Until I can afford Le Creuset, what is going to be the best inexpensive standby? I am slowly saving up for my Le Creuset dutch/ french oven, but it will be awhile. What is going to be the best, inexpensive option for a sturdy, fireproof casserole size dish that can go from stovetop to oven? Until I can afford Le Creuset, what is going to be the best inexpensive standby? I am slowly saving up for my Le Creuset dutch/ french oven, but it will be awhile. What is going to be the best,... » Read More Until I can afford Le Creuset, what is going to be the best inexpensive standby? I am slowly saving up for my Le Creuset dutch/ french oven, but it will be awhile. What is going to be the best, inexpensive option for a sturdy, fireproof casserole size dish that can go from stovetop to oven? « Show Less
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Just in case this confuses anybody - scotchbrite will UTTERLY DESTROY the enamel on a le Creuset pan. Enameled pans have no problem cooking liquid, and soak clean. Lodge bare cast iron is a very different surface (and Lodge enameled cast iron is made in China...)
82765
There's a replacement knob for the Le Creuset that's stainless steel. Although it doesn't tell you anywhere what the max temperature is for the stainless steel. I googled it and nothing. Just that the Phenolic knob is good up to 375. Why is it so hard for people to give us information we need? Why do you have to buy a replacement knob? Why don't they just use a knob that can withstand up to 500 degrees if one already exists...questions questions...Le Creuset L9403-45 Stainless-Steel 2-Inch Replacement Knob
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I bought the Sam's product about a year ago. The bottom soon developed horrible brown stains, which could be cleaned only with bleach. Rust spots developed. Imam discarding it. Too bad my dog died. I might use it for his water bowl.
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Try one of the Imusa casseroles. Imusa Enamel Dutch Oven, 4.5 Quart, TurquoiseThey don't do heat diffusion very well (you will appreciate the difference when you get the LC), but they have the same easy-to-clean enamel advantage, they're made in Mexico, not China, and for the price of a LC dutch oven you could buy ten of them.
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World Market or Cost Plus as it was called has a good substitute. It works great for about $49.00.
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The phenolic knob will only go up to 375 in the oven, but it won't get hot on the stovetop. The stainless knob can tolerate a hotter oven, but it *does* get hot on the stovetop (I found this out the hard way). LC used to have cast iron knobs that had a little rubber cover for stovetop use, but that was 30 years ago.
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Lodge Color Enameled Cast-Iron 6-Quart Dutch Oven, Island Spice RedI love my lodge! I'm not going to bother with Le Creuset
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I bought a remanufactured unit, which was less then the new unit. 349.00 new and 279.00 remfg. I don't know where you found the new unit for 249.00?I have to tell you that I am very pleased with the one I bought.Have not used my regular stove oven since.The convection feature is great.Pizza is the best.Pies are wonderfulCookies are even better.VERY PLEASED.
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I don't know. I don't know why it would be a problem. The dutch oven is heavy, but I think as long as you are careful, it doesn't matter that the cook top is glass. Maybe there is something about glass stove tops in the literature that comes with the product, or maybe with the glass top stove.
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I did I bought 2 off amazon. Both lodge brand one has a pic of lodge cast iron with a pie in it. That has great recipes. There is also a cast iron or Dutch oven www that great recipies. I think it might be Dutch oven dudes. Or something close. But amazon had the best prices for cook where & books. You can also get great used books on here...
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Most important thing with CI cookware is keeping them 'seasoned'. An old one, I cleaned itwell, used a steel wool scratchier a few drops of dawn, totally dry, and covered the pot completely with a coat of Crisco. Turn Oven to 350 place rack on the lowest slot, put a heavy piece of foil there Lay the pot/skillet in the oven upside down and 'bake ' for 1 hour. Shut the oven off and leave in there until cool. Now if it really rusty and you cannot remove the rust, Lodge says to take it to a Machine shop and have it sandblasted. Quickly home, wash it with hot water, a scrub brush and 1 drop of Dan, rinse and coast with Crisco and proceed as above. Any questions contact Lodge www.lodgemfg.com or call CS at 423-837-7181. Most important is when done using ..clean it out with hot water dry and coat with Crisco when it is still warm. I stack in the cabinet, using parchment paper liners between each pan/pot. Never use metal tools. Wood plastic or silicone. Did this help??
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Dear TJ, the Le Creuset website states that one can use their cookware on a glass top stove. Great, isn't it? They just state the obvious, that you should lift the pot, while moving it on the stove top, not slide it. You know that it could scratch the glass, I'm sure. Cheers, Marsha
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The numbers don't mean anything to me. I bet the more expensive one has the gold band around the dutch oven. I have the cheaper one and it cooks just fine, but it does get the discoloration inside from heat. I just use a light scrubbing with a brillo pad--good as new again.
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The Emeril set which Amazon promotes every so often is excellent. At a lower price point you might look at the Rachel Ray Porcelain Enamel. Her new Oval pans are wonderful on crowded stove tops.
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I baked a corn pudding in it and took it to the church. I didn't reheat it but I'm sure you could for I have used the same pan over again. It also has a nice cover. Actually I love these pans. I use them at home and in our rv. That's why I bought so many in the package available. They also wash up so easily. Now you may have to support it a bit if your casserole is heavy.
1255211
This is a French Oven. A Dutch Oven has legs, a flat top, and can be stacked one on top of the other if you have more than one. Look for items from Lodge if you want excellent quality and price.
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I am not sure which products you are comparing... But I do love the Lodge Dutch Ovens. I own 3 different sizes, and each costs $50-$60.Le Creuset is made in France, and retails between $250 and $400 per "French" Oven. Lodge is made in America, and is great for slow cooking, Braising, cheaper cuts of meat. Pork Shoulder (called Pork Butt in the Grocery Store) with Carrots, Celery, and Onions, with a cup or 2 of water, will be so delicious when cooked for 3 hours at 350F. You should try it. If you have never used a Dutch Oven, it is amazing the flavor that you can get.
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It is a casserole dish so should be good to about 450 or so. Use mine at 400 plus frequently. Check the lid. If plastic parts probably not good in the oven. Mine is glass.
196233
I bought a remanufactured unit, which was less then the new unit. 349.00 new and 279.00 remfg. I don't know where you found the new unit for 249.00? I have to tell you that I am very pleased with the one I bought. Have not used my regular stove oven since. The convection feature is great. Pizza is the best. Pies are wonderful Cookies are even better. VERY PLEASED.
2258507
I bought 2 sets, 10 piece and 12 piece. The 10 piece shown here my daughter has. It doesn't have but 1 frying pan which is the 8 inch. The 12 piece I have had 2 frying pans with it but no steamer so I ordered me one. Steamer is a basket that goes inside one of the pots. Its behind the utensils. A Dutch Oven is the one right in the front. They are good for using to make roast with potatoes and carrots , stews, or casseroles in the oven. The lid fits down tightly and the food cooks slow and evenly in the oven. We both love our cookware. It cooks great and cleans up great. Couldn't ask for better cookware and the price is excellent. I bought 2 sets, 10 piece and 12 piece. The 10 piece shown here my daughter has. It doesn't have but 1 frying pan which is the 8 inch. The 12 piece I have had 2 frying pans with it but no steamer so I ordered me one. Steamer is a basket that goes inside one of the pots. Its behind the utensils. A Dutch Oven is the one right in the front. They are good for using to make roast with potatoes and carrots , stews, or casseroles in the oven. The lid fits down tightly and the food cooks slow and evenly in the oven. We both love our cookware. It cooks great and cleans up great. Couldn't ask for... » Read More I bought 2 sets, 10 piece and 12 piece. The 10 piece shown here my daughter has. It doesn't have but 1 frying pan which is the 8 inch. The 12 piece I have had 2 frying pans with it but no steamer so I ordered me one. Steamer is a basket that goes inside one of the pots. Its behind the utensils. A Dutch Oven is the one right in the front. They are good for using to make roast with potatoes and carrots , stews, or casseroles in the oven. The lid fits down tightly and the food cooks slow and evenly in the oven. We both love our cookware. It cooks great and cleans up great. Couldn't ask for better cookware and the price is excellent. « Show Less
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This is the newest model that Sunbeam made but unfortunately they have been discontinued as stated. Fortunately, they are still widely supported and parchment pouches are still being manufactured. I recently purchased a package of 3 reusable teflon pouches that are supposed to be good for 50 uses. I accidentally damaged one of them the second time I used it so the jury is still out on those. Personally, I own 3 of these. One for the kitchen that we probably use no less than twice a week, one I bought for my buddies boat so we can cook quick, easy meals after a hard day fishing (LOL) and one that sits in the closet just in case either of the other two should fail. I haven't ever had a dial break but I have seen them for sale so I'm thinking I may grab one or two of those based on what you have told me. And you are absolutely right when you said they are the best appliance ever!
1080878
I am also considering the S330, but leaning toward the E330 for a couple reasons. I like the fact that the top and box are made of cast aluminum and very solid. These should last a very long time. Also, the stainless looks good, but I think I prefer the porcelain top and doors. That's just more attractive imo. I do have to tap into a gas line under my house and run it out the back - not a huge deal and it will save me from having to buy LP bottles or worry about running out in the middle of a cook.One other thing is that I like cast iron grates over the SS bars. Just a personal preference. I am also considering the S330, but leaning toward the E330 for a couple reasons. I like the fact that the top and box are made of cast aluminum and very solid. These should last a very long time. Also, the stainless looks good, but I think I prefer the porcelain top and doors. That's just more attractive imo. I do have to tap into a gas line under my house and run it out the back - not a huge deal and it will save me from having to buy LP bottles or worry about running out in the middle of a cook.One other thing is that I like cast iron grates over the SS bars. Just a personal... » Read More I am also considering the S330, but leaning toward the E330 for a couple reasons. I like the fact that the top and box are made of cast aluminum and very solid. These should last a very long time. Also, the stainless looks good, but I think I prefer the porcelain top and doors. That's just more attractive imo. I do have to tap into a gas line under my house and run it out the back - not a huge deal and it will save me from having to buy LP bottles or worry about running out in the middle of a cook.One other thing is that I like cast iron grates over the SS bars. Just a personal preference. « Show Less
970312
Le Creuset is to Calphalon like a Mercedes is to a Buick. Ther simply is no comparison, and Le Creuset is worth the premium cost because it simply is better. It cooks like a dream, and while it does not have a non-stick coating, food does not stick to it, and cleanup is as easy as non-stick. The lack of non-stck is actually an advantage - no non-stick surface can brown meats and chicken as well as those without non-stick. Non-stick also cannot take as high of temperatures as regular coatings. The Le Creuset has an enamel finish on the inside and outside. Make sure to only buy the Le Creuset that is made in France, though. They make cheaper versions of their products with different materials out of China and Thailand, but they are no where near the quality and performance of the real thing. Hope this helps.