I just lately bought a Le Creuset stoneware casserole dish with a lid, so I believed I’d share my expertise with it! Le Creuset is a good cookware model that has been round since 1925 and is trusted by each residence cooks and cooks alike. As a result of it”s such a well-known model, there are knockoff variations of it on web sites for cheaper, so if you wish to purchase considered one of its merchandise, be sure you’re getting the true deal from considered one of its licensed retailers.
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Though the model has braisers, skillets, dutch ovens, and extra, I went with the casserole dish as a result of I discovered that I may make quite a lot of meals in it. The stoneware dish is primarily used within the oven and may face up to boiler temperatures so long as you do not put it on the highest rack. You too can run the pan by way of the dishwasher, which is all the time a plus! And when you’re questioning, no, it is not meant for use on the stovetop.
On this article, I’ll share 12 useful classes I realized from my expertise of shopping for and utilizing a Le Creuset casserole dish, together with insights into its high quality, sturdiness, and cooking. Whether or not you are contemplating investing on this iconic kitchenware model or just inquisitive about its efficiency, learn on to find why a Le Creuset casserole dish is one thing to think about (particularly when you typically make meals corresponding to casseroles, breakfast bakes, and even baked items).
What Does It Imply If a Dish Is Enameled?
In easy phrases, this cookware is significantly robust! It is obtained a porcelain enamel-glaze end that resists scratches, chips, and stains, so maintaining it clear is a breeze. I discussed how one can run it by way of the dishwasher, however actually, it is really easy to wash by hand that I often do not should. Plus, the casserole will not take in any bizarre flavors or smells due to the coating, which is certainly good when you use it for each baked items and savory dinners.
1. It appears to be like nice on the desk
I believe my favourite factor about this dish is how one can take it from the oven to the desk. It has such a sublime look that each time I’ve visitors over, they praise and ask about it! It is also nice for potlucks since I can merely maintain it within the dish I cooked it in, making it simply transportable. And I can cowl it with the lid till I’m able to serve it.
2. The looped handles are handy
Some casserole dishes have quick handles, which could be tough to work with, particularly once you’re carrying oven mitts. I really like that this product has bigger looped handles, making me really feel safer when transferring it out of the oven! The very last thing you wish to do is burn your self or drop a sizzling casserole dish, so this characteristic is certainly necessary.
3. It is available in a number of colours
I like how one can select from over 15 colours. I personally love my white dish as a result of it’s traditional and matches every thing. But when your kitchen has a theme otherwise you like your entire cookware to be a sure coloration, there’s possible an possibility that can be just right for you. I’ll say that many choices are neutrals and never overly brilliant or flashy. And so they don’t actually have pastel colours for the precise dish that I bought.
4. It isn’t enameled on the underside, which could be good or unhealthy
Okay, so the profit to the unfinished backside positively outweighs the destructive. For the reason that backside is rougher and does not have the glaze, which means there’s a much less possible probability that you simply drop it!
After I raise it from the underside, it’s a lot simpler to carry and doesn’t slip out of my palms. However the draw back is that it’s important to watch out about setting it immediately on sure surfaces. It could actually scratch your desk or counter when you don’t place it on a potholder or mat.
5. The dish is microwave-safe, however not the lid
I positively like how the dish is microwavable, though I’m not precisely certain what meals you would wish to warmth in a container that massive! I’ve by no means wanted to pop it within the microwave as a result of I wish to reheat my leftovers within the oven anyway.
That being stated, you possibly can solely put the casserole dish itself within the microwave and never the lid. This isn’t too massive of a deal, although, since you possibly can simply put some plastic wrap over it if wanted.
6. It’s very well-made
You may inform that this casserole dish is well-made simply by lifting it! In contrast to different dishes that really feel fragile or breakable, this one feels sturdy and sturdy. Nevertheless, it might probably get a bit heavy, particularly when crammed with hearty dishes, in order that’s one thing to remember when filling it to the brim.
In case you occur to have a double oven, it is higher to make use of the decrease one. Making an attempt to raise dishes from the highest oven could be tough and may end up in a large number and even an accident. So, I counsel you keep secure and persist with the decrease oven!
7. It’s well worth the value
I gained’t lie; I wasn’t certain if this casserole dish would stay as much as its value. However, once I consider its high quality and longevity, I am proud of the acquisition. To me, if one thing can final me a decade or longer and never have prompt put on and tear, it’s priceless. Earlier than shopping for, I already knew that Le Creuset had a superb status, in order that was additionally an element.
8. It’s excellent for deep-dish meals and desserts
This cookware gained me over due to how tall the perimeters are! I now not have to fret about meals spilling over the perimeters. It’s excellent for making issues like baked ziti, cinnamon rolls, dessert bakes, or rooster and bacon alfredo lasagna. The very last thing I need is to make an underwhelming lasagna. I like to pile on the layers, and this dish lets me do this!
9. Utilizing the lid could make the cooking course of longer
Because it’s such a heavy product, once you put the lid on, I discover that it extends the cooking time a bit (greater than it could when you simply put aluminum foil). So, when you plan on making meals on this dish for a celebration, I counsel planning forward and beginning the meals just a little earlier. To me, this is not the largest deal as a result of I believe that with the lid, it cooks far more evenly than if I used one other pan or lined the meals with foil. I suppose all of it balances out!
10. The lid is simply too tall for the fridge generally
I just like the idea of the lid since ideally, you possibly can cowl leftovers with it simply. Nevertheless, in terms of actuality, it doesn’t all the time slot in my fridge with the lid on. In case your fridge has additional room or taller cabinets, you may not run into this concern.
However I typically discover myself overlaying my meals with plastic as a substitute. Then again, the tall lid is useful for baking or cooking as a result of if the meals inside is tall, the lid doesn’t get in the way in which of it.
11. It’s finest for small gatherings
The sizing of my particular dish is 15″ x 9″ x 5 ½”. It could actually maintain as much as 16 cups of meals! So, it’s larger than a normal 9” x 13” dish. When following recipes that decision for a 9” x 13” pan, I’ve realized to be cautious in regards to the amount of components. If I do not alter the quantity, the ensuing casserole seems flatter than anticipated and does not look as interesting.
So, I all the time be sure that to barely enhance the amount of components to get the specified final result. This cookware is certainly greater than large enough to feed a median household, making it good for small gatherings. Nevertheless, it may be too small for larger events, so that you would wish to have multiple dish and double the recipe.
12. It has an excellent guarantee
Williams-Sonoma mentions within the product description that Le Creuset prolonged its stoneware guarantee by ten years. It was 5! One in every of my relations had theirs break within the oven and was capable of get a substitute with out fuss. In case you use the cookware as urged and deal with it safely, the guarantee covers any points brought on by faultiness. Simply that alone made me really feel higher about spending that form of cash on it!
In the end, I’m actually happy with the standard, design, and comfort of this casserole dish. Though there are a couple of minor downsides, the advantages far outweigh them, and I consider it’s a honest value contemplating its sturdiness. I’ve used it often, and it nonetheless appears to be like model new. Nevertheless, in case you are on a good finances, you could possibly discover a comparable casserole dish for a lower cost!
