooth feel to it and I haven't found anything which can't be cleaned up easily.The silicone padding on the underside of the handles is absolutely wonderful.Even though it is always a good idea to use a potholder, these handles do actually stay cooler to the touch than any of my other pans.The stockpot is so tall and narrow that it takes a little longer for water in it to come to the boil, but once it is boiling the cooking process goes very quickly.I'm speaking specifically of cooking pasta in this instance.All in all simply a wonderful set that is going to be used all the time.
()I am so pleased with this cookware set!My old non-stick cookware by Mirro was looking pretty haggard after 10 years of dutiful service, and with our baby daughter starting to eat real solid foods, I knew we needed to replace the whole lot so bits of the flaking Teflon wouldn't find its way into the food.
DESIGN AND EASE OF USE:
The design of the cookware is a "windsor" style with the sides being at a slight angle going up and out, instead of the usual 90 degree vertical.They are also narrower at the base and taller than most regular shaped cookware.I didn't think much the design benefits until I used the pans, I LOVE WINDSOR STYLE!It lets me have a pan on each burner with lots of room around each pan since they are not low and wide like my old set of nonstick cookware.If you only have 4 burners on your stovetop like I do, this is a huge boon in maneuverability while you cook.Last night I had pasta going in the large stockpot, sausages sizzling in the saute pan, and sauce bubbling away in the 3 qt. sauce pan without feeling jammed like I usually do if I have more than 2 pans going at once.
SIDE NOTE: The 8 qt. stockpot is as tall as my old 10 qt. pot, this means spaghetti noodles still fit inside perfectly but you have 2 quarts less water to boil, so you can get them in the pot much faster -SO NICE!
SET USABILITY:
This set has exactly what I need and nothing I don't.Some cookware sets are inflated with pieces you rarely ever use and just clutter up your cupboards.The largest skillet in this set is a 10" skillet, not a 12" like I had before, but cooking for 2 adults and a baby I find 10" to be plenty of room since the skillet sides go almost vertical, you have a lot of cooking surface -some 12" skillets have sides so banked you only get 10" of cooking surface anyway.If you do a lot of entertaining and need a larger cook surface, you may want to add a covered everyday pan to your arsenal; I already have a 12" everyday pan I break out when doing a double batch of sautéed chicken or cooking for a large crowd (I have been using the Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 12-Inch Everyday Pan with Medium Dome Cover since 2006 and it still looks new).
The silicon under the handles is a very nice feature that protects your hands, especially if you are like me and try to lift pot lids to add a bit of something without hunting down a potholder first.I have pretty heat-tolerant hands, but now I don't have to test that theory.
The interior rivets from the handles are not non-stick and there may be a bit of food stickage there, I fixed that with a short hit of olive oil spray before I add the food, no sticking after that.
The pans themselves are very light in weight, making it much easier to flip and omelet sans turner, or dump 8 qts of pasta water into the sink without straining your wrists.This is a nice feature to know about if you have limited arm/wrist/hand mobility and am looking for lightweight cookware.The lids are heavier because they are thick glass and stainless steel, but you can remove them before transporting the full pot.
CARE:
I hand wash these and have not attempted to put them in the dishwasher, mainly because I don't need to at all and need the space in the DW for other stuff.They are so non-stick that I just turn the tap to super hot and rinse the gunk out -even if I left the dirty pan out overnight, running hot water gets most of it off.I just add a bit of Dawn to a nylon brush scrubber and sweep the inside to finish off the grime.They are super easy to clean and then I can fit more dishes in the dishwasher instead of taking up space with big pots and pans.I also anticipate that this method of cleaning will greatly prolong their life.
APPEARANCE:
These pots and pans are very sharp looking.The pots are dark and smooth, they look like a quality-made set.The tempered glass lids have SS polished rims and riveted handles that shine nicely and match the handles.There are holes at the end of each handle, so if you hang your pots from a rack, these will be an easy addition.
SIDE NOTE: I sometimes use the hole at the end of the handle to hold the shaft of a silicon spoonula, it keeps it off the counter or stovetop while I cook if these is already another utensil in the spoon rest.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
In addition to all the wonderful ways this cookware makes cooking so much easier, the lifetime guarantee and excellent craftsmanship of this set is impressive.I feel like this will be a great set for many many years to come; I will probably be teaching my baby girl how to cook someday with these pans, we will see if she gets them when she goes off to college :)
2 YEAR UPDATE:
After another baby and even less time to keep house I found myself putting these pots and pans in the dishwasher, cringe I know.The manual clearly states it will discolor the exterior and void the warranty. That said, and although the exterior does get lightened, the interior looks brand new after daily use and I still love these pans. I give their exterior a quick swipe with a bit of oil (coconut oil) and they are dark and even-toned again. I have been doing this for 20 months and it works great; do not do that with veg oil or it will leave a disgusting sticky film, coconut oil does not leave a film. If you care about the warrantee do not do this, but I thought you'd like to know what would happen.
