Le Creuset Replacement Knobs Review

I bought my new Le Creuset Dutch Oven (ok, they call it a "French" oven, but whatever) a couple months ago for two reasons:I needed a Dutch oven anyway, and I knew that cast iron would be the best way to go.Plus, I was eager to try out a new simple bread recipe that everyone was talking about in the New York Times:The Bittman no-knead bread.It called for the loaf to be baked in a cast-iron Dutch oven at a very high temperature (450 degrees).

So I plunked down the $230 (a seemingly insane amount of money for a pot, but I figured I was buying quality, and that it would last a lifetime), and when it arrived I started the bread recipe.

But wait.The instruction manual -- while saying that the pot is heat-rated for temperatures in excess of 500 degrees -- stated the maximum temperature for the pot's black phenolic lid knob was only 375 degrees.(I later found out that "phenolic" is just a classy name for PLASTIC.)So -- how were all these people baking their Bittman bread with their Le Creuset pots?I Googled "Bittman + Le Creuset" and found a litany of horror stories about pot knobs melting and even exploding in the oven because people didn't read the fine print in the owner's manual.Of course, my Google search also brought me to THIS page, where I found this stainless steel replacement knob.

The knob itself is perfect.It looks even better than the original plastic (excuse me -- PHENOLIC) knob.And it's nice that Le Creuset put its logo on top.What's not nice is that the hardware it comes with doesn't work -- the screw is too long, and the knob didn't tighten properly.No worries ... I just used the original screw from the plastic (excuse me again -- PHENOLIC) knob.Success!

I have three main gripes with Le Creuset, however.First of all, a pot retailing for over $300 shouldn't have anything made of plastic on it, period.Second, putting a knob that's only heat-rated for 375 degrees on a pot that's heat-rated for over 500 degrees is like putting cheap all-season tires that are speed-rated for 80 miles per hour on a Ferrari.Third -- Le Creuset should have provided me this replacement knob -- and everyone else who dropped hundreds of dollars on their pot -- for FREE.

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Product Description:
Designed for use with all Le Creuset cookware, this 2-inch knob makes an attractive replacement for worn, missing, or chipped originals. The unit features durable 18/10 stainless-steel construction with a brushed finish and smoothly rounded edges. Its wide, flat shape provides a secure grip when removing the lid or simply peeking underneath to check on dinner. Best of all, the oven-safe knob withstands even the highest cooking and baking temperatures to deliver versatile, worry-free use. Accompanied by an assembly screw for easy installation, the replacement knob measures 2 by 2 by 1-2/5 inches.

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Range Kleen 5-Quart Red Round Dutch Oven Review

This is a great dutch oven. Well made and great cooking features. It competes well with those costing twice as much! Only thing I would improve on is the plastic top. Even at less than 350 degrees it warps and looks shriveled.

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Product Description:
High quality enamel coating cast iron 5 quart red round roaster with phenolic handle.Suitable for all heat sources and features even heat distribution and retention.Oven safe up to 350° F.

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Enamel Cast Iron Red Round Dutch Oven 7 1/2 Qt. Review

I only rated this product a four because I have only recently purchased it and have not been using it very long. I was extremely impressed with the product description and the process by which it is forged and enameled: "The Porcelain Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven is hand-cast from molten iron in individual sand molds. The raw iron pieces is hand prepared before several layers of enamel are applied and baked in very high temperature ovens. High quality porcelain enamel coating is impermeable to odors and stains. No seasoning required · Safe on all cook tops and in the oven to 475 degrees F."

I already owned a small and a large iron frying pan and a five quart cast iron dutch oven. I wasn't too certain about whether my dutch oven was appropriate for say making rice, where a large amount of water would be involved. My base line meal is rice and beans, with mirepoix, mushrooms and roast pork added. It ends up being a greater volume than the five quart can handle. So, for both of those reasons, I took the plunge, ordering a larger but enameled cast iron dutch oven. In looking over reviews for other products, I was surprised to see so many negative comments, centering mostly around chipping and staining of the enamel. In particular, the Lodge enamel dutch oven received quite a few critical comments. My five quart is a Lodge, so while they are masters of cast iron, they appear not to be so for enamel.

