List Price: $225.00
Sale Price: $169.95
Today's Bonus: 24% Off
I've had a handful of pieces of LeCreuset Stainless Steel Cookware for about two months, cooking roughly 19 meals per week. They're all great performers and very attractive. This line is basically All-Clad Stainless for 20% less. They are made in China, which is a sticking point for some people, but I am convinced that quality has not suffered. It's simply an incredible pan for a better price. Other reviews state that this line approaches or equals All-Clad Stainless, and surpasses Calphalon Stainless.
These pans are fully clad, meaning the aluminum core extends up the sides; it's not only in the bottom. They are incredibly responsive on my gas stovetop. I actually thought they were too fast when I first got them, but now it's just another quality I appreciate. They heat quickly and extremely evenly. You often use a lower heat to achieve the same results.
The handles are comfortable, a good length, and rarely get too hot (obviously, they get hot during oven use). They are made to fit through the handles of the lids, which is a convenient storing option. And incidentally, the lids are great, since they're stainless, too, instead of glass. This means no crud build-up around the edge, and they seal great. The rolled edge truly does make pours a no-drip affair. The pan is balanced and light, but with enough heft to feel substantial and well-made.
It has an excellent lifetime warranty. Thankfully I haven't had to use that, but I did use it with a Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 15-3/4-Inch Oval Fish Skillet, Flame, and was very pleased. (It was a lengthy process at nearly a month, but given that I got a brand new replacement for a $200 pan that was 4 years old, it seemed quite generous.)
This pan in particular has a wide surface area and a deep bowl. It's easy to maneuver tools in it (I'd avoid metal utensils), and the sloped side means this pan is essentially a saucier, sauté pan, wok, and small saucepan all in one. I've seared meats and made soup. It also braises well for small portions. One note, because of the generous sloping of the bowl, the flat cooking surface is only about 6-1/4". If you need to braise enough meat for more than two people, you'd do better with a 12" skillet. The lid also fits the Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless-Steel 9-1/2-Inch Fry Pan.
Quality cookware like this makes a big difference if you cook frequently. It gets to temperature faster, heats evenly without burning in spots, recovers quicker and keeps its temperature easier. Since it handles well, it's more pleasant to cook with, moving easily around the kitchen, and holding still on the cooktop.
It cleans easily. I use regular dish soap most of the time. Bon Ami 04030 Bon Ami Cleaning Cake and Powder, 12-Ounce is my regular scouring powder, though Bar Keepers Friend® Cleanser & Polish: 12 OZ leaves the pan with a little extra sparkle (powder only, I Strongly dislike the liquid), which is nice since these pans are so pretty. Le Creuset makes a Le Creuset 12-Ounce Stainless Steel Cleaner, but I haven't yet tried it.
I love the LC Stainless cookware I have, and am looking forward to getting a little more.This is one pan that actually lives up to all the hype and meets expectations. I highly recommend it. Shop around for the best price.
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