Buy KitchenAid Gourmet Hard Anodized Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set Now
()This cook set has the look of professional cookware, but it is clearly made for the home market and somewhat casual use at that.
Pros:
1. Looks nice. Has that classic dark anodized coating and heavy duty feel.
2. Cooks evenly due to sufficiently heavy bottoms.
3. Comfortable handles.
4. Stock pot has good capacity.
5. Frying pan non-stick coating is really non-stick. I cooked various cheese and other dishes without issue.
Cons:
1. No volume markers on the inside of any of the set. My Pyrex brand non-coated set has both cup and metric markers on the inside. These lack any markers at all.
2. The frying pan is not wide enough for me, and the sides are steep enough that you can't "cheat" on the width by using the sides a bit.
3. The teflon coating on the inside is only rated for "medium" heat. Other teflon pans I've had would allow medium high. Ithink this isa disadvantage.
Summary:
This is not a bad set at all. If you don't care about the lack of measurement markings and if you don't need high heat to fry with, you'll think it's super.
Read Best Reviews of KitchenAid Gourmet Hard Anodized Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set Here
()You can cook without the worry of your food sticking. The overall construction is excellent and the lids are awesome with great metal support.Heavy gauge hard-anodized aluminum construction provides fast and even heat distribution. Twice as hard as stainless steel for maximum durability.
Three layer nonstick surface creates exceptional food release and scratch resistant.CoolGrip handle has 18/10 stainless steel shaft encased in soft silicone rubber.Break resistant glass lid.
10-PiecesIncludes:
1 Quart Covered Saucepan;
2 Quart Covered Saucepan;
3 Quart Covered Saucepan;
6 Quart Covered Stockpot;
8'' French Skillet;
10'' French Skillet
Oven Safe 400 F according to manufacturer, but I do not feel safe with the rubber/silicone under handles in oven why I give 4 stars.
It does make using the handles a little easier, like stock pot can be lifted while hot. * Caution if lid is not seated well and any steam escapes towards any handle, that handle will be too hot to touch.
Want KitchenAid Gourmet Hard Anodized Nonstick 10-Piece Cookware Set Discount?
()The quality of manufacture of this cookware is generally very good.The metal is thick and heavy enough to hold heat well and the non-stick coating is truly non-stick, smoothly applied, and seems quite durable.The set doesn't include any odd pieces that will end up orphaned in the back of the kitchen cabinet or any tiny pieces that aren't very versatile.
I had been using the orginal anodized aluminum Calphalon which is similar to this set except without the non-stick coating, glass lids, or silicone grips.I really like the clear glass lids that seal so tightly, the non-stick coating which really makes a difference not just while cooking but also when washing up, the large handles on the lids, and the silicone pads on the handles which make them so comfortable to grasp.
The only concerns I have are that some of the handles have some slightly rough edges on the underside (not to the point of being dangerous) and the handles could also be slightly longer on the smaller pieces.
If you are not used to non-stick cookware, you should carefully read the included precautions to take to avoid damaging the coating.
In addition to the KitchenAid mark, Meyer Corporation brands cookware under names such as Analon, BonJour, Circulon, Paula Deen, Rachel Ray, Farberware, and Silverstone.
I think this set is an excellent value.Highly recommended.
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Rustic Cazuela Clay Pan - 11 inch - 28 cm
I have a bunch of these cazuelas and love them for baking and serving.I do season them, as recommended.They are remarkably durable.
Buy Rustic Cazuela Clay Pan - 11 inch - 28 cm Now
I cracked my first one and amozon has everything awnd such good quality I replaced it and no hassle of the suitcase weighing more since this s heavy and by the way if you cook with the cooking bags it need almost no cleaning and everything come out so well!
Read Best Reviews of Rustic Cazuela Clay Pan - 11 inch - 28 cm Here
Calphalon Unison Nonstick 12-Inch Round Grill Pan
I'm an outdoor grill cook -big time.I got the Calphalon Grill Pan as a birthday present, and I must admit I wasn't too enthused.Why would you want to pretend to grill indoors, right?Well, a nice steak and a rainy day gave me the opportunity to try my pan.I cooked the steak over medium heat on an electric range, and the results were fantastic.I ate the tenderest steak I've ever cooked on a stovetop, rivaling the tenderness I get from the grill.Sure, you can't mimic the flavor of cooking on an outdoor grill, but the look (grill marks) and tenderness were identical. I got a slightly sauteed taste because I had a trace of butter and oil in the pan -enough to make a thin layer coating the bottom. The taste was definitely different from an outdoor grill, but regardless the meat tasted excellent.I seasoned it just like I would for the grill before cooking.
