Cooking in Style and Ease
This was my first Le Creuset purchase and I must say I was immediately impressed with the quality of the product in that it’s very heavy (cast iron) so it gives the feeling that it will last a lifetime compared to previous pots I’ve owned from other brands. (Time will tell). However, even though it’s heavy it’s not too heavy that I can’t manipulate it for cooking and washing. I must admit that when I first read the instructions for care I became a bit intimidated but as I used the pot more I realized those were just precautions rather than instructions. The size is perfect for meal prep for a single person. The color is truly gorgeous so I often leave it on the counter or stove top just for display. So far nothing has stuck permanently to the bottom of the pot ... MoreThis was my first Le Creuset purchase and I must say I was immediately impressed with the quality of the product in that it’s very heavy (cast iron) so it gives the feeling that it will last a lifetime compared to previous pots I’ve owned from other brands. (Time will tell). However, even though it’s heavy it’s not too heavy that I can’t manipulate it for cooking and washing. I must admit that when I first read the instructions for care I became a bit intimidated but as I used the pot more I realized those were just precautions rather than instructions. The size is perfect for meal prep for a single person. The color is truly gorgeous so I often leave it on the counter or stove top just for display. So far nothing has stuck permanently to the bottom of the pot (purpose of enamel coating) which makes washing a breeze. Then last but not least, I love the fact that you can easily transfer from stovetop to oven. Normally for dishes that require baking, my kitchen looks like a war zone after prep but using this cuts out so many steps as well as additional cooking utensils/pots/bowls which reduces my clean up work significantly after cooking something like baked Mac and cheese. I’m not a Suzy home-maker kind of person but this pot has made me love cooking and the kitchen a little bit more.... Show more
AAPAZ
originally posted on Crate and Barrel
Do Your Research
After seeing a lot of positive reviews and needing a new frying pan I decided to purchase this product. I have always had non stick pans and wanted to purchase something that would last a lifetime (like my John Lewis stainless steal saucepans- so far going strong for 6 years and my dads are going on 26!)I had done abit of research on which frying pan, seeing that stainless steel are typically more difficult to work with (re not sticking) so I opted for a cast iron pan instead.I had minimal knowledge on how to look after this pan but understood that if you correctly "season" and wash the pan it will hold its non stick quality. Therefore, if you are considering this pan you must do your research on how to look after it or you will hate it.The first time I cooked ... MoreAfter seeing a lot of positive reviews and needing a new frying pan I decided to purchase this product. I have always had non stick pans and wanted to purchase something that would last a lifetime (like my John Lewis stainless steal saucepans- so far going strong for 6 years and my dads are going on 26!)I had done abit of research on which frying pan, seeing that stainless steel are typically more difficult to work with (re not sticking) so I opted for a cast iron pan instead.I had minimal knowledge on how to look after this pan but understood that if you correctly "season" and wash the pan it will hold its non stick quality. Therefore, if you are considering this pan you must do your research on how to look after it or you will hate it.The first time I cooked with it, everything stuck and I kept accidentally flicking things out the pan due to its shallow sides. - this was my error for using the pan to cook gnocchi, however, something to note if you wanted an all rounder pan this is not it.Once I got the hang of using the pan (a lot of oil, seasoning after use, drying thoroughly) it has been a dream.I got the black colour so that it won't discolour over time and it feels sturdy and well made (like all le Creuset!)However, it is extremely heavy. I am fairly strong but due to the short handle length and weighting of this pan it is almost impossible to pick up with one hand when cooking.The handle also gets very hot if cooking on the hob for long periods of time.As noted previously, this is not an all rounder pan. This pan is best used for meat and fish as it gives a lovely crisp coating without burning. If you use this pan for smaller food such as gnocchi or mixed veg be prepared for it to flick onto the floor.It is expensive for a pan however, it truly will last a lifetime and is much healthier and safer than non stick pans.Cleaning it is also very easy! Some hot water and a scrub daddy do the trick!... Show more
Victoria
originally posted on johnlewis.com
Every piece a treasure