This product had no reviews, so it was a long shot. I was looking for metal handles and this has them. That description, though, was the only solid evidence I had to hang onto in everything I had read. The price was certainly right. Shipping was $20+, which kind of bowled me over, but I was expecting it, for such a heavy product. (It does, after all, weigh more than the average person, or at least a good sized leg.) Being a friend to the environment is important to me, so I do plan to keep this forever. If I had to buy another, it would be a crushing blow to my planning and character. No matter how you slice it, enamel just isn't as tough as steel or stovetop safe glassware. Consequently, the most serious use this piece of cookware will have to endure is to sauté vegetables; I doubt that I will use it for any heavy duty applications, such as browning meat. If one were to do that, however, the enamel application process looks outstanding, I do believe it would hold up to more stressful cooking. Best regards.

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Product Description:
The 7 1/2-qt. Dutch Oven (with lid and enamel cast iron knob) is energy efficient, versatile and long lasting. Energy efficient enamel cast iron distributes heat evenly, prevent foods from burning or forming lumps, and retains heat longer to keep foods hot for serving. This remarkable cookware is safe for stovetop, oven and dishwasher-you can even use it to store food in the refrigerator. Tight-fitting lid locks in moisture and flavor resulting in tender roasts and stews. The Porcelain Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven is hand-cast from molten iron in individual sand molds. The raw iron pieces is hand prepared before several layers of enamel are applied and baked in very high temperature ovens. High quality porcelain enamel coating is impermeable to odors and stains. No seasoning required · Safe on all cook tops and in the oven to 475 degrees F.· Hand washing is recommended to preserve the cookware's original appearance Enamel Cast Iron knob The flat bottoms are enameled as the two tone red exterior. REG.$139.99, Sale: $74.99, save up to 46%. Please visit www.paylesscookware.com for different colors available.

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Cuisinart Chef's Classic Enameled Cast Iron 5-Quart Round Covered Casserole, Red Review

I have already purchased and used several Cuisinart's cast iron pots.They are very versatile.I used them in the oven, on the stove top and as a serving piece.Yes they are heavy but worth their weight in gold.They clean up very easily and reallydo not need to be placed in the dishwasher.There is even heat distribution at lower temperatures.The lid fit tightly to prevent moisture escaping.If you love to cook .... you will love these products.

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Product Description:
Cast iron is recognized as one of the best materials for cookware because of its ability to retain heat and provide even heat distribution.This type of cookware is widely used for almost any recipe from roasts to desserts and performs well with a variety of cooking methods from searing to simmering.Many pan styles are available for cooking soups, sauces, casseroles, grills, quiches, breads etc.

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Tramontina Gourmet Cast Iron Covered Casseroles Review

The price can't be beat! $45 with free shipping is a great value regardless of what I write in this review. I was excited to open the box, and loved the color immediately! I continued to be impressed by the weight of the pot. But after completely un packing, I placed the lid on the pot, and looked at my wife and said, this is why a Le Creuset is $245, and this was only $45. The lid does not seal tightly, and you need to rotate the lid to find the position where it seals best, though it's still not 100%, closer to 90%.
Would I buy it again? Probably. Would I have bought it in a store, where the faults were clear before making the decision to purchase? Probably not. I just cannot justify the $200+ dollars for the "real deal".
I hope this helpful.

UPDATE: After using this dutch oven many times for a variety of dishes, I would increase my rating to 4 stars. The initial dissappointment of the ill fitting lid has faded, and what remains is a pot that does its job well and even out on my bakers rack, next to a Le Creuset, holds its own in terms of looks.

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Product Description:
Friends and family will quickly gravitate to the dining-room table with this beautiful casserole as the centerpiece. Measuring 14 by 11-2/7 by 7-4/5 inches, the covered pot holds 6-1/2 quarts, making it perfectly suited for slow cooking homemade soups and stews, sauteing vegetables, braising meats, roasting poultry, baking, and even frying. It also works well for one-dish meals: start by sauteing onions and browning meat, then add liquid and other ingredients to finish on the stovetop or in the oven. The vessel's interior features a light-beige, smooth, porcelain-enamel finish that requires no seasoning, so it's ready to use right out of the box, while its exterior sports a gleaming, vibrant red porcelain-enamel finish that adds a splash of color to any cookware collection.
Constructed from heavy-gauge cast iron, the vessel not only retains and distributes heat evenly (no hot spots to worry about), but it also resists scratches, stains, and the damaging effects of regular household use. Use it on any stovetop, including induction, electric, gas, and ceramic; it can also withstand an oven's heat up to 450 degrees F. Two integrated side handles flank the casserole, helping to ensure safe transport from the kitchen to the tabletop or buffet for use as serveware. The vessel's heavy, secure-fitting lid keeps heat, moisture, and nutrients contained, and its round stay-cool lid knob makes it easy to remove the lid when it's time to give contents a stir or serve up dinner. The covered casserole carries a limited lifetime warranty and cleans up easily by hand with hot, soapy water.