Being a natural skeptic, but enthused by the results with the steak, I decided to try the pan again cooking boneless chicken breasts.Same results!Super tender, juicy, and great looking meat came out of the pan.I'm sold.This is the pan for me when cooking grill meat indoors.
The secret to nonstick is to let the pan heat up fully over medium heat (no higher) before putting the meat in the pan.Putting a little butter and oil in the pan, and waiting until the butter turns golden brown lets you know when the pan is ready to use. Soaking the pan in warm water immediately after cooking makes for easy cleanup.Enjoy!
In summation, I'd say its the finest piece of cookware I have purchased to date.At the low, low price of $39.99 (I see now it is $49.99 and still great value!), I should have bought two of these bad boys.It may surprise some of my review readers, but I am a wizard with meat and this brings my kitchen game up to the next level.I cooked the crap out of some nice lamb chops yesterday.If I had any friends, they would have loved them.
Buy Calphalon Unison Nonstick 12-Inch Round Grill Pan Now
I purchased this pan because I love to grill but I'm not always in the mood to fire up the Weber outdoors.Having used it now for a couple of months, I have to say that I absolutely love this thing.I've grilled chicken cutlets, chops, burgers, bacon, and steak and everything turned out great. The pan is large, made of solid construction, heats uniformly, and is easy to clean.The design allows the meat to cook above the grease and the grill lines on the cooked meat are impressive.With chicken and chops, I use a light coat of olive oil and have had no difficulty with clean-up with a sponge and some dishwashing liquid.Just follow the instructions, bring it to heat gradually and let it cool completely before putting it in water so it won't warp.The pan looks as good as the day I took it out of the box.I'm now a big fan of Calphalon Unison and also purchased the Unison nonstick saute pan.A great value for the price in my opinion.Read Best Reviews of Calphalon Unison Nonstick 12-Inch Round Grill Pan Here
I have had Calphalon cookware for 20 years. It has never disappointed and this line is no different. I bought this pan to do Bison steaks and burgers and it is fabulous. Last night I had done a few onions in the pan first and then the burgers so it was pretty well carmelized down in the grooves and really a mess. I thought there was no way this was coming clean in the dishwasher. Well it did!! Pristinely clean like new. My old Calphalon grill pan without the nonstick surface is going to Goodwill today.
Furthermore, if you don't know it Calphalon is one of the rare companies left in America that actually stands by their guarantees. I have had several pans replaced over the years because of the kind of stove I have. When they say "lifetime guarantee", they mean it!
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I received my Grill Pan for Christmas and wanted to make sure i used it several times before posting a review. I had high hopes for this pan as i love grilling out but my apartment does not allow grills. I was not disappointed. I have used this pan well over 10 times and so far have no signs of damage or scratches.I do wash this in the dish washer though i am careful that noting is going to rub against it when i do.
It holds its heat well and evenly. It provides that beautiful grilled look and I was pleasantly surprised at how well it seared meat. I normally use a cast iron skillet for searing as most non stick pans just dont get the job done well. This one did a great job and is oven safe so after searing just pop it in the oven to finish off the meat.
I would highly recommend this Pan to anyone looking for a grill pan.
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Cuisinox Gourmet 8 Inch Frypan
I was sent the wrong item twice, they kept sending and insert for a double boiler instead of a small fry pan, finally I cancelled it
KitchenAid Gourmet Non-Stick Stainless Steel Fry Pan, 10"
I recently purchased a smaller version of this pan and made my choice because this one is manufactured in Thailand and the others were all from China.Anyway, this is a great saute pan.The bottom is heavy and heats evenly, and the nonstick surface seems very durable.I am now ordering the larger one.
This is an outstanding pan in quality, function and appearance.It is an excellent value and about half the price of other big name utensils.It is a heavy pan that heats evenly.The non-stick surface works very well with a handle that has an easy grip design and it keeps cool too.
Buy KitchenAid Gourmet Non-Stick Stainless Steel Fry Pan, 10" Now
I have a whole set of these pans. I purchased Calphon 2 years ago and they are junk even though they are twice the priceRead Best Reviews of KitchenAid Gourmet Non-Stick Stainless Steel Fry Pan, 10" Here
Item as explained.Cleans and cooks beautifully.Replaced old pan that food stuck to bottom every time.Nice size also.
Want KitchenAid Gourmet Non-Stick Stainless Steel Fry Pan, 10" Discount?
I wanted this skillet to go with my set of stainless steel pots. When I read that it was nonstick, I knew this was the one I wanted. I am very pleased with it. It also has a nice heavy handle. I use it all the time.Save 16% Off