Friday, December 6, 2013

Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless-Steel 9-1/2-Inch Fry Pan



Awesome pans for a great price
I've had a handful of pieces of LeCreuset Stainless Steel Cookware for about two months, cooking roughly 19 meals per week. They're all great performers and very attractive. This line is basically All-Clad Stainless for 30% less. They are made in China, which is a sticking point for some people, but I am convinced that quality has not suffered. The origin is clearly marked on the box, and on the bottom of the pan--it's not hidden at all. It's simply an incredible pan for a better price. Other reviews state that this line approaches or equals All-Clad Stainless, and surpasses Calphalon Stainless.

These pans are fully clad, meaning the aluminum core extends up the sides; it's not only in the bottom. They are incredibly responsive on my gas stovetop. I actually thought they were too fast when I first got them, but now it's just another quality I appreciate. They heat quickly and extremely evenly. You often use a lower heat to achieve the same results. America's Test Kitchen...

Beware the of hidden origin
Le Creuset's reputation rests in part on its history of production in northern France. Advertising materials tells the story of its origins and stress the French connection. However, like so many kitchen items now, this Stainless Steel 9 1/2 pan is made in China, a fact not listed anywhere in the production description on the net, the text on the box, the booklet, or the pan itself. One must search for a very small label stuck to the box. With the numerous discoveries of dangerous production shortcuts in Chinese manufacturing, many people want the origin of a product to be disclosed openly so a fully informed decision about the purchase can be made before receiving delivery. A trusted brand like Le Creuset, that prides itself on the often repeated link to France, should not hide the real origin of its pans.



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Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless-Steel 1-1/2-Quart Open Saucepan



Great pan, great price
These pans are fully clad, meaning the aluminum core extends up the sides; it's not only in the bottom. They are incredibly responsive on my gas stovetop. I actually thought they were too fast when I first got them, but now it's just another quality I appreciate. They heat quickly and extremely evenly. You often use a lower heat to achieve the same results.

The handles are comfortable, a good length, and rarely get too hot (obviously, they get hot during oven use). They are made to fit through the handles of the lids, which is a convenient storing option. And incidentally, the lids are great, since they're stainless, too, instead of glass. This means no crud build-up around the edge, and they seal great. The same lids work on both of the saucepans I have.

It has an excellent lifetime warranty. Thankfully I haven't had to use that, but I did use it with a Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 15-3/4-Inch Oval Fish Skillet, Flame, and was very pleased. (It was a lengthy...

A pan for most needs
Wifes become attached to one pan. We finally found another to share this often used position. Not too big, just right. Measurements on pan inside are also appriciated. Matches the rest of our pans nicely.



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Thursday, December 5, 2013

Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless-Steel 6-1/3-Quart Covered Casserole



BEST PAN I EVER PURCHASED
Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless-Steel 6-1/3-Quart Covered Casserole

I needed a replacement Dutch Oven as my Revere Ware was unsteady on my new smooth-top stove. "Good Housekeeping" magazine recently rated cookware and gave Le Creuset top scores. I decided to try one pan, and I have to tell you, this pan is worth every dollar. It cooks more evenly than any of the Calphalon pans I currently own, it pours liquids nicely, and I plan to buy the Le Creuset 8-piece cookware set in the near future. GREAT PRODUCT!

even, fast heating
Last winter I went on a soup kick -- trying to get more veggies in my diet. And I wore out my (probably cheap) soup pot. So, I invested in this one and was surprised how different it was than my old stuff. It heated up quickly, the veggies/meat browned evenly and nicely and it comes to a boil faster even though it's not on the highest heat setting.

I'm no expert in the kitchen (am trying to be though) and I definitely noticed how superior this pot is than cheaper ones.

extremely nice piece of cookware!
Very well made, thick walls, lid fits well, inside the pan are markers to indicate quart measurements. Definitely would recommend.

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Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless-Steel 9-1/2-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan



Really nice - heavy - sturdy - and nonstick surface seems more durable
I'm not all that crazy about nonstick pans as I've heard there can be some ill health effects from the chemicals used in the nonstick surfaces. However, they are extremely convenient, and I also read that the chemicals are being phased out. This pan is advertised by Le Creuset as having a "forged hard-anodized non stick surface" and the surface seems much "tougher" than the old Teflon skillet we had before... less susceptible to scratches and seems much more durable. The pan itself is quite heavy, substantial and distributes heat well. The non stick surface works well, releasing food with no issues without any need for oil or sprays.