About fifteen years ago I discovered the joy of cooking with cast iron enamel pans. I purchased a very inexpensive set that was beautiful, but cumbersome, dead heavy, and rather poor quality, suffering chips and worn enamel in short order. But it was enough for me to fall in love with cast iron enamel, and I decided to invest in Le Creuset. After getting my first pan, I was hooked; I love the way the heat radiated throughout the pan, evenly cooking food and keeping it hot from stove to table, so I continued collecting pieces. With so many beautiful colors, naturally it was impossible to stick with just one, so I now have several different colors in my collection, and I probably have too many. I display them on a metal étagière in the kitchen. My favorite piece is ... MoreAbout fifteen years ago I discovered the joy of cooking with cast iron enamel pans. I purchased a very inexpensive set that was beautiful, but cumbersome, dead heavy, and rather poor quality, suffering chips and worn enamel in short order. But it was enough for me to fall in love with cast iron enamel, and I decided to invest in Le Creuset. After getting my first pan, I was hooked; I love the way the heat radiated throughout the pan, evenly cooking food and keeping it hot from stove to table, so I continued collecting pieces. With so many beautiful colors, naturally it was impossible to stick with just one, so I now have several different colors in my collection, and I probably have too many. I display them on a metal étagière in the kitchen. My favorite piece is the large braiser in Coastal Blue, which is so beautiful that I can’t imagine why they discontinued it. Maybe it didn’t sell. Other favorites colors are Ocean, Meringue, and all the whites. There’s one tomato red Dutch oven, I don’t remember the actual color name, but it’s brighter than Cerise, and I love how it reigns among the white and blue. Oh, did I mention they are all such a pleasure for both cooking and serving? Yeah. And I’ve never had a problem cleaning up, even on the few occasions when food got burned on the bottom. Every piece still looks beautiful! Maybe it’s because with so many pieces, no single one gets constant use, but I’ve also heard from people who use one pan for everything, and I totally get it. If you’re not squeamish about a little lifting, I heartily recommend you try Le Creuset’s cast iron enamel cookware. Good luck choosing a color.... Show more
dmif
originally posted on williams-sonoma.com
Gorgeous, wouldn’t go back.
Have had this pan (in sea salt) for about a month now, and it is gorgeous; the perfect vessel in which to bake loaves.I paid £165 for it and although it is pricey, you get what you pay for, and, as with all Le Creuset, I know I’ll be using this for decades, and it will almost certainly outlive me.I mostly make basic white loaves, milk loaves, and wholemeal loaves in it, probably one every 2/3 days.It is beautiful, practical, and I just love popping my oven on to prove at 40oC with the shaped bread inside, and seeing how it will look in the gorgeous pan.I also have the round covered bread oven (in cerise) and I still use that for rolls, cobs, and I use the base as a pan for small dishes cooked normally on the hob (think creamy mushrooms for toast) - so don’t ... MoreHave had this pan (in sea salt) for about a month now, and it is gorgeous; the perfect vessel in which to bake loaves.I paid £165 for it and although it is pricey, you get what you pay for, and, as with all Le Creuset, I know I’ll be using this for decades, and it will almost certainly outlive me.I mostly make basic white loaves, milk loaves, and wholemeal loaves in it, probably one every 2/3 days.It is beautiful, practical, and I just love popping my oven on to prove at 40oC with the shaped bread inside, and seeing how it will look in the gorgeous pan.I also have the round covered bread oven (in cerise) and I still use that for rolls, cobs, and I use the base as a pan for small dishes cooked normally on the hob (think creamy mushrooms for toast) - so don’t be thinking you should only get one of the two pieces - I use each one several times weekly!If you can’t be bothered with all the kneading etc for a bread, get a cheap/second hand automatic bread maker, and just use the dough function.That will just mix, knead, and 1st prove your dough without you getting your hands dirty, then you just tip the dough out, punch it down, shape it and pop it in your gorgeous loaf pan for proving again, then you’ve got a proper-looking and tasting country loaf.Haven’t used it for any cakes though obv could do a banana bread easily in it … will experiment soon between loaves!... Show more
NicJeng
originally posted on lecreuset.co.uk
I am in love with this pot!
I was gifted with a Le Creuset Dutch in sage green about 15 years ago. I use it often and it seems indestructible so when I wanted to add a new, lifelong piece to my kitchen I knew where to look. I cook for 2 every single day, often 2 to 3 meals, so I need and deserve excellent cookware and my goodness I love this pot! The shallot color is just so elegant and beautiful, I can't stop staring at it, lol, and it's on permanent display on the stove top. We use gas, and always will, and it heats so evenly and holds heat perfectly. Now I'm on a mission to add another piece or two in chiffon pink and maybe Caribbean blue. The mix and match with these gorgeous colors works so well and makes the tiny kitchen we have look so much better. But I love that I won't need to ... MoreI was gifted with a Le Creuset Dutch in sage green about 15 years ago. I use it often and it seems indestructible so when I wanted to add a new, lifelong piece to my kitchen I knew where to look. I cook for 2 every single day, often 2 to 3 meals, so I need and deserve excellent cookware and my goodness I love this pot! The shallot color is just so elegant and beautiful, I can't stop staring at it, lol, and it's on permanent display on the stove top. We use gas, and always will, and it heats so evenly and holds heat perfectly. Now I'm on a mission to add another piece or two in chiffon pink and maybe Caribbean blue. The mix and match with these gorgeous colors works so well and makes the tiny kitchen we have look so much better. But I love that I won't need to replace this, like most of the cookware I've had in my 53 years on this earth. Can't wait to make a batch of chicken piccata or Nigella's curry in a hurry in my new baby!... Show more
MaddyG
originally posted on lecreuset.com
I am SO angry & disappointed. Take this comment SERIOUSLY!
I made a point of reading all the instructions, even though I'm an experienced cook, because Le Creuset is supposed to be one of the BEST, and I wanted to make sure I used it properly. The very FIRST time I cooked on it, I used a low setting (as suggested) and regardless of the type of food; protein, carb, fat, etc. it stuck to the pan. Not just sticky, wipe off with a sponge, but stuck on- ENGRAINED in the pan itself! I used the pan a few more times just to make sure I wasn't losing my mind, but it is definitely an inferior product. It looks like the coating was sprayed on so thinly, that it makes the pan virtually useless. Someone at Le Creuset thought they would save money by putting on less surface coating to save a few cents and then NOT PAY for the return ... MoreI made a point of reading all the instructions, even though I'm an experienced cook, because Le Creuset is supposed to be one of the BEST, and I wanted to make sure I used it properly. The very FIRST time I cooked on it, I used a low setting (as suggested) and regardless of the type of food; protein, carb, fat, etc. it stuck to the pan. Not just sticky, wipe off with a sponge, but stuck on- ENGRAINED in the pan itself! I used the pan a few more times just to make sure I wasn't losing my mind, but it is definitely an inferior product. It looks like the coating was sprayed on so thinly, that it makes the pan virtually useless. Someone at Le Creuset thought they would save money by putting on less surface coating to save a few cents and then NOT PAY for the return shipment! Such a terrible shame.... Show more
JULIACHILD2
originally posted on lecreuset.com
Le Creuset going downhill FAST
I ordered a 3.5 QT cerise SIGNATURE braiser with gold knob during the factory to table sale. Item was so poorly packaged that the presentation box was crushed with several holes in it. Since this was for a wedding present it was important that the box not look like I purchased it off of a backlot scrap yard. Le Creuset could not send just a replacement box so I had to ship the entire braiser back. They sent me a TRADITIONAL braiser in its place which has much smaller handles and was not acceptable as an exchange. Now they say they can't replace it since it's out of stock. Not sure why they didn't ship one of the alternate colors they asked me to list when I submitted the RMA request. I guess they didn't want to honor the sale price anymore. I will purchase Staub ... MoreI ordered a 3.5 QT cerise SIGNATURE braiser with gold knob during the factory to table sale. Item was so poorly packaged that the presentation box was crushed with several holes in it. Since this was for a wedding present it was important that the box not look like I purchased it off of a backlot scrap yard. Le Creuset could not send just a replacement box so I had to ship the entire braiser back. They sent me a TRADITIONAL braiser in its place which has much smaller handles and was not acceptable as an exchange. Now they say they can't replace it since it's out of stock. Not sure why they didn't ship one of the alternate colors they asked me to list when I submitted the RMA request. I guess they didn't want to honor the sale price anymore. I will purchase Staub going forward. My recent experiences with Le Creuset have turned me off from them permanently.... Show more
Lorrie
originally posted on lecreuset.com
Love, Love Love this Dutch Oven
I debated about size, and finally chose the 5.5 quart one. I think it's perfect for me in preparing recipes thatmake enough for 4 or 5 people. I wouldn't want larger. Usually I'm cooking for just two of us, and I can getenough made for two separate meals, if not three. The weight isn't that heavy, it's easy to handle, pick up,and clean. When you cook with these Le Creuset dutch ovens, you have to modify your use of high heat. I havea gas stove, and I keep the flame at medium to medium low, and many things once heated get turned down toa low simmer. The pan cleans up like new every time. If you let it cool, then fill with water to soak for 5 minutes,whatever is on the pan will come off with no effort at all. I hand wash, then dry the pan. I'm not planning ... MoreI debated about size, and finally chose the 5.5 quart one. I think it's perfect for me in preparing recipes thatmake enough for 4 or 5 people. I wouldn't want larger. Usually I'm cooking for just two of us, and I can getenough made for two separate meals, if not three. The weight isn't that heavy, it's easy to handle, pick up,and clean. When you cook with these Le Creuset dutch ovens, you have to modify your use of high heat. I havea gas stove, and I keep the flame at medium to medium low, and many things once heated get turned down toa low simmer. The pan cleans up like new