I've used my Le Creuset enameled cast iron cookware for over 10 years; I'd be lost without it. The excellent heat retention and even heat distribution allow you to cook over low-medium heat; you'll save energy and your cookware will last longer. But who am I kidding?--I bought my Le Creuset pans because they're pretty and oh so French! That they're energy efficient, sturdy, and easy to clean are just bonus points.
Although I own a set of the cobalt blue pans, the heart shaped red pan with lid is my favorite Le Creuset piece. It would make a great Mother's Day or Valentine's Day gift; then again it would make a wonderful present to yourself!
I have collected all of Le Creuset's fruit and vegetable shaped cast iron enameled casseroles. In my 40+ years of cooking these casseroles are at the top of my list for beauty and functionality. They are beautiful to display on a table or on a kitchen counter and very practical in cooking delightful casseroles, soups, stews and other wonderful dishes. The color that they can add to a kitchen brightens every vist there. The exterior and interior enamel coating is very durable and easy to clean. I have cooked a multitude of dishes in these casseroles and have found them to be excellent in heat conduction and preventing "hot spots". The wider and lower shaped casseroles are a little better in spreading the heat.
The warranty against defects of 101 years will certainly last beyond my expected needs but it is nice to know that I have the protection since these are not inexpensive purchases.
The comments of guests served from these casseroles is always positive and never fails to bring a smile to my face.
There is a drawback to these whimsical cookers and that is the rim of both the top and bottom of the casseroles. There is no enamel on these rims and they can rust if not dried immediately after hand washing. They are dishwasher safe but I do recommend that you hand wash and dry immediately. I also recommend that you let them sit out for an hour or so to air dry before storing them.
When wet this casserole can be very slippery and the handles on the bottom and top help in preventing dropping them. Be really careful!
Finally, closely inspect your casserole when it arrives. My first garlic casserole had a two inch crack in the enamel. I did not have to contact Le Crueset since Amazon.com immediately sent a replacement to me and had the defective item picked up at my home at no charge. I commend them for standing behind the products they sell.
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The single best pots for doing rich chicken dishes and the like. Conducts heat perfectly, well-balanced and very easly to clean. So many great meals have emerged from these pots that I tend to cook more frequently,especially the more slow-cooking or complex dishes.
I inheirited one ofthese pots and then bought another. Since then I have excused all similarimitations from the kitchen.
If I had to equipt my kitchen with 3cooking pots/pans, this would come right after the skillet and sauce pan.
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Of all the 2 quart Le Creuset specialty pieces (pumpkin, tomato, etc.) this was the one that caught my eye.I resisted it several times at a nearby Le Creuset shop, but when they discounted it so that the price was about what I'd pay on Amazon, I gave in.I only wish I would have bought it sooner.
Unless your kitchen is totally austere and devoid of all decor, this is one piece you will want to keep out at all times.You cannot look at it without smiling and just feeling good.As far as actually using it, it has all the wonderful qualities for which Le Creuset is so well-known.Whether on the stove or in the oven, you'll love the even heating and the smooth enamel finish.When it's time to serve on the table, it becomes a conversation piece as well.At 2 quarts, it's a great size for small recipes.Clean up is fast and easy.
So, beauty and function in a quality piece of cookware, and all for a reasonable price.What more could one ask for?
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I have had this pot since about 2001.I bought it for the macaroni and cheese review.I don't remember how much I paid for it, but it has been worth it surprisingly.I admit I only used it to make mac and cheese the first few years.Then I found out it makes brussel sprouts, spaghetti sauce, and now RICE, perfectly.I actually reach for this pot on somewhat of a weekly basis now and it still looks brand new.The handles are very ergonmically useful.It holds an air-tight seal while cooking, so rice cooks up perfectly without spilling over on the stove.Stores food well in any temperature.
This is a hand me down pot for the future generations.Friends always compliment me on the cuteness of this pot as it sits on the stove during cookings.I am glad I bought it.It cooks 3 cups of rice and surprisingly mac and cheese is not so bad in such a deep small pot.It fills nearly to the brim without boiling over, since it is air tight.
If you do not treat this pot delicately and just use it for anything including side vegetables, you will find that it is very useful.There is hardly a scratch on mine and I consider it everyday ware now.Hope this helps!
ok quality, but made in china.i would actually prefer that it wasn't seasoned because who knows what kind of oil it was seasoned with in china...
