cast iron vs. crockpot: Can these Le Crueset pans replace a crockpot?
137474
a LC pot should not be left unattended, since you are cooking either on the stove or in oven (unless your oven has auto-shutoff); a crockpot will turn off automatically. otherwise, i think cooking process and results are pretty close.
488404
Yes, they work just fine. That is what I have at home. I have no complaints and I think if you are going to cook something on high temp for hours-use a crock pot.
1401881
Hamilton Beach website would have the best answer. The top couldn't take the higher heat at it has a rubber gasket. Don't think oven to liner for the crockpot would be a problem but you would have to wait a while for it to cool down enough to hold the lid. So best bet go to the website for their answer.
36906
I wouldn't trade any of my Le Creuset Dutch ovens. For me it's worth every penny! I don't own other enameled cast iron ovens so it's hard for me to make a comparison.
2144946
No ,I just use a saucepan on the cook top. You need to keep checking the oats while they are simmering and keep stirring, so I do not think a crockpot is a good idea. You cannot just put it in a crockpot with lliquid and not check on it for a long time.Deb
439208
No teflon! I think this is the reason for the interest in going back to cast iron for so many cooks. Not only do they provide wonderful even heating, iron traces are not harmeful, so there is no "bad stuff" to peel off and be ingested with the food. I'm impressed with my Lodge cast iron products. When cared for as directed for seasoning and cleaning, they work almost as well as teflon for releasing food. And the pans get better with use and consistent seasoning. I do suggest that you do research the care and follow that protocol for best results.
167543
Thank you for your input.I found a few Japanese cookbooks that intend for Le Creuset cast iron ovens. The recipes seem easy. It is Japanese cooking in the cast iron. Photos look fabuluous.
1857336
YES! very hot and you should also protect countertops from the heat produced. I use a large thick doubled bath towel under the crock-pot on my stone counters and also on my glass cooktop. Also, use caution with temperature extremes (this goes for all crock-pots) for example: do not run cold water on a hot lid or crock- you may break the items. Either allow items to cool or run warm water instead.
514757
Le Creuset pots work nicely, but do require more time to heat the pot, lid and food through, so keep that in mind. Stainless steel is another great option. Use with copper, steel, aluminum, enameled cast iron, or glassware pots in standard sizes with short handles and tight fitting lid. Use the right sized pot for the food you want to cook in order to best retain heat.Also, glass lids work, but do not retain heat as well as the metal lids. Also, we always recommend placing a dish towel and a potholder (silicon is best) beneath the pot to protect your bag from the heat and spillage,Hope that helps! Feel free to email us with any questions: ussales@nb-wonderbag.com Le Creuset pots work nicely, but do require more time to heat the pot, lid and food through, so keep that in mind. Stainless steel is another great option. Use with copper, steel, aluminum, enameled cast iron, or glassware pots in standard sizes with short handles and tight fitting lid. Use the right sized pot for the food you want to cook in order to best retain heat.Also, glass lids work, but do not retain heat as well as the metal lids. Also, we always recommend placing a dish towel and a potholder (silicon is best) beneath the pot to protect your bag from the heat and... » Read More Le Creuset pots work nicely, but do require more time to heat the pot, lid and food through, so keep that in mind. Stainless steel is another great option. Use with copper, steel, aluminum, enameled cast iron, or glassware pots in standard sizes with short handles and tight fitting lid. Use the right sized pot for the food you want to cook in order to best retain heat.Also, glass lids work, but do not retain heat as well as the metal lids. Also, we always recommend placing a dish towel and a potholder (silicon is best) beneath the pot to protect your bag from the heat and spillage,Hope that helps! Feel free to email us with any questions: ussales@nb-wonderbag.com « Show Less
757351
I think the answer you need to hear is YES. However, the heating mechanics involve a lot more than stainless vs copper. These will heat up and retain heat just as well as the Emeril copper pans (no appreciable difference). They can heat differently than the typical triple-clad or multi-ply copper pots and pans (and in my opinion, better--particularly with glass-top ranges)
82764
Just in case this confuses anybody - scotchbrite will UTTERLY DESTROY the enamel on a le Creuset pan. Enameled pans have no problem cooking liquid, and soak clean. Lodge bare cast iron is a very different surface (and Lodge enameled cast iron is made in China...)
1222592
These pans are magical. They're not coated. The surface is nonstick. I don't put them in the dishwasher, although they say you can. They wipe/wash with a little soap and water. What makes the Le Creuset pans special is how heavy they are, like cast iron. The heat spreads evenly. Things don't burn. I have several, inuding a big, deep sauté pan. They are are treasured in our house.
880870
I've grown up using cast iron cookware...remember my grandmother and great-grandmother using nothing but cast iron on the old wood stoves... I'd recommend the 7qt - especially if you plan on only buying one size... SOOO many more options for dinner - and one can NEVER have too much fried chicken, right ?? ;-)
796797
I have both, and to be honest with you, I use the stainless one as a standard pot because it's much more shallow and great for quick boiling of something. Also, great for stews when I don't want to take out the extremely heavy cast iron Dutch oven.
328184
Cast iron interior and what the heck is PFOA? Major cooking done in Le Creuset and has been for years and I ain't dead yet!!
878019
You can get replacement inserts from the Crock-Pot website. Sometimes Amazon has a third party seller that carries the inserts as well, but they are usually double the price. Watch for a sale on Crock-Pot's site; I got mine for $5 each. I am pretty sure the inserts are made of stainless steel or aluminum. Not that you asked, but they clean up very easily!
1804004
Yes just like regular crock pots--and you can put the crock in the microwave to reheat things quickly as long as you don't put the lid on it.