Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 15-3/4-by-10-3/4-Inch Rectangular Baking Dish, Kiwi
by Le Creuset
(Click here)
Product Summary
Manufacturer: Le CreusetBrand: Le Creuset
Release Date: 2005-06-01
Model: L2011-4071
Color: Kiwi
Product features:
- 5-1/4-quart rectangular baking dish made of enameled cast iron
- Low-profile design for optimal oven roasting; chip- and crack-resistant enamel
- Integral side handles provide a secure grip when transporting
- Hand washing recommended; oven- and broiler-safe at any oven temperature
- Measures approximately 15-3/4 by 10-3/4 by 2-2/3 inches; limited lifetime warranty
- Le Creuset Zen Enamel-on-Steel 1-2/3-Quart Kettle, Kiwi
- Le Creuset Enamel-On-Steel 12-Quart Corn Pot, Green
- Elizabeth Karmel's 24-inch Turkey Brining Bag
- Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 14-1/4-Inch Wok with Glass Lid, Kiwi
- Le Creuset Enamel-on-Steel 12-Quart Covered Stockpot, Kiwi
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 15-3/4-by-10-3/4-Inch Rectangular Baking Dish, Kiwi
Customer Review: Use for casseroles, cakes, or roasting
Summary: 5 Stars
Le Creuset manufactures porcelain enameled cast iron cooking vessels as well as other quality products. The enameled cookware is cast from molten iron formed in sand moulds which are used only once. For this reason, one pan may look like another, but each is unique in its own way.
Cast iron is a highly efficient material which absorbs and distributes heat efficiently. For this reason, it is recommended to use on low to medium heat. There are a few exceptions like boiling water where cooking on high heat is appropriate and okay. Otherwise, cooking with high heat may cause food to stick, discolor the enamel coating, or cook the food unevenly. Remove cast iron from the heat and it does not cool off quickly. This helps your food stay warm while serving. Beware; iron tends to be heavy so these cooking vessels tend to be heavy as well.
Cast iron is an effective material for cooking so why cover it with enamel? Iron tends to rust; iron oxide (rust) doesn't add any complimentary flavors to your food. If your cast iron cooking vessel was not enameled, you would have to season and maintain it. Adding the porcelain enamel not only looks good, but has multiple benefits. The enamel, being a solid coating, is one of the most hygienic surfaces to cook on, does not stain, absorb odors, retain flavors, and is easy to clean. The enamel can be damaged, so limit cooking tools to plastic or wood.
The benefits of cooking with Le Creuset cast iron are many, but lets get down to the roasting pan specifically. This pan holds 5 1/4 quarts of food, measures 9 3/4 x 14 x 3 inches internally, and weighs 10.2 pounds. 5 1/4 quarts will typically feed 8 - 10 people when it comes to casseroles; consider the rectangular baker for smaller recipes. Except for roasts, the roasting pan tends to do best if at least 3/4 full. Any less and you may overwhelm your food with heat evenly dispersed in the pot.
I find that the cast iron adds a crispy texture to food that may be desirable with a dish like mac-n-cheese, while not so desirable for other dishes. Add the Le Creuset 9 by 11-1/2 inch roasting rack for roasting chickens and pork loins keeping them out of the grease. Some other possibilities for this pan include casseroles, deep dish pizza, pork chops covered with cornbread dressing, dinner rolls, baked squash, lasagna, scalloped potatoes, cobblers, pineapple upside down cake, or bread pudding. The possibilities almost seem endless to your imagination.
One feature that people tend to complain about is the cost. The cost does seem steep compared to other pans made from other materials. Heck, cast iron doesn't seem like it should be expensive when comparing to that old cast iron pan past generations have used for cornbread and camping. However the manufacturing process requires making a mould for each and every pan produced. They then go through the enameling process before shipping these heavy pans. If you take what goes into making and distributing these high quality cast iron products, the cost tends to make sense. Then consider that this pan will easily last a lifetime when taken care of.
Knowing the benefits and the pleasure I get from using Le Creuset, I don't hesitate to recommend this pan. Purchase this pan and use it for its strengths, you won't be disappointed.
PROS:
Extremely versatile
Efficient absorption and distribution of heat
Hygienic enamel cooking surface
Does not stain, absorb odors, or retain flavors
Easy to clean when not abused or misused
Can be transferred from stove top to the oven to the table
Can easily last a lifetime
CONS:
Its heavy, as cast iron tends to be weighing in at about 10.2 pounds.
Description of Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 15-3/4-by-10-3/4-Inch Rectangular Baking Dish, Kiwi
Le Creuset 5 1/4 Qt Roaster, Kiwi The hand-finished craftsmanship and superior quality of Le Creuset enameled cast iron have long made it the cookware considered by many to be the finest in the world. Bold colors, timeless design and its singular performance - from oven to stovetop to table - make it a welcome part of any kitchen. Extremely heat efficient and works on any cooking surface.This classic rectangular roasting pan from Le Creuset is not only extremely durable but presents beautifully at the table. Made in France in the traditional sand-casting method, the rugged cast-iron pan is coated with hard porcelain enamel that resists scratching, chipping, staining, odor absorption, and cracking. The pan goes from freezer to oven to serving at the table with the aid of two wide end rims, and can even be used under the broiler or on any type of stovetop burner for making gravy or sautéing vegetables. This model is the larger of Le Creuset's roasters, measuring 10 by 15-3/4 inches, which makes it the perfect size for roasting a leg of lamb with potatoes, or baking lasagna, stuffed peppers, and desserts. Cast iron is renowned for its even distribution of heat during cooking and long heat retention after coming out of the oven.
Le Creuset suffuses the exterior of its products with bright, modern colors, while keeping a more neutral tone on the interior to showcase your cuisine. Rounded corners and the smooth enamel coating mean food particles tend not to stick, making cleaning by hand or in the dishwasher a snap. Enjoy choosing matching or coordinating colors for your Le Creuset baking pans, pie dishes, French ovens, and more. Each is covered by a lifetime limited warranty against defects, whether you bought the item yourself or received it as a gift. --Ann Bieri
Casseroles
Kitchen and Housewares
Bestsellers in Casseroles
Le Creuset L2532-3000 3 1/ 2 qt. Buffet Casserole (Satin Black)Le Creuset; Le Creuset; Kitchen
Mauviel M'Passion 2193.36 11-Quart CopperJam Pan with Bronze HandlesMauviel; Mauviel; Release date: 2004-06-01; Kitchen
Best price: $230.00
Price in other shops:
Lenox Holiday Oval Chinastone BakerLenox; Lenox; Kitchen
Price in other shops:
Emeril Stainless 4-Quart Casserole PanEmerilware; Emeril; Kitchen
Price in other shops:
CorningWare 2-1/ 2-Quart Oval Casserole Dish with Glass LidCorningWare; CorningWare; Release date: 2005-04-01; Kitchen
Best price: $26.99
All-Clad Master Chef 2 3-1/ 2-Quart Casserole PanAll-Clad; All-Clad; Kitchen
Price in other shops:
All-Clad LTD 3-Quart Casserole PanAll-Clad; All-Clad; Kitchen
Price in other shops:
Calphalon Commercial Nonstick Collector's Edition 3-Quart Chef's Casserole with Lid Calphalon; Calphalon; Kitchen
Price in other shops:
Le Creuset L2532-3009 3 1/ 2 qt. Buffet Casserole (Blue)Le Creuset; Le Creuset; Kitchen
Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 2-Quart Heart Casserole, RedLe Creuset; Le Creuset; Kitchen
Best price: $159.95
Price in other shops: