Cast iron cookware is known for its durability and versatility. It can be used on a stovetop, in the oven, or even over an open fire. A cast iron pan that's properly cared for will last indefinitely, and can be passed down in families for generations. With the invention of nonstick cookware, cast iron went out of fashion because it was harder to maintain than modern pans. Now with enameled cast iron cookware, cast iron is much easier to care for. Le Crueset is a leading cookware manufacturer; the company has been making cast iron cookware since 1925.
Le Crueset Enameled Cast Iron--Put to the Test
In 2006, New York Times writer Marian Burros tested eight highly-rated 12-inch pans to find out which one had the best nonstick qualities and easiest clean-up. She cooked eggs, chicken breasts, onions, and potatoes with varying amounts of oil to test how nonstick each pan was. In the end, she chose the Le Creuset enameled cast iron pan as the best overall pan. She also recommended using the black matte interior rather than the traditional white enamel because it can be heated to higher temperatures.
According to the Le Crueset website, all the company's enameled cast iron pieces can be used on direct heat or in the oven. Le Crueset offers traditional French ovens, roasters, braisers, skillets, grills, saucepans, cookware sets, and specialty cookware like woks, Moroccan tagines, and several sizes of oven pots.
Prices for Le Crueset enameled cast iron range from suggested retail prices of $135 for tart pans to $475 and higher for entire cast iron cookware sets. These are only suggested retail prices, actual prices are often much lower. Online retailers usually have highly discounted prices, anywhere from $55 for a simple pan to $349 and up for complete sets. Le Crueset gift-with-purchase specials, like free utensil sets, are also often available through online retailers.
Le Crueset isn't the only enameled cast iron cookware manufacturer, there are others. However, Le Crueset has a long history of providing quality cookware. According to Times writer Burros, Le Crueset pans have been recommended by both Consumer Reports and Cook's Illustrated reviewers.
Traditional Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron cookware was one of the first types of cookware people used. Remember pictures in history books of the old pot hanging over a fire in the hearth? That's cast iron. Early settlers carried all-purpose cast iron cookware with them when traversing the wilderness. Cast iron is heavy, but it's durable, it cooks evenly, and it can keep food warm after cooking. It also lasts forever if properly cared for.
Caring for traditional cast iron takes a little more effort than standard pots and pans because cast iron can rust if not properly seasoned. Seasoning is the process of heating a just-washed cast iron pan to evaporate all the water, then letting it cool and applying a thin coat of cooking oil to the cooking surface. Soap can never be used on traditional cast iron pans, and they must be properly cared for or they'll rust.
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Cookware
Le Creuset cast iron cookware has an enamel coating on the inside, so seasoning isn't necessary and the cast iron functions more like a regular skillet or pan. Enameled cast iron cookware does have a few care requirements. It should never be banged around or plunged into cold water if it's still hot; this could damage the enamel. It should always be allowed to cool completely before washing. Other than that, Le Creuset enameled cast iron cookware can be washed with soap and treated like any other pan. Le Creuset can be a little more expensive than regular cookware sets, but enameled cast iron combines the durability and versatility of cast iron with the ease of modern cookware. It should last a lifetime, and then some.
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