Cuisinart CI650-25BG Classic Enameled Iron Cookware, Cast, Provencal Blue

Product Information

Beyond that, only one pot grabbed a disqualification in this phase of the test because its enamel coating latched onto the chicken so hard that the meat shredded when we attempted to lift it. Beyond shape, there are also multiple burner technologies; both coil and cast-iron burners use a standard electric heating element, while more advanced (and more expensive) cooking methods include infrared and induction, both of which cook on a flat, glass surface. Rather than heating a burner that then transfers heat to the pan, induction cooking uses electromagnets to directly heat the pan itself. As well as my own experience with my inherited heirloom LeCreuset I own many different brands of Dutch ovens.

Its porcelain enameled exterior features a durable finish that comes in rich colors so that it can complement a variety of kitchen decors. Splurging for the Le Creuset means investing in a reputation that's backed by generations of satisfied users all over the world and a warranty that anecdotal evidence says you can rely on. The sides and bottom of the pan are coated in a porcelain enamel that’s both shiny and richly colored, making it a beautiful showpiece for our kitchen. Lastly, if you want to avoid chipping and scratching on the enamel interior, only use wooden or heat resistant silicone cooking utensils. This extra-large Max Burton is a great choice for jumping into induction: Its 9-inch burner works with pans and pots from 4.

The rice for our jambalaya requires wet cooking—simmering the rice, meats, and vegetables in the cooking liquid—but it also tests how evenly the pots cook since the goal is to have all the liquid absorbed by the rice by the time it's all done. The underside of the top is dotted with raised dimples, which the company claims help promote even distribution of condensed water back onto the food, though we haven't been able to think of a cooking scenario in which this would really matter.

One of our testers reviewed a smaller Max Burton model at home, and was extremely impressed with how quickly it was able to bring water to a boil and how much control it offered over temperature and heating. Safety and balance are key when it comes to handles, Remember, though, that those double handles will get hot, too. A thicker enamel-coated cast iron braiser will keep foods hot much longer than a thinner stainless steel model. To see if this specialty pan is a worthwhile investment, we put the popular indoor grill alternative to the test, using it to cook a variety of foods over the course of a week.

With a 9-inch cooking surface, there was plenty of room to sear four chicken thighs without crowding the pan, and when it was time to flip, they released immediately. There are also some models that include two separate burners, though the individual burners are usually pretty small. You should always be mindful to not put your face directly over the pan when removing the lid, as there will generally be a release of steam. We were able to get the same grill marks and crisp texture, but food cooked in a pan won’t have the same smokey flavor.

When it comes to cooking performance, I did not find a large difference in the Cuisinart Casserole vs. Tramontina Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven: While this Dutch oven promoted good browning, it also exhibited some sticking while making jambalaya. This cooking method is ideal for short ribs, osso buco, pork shoulder, chicken cacciatore and more,” Chernoff notes.The heavy cast-iron cooking surface holds heat very effectively and evenly, but our tester still found it quick to preheat—she also was able to use the hot burner to keep food warm after it was turned off, just like on a full-size range. Even at the highest one, the infrared technology focuses the heat to the cooking surface, which helps keep the base and housing cooler. While they both serve the same purpose and cost about the same, these two pans couldn’t be more different.

As a general rule, it would be wise to stay away from any products which have rubberized handles that aren’t rated for oven temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. For those looking for a budget-friendly pick, we also like the Cuisinart 5-Quart Chef's Classic Enameled Dutch Oven. Le Creuset is cast iron Dutch oven royalty that has been used by chefs and home cooks around the world for decades. This process, also ideal for browning and caramelizing vegetables, lets the food gather flavor as the liquid evaporates and circulates back over the top of the meats and vegetables with the help of a tightly fitting lid.

If you don’t need the extra capacity and don’t mind the oval shape, this option is a more affordable version of the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic 7-quart Casserole.