Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 11-3/4-Inch Skillet with Iron Handle, Black Onyx Review
I have this skillet and the Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron10-1/4-Inch Square Skillet Grill, Red. I like this pan better since it has a bit more usable surface area and the flat cooking surface is easier to clean.. I don't always need grill marks on my chicken breasts or pork chops to look tasty). I notice less grease splatter when using this Le Creuset cast iron grill skillet when compared to using my All-Clad Copper Core 12-Inch Fry Pan (yes, I have two splatter screens but I don't use them). The skillet does not use a POFA or PTFE coated cooking surface but a type of enameled coating so it is not a non-stick surface. I've own PTFE coated cooking pans but stopped using them since I feel I've been babying them when cooking and cleaning and I still have to use oil when cooking, especially when searing meats (oh, and the non-stick coatings will breakdown over time, it's just when). Because the cast iron retains heat well, the skillet doesn't cool down as fast when I add pieces of meat for grilling (when compared with a regular fry pan).
Sure, you could also use this pan like a regular fry pan. But since cast iron takes time to heat up to temperature (especially if you use electric), my regular fry pan is a All-Clad Copper Core 12-Inch Fry Pan. Much easier to control the temperature when you need it.
If I need to grill or sear more than what this pan can handle I use my Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron Giant Reversible Grill/Griddle.
If you need a lid for this pan, I found that my All-Clad Stainless 12-Inch Fry Pan Lid fits well.
I clean this pan by adding water and dish washing detergent after the skillet cools down but is not cold, scrub with a nylon dish scrub brush, wipe dry, and heat dry. No need to baby it like a non-stick or seasoned cast iron.
PROS:
Smooth cooking surface (without raised grill ridges) makes searing and cooking meats faster. No raised grill ridges also make it easier to clean.
Easy to clean without babying like with POFA or PTFE coated cooking surfaces or seasoned cast iron.
CONS:
It is heavy (cast iron).
The cast iron of the pan takes longer to reach cooking temperature when compared with a good clad aluminum or copper pan.
It's expensive (made in France and not made in China).
Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 11-3/4-Inch Skillet with Iron Handle, Black Onyx Feature
- Use it to bake, broil, braise, saute, marinate, refrigerate, and freeze
- Handmade enameled cast-iron construction; works with all cooking surfaces
- Food will not react with porcelain enamel surface
- Safe to use in dishwasher
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 11-3/4-Inch Skillet with Iron Handle, Black Onyx Overview
This cast iron skillet is superior to other cookware because it absorbs and retains heat more efficiently as it gently cooks your omelettes, vegetables or seafood. The pierced handle allows you to hang the pan on a pot rack. About Le Creuset, Since 1925, artisans have been crafting Le Creuset cookware in the French village of Fresnoy Le Grand. Each piece of Le Creuset cast iron cookware is handcast, polished, double enamel-coated and then fired, resulting in some of the finest quality cookware available. Cast iron is one of the best materials for distributing heat gently and thoroughly and is ideal for induction ranges. The strong enamel coating will not absorb odors or flavors, and is easy to clean. Heavy lids securely seal in moisture and flavor. Le Creuset cookware comes in a variety of sizes, colors and styles to match any kitchen and cooking preference. So lasting, you'll pass it on to the next generation of promising cooks.
Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 11-3/4-Inch Skillet with Iron Handle, Black Onyx Specifications
Turn out restaurant-caliber frittatas and gold-star gravies with this 12-inch enameled cast-iron skillet from the French line Le Creuset. Coated with a chip-resistant porcelain enamel, the skillet offers the even heat and gentle cooking of cast-iron without reaction to foods or the usual high maintenance. The integral iron handle is oven-safe to 450 degrees F, so the skillet can go straight from the freezer to the burner to the broiler. An easy-to-grip helper handle makes the pan's substantial weight manageable, while dual pour spouts accommodate right- or left-handers. Le Creuset's signature cookware livens up the kitchen or table, comes with a lifetime warranty, and cleans up in the dishwasher.
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Customer Reviews
Very nice Teflon free skillet - Michael -
This is a good skillet to get if you are worried about Teflon, or other substances leaching into your food. I've used mine daily for 2+ years now and never had any problems with it. Be aware that it is extremely heavy and the handle is cast iron too so it will get as hot as the skillet! Be careful not to burn yourself. I have the optional silicon sleeve for it which does keep the handle cool to the touch. However it fits extremely loosely on the skillet. Like it's being covered by a worn sock. I really wish they made an optional wooden or plastic handle that could be bolted onto the skillet to make it easier to handle.
Be sure to read the directions on how to cook with it and how to clean it before you try it out. You'll need to use only plastic or wooden spatulas with it. And get a soft plastic brush to clean it.
For omelets, I preheat the skillet for 10 minutes on a medium - medium low flame. Then coat the pan with butter and throw in the eggs etc... Butter seems to work well for a lot things, but it isn't quite as "no-stick" as Teflon skillets. For sautéing, Pam seems to work very well, much better then butter.
Not for the weak - Tania Boon-Richardson - Midwest
Great product - but very heavy. But I understand that is the sign of good cast iron!
This skillet is fantastic! - SEH - Maplewood, NJ
I ordered this skillet from Amazon in 2006 and paid .95 for it (it is 9.95 now - wow!). I have used it hundreds of times over the past four years, and I credit this skillet in my becoming a pretty good cook. It browns food evenly and beautifully - and as Anne Burrell says, brown food = BIG FLAVOR. I use it for stir-fries, to sear steaks and chops (and then into the oven to finish), to saute vegetables, make sauces, you name it. Does the pan have hot spots? Sure it does, but they are not bad and once you have cooked in it several dozen times, you will know how to navigate them. Remember, this pan is not non-stick, so no noxious chemicals flaking off into your food. I will gladly trade that for a few hot spots. Cleanup is easy with hot water and soap - like other reviewers have said, learn to love the soak! Never, ever put this in the dishwasher. The patina gets better with age and helps food brown better. I will create many thousands of meals in this beautiful skillet in the years to come.
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jun 03, 2010 11:05:11
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