Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 8-by-11-3/4-Inch Rectangular Roaster, Cherry

On sale now for Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 8-by-11-3/4-Inch Rectangular Roaster, Cherry is becoming hot. This cool product is now available, you might buy it now for only $175.00 and usually ships in a day.

Description

This rectangular cast-iron baker from Le Creuset not only looks gorgeous at your table--it's also an unflagging workhorse in the kitchen. A cast-iron construction produces gentle, even heat for hot-spot-free cooking, while the double-coated, nonreactive porcelain enamel ensures easy release and cleanup. Chip- and nick-resistant, the coating doesn't absorb moisture, odors, or stains, and it has a lifetime guarantee. It also increases the baker's versatility. Whip up a batch of enchiladas, and you can freeze it, thaw it, bake it, and brown it all in the one pan. An underlip makes the handles grippable, while slightly curved sides facilitate serving. The dish's flame-colored glaze offsets its buff interior and features attractive gradations in hue. Like the rest of Le Creuset's enamel-coated products, this piece can even go through the dishwasher. --Emily Bedard

Features

• 2-1/2-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 8 by 11-3/4 by 2-3/4 inches; limited lifetime warranty

Customer Reviews

A big fan...

First off, Le Creuset products in general are great! We must have about 10 - 15 pieces and the cast iron stuff cooks and cleans up great! The stock pot that we have is the only piece that isn't quite up to snuff and the grille pan is a bit hard to clean, but general I would highly recommend their products. Plus they look great too...This pan, the rectangular baker is wonderful. Meats and Fish cook great! We use ours a lot for baking fish - Salmon,etc... Its uses are numerous! It works out great because it can get so hot and it can cooks so evenly. This stuff is expensive but worth it. We like the original "flame" pattern, I have a friend that has a twenty year old set that is still going strong!

Use for casseroles, side dishes, or roasting: A Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron Rectangular Baker review
L. T. Beasimer

As a classically trained chef, I have an extensive collection of kitchen items not always found in a typical home. I tend to think of kitchen products from a professional point of view, although I enjoy many items made for home use. Le Creuset is uncommon in professionally kitchens; however they manufacture quality and effective products.Le Creuset's porcelain enameled cast iron cooking vessels are cast from molten iron formed in single use sand moulds. Covering cast iron with 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 eliminating the need for seasoning and preventing rust issues. Limit cooking tools to plastic or wood to prevent damaging the enamel.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 unevenly cook the food. Cast iron also retains heat, keeping food warm while serving.This pan holds 2 1/2 quarts of food, measures 7 3/4 x 11 1/4 x 2 inches internally, and weighs 6 pounds 10 ounces. 2 1/2 quarts will typically feed 4 - 6 people when it comes to casseroles, consider the larger roaster to feed more. 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 the pan's evenly dispersed heat.Two features people tend to complain about are the cost and weight. The cost seems steep compared to common pans made from other materials. Compare to quality cookware, and the cost may seem more reasonable. When comparing to the old cast iron pans past generations have used for cornbread and camping, Le Creuset seems expensive. 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 this pan will easily last a lifetime when taken care of. Additionally cast iron is a heavy material. The enamel doesn't add much to the weight, when comparing to a similar cast iron product, the weight is going to be comparable.I find the many benefits of Le Creuset make this pan a worthy purchase. This pan adds a desirable crispy texture to dishes like mac-n-cheese. Add a roasting rack and this pan is perfect for roasting chickens. The enamel is attractive, while the cast iron keeps the food warm for serving. Cleaning and caring for this dishwasher safe pan is easy. When properly taken care of, this pan will last a lifetime.Knowing the benefits and the pleasure I get from using Le Creuset, I don't hesitate to recommend this pan. If you choose to purchase this pan, and use it for its strengths you won't be disappointed.PROS:Efficient heat absorption and distributionHygienic enamel cooking surfaceDoes not stain, absorb odors, or retain flavorsEasy to clean when not abused or misusedCan be transferred from stove top to the oven to the tableDishwasher safeCan easily last a lifetimeCONS:Its heavy, as cast iron tends to be, weighing 6 pounds 10 ounces

A great roaster that will last for generations
Timothy B. Riley

Although I am not a professional chef I do take my cooking seriously. Over the years I have invested in quality German and Japanese knives, French copper pans and, of course, Le Creuset cookware. Although these enameled cast iron pans are not as versatile as some of my copperware they are none the less indispensable.Since cast iron is not as conductive as copper or aluminum it heats up and cools down much more slowly. This characteristic makes it unsuitable for sautéing or for when you need a pan that is highly responsive. However it's even heating and retention of heat makes it perfect for casseroles, roasts, mac-n-cheese, potato dishes, etc. I have been in love with Le Creuset's French ovens for years and use them for chili, stews and other dishes that benefit from long, slow cooking.I had this item on my Amazon Wish List for quite a while. I could have bought it for myself but it's one of those things that you appreciate more when it is a gift. In France Le Creuset collections are often bequeathed to thankful children from parents that have cooked with them for decades. My oldest son bought this for me from Amazon as a Christmas present. I promised him that he could have it when I was done with it (hopefully a long time from now).A couple of things to be aware of: at 8" x 11.75" this is smaller than the standard 9"x13" Pyrex dishes that are often used for the recipes that this pan is better suited for. Perhaps it is because Europeans generally serve smaller portion than we do in the US. Another thing to mention is that cast iron tends to be the heaviest cookware available. This roaster can top 13 - 15 lbs. or more when filled with dense food such as potatoes au gratin or a good sized cut of meat.Yes, this is a relatively expensive product but bear in mind that you never regret having the best (at least not once you have finished paying for it). This roaster is actually a pleasure to clean (and I don't say that lightly). I will have it for the rest of my life and then it will be passed on to my children along with some very warm memories of meals past.