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Cajun Cookware Enamel Coated Cast Iron 2 Qt Dutch Oven Review

I bought this pot because I wanted a small Dutch oven, and this was the closest thing I could find at a reasonable price.I've used it a couple of times for chili and soups and really like it.It heats evenly and looks decent to serve from at the table.I do put it in the dishwasher, so expect that I may end up with some bites of rust around the unfinished upper edge.For the cost, this can't be beat!

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Product Description:
Enamel Coated Cast Iron 2 Qt Dutch Oven. Inside diameter 7 1/2 inches. Outside diameter 8 1/8 inches. Depth 2 5/8 inches.

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Lodge Enameled Cast-Iron 3-Quart Dutch Oven, Caribbean Blue Review

I'm giving Lodge a 5 star rating because of their customer service.The pot I received had some pin holes inside the pot,and developed a small chip outside on the rim after 1 use. I also bought the 6qt.dutch oven as well and that was in perfect condition. Lodge promptly sent me a UPS label and gave me a new one.These pots are quality,heavy duty pieces and I'm glad I went with a reputable company like Lodge.For the price and their grantee you can't go wrong.

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Product Description:
This 3 Qt enamel Dutch oven is great for cooking, marinating, refrigeration and freezing.The color porcelain enamel on cast iron can be used on gas, electric, ceramic and induction cooktops, as well as in the oven.Not recommended for use on outdoor grills or over open outdoor flames.Not for use in microwaves. Lodge Color Porcelain Enamel on Cast Iron cookware is cast from molten iron in individual sand molds. The porcelain surface eliminates the need to season cast iron.The cast iron vessel has superior heat distribution and retention, evenly heating bottom sidewalls and even the lid.Tightly fitting lid seals in moisture.The excellent heat retention reduces the amount of energy needed for cooking.Two layers of very hard, glossy porcelain enamel are chip resistant and easy to clean.Lid knob is oven safe to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.The black rim on the pot is matte porcelain, not exposed cast iron.Hygienic porcelain enamel is non-reactive with food.Although dishwasher safe, hand washing with warm soapy water is recommended to preserve the cookware's original appearance.9 3/4" diameter, 3" deep. Caribbean Blue

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Lodge Enameled Cast Iron 6-Quart Dutch Oven Review

Enamel on cast iron cookware like this, was, until recently, only available from makers like Le Creuset.Lately, several lower cost makers have come on the scene, like Target and Innova.The new budget priced Lodge cookware is in the same price range as the low cost alternatives but completely out performs them.

I have all of the brands I have mentioned.The Lodge is the same weight as the Le Creuset which is much heavier than the other budget models.The ridge where the lid and sides meet is a matt black porcelain on the Lodge and Le Creuset but is just exposed cast iron for the other budget models (which leads to rusting if you are not careful).The porcelain resists staining (even tomato sauces) in the Lodge and Le Creuset but the other budget models stain very easily.And finally, the Lodge and Le Creuset maintain a very polished interior finish that resists sticking which others do not.So, I see no performance differences at all between the Le Creuset and the Lodge whereas the comparably priced budget models are certainly inferior.

If you plan of using these pots very heavily (every day for example) you might want to upgrade to the higher priced Lodge product.It has 4 coatings of enamel as opposed to 2 in this model.But if you use them once or twice a week I dont think you will need the added wear resistance.

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Product Description:
The 6 Quart enamel Dutch oven is great for cooking, marinating, and freezing.Lodge color porcelain enamel on cast iron cookware is cast from molten iron in individual sand molds.The porcelain surface eliminates the need to season cast iron. The cast iron vessel has superior heat distribution and retention, evenly heating bottom, sidewalls, and even the lid.Two layers of very hard, glossy porcelain enamel are chip resistant and easy to clean.Hygienic porcelain enamel is non-reactive with food.Knob is oven safe to 400 degrees.Tightly fitting lid seals in moisture and the excellent heat retention reduces the amount of energy needed for cooking.Hand washing with warm soapy water is recommended to preserve the cookware's original appearance.10 3/4" diameter, 4 1/2" deep.Emerald green

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