another indispensible
Well having a few le creuset this is really another must have. I use it about 3 times a week it is perfect for frying 4-6 chicken breasts with veg and then cooking it in the oven in a sauce. I like a lot of sauce and veg and adequately copes with all of it. As a saute pan it is great with the lid so useful. Putting it on the table not only does it look good it also keeps the heat longer than a typical non stick pan.
Anything I am cooking that I would use a saute pan for I use this, bolognese sauce etc its there!
I have had my set for a few years now and they still look great and know they will in 30 years time. If you have a display area in your kitchen they look perfect out as well as being useful to have at hand. ... Read More
A great starter piece or addition to your Le Creuset collection
Le Creuset manufactures porcelain enameled cast iron cooking vessels as well as other products. Le Creuset casts these cooking vessels from molten iron poured in sand moulds that are used only once. For this reason, one pot may look like another, but each is unique in its own way.
Cast iron is a highly efficient material which absorbs and distributes heat efficiently. It is recommended that cooking with cast iron is done on low to medium heat. There are exceptions like boiling water where cooking on high heat is appropriate and okay. Remove cast iron from the heat and it does not cool off quickly. This helps your food stay warm while serving. Beware; iron tends to be heavy so these cooking vessels tend to be heavy as well.
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Built like a tank, awesome quality, & a great size
I've owned several pieces of Le Creuset, & I've become a big Le Creuset fan (it doesn't take long!). The 5 Qt. casserole seems like a great size--it holds 4 whole chicken breasts for example, easily, with plenty of room for sauce or vegetables. And personally, the red is one of my favorite colors, altho I'm also partial to Citrus Yellow, & Flame (it's more fun to mix the colors than all the same IMO, but that's totally personal).
The other piece that I own now is the 7-1/4-Quart Round French Oven, which is an "essential" IMO, for large batches of chili & soups, & I plan to attempt a Pot Roast at some time.
Be aware the prices on Le Creuset can vary widely for the exact same item. I got fantastic prices ... Read More
Our Best Pan
I bought this casserole last year after debating over all of the Le Creuset pots and casseroles on which one would be the most versatile - and believe me, this casserole is the one! It handles any kind of stovetop cooking with ease (it's a FABULOUS risotto pan) and it goes into the oven with no problems, lid or no lid. It also serves as a beautiful pan to bring to the table but be sure to put something under it to protect your table surface because this pan is cast iron and retains heat very well. It is incredibly heavy but it's performance easily makes up for that. Be sure to follow the manufacturer insrtuctions (hand wash and dry immediately, no metal utensils, and no harsh scrubbing) and your pan will certainly become your new favorite piece ... Read More
The usual wonderful Le Creuset quality, but HEAVIER than most
A great pan, as usual with Le Creuset, but VERY HEAVY. Our household is used to Le Creuset (the 7-quart round is probably our most-used size), but this 5-quart and it's lid are deemed extraordinarily heavy. We use it, and we're glad to have it, but wouldn't recommend it for weaklings.
