Le Creuset

[iluvcatz]

I like the look of the casserole dishes. I need a new casserole and wonder if it is worth spending out on a Le Creuset. What are the advantages/disadvantages.

[Jack Maude]

The big disadvantage for me is their weight! I have two and you need muscles like coconuts just to get them out of the cupboard, let along when they're full of food!

But they are classy-looking and last for centuries, I'm told.

[JuliaSix]

They cook really well, look good, but are so heavy they're dangerous. A casserole dish, full of good stuff could do your back in when trying to get it out of the oven. Beware!

[nickmo]

Le Creuset -

Downside - heavy as they are cast iron. Remember they get heavier when full!, ****** to store if you chuck them into the back of a cupboard and then try to fish them out at a later date, can break if dropped (cast iron does this) but will take a lot of 'punishment' before that happens, you must have decent oven gloves to handle safely as the whole outer surface gets hot.

Advantages - even heating of contents, will work on hob as well as in oven and look posh if you serve from them too.

There are alternative to Le Creuset-ware. Look at http://www.armorica.co.uk for one supplier of Chasseur, or try http://www.classycookware.co.uk/ for Straub cookware as alternatives.

Cast iron is not chesp - up to 3100 or so for the larger quality items, but they do give good results (eg Straub claim self basting process from 'designed-in' spikes on the inner lid) and will really last.

Happy shopping!

[nickmo]

Incidentally, iluvcatz, have a look at http://www.cooklikeaprofessional.com which has a couple of really good articles about what to look for in materials for different things for the kitchen. TTFN.

[qapmoc]

Well I don't know if they last for centuries but we have some which are now around 25 years old and still good, the only problem with them is that as they get older they get heavier (or so my wife says) it must be something to do with absorbing molecules from the food or whatever!!!

[WendyS]

Their main disadvantage is their weight, which can be considerable if you buy a large one, and when full of hot bubbling casserole, it can be a little tricky removing from the oven. However, they virtually last for ever. We have had our big one for almost 40 years now and it's still as effective as ever, although the enamelled insides have become discoloured and brown with use. The stains can be partly removed with Sterodent and other cleaners but even when they become unsightly you can't throw them away because they're still 100% effective and you simply can't afford to replace them! I'd buy one really big one if you think you're likely to get suficient use out of it, and use the common Pyrex ones for smaller casseroles if you don't like living with equipment that becomes discoloured with use. However, Pyrex arn't as flexible as you can't use them on the hob first to brown your meat, etc.

[damajowi]

simply--the best

[Wickedwoozey]

The advantage with Le Creuset casseroles is that once heated you can turn the oven heat right down & cook slowly.

Being made of cast iron they are like the Aussie camp oven.
To use a camp oven you make a wood fire to get some good glowing coals. Put a FEW coals under the pot and a FEW on the lid and leave it to slowly cook for a couple of hours adding more coals as the old ones burn out. If you cook a leg of lamb this way & put in spuds carrots etc & a little water it will be the best you have ever tasted. Be patient & don't be tempted to pile on the coals because it will burn very quickly.

[smudge]

We've had our oval Le Ceuset casserole dish for about 15 years now & we like it because you can brown the meat & onions, etc., on the hob, add the rest of the ingredients, then pop it in the oven until ready to serve.

It looks presentable for a dinner party (don't have them very often these days tho'), but it is extremely heavy to carry, wash & dry.

We still wouldn't be without it though.

[denisegordon]

We have one that we "acquired" and after a while bits of the glaze on the bottom inside came off (I think I had the heat too high) but because they have a lifetime guarantee it was replaced no questions asked, without any receipts provided. Good customer service!