A friend for life, ethically sourced
This I have had for many years, and it is simple to look after, and with some basic knowledge will last for my entire life - warm up slowly, clean via soaking and then wipe with a soft cloth, don't subject to temperature shock.Ethically I'm more comfortable with an item made in France than some Far East countries. That comes with a price though hence one star off...they are expensive!But back to the product... the first tip I have, is to go for a darker shade rather than a lighter shade, as they can gather tiny little splat marks over the years. Easy to clean regardless of colour but darker in hindsight would be my choice. If taking one of the trend colours these seem to exist for ca. two - three years so stock up accessories in matching shade whilst you ... MoreThis I have had for many years, and it is simple to look after, and with some basic knowledge will last for my entire life - warm up slowly, clean via soaking and then wipe with a soft cloth, don't subject to temperature shock.Ethically I'm more comfortable with an item made in France than some Far East countries. That comes with a price though hence one star off...they are expensive!But back to the product... the first tip I have, is to go for a darker shade rather than a lighter shade, as they can gather tiny little splat marks over the years. Easy to clean regardless of colour but darker in hindsight would be my choice. If taking one of the trend colours these seem to exist for ca. two - three years so stock up accessories in matching shade whilst you can.Second tip, where I disagree with some friends, is the shape - if you plan to roast whole pieces go for the oval, if you plan to stew, soup or bake loaf go for the round.... Show more
Peter
originally posted on johnlewis.com
Disappointing at the smaller than advertised size
I was excited to try a Le Creuset and see if the prices were really worth it. While it's clearly beautifully made, I'm pretty disappointed in the tiny size. It did have the dimensions listed online, which I compared to my current small crocks. However, they used measurements that include the lid and handle. The part that would hold food is not big enough for soup, even just for one. It's big enough for some warm dip or cheese for one -- but I typically would be going through the trouble of making that stuff for more than just one. So, not really sure what I'll use this for now. Without regular use, I'm not going to truly be able to see how Le Creuset holds up to other brands.... Show more
K Mac
originally posted on nordstrom.com
Great Cooking Vessel
Thoroughly enjoy LeCreuset cookware. Would’ve been extremely nice learning about them much sooner in life, no doubt. Nonetheless, utilize the cookware as often as possible. Created what I’m calling a Chicken Stumbo the other night which turned out beyond expectation in this vessel. A great mandolin makes a world of difference. Wanted au gratin cut potatoes with chicken straight out the oven, but with no roasted or pan stuck potatoes. Mixed two cans Campbell’s Cream of Celery with tomato sauce containing basil, garlic and oregano. Added sour cream, two soup cans of water, chopped onions, celery, bell pepper, shallots, portobello mushrooms, Pico de Gallo, fresh garlic, cilantro, Goya seasoning, S&P, and filet gumbo all nicely whisked together. Loaded in the five ... MoreThoroughly enjoy LeCreuset cookware. Would’ve been extremely nice learning about them much sooner in life, no doubt. Nonetheless, utilize the cookware as often as possible. Created what I’m calling a Chicken Stumbo the other night which turned out beyond expectation in this vessel. A great mandolin makes a world of difference. Wanted au gratin cut potatoes with chicken straight out the oven, but with no roasted or pan stuck potatoes. Mixed two cans Campbell’s Cream of Celery with tomato sauce containing basil, garlic and oregano. Added sour cream, two soup cans of water, chopped onions, celery, bell pepper, shallots, portobello mushrooms, Pico de Gallo, fresh garlic, cilantro, Goya seasoning, S&P, and filet gumbo all nicely whisked together. Loaded in the five freshly cut potatoes with five skinless/boneless chicken pieces. Covered and baked 90 mins at 375F, stirring once every 30 minutes. As it cooked, the house smelled indescribably delicious. Voila! Once finished, it smelled more incredible; looking and tasting like a stewed gumbo…absolutely delish…without the traditional artery clogging roux. Everything was perfectly cooked fork tender and juicy. Allelu!!!... Show more
USAMAN
originally posted on QVC
Great product and a fair price
I used my new cast iron-covered baking pan to bake artisan bread. The results were beyond my expectations. The bread was delicious and browned to perfection. The heat distribution was even and it was easy to clean. I highly recommend this product and feel it was worth the price I paid. Sometimes you have to pay a little more for a quality product. Being frugal can sometimes result in disappointment. I was very pleased with it and glad I made the purchase.... Show more
Mindy
originally posted on walmart.com
Inconsistent quality control
I am a huge LC fan and was always satisfied with these well made Dutch ovens. However, my latest purchase of a 5.5 qt DO turned out to be a disappointment. First, I noticed the rim was much darker than my old LC pans. The dark rim was so rough that I almost cut my wrist when washing the DO. Second, the interior coating color was much paler compared to my old pans. I understand LC products manufactured in different factories may have slightly different cue of the enamel. Problem is the enamel of this DO seems to be more likely to stain and harder to clean, despite of the fact that signature line products are supposed to have an improved enamel coating which should be more chip resistant and less likely to stain. I hope LC is not comprising its quality by changing the ... MoreI am a huge LC fan and was always satisfied with these well made Dutch ovens. However, my latest purchase of a 5.5 qt DO turned out to be a disappointment. First, I noticed the rim was much darker than my old LC pans. The dark rim was so rough that I almost cut my wrist when washing the DO. Second, the interior coating color was much paler compared to my old pans. I understand LC products manufactured in different factories may have slightly different cue of the enamel. Problem is the enamel of this DO seems to be more likely to stain and harder to clean, despite of the fact that signature line products are supposed to have an improved enamel coating which should be more chip resistant and less likely to stain. I hope LC is not comprising its quality by changing the formula just to meet the market demands.... Show more