Overall, I'm very pleased with this purchase and can recommend this pan.

an excellent and essential cooking item
I replaced a worn-out 10" non-stick with this one by Le Creuset. Having other cooking utensils by Le Creuset made this an easy choice. I've not used it several times and find it of excellent quality and just as the product description describes it.

Highly recommended.

Good but not great.
This pan has a very good shape, size, and weight for everyday use. The nonstick surface, however, has a tendency to wear off easily. By that I mean the Teflon coating disappeared with less than 20 uses. Company has been good to replace the pans free of charge under their warranty.

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Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless-Steel 3-Quart Saute Pan



Fantastic Pan!
I wanted to review this pan because I've noticed that there aren't many reviews on this line of Le Creuset. Of course, everyone who is interested in this line is most likely already familiar with Le Creuset's superior enameled cast iron line - those pots and pans are workhorses of your kitchen, and I believe everyone needs a solid dutch oven in their kitchen arsenal.

On to this saute pan - it's one of my favorites! I was having a hard time deciding between Le Creuset's line of stainless steel and All Clad's highly regarded line. I honestly don't think you can go wrong with either. Having used both lines, I can honestly say that these two are solid competitors - and I can't find fault with either brand.

I think when choosing between Le Creuset stainless and All Clad, one has to consider the "feel" of the pot or pan. I know many are irritated with All Clad's handles, so comfort may be an issue - I preferred the Le Creuset line because of the "Easy pour"...





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Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 2-Quart Round French Oven, Flame



My other kitchen workhorse
I got my first Le Creuset cookware in 1978. It was my college graduation week, & I was relaxing on the lawn reading the Sunday Boston Globe. I saw an ad for a Le Creuset starter set (French oven + 2 covered saucepans + skillet) for a very low price, so I decided to go for it since I was about to be out of the dorm living on my own. That purchase turned out to be one of my best investments ever, as I still use all the pieces today. I now have 3 French ovens, 5 covered saucepans, 3 skillets, 1 oval au gratin, 1 multi 2-in-1 pan with nonstick omelette cover, 1 rectangular baking pan, & 1 cheese fondue set, all in flame. These cast iron utensils are virtually indestructible, except for a few minor dings in the outer enamel. They cook very evenly, given the cast iron, making me a possibly better than average cook (they're one of my unfair advantages). My only problem with the cookware is the heavy weight, but that comes with the territory with cast iron utensils. I guess I'll have...

twenty-five years of hard use
Twenty-five years of hard use, and eight children later, my Lecrueset cookware is still in excellent condition. Now, I am adding some of those special pieces I could never afford. Amazon is wonderful to work with. Not only did I get a very good "buy", but all was delivered promptly and just in time for Christmas. Families grow and grow...and Lecreuset has a size for everything. Thanks so much. Patricia Welter

twenty-five years of hard use
Twenty-five years of hard use, and eight children later, my Lecrueset cookware is still in excellent condition. Now, I am adding some of those special pieces I could never afford. Amazon is wonderful to work with. Not only did I get a very good "buy", but all was delivered promptly and just in time for Christmas. Families grow and grow...and Lecreuset has a size for everything. Thanks so much. Patricia Welter

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Le Creuset Heritage Enameled Cast-Iron 1-Quart Oval Au Gratin, Cherry



Small, but Good
I agree with the previous reviewer: this is small. I also got mine on sale. But I use it often to bake small amounts of vegetables (like a few roast carrots or potatoes). It's nice when I want a small side dish to go with dinner--just toss the vegetables in olive oil, add salt, and throw it in the oven. And because of the enameled coating, this pan cleans up like a breeze :)

Still the best...
There's a reason Le Creuset's classic combination of enamel over cast iron is still in production: IT WORKS. I love everything about this pan: the oval au gratin creates a large surface on which to create a beautiful crust on whatever dish you are making, while the heavy bottom protects the tender insides from charring. The 1-quart size is perfect when cooking for two. I only wish I had found this one sooner.

CAN'T GO WRONG WITH LE CREUSET
I love this pan. I have a recipe for a warm Caprese Gratin, a cooked version of Caprese salad. This Au-Gratin pan is just the right size and perfect for this recipe.
This recipe is the reason I bought this pan. It heats evenly and it can go right from the oven to the table, it keeps the recipe nice and warm throughout the meal by holding in the heat.

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