The delightfully delicious food that comes out of that process of cooking is simply a class apart and many professional cooks seem to know this very well. In her own way and in her own kitchen, grandma too did know the same. So, could you get the same slow cooked taste in food at home especially in today’s fast paced world? Simple – the solution is Dutch oven and grandma will be proud of your cookware and cooking skills.
Below we will review the Le Creuset 5 ½ Quart Round French oven. This 5-1/2 quart cast iron Dutch oven from Le Creuset has had people oohing and aahing all the way. What is so special about it ………. read on
Click on Image for Details
What are Dutch Ovens?
A thick-walled cooking pot with a tight-fitting lid, the Dutch ovens has been used as cooking vessels for hundreds of years. A variety of similar dishes used the world over are the Japanese tetsunabe and the Sac, a traditional Balkan cast-iron oven, the South African Potjie, the Australian Bedourie oven and the doufeu.
Types of Dutch ovens
A Dutch oven with three legs, a wire bail handle, and a slightly concave, rimmed lid so that coals from the cooking fire can be placed on top as well as below, the camping, cowboy or chuck wagon provides more uniform internal heat and lets the inside act as an oven. Though some are made of aluminum, these typically are made of bare cast iron. Camping and scouting types of outdoor activities would usually be where these Dutch ovens would be used. Typically smooth bottomed a cast-iron Wagner Dutch oven on a trivet and an enameled “French” oven by Le Creuset these modern Dutch ovens are designed for use on the cook top or in the oven. Thick cast aluminum or ceramic are the materials often used here.
Types of uses
Well suited for long and slow cooking, Dutch ovens are used in making roasts, stews, and casseroles. It is possible to use old-style lipped cast iron Dutch ovens as true baking ovens, to prepare biscuits, cakes, breads, pizzas, and even pies while at a campsite and a smaller baking pan placed inside the ovens can be used and replaced with another as the first batch is completed. Dutch ovens are also stackable – a stack as high as 5 or 6 pots can be stacked, one on top of each other, conserving the heat that would normally rise from the hot coals on the top.
What to look for when buying a Dutch Oven
- Are you a discerning cook?
- How much do you want to spend on cookware?
- Which pieces/sizes are you looking for?
- Is it oven safe & up to which temperature?
- Is it broiler safe?
- Is it dishwasher safe?
- Are the handles comfortable?
Designed use / How does it work
A great pan for simmering stews and soups, roasting vegetables or meat, or perhaps baking casseroles if that is what’s on your mind, the amazing 5-1/2-quart French Le Creuset Dutch Oven is the most forgiving pan ever.
What is included?
Click on Image for Details
Made with cast iron
Cast iron, which has been around for longer than most of us and has been recognized as a popular choice for making quality cookware is used to make this Le Creuset Dutch oven.
No burning with enameled cast iron
Recognized as one of the best materials available for cookware, enameled cast iron retains heat and promotes gentle, even cooking at low heat ensuring that the best flavor is brought out from the ingredients
Variety of stove tops
The Le Creuset Dutch oven is good with any heat source, be it electric, radiant, halogen, indication or solid fuel.
Tight fitting lid
To conserve heat and help seal in the flavors, the Le Creuset Dutch oven has a tight fitting enameled cast iron lid and the color and finish of this Dutch oven will brighten any table setting.
Cleaning Instructions
Cleaning by hand with soapy water is recommended.
Product details / Does it include warranty?
The Le Creuset Dutch oven measures 10-1/5 by 10-1/5 by 4-1/2 inches and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Ok, so this works but this isn’t the only brand out there – how does it compare
The Le Creuset Dutch oven has been rated highly for its quality construction, superb performance, heat retention and distribution capabilities and the great tasting food that it makes. With even heat distribution even the most delicate of foods do not burn and cook evenly bringing out the best taste in food.
Any Complaints?
Some consumers have had an issue with the phenolic handles on the Le Creuset Dutch oven.
What others are saying?
This cast iron Le Creuset Dutch oven has earned terrific reviews on the net. Here are a few sample comments from customers
- “Wonderful bridal shower gift!,”
- “why did I wait so long to get my first piece of Le Creuset??,”
- “Dramatic improvement in my cooking thanks to this.,”
- “cook a messy meal, clean up is a cinch!,”
- “Daughter loves this Christmas gift,”
How much should you expect to pay?
The cast iron Le Creuset Dutch oven is available online at $315 and upwards. The cheapest we have seen it is on Amazon who consistently sell this cast iron Le Creuset Dutch oven for under $235.
Where can you expect to buy the Le Creuset iron Dutch Oven?
You can buy this cast iron Le Creuset Dutch oven from Amazon. At the moment they include free shipping and from what I can tell when comparing prices with other online merchants, Amazon do currently have the best deal especially with the free shipping option and you do not have to pay sales tax. Click Here to view on Amazon.
Where can you read more reviews for the Le Creuset Dutch oven?
The best place for reviews from people who actually use the cast iron Le Creuset Dutch oven is Amazon. Click Here to read more.