Slow cooker and Le Creuset oval shape French oven recs?

[Anonymous]

Okay. I've spent the past few weeks reading DCUM cooking threads related to Le Creuset French oven and slow cooker recommendations, as well as recipes. I'm determined to buy/order one of each this weekend. I'd really appreciate some more opinions about the most versatile family size Le Creuset French oven with the oval shape--do you think 6 3/4 qt size is large enough? Would also appreciate slow cooker recommendations. I know I want an oval shape in a larger size and was going to get the All Clad--then saw reviews indicating a chipping problem. Your thoughts? Thanks so much!

[Anonymous]

Not sure, and that sounds great, I'm envious.

Just thought I'd mention that the WaPo food chat posters addressed a question like this 2 weeks ago, and were all really enthusiastic about the LC rectangular roasting pan -- apparently a very versatile weekly roaster/server.

[Anonymous]

I use Le Creuset a lot and have several pieces.

I think the 6 3/4 size is plenty. I have a much larger one too and I never use it -- it is literally too heavy for me to move around easily when full of food, and too big for the stovetop.

The one I use the most is like a skillet without a long handle but with a lid. Can't remember what it's called but I use it ALL the time.

[Anonymous]

For dutch ovens, the enameled Lodge is by far the best combination of quality and cost. Le Creuset is slightly better if cost is not a factor.

For slow cookers, I think Cuisinart's is the best right now.

[Anonymous]

I did lots of research on slow cookers a couple of years ago and was initially inclined to pick Cuisinart or All-Clad but then was recommended the Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 6 qt.

In addition to good reviews, I wanted one with a clip-on lid due to our incredibly enterprising scavenger cat. In the end that is the one we went with. It suits us very well, is a good value, and keeps dinner safe from the cat.

I've got an LC round 6 qt. dutch oven that is heavily used. I doubt you could really go wrong with any piece that suits your family's needs.

[Anonymous]

My thanks to all of you for your responses and comments--greatly appreciated! I've ordered the 6 3/4 Le Creuset oval shape French oven but still reading reviews for the Cuisinart and Hamilton Beach slow cookers. Will take a look at the WaPo article this afternoon re the LC roasting pan. Very excited about having these new items when I cook our Christmas Eve dinner!

[Anonymous]

For the WaPo, it wasn't an article, it was the Wednesday food chat from 2 weeks ago. (Free Range on Food, I think it's called.) It was just 2 or 3 comments. Joe Yonan, the food editor, really liked his rectangular roast-n-serve.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For the WaPo, it wasn't an article, it was the Wednesday food chat from 2 weeks ago. (Free Range on Food, I think it's called.) It was just 2 or 3 comments. Joe Yonan, the food editor, really liked his rectangular roast-n-serve.

Thanks for clarifying, but mostly a big thank you for introducing me to his column. I've been reading through them and really enjoyed his info and style. Plus, I learned the bleach/water tip for removing stains from LC items.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I did lots of research on slow cookers a couple of years ago and was initially inclined to pick Cuisinart or All-Clad but then was recommended the Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 6 qt.

In addition to good reviews, I wanted one with a clip-on lid due to our incredibly enterprising scavenger cat. In the end that is the one we went with. It suits us very well, is a good value, and keeps dinner safe from the cat.

I've got an LC round 6 qt. dutch oven that is heavily used. I doubt you could really go wrong with any piece that suits your family's needs.

My cat is related to your cat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I did lots of research on slow cookers a couple of years ago and was initially inclined to pick Cuisinart or All-Clad but then was recommended the Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 6 qt.

In addition to good reviews, I wanted one with a clip-on lid due to our incredibly enterprising scavenger cat. In the end that is the one we went with. It suits us very well, is a good value, and keeps dinner safe from the cat.

I've got an LC round 6 qt. dutch oven that is heavily used. I doubt you could really go wrong with any piece that suits your family's needs.

My cat is related to your cat.

OP here. Although she can't jump high enough to get on the counter (but will put forth good effort when she smells meat simmering), our beagle is probably part of their extended family!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I use Le Creuset a lot and have several pieces.

I think the 6 3/4 size is plenty. I have a much larger one too and I never use it -- it is literally too heavy for me to move around easily when full of food, and too big for the stovetop.

The one I use the most is like a skillet without a long handle but with a lid. Can't remember what it's called but I use it ALL the time.

I'll search for the best price, but do you mean this braiser?
http://cookware.lecreuset.com/cookware/product_5-qt.-Braiser_10151_-1_20002_59120_21058

[Anonymous]

Get me of these

Stainless Steel Thermal Vacuum Cooking Pot
SN-XAE60/80

The Stainless Steel Thermal Vacuum Cooking Pot is a non-electric appliance that slow cooks foods using the food's own heat. Just heat the inner cooking pan on the stove, then place the pan directly into the vacuum insulated outer container to complete cooking.

Works like a non-electric slow cooker
Stainless steel vacuum insulation with excellent heat retention
Saves energy and reduces cooking costs
Base-to-rim 3-ply stainless steel construction inner cooking pan
Works on all cooking surfaces including IH heaters

http://www.zojirushi.com/products/snxae

[Anonymous]

I use a 5 qt Le Creuset frequently if cooking for 2 or 3, but for 4 or more on a regular basis the 6 3/4 is probably a good size.

Also, + 1 for the hamilton beach slow cooker.

http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-33967-6-Quart-Programmable/dp/B001AO2PXK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386009514&sr=8-1&keywords=hamilton+beach+slow+cooker+6+quart

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I use a 5 qt Le Creuset frequently if cooking for 2 or 3, but for 4 or more on a regular basis the 6 3/4 is probably a good size.

Also, + 1 for the hamilton beach slow cooker.

http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-33967-6-Quart-Programmable/dp/B001AO2PXK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386009514&sr=8-1&keywords=hamilton+beach+slow+cooker+6+quart

I appreciate your recommendations and did order the 6 3/4 size.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have the Le Creuset cookware in the color Dune, Ocean, or Quince? If so, do you like it?