K R
originally posted on lecreuset.com
Love this casserole dish
The quality of Le creuset is always outstanding but wished I had bought this dish from the outset to use on my new induction cooktop. Unfortunately I wasted some money buying other 'induction suitable' cookware which, I have since learned, doesn't always have a perfectly flat base so might not work so well on certain induction cooktops. No problems with this one. It has a perfect flat base and heats water up rapidly. I'm yet to make a casserole in it. The only drawback with cast iron cookware is that its best suited to boiling water or for low temp cooking (Le Creuset remind you of that) so you may need to adjust your cooking method with certain dishes.... Show more
Emelie
originally posted on davidjones.com
Might be the only casserole I’ll ever need
Absolutely love cooking with it so much that it lives on my the hob even when not in use. New to cast iron cooking so small things like the heavy lid limits a lot of the splattering I used to get from typical glass lids is a real bonus. The handles can get hot since they don’t appear to be insulated but not a big issue if you have a tea towel or oven mitts nearby. So far I’ve used it for slow cooking recipes, soups and stews. Yet to try it in the oven but other reviews I’ve seen say it performs well. Will definitely be my go to wedding gift for friends.... Show more
Jeff C. P
originally posted on myer.com.au
True quality from Le Creuset
Le Creuset is the best you can have for almost any soups, stews, chilis, or braising. I have several of their smaller Dutch ovens, so opted for a larger one. It is great for making large quantities when I want to share with family or friends. I took off one star due to its weight. Being cast iron, the larger they are, the heavier they are. I can barely lift it after cooking soup or a roast. My son on-law does the heavy lifting for me because he loves the soups I make in it for him.... Show more
Trish
originally posted on Sur La Table
Worth every penny
I got one of these as a wedding gift almost 20 years ago from a John Lewis wedding gift list service. Although the price seems a lot for a casserole dish, the quality of these pots is incredible and only eclipsed by the amazing customer support I have received from Le Creuset. After being used almost daily for so many years we noticed some of the enamel was wearing away inside the pot. I emailed the Le Creuset UK helpline and attached photos of the pot. They were incredibly helpful and offered to send out a free replacement which arrived a few days later. TBH I thought 20 years of service was a good innings but Le Creuset really mean it when they guarantee these things for life.... Show more
Cooking Wizard
originally posted on johnlewis.com
You get what you pay for
Very well made, very heavy, and if you look after them properly they will last forever. Le Creuset cast iron goods are very expensive but you get a good product. You do get cheaper brands that also do a good job but unlike with some things you aren't just paying for the name with Le Creuset, they are genuinely excellent items.Look after them and they will look after you, try not to burn stuff to them and don't go scrubbing with abrasives and the enamel coating will last forever, its fairly non stick, not as non stick as a "proper" non stick coating, but if you use it properly and cook stuff at the correct temperature then stuff won't stick to it.The 28cm one is very big, possibly a bit too big, if you are making large batches of something like soup or cooking ... MoreVery well made, very heavy, and if you look after them properly they will last forever. Le Creuset cast iron goods are very expensive but you get a good product. You do get cheaper brands that also do a good job but unlike with some things you aren't just paying for the name with Le Creuset, they are genuinely excellent items.Look after them and they will look after you, try not to burn stuff to them and don't go scrubbing with abrasives and the enamel coating will last forever, its fairly non stick, not as non stick as a "proper" non stick coating, but if you use it properly and cook stuff at the correct temperature then stuff won't stick to it.The 28cm one is very big, possibly a bit too big, if you are making large batches of something like soup or cooking for 6 - 8 then its perfect but for cooking for a family of 4 then I would say a 26cm or even 24cm would be sufficient for most things. Don't worry about the size for heating though, the 28cm is way bigger than our biggest ring but the base of the pan is thick and heats evenly so you don't end up burnt in one area and cold in another. Also have a 20cm one which is perfect for smaller dishes or accompaniments.Top tip, make sure they are properly dry before you put the lid back on and put them away, the bare cast iron round the lip and underside of the lid can still be a bit damp even after drying with a towel and this will rust in time. The stainless steel handle seems to yellow a bit with continually putting it in the overn but no big deal. Other top tip, allow a bit more time for these things to heat up before you start cooking, such is the weight of them they take a while to get up to cooking temperature, don't get impatient, you aren't supposed to use high heats with them as this can crack the enamel, I'm not talking ages but longer than a regular pan.... Show more
Anon
originally posted on johnlewis.com