every time. If you let it cool, then fill with water to soak for 5 minutes,whatever is on the pan will come off with no effort at all. I hand wash, then dry the pan. I'm not planning towash it in the dishwasher. With this kind of careful but not difficult care, the pan will continue to look beautifuland like new. I bought my pan in the beautiful dark teal color, which seems to now be discontinued. I alreadyhad a bunch of wood and silicone cooking utensils, and I don't plan to use metal except perhaps a soup ladle,which wouldn't scratch the pan anyway. The ceramic interior is very strong, but I don't want to risk scratches.This pan and this size is highly recommended as it's big enough but a manageable size and weight.... Show more
CMCM
originally posted on williams-sonoma.com
So versatile and beautiful
I bought my Round Wide Oven in the the color Merseille, a gorgeous blue. It arrived in perfect shape, and I am in love. This piece is as wide as a 9 quart Dutch oven, but with shorter sides, which is the best of both worlds to me. This means lots of surface area at the bottom for browning, but the sides are short enough for comfortable stirring and easy transfer to the oven or table for serving. The lower sides also make the lid more visible when the pot is on the stove top - an unexpected bonus. This pot is wonderful for braising, sauteeing, stews, casseroles, one pot meals and so much more. I just made Coq au Riesling, and it was a huge hit. I served it straight from the pot, with a large cutting board underneath to protect the table. What an easy way to create a ... MoreI bought my Round Wide Oven in the the color Merseille, a gorgeous blue. It arrived in perfect shape, and I am in love. This piece is as wide as a 9 quart Dutch oven, but with shorter sides, which is the best of both worlds to me. This means lots of surface area at the bottom for browning, but the sides are short enough for comfortable stirring and easy transfer to the oven or table for serving. The lower sides also make the lid more visible when the pot is on the stove top - an unexpected bonus. This pot is wonderful for braising, sauteeing, stews, casseroles, one pot meals and so much more. I just made Coq au Riesling, and it was a huge hit. I served it straight from the pot, with a large cutting board underneath to protect the table. What an easy way to create a beautiful dinner presentation, and a functional one too as the lid keeps the food hot longer. Clean up was easy - warm, soapy water and a gentle sponge. I am so thrilled with this pot!... Show more
Lala4Now
originally posted on lecreuset.com
The enamel QUALITY is POOR and DON'T RELY on WARRANT
I'm a working mom of two. I love my kids and cook every day to feed them well. I also appreciate the cozy house and esthetic kitchen. I decided to splurge money into 5 le creuset cookware pieces (small and big saucepans, dutch oven, pan and the braiser). It's very expensive however I decided that it will add aesthetics (color Chalot mmm, dreamy) also it will add variation of cooking techniques and also will serve me decades and finally will serve my daughter when she'll be the mom. I believed the quality promised by La Creuset and their lifetime warranty. And you know what- it's total SCAM! My beautiful chalot color pan got cracked very soon as I started to use it (EXTREMELY CAREFUL!!!!) and customer service just refused to fix or exchange it!!!! Their LIFETIME ... MoreI'm a working mom of two. I love my kids and cook every day to feed them well. I also appreciate the cozy house and esthetic kitchen. I decided to splurge money into 5 le creuset cookware pieces (small and big saucepans, dutch oven, pan and the braiser). It's very expensive however I decided that it will add aesthetics (color Chalot mmm, dreamy) also it will add variation of cooking techniques and also will serve me decades and finally will serve my daughter when she'll be the mom. I believed the quality promised by La Creuset and their lifetime warranty. And you know what- it's total SCAM! My beautiful chalot color pan got cracked very soon as I started to use it (EXTREMELY CAREFUL!!!!) and customer service just refused to fix or exchange it!!!! Their LIFETIME WARRANTY IS A SCAM!!! They will just blame you, that it's your fault. and today I noticed the crack on my Dutch oven. I already know there is no use to ask customer service for help. Also regarding esthetics- it's VERY difficult to keep these pieces interior and exterior clean, I have their brushes and cleaner, but it takes A LOT of time to clean them up to the degree you can not hide them in the closet but actually decorate your interior. So don't waste your money. It does not worth it AT ALL... Show more
Istra
originally posted on lecreuset.com