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
82764
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
82766
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.
82767
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.
82768
World Market or Cost Plus as it was called has a good substitute. It works great for about $49.00.
82769
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.
82770
Lodge Color Enameled Cast-Iron 6-Quart Dutch Oven, Island Spice RedI love my lodge! I'm not going to bother with Le Creuset
796800
This is exceptional cookware.....in my opinion it is every bit as good as All Clad at half the price. Le Creuset is the best enameled cookware on the market......it's very expensive but well worth it. Retains heat perfectly and never needs to be on a higher stove top setting than low to medium. I am not sure there is a measurable difference between these two kinds of cookware. Both will do a great job on braising, stews, soups, boiling water.....anything. I use Cuisinart try ply stainless from France every day.....the pans are so well made with excellent even heat distribution burning or food sticking is never an issue.They are so easy to clean.....a sponge is all you need maybe a little bar keepers friend. I use Le Creuset enameled cast iron for special dishes....it is just fun to have both......they both perform similarly.
175928
I am looking for a non-stick skillet in the 12-inch range. I am all for the Earth friendly options, but most importantly, it must sit flat on a glass top range. The skillet that I am retiring is a Cooks Tools from Belk. It has served admirably for three years, but now the non-stick is breaking down. At this point, it is worthless for frying eggs and it is only going to get worse. I am statisfied with the Cook's Tools from Belk, three years for a non-stick pan that gets used on a daily basis is very good, but Cook's Tool doesn't seem to have a comparable pan in their current lineup. Does anyone know of a largish skillet with a lid that won't worp? Basically, I need some thing with a thick multiclad bottom.
2192264
I am a Senior Citizen and use 2 mini size nuwave ovens because the large size is too tall for my counter. I really like the mini size ovens. They are very lightweight and easy to clean and do a good job cooking. There is enough space by using two of them to cook meat in one and veggies or whatever in the other. She wouldn't be able to cook a casserole or bake a cake of course. So it would depend on what she would want to cook in it. As I have gotten older I tend to fix simple things and try to eat low fat which the nuwave ovens are great for. I have had mine for several years and haven't had any problems with the dome cracking like the larger ones. I am a Senior Citizen and use 2 mini size nuwave ovens because the large size is too tall for my counter. I really like the mini size ovens. They are very lightweight and easy to clean and do a good job cooking. There is enough space by using two of them to cook meat in one and veggies or whatever in the other. She wouldn't be able to cook a casserole or bake a cake of course. So it would depend on what she would want to cook in it. As I have gotten older I tend to fix simple things and try to eat low fat which the nuwave ovens are great for. I have had mine for several years and haven't... » Read More I am a Senior Citizen and use 2 mini size nuwave ovens because the large size is too tall for my counter. I really like the mini size ovens. They are very lightweight and easy to clean and do a good job cooking. There is enough space by using two of them to cook meat in one and veggies or whatever in the other. She wouldn't be able to cook a casserole or bake a cake of course. So it would depend on what she would want to cook in it. As I have gotten older I tend to fix simple things and try to eat low fat which the nuwave ovens are great for. I have had mine for several years and haven't had any problems with the dome cracking like the larger ones. « Show Less
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.
328184
Cast iron interior and what the heck is PFOA? Major cooking done in Le Creuset and has been for years and I ain't dead yet!!
36906
I wouldn't trade any of my Le Creuset Dutch ovens. For me it's worth every penny! I don't own other enameled cast iron ovens so it's hard for me to make a comparison.
1487383
I own all three brands. All-Clad is my favorite...with exception to Le Creuset's dutch oven...my other favorite pot.
880870
I've grown up using cast iron cookware...remember my grandmother and great-grandmother using nothing but cast iron on the old wood stoves... I'd recommend the 7qt - especially if you plan on only buying one size... SOOO many more options for dinner - and one can NEVER have too much fried chicken, right ?? ;-)
73754
I had a less expensive enameled dutch oven before this one. The enemel had a tendency to chip very easily. So far no chips in this one and it tends to cook more evenly on the cook top. Is it worth the price....yes, if you use a dutch oven often as I do.
1255213
I refer to it as a Dutch Oven...and it is fantastic! They are usually much more expensive elsewhere - that's why I bought it at Amazon. It is very versatile - stove-top to oven. Cooks evenly and cleans easily. This is smaller than most Dutch ovens, so be sure of the size when you order...
2101266
When i started no-knead bread, I used the 7 qt dutch oven and it was fine, but now i use a 5qt. I prefer the 5qt, but may try a smaller one someday. Once the 7 qt was tied up on braise duty and made it happily in a Cuisinart 735-24 Chef's Classic Stainless 3-Quart Chef's Pan with Cover
761522
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!
334675
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...
2051152
I just found out what a Dutch Oven is. My neighbor told me about it. I ordered one to cook a recipe in. Comon sense would tell you to only use utensils that do not scratch the surface. This goes for any pans that have a coating or something. I really just started cooking stuff.
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
1835874
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.