Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 11-3/4-Inch Skillet with Iron Handle, Red
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List Price: Our Price: $149.91 You Save: $50.09 (25%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $140.00 (click here) Category: Kitchen See more product details |
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Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 11-3/4-Inch Skillet with Iron Handle, Red
Customer Review: I love, love, love this skillet!!
Summary: 5 Stars
First of all, let me say I agree with the reviewer who deducted stars from the 9" skillet due to the non-stick coating. Since non-stick coatings are chemicals, I refuse to use any cooking utensil with the coating on them. The original, baked enamel finish on this skillet works great. The secret is using moderate heat and adding oil once the pan warms up, then adding the food items. If the meat sticks, it will unstick as it carmelizes (this also applies to their grilling skillets). I find that I can just wipe mine out and keep using it until I make chili or something messy like that. Then all I do is fill the skillet with water and let it sit a while, then it rinses clean. At the maximum, I've taken a boar bristle brush to a couple of spots once or twice, that's all.
I beseech this company to leave the non-stick coating off their skillets even though one reviewer below seems to prefer it. Or at the minimum give the consumer a choice but I'd bet most would prefer the original, satin finish. In fact, I bought this skillet because of the fired enamel finish as I discovered my well-known name brand stainless steel skillet and stew/pasta pot has too much nickel in them so I can't use them. Anyway, I love this skillet. It makes a good wok too as the burner is under the center of the pan. I can fry up one veggie, push it off to the side where it stays warm while I fry the next one, then push it over until I'm finished. Did I say I loved this skillet?
I wish they made a lid for this skillet as I had to buy another brand which doesn't match but it works. Since most skillets come without lids, this is being silly, I agree. So then, I highly recommend this skillet both for cooking and for easy clean-up.
Customer Review: Pricey but very good
Summary: 5 Stars
Bought this skillet even though we have a nice non-stick skillet after being impressed with how well a Le Creuset 5.5 quart French oven has worked for us. There are certainly less expensive cast iron skillets available, but I like the interior coating on this skillet which significantly reduces sticking and clean-up time. I have teens that cook on occasion and was concerned a regular "pre-seasoned" cast iron skillet would not make it through the seasoning phase and people would quit using it. Cast iron provides a little bit different type of cooking and is excellent for certain purposes and food items. I almost bought the next size smaller to save room but this size has worked out well for us and while it is heavy, I don't think it is unreasonably so. One thing to note is that Le Creuset does offer a glass lid to fit this 11.75" skillet. The lid has a sloped metal edge so also fits conventional 12" skillets. The price of the lid was in the $20 range which I thought was reasonable.Customer Review: OK skillet for Chinese pancake
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this skillet to cook Chinese pancake (similar to Pita, larger and thicker). We need it to have a thick bottom and good heat induction.
The skillet does have a thick bottom - about 1.8-2cm thick (and thus it's very heavy). The non-sticky coating inside could stand dry heating. The heat induction is not as good as expected - the center is at least 50F higher than the outskirt. We overcame this by making smaller pancakes and rotate it off the center of the pan.
The last straw that knocked off one star is that it does not come with a cover - this is essential for Chinese pancake to keep soft. Since it's 11.75", I was worried about where to find a cover. After some research, it turned out that a Cruisart 12" glass lid is a perfect fit - that's another $20, adding the total cost to $160.
Overall I am happy with the skillet.
Customer Review: Just the best
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been using mostly non-stick for many years, All-Clad (didn't last long enough to pay off) and Sam's Club Makers' Mark pans. Still using Sam's stuff as egg pans and for smaller stuff, but have recently dived into cast iron.
Wish I'd done it twenty years ago. But this wasn't available then.
Le Creuset is top of the line. My only issue is that it's heavy as hell and my arthritic hands and sore shoulders complain loudly when I have to lift it. Cooks great in the oven and on the stovetop. Cleans easily with a paper towel swipe and using salt as an abrasive when necessary.
Thinking of even replacing the non-stick egg and saute pans...
Customer Review: Le Creuset Cast Iron Frying Pan
Summary: 4 Stars
We ordered this beautiful frying pan from Amazon and received it in no time. The beauty of the Enameled Cast Iron is awesome,we chose the deep red color. My husband does most of the cooking, and he is having a hard time with foods sticking to the bottom of the pan. I tried to find out what he was doing wrong, so I did some research. The directions say not to use very high heat, so we didn't but food still stuck to the bottom. Then I tried seasoning the pan, even though they say it is not necessary. I have seasoned it in the oven and also on top of the stove. Hopefully it will do better with time. I would appreciate any advice. We love the looks and quality of the pan.