Le Creuset -- what should I choose first?

[newbabygirl#2]

I've been contemplating buying a few Le Creuset pieces for awhile and I'm a little overwhelmed by all the choices. I know that everyone raves about the Dutch "French" ovens, so I definitely want one of those :) . Can anyone reccomend a good standard size, if you're only getting one? 5 or 7 quart?

Also, I'm ashamed to admit that the only 9x13 pan that I own is a cheap metal one I bought at the grocery store when I was in college about 15 years ago :o . I do have pyrex, but sometimes need a rectangular lasagna type pan for casseroles. I've been wavering between the Le Creuset and Emile Henry from William Sonoma. Is Le Creuset good for these types of things, too?

My regular cookware is Calphalon (not non-stick) that I received as wedding gifts about 10 years ago. I think it was called Calphalon Professional, or something like that.

Any good deals on Le Creuset going on? I do live near the Carolina Premium Outlets and I've been looking for an excuse to go...:D

Jodi

[frett27]

I purchased the 7 quart dutch oven in December and use it quite a bit even though I just cook for DH and myself for the most part. I absolutely love it! I don't know about their other cookware since this is the only piece I have (so far!). I got mine at the Aurora Premium Outlet and it was a fairly good deal mine was second quality but you really can't tell I think it has two very small black specks on the lid that I wouldn't have even noticed.

[irishspy]

Argh! The nearest Le Creuset outlets to me are both 1.5 hours away. I'd probably eat up the savings in gas. :(

I was pretty settled on the 5.5 qt Dutch oven, but now, after reading Molly Stevens' "All about Braising," I may have to force myself to get the 5.5 and 7 quart models. :D

[greatcook]

good for you for getting some le crueset-they're heavy but I love them! The outlets are definitely a great place to go. I own 2 nonstick pans, one for omelette's and the other is a non stick grill pan (blue and white). I see the chefs on Food network cook with them along-like the gal from everyday italian and my favorite, barefoot contessa, so they must be good.

[newbabygirl#2]

Ah, Irish, the suffering we go through to get dinner on the table! :D :D :D

[angelamaria]

i have the 7 qt round and oval dutch ovens in red and love them. they are great for braising (love love love all about braising book by molly stevens!). they are very heavy though. i keep them on the stove just to look at them.

the ovenware they make that is ceramic is very pretty and would be nice for presentation i would think, esp for something like lasagna or any casserole where you would want to serve from the pan.

i have been using pyrex and those disposable pans for my 9 by 13 pans but i wouldn't mind having one of the ceramic ones.

[capres]

I have the smaller and larger dutch ovens - probably 4.5 and 8 quart and I only cook for DH and myself. If I were to choose only one, I'd go with the bigger one. That's the one I end up using the most.

My most recent acquisition is the 5 qt. braiser with lid. It's the one Giada uses and I just love it.

I don't have any of the bakeware - but I'm eying the 9 x 13.

Good Luck,

Carol

[irishspy]

For those of you who have used both the oval and round le creuset dutch ovens, which are more suited to general use, for example, braising a big cut of meat? Round or oval? :confused:

[waltnj]

I love my 7.5 qt round dutch oven. I got it off ebay with a 9 inch skillet for $150, including shipping. It is red & beautiful. I have mainly used it for soups & stews so far and it is perfect. I have a flat top electric range that is difficult to simmer on it, I just pop the dutch oven in the oven (at about 300-325 degrees) and it is fuss-free. It is one of my favorite kitchen acquistions. I would recommend going for the bigger one. I have never wished for a smaller one and I only cook for two.

Enjoy!
waltnj

[Lrimerman]

I just went to the outlet near us (1.5 hours away) when we went on a retreat near there. It was a good deal. I got a 9.5 qt oval in electric blue (discontinued)for $189.93 less 15% and I got a 4.5 qt round in Azure which was a second (can't even tell) for $129 less 35%. I also got some of the handle covers and a spatula and cleaner.

I went to the customer service desk at the outlet mall first and they had coupon books which had a 15% off coupon for Le Crueset, show them your AAA card (if you are a member) and you can get the same 15% off (at least at our store).

Also, when I checked out the lady gave me a calendar with coupons each month, the specials for the month (each month is a different color on special) and a punch card. It was way worth it to go to the outlet.

I have the Molly Stevens book and have used it to make things in my new pot. I do like that book, my mom got it and gave it to me because she didn't want it.

I really do want some more pieces, but will have to wait at least a few months.

Lisa

P.S. If you are thinking of getting 2 "Dutch" ovens then they have a deal where if you buy 5 pieces you get 20% off, the ovens each count as 2 pieces (the oven and the lid are each a piece), so you could get one more piece of cookware and you would get 20% off.

[gabbyh]

I recently purchased a blue 5.5 Qt Dutch Oven and also a yellow grill pan...LOVE them both...like angelamaria, I keep them on my stove top just to look at them:D

Next purchases will be a 7 QT oval, and a 5 QT braiser...colors to be determined by the best price:D

~Gail

[Wendy w]

Definitely the 7 qt. French oven. Here's an old discussion with a great recipe in it.

http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=45351&highlight=Le+creuset

[Sami]

I have had for years a deep 10X15 rectangular LC. I use it for lasagne, and for any big dish item, like making a lot of chicken breasts, or serving my brisket in it after it has been cooked. Since it is deep, nothing spills over. I don't know whether they still make it.

I also have a small oval pan, a 5 qt pot, an omelet pan and a large fry pan in LC. All of it cleans up easily and I plan to buy some more when I can get back to an outlet store.

Sami

[cinnabun]

Handle covers??
Do you have photos of these. I have never seen them before.

[Lrimerman]

I don't have a picture, but they are black rubber(or silicone) on the inside and colored (I got blue) neoprene looking material on the outside, they look kinda like a taco. They slip over the handle to act like a pot holder.

Lisa