Le Creuset Skillets and Frying Pans – 3 More Best Buys Examined
Part 2 of 2 (for Part 1 click here)
Why do people actually buy such expensive frying pans and skillets?
Enameled cast iron, as manufactured by revered cookware specialists Le Creuset are celebrated as being easier to clean and somewhat less weighty than cast iron produced by their rivals.
Although considerably more expensive than other kitchenware brands, they are well worth your consideration since they are functional, attractive and durable. Many buyers are confident they will be handing this cookware down to their offspring. However, this cookware may not be right for everyone.
See this page for more "Warts and All" frying pan/skillet reviews. They'll help you decide if these items suit your needs and disposition.
Is this best buy right for you?
Some Advantages of Cast Iron Cookware
- One pot cooking from stove top to oven - great for browning and long slow cooking
- Healthy choice for those concerned about chemical emitting non-stick cookware
- Excellent conduction of heat - this facilitates uniform heat distribution for even cooking of food (thus avoiding some food being partially raw whilst other food is burnt)
- Excellent retention of heat - once food has finished cooking it stays hot for longer.
Le Creuset 12 2/3-Inch Oblong Skillet Grill, Red
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Some of the Features
- Cast Iron, giving excellent heat distribution and retention
- The unusual oblong shape more easily accommodates fish, steaks etc.
- The ribs allow fat to collect beneath the food for healthier cooking
- Enameled, inside and out, for ease of use
Thumbs Up !
Purchasers found this item easy to clean, and liked the neat grill marks visible on food. Good heat distribution cooks food to perfection. Great for searing and you can finish food off by placing the pan in the oven – no need to transfer the food to another dish.
In particular one purchaser marvelled that simply cooking her food in this new pan gave noticeably enhanced cooking results - guests and family members enjoyed their meals more and were openly complimentary.
And Thumbs Down !
A few have found it a pain to clean.
Overall findings
Some effort is required to read and follow manufacturer instructions with regard to cooking and cleaning the item.
70% of ratings were 5 or 4 stars and overall this useful oblong grill scored 4.1 out of 5 stars.
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For safer handling of pans
Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 9-Inch Skillet with Iron Handle
Some of the Features
- For both stovetop frying and oven baking - easy transfer
- satin black interior enamel is robust
- Resistant to chipping, scratches
- Perfect for searing and frying
- Can be used on a variety of heat sources
- Available in Marseille/Blue as shown here and several other colours.
Thumbs Up !
Again, even cooking is assured - without hot spots.. Although it's a Weighty pan, it's manageable due to an additional handle. Many reviewers commented that it was easy to clean. It's also great that it comes in many colours to match your cookware or kitchen décor.
Many found it a pleasure to use and some expressed their confidence that the pan will last a lifetime. Available in different sizes too. By avoiding high heat settings as per manufacturer instructions, it’s easy to avoid food sticking to the pan.
And Thumbs Down !
It is necessary to use an oven mitt or similar since the handle gets hot. Some reviewers felt that the finish on this pan was more prone to food sticking than other Le Creuset products they owned.
Overall findings
77% of ratings were in the 5 star or 4 star categories. Based on 40 ratings, this pan scored 4.2 stars out of 5. By and large purchasers have been very pleased with this robust functional skillet.
The 3rd review is below
Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 11-3/4-Inch Skillets
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Some of the features
- Generous cooking surface area accommodates preparing larger servings
- Consistent heat distribution and retention
- Pouring sprouts
- Enamelled cast iron
- available in Cherry colour shown here, as well as many other colours
Thumbs Up !
Great for eggs, steaks and much much more. A pan many love to use all the time in preference to their other pans, believing it to be the best of its type.
Many user evaluations remarked on how easy to clean this item is.
Attractive colours, and expensive but worth the asking price as it can be considered a "pan for life" as one purchaser put it.
And Thumbs Down !
The handle gets hot and it is heavy (as is all cast iron).
You are prone to experience food sticking if manufacturer instructions are not followed.
Overall Findings
Based on approx 90 ratings this skillet was given a 5 star or 4 star rating by 73% of purchasers.
Overall it has a 4.0 star rating out of 5.
Another Le Creuset product that lives up to their esteemed reputation.
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Rated 4.6. out of 5 stars
NEXT ...
Are you hesitant of investing in a Le Creuset product?
Then before you make any decisions
Read what buyers are saying about Le Creuset frying pans/skillets here
- the good the bad and the ugly!
If you desire a robust, serviceable skillet or frying pan which will stand the test of time, then the Le Creuset brand is highly likely to fit that bill. Reviews emphasise that if you read and commit to following the use and care guidance, although pricey, this cookware is ideal for those who hate to keep replacing items due to poor performance or craftsmanship.
For those who decide this cookware is not right for them (e.g. if's it's just too expensive and/or you have doubts about adhering to the care and use instructions), you may be interested in alternatives offered by Lodge (see below).
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A less expensive alternative brand
More on Le Creuset
Mugs and items priced $25.00 or less
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Recipes for Cast Iron Skillets
Acknowledgement: Amazon.com
NB: ALWAYS check manufacturer specifications, guidance and warranty details before purchasing/cooking with new kitchenware.
6/2014
© 2014 Esther Strong
