Beautiful, durable and practical, the Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 3-1/2 Quart Buffet Casseroles goes from stovetop or oven to the dinner table in style. This heavy casserole is made of cast iron, with its interior and exterior clad in bright enamel in a rainbow of colors including White, Red, Caribbean, Dijon, Black Onyx, and Cobalt Blue.
The Le Creuset buffet casserole holds 3.5 quarts and measures approximately 13-2/5” by 10-4/5” by 4-3/5”. Its cast iron construction ensures excellent heat distribution and retention. Casseroles and other slow-cooked foods will cook evenly and gently without hot spots. The cookware is ovenproof up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Famous for its hand-finished craftsmanship, the Le Creuset enameled cast iron cookware is considered one of the finest in the world. With its bold colors and superior performance, the Buffet Casserole is a welcome addition to any kitchen. It can be used on any cooking surface.
Product Features
• 3-1/2 quart buffet casserole made of enameled cast iron
• Cast-iron loop side handles provide convenient transport
• Lid with phenolic knob locks in heat, moisture and flavor
• Oven-safe to 400 degrees
• Limited lifetime warranty
• Dishwasher-safe but hand washing is recommended
This beautiful enameled cast iron Buffet Casserole by Le Creuset heats quickly and evenly. It also retains heat and cooks efficiently even over low heat.
The Buffet Casserole is ideal for browning foods, poaching and baking. Meats can be slow-cooked to tender perfection in the oven. The lid helps to seal in moisture and flavors. This cookware is perfect for entertaining, with its low, wide profile designed to showcase delicious dishes on a dinner table or buffet.
The Le Creuset buffet casserole’s porcelain enamel coating is resistant to odors and stains, and food will not react with it. The surfaces are easy to clean and scratch-resistant. Cast iron construction provides superior heat conduction and promotes faster cooking times. Heat is evenly distributed and retained, so that food stays hot longer. With its heavy, tight-fitting lid, the food self-bastes while locking in flavors and moisture.
Cooking with Enameled Cast Iron
Cast iron is one of the best materials for cookware because it absorbs and distributes heat efficiently. When cooking with cast iron, it is best to use low to medium heat. Cast iron also retains heat and does not cool off quickly.
Keeping your food in the cast iron cookware ensures that your food will stay warm while serving.
Cast iron, however, tends to be heavy and this may be considered a drawback by some people.
Although cast iron is excellent for cooking, there is a very good reason for covering it in enamel. Iron tends to rust, and cast iron cookware must be well-seasoned to get the best cooking results. A porcelain enamel coating not only looks good, but it also has other benefits.
Enamel is hygienic to cook on. It does not stain or absorb odors. The food’s natural flavors are retained. Enamel coating is also easy to clean. However, it can become chipped or damaged. To protect your Le Creuset enameled cast iron buffet casserole, use only plastic or wood cooking utensils and avoid using too high heat.
Cooking with the 3.5-Quart Buffet Casserole
The Le Creuset buffet casserole is shaped like a sauté pan with curved sides. It has a large flat bottom and comes with a tight fitting lid that is flat with curved sides. The lid helps to seal in heat, flavors and moisture.
This cookware can be used to make casseroles, paella, risotto, or pasta sauce. It is excellent for braising meats. You can also make gravy from the juices after roasting a chicken in it.
Pros
• Absorbs and distributes heat efficiently
• Very versatile
• Hygienic cooking surface
• Does not stain or absorb colors
• Retains flavors and nutrients
• Easy to clean
• Goes from the stovetop to the oven to the table
• Beautiful design and colors
• Durable; can last a lifetime
Cons
• Expensive
• Heavy; weighs about 12 pounds
What Customers Say
With a list price of $280, the Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron 3.5 Quart Buffet Casserole is not cheap, although you will find it for about $200 at a number of online stores. Cost is the one thing people complain about with this product, although no one would say that the casserole is not worth the price. Customers who purchased the Buffet Casserole do not regret their purchase. As a matter of fact, they are eager to buy more Le Creuset products.
Customers find this cookware to be very versatile. It can be used to cook just about anything and can be used on the stovetop or in the oven. It can be used to bake pasta dishes, roast vegetables or meats, caramelize onions, cook sauces, and many more.
Cleanup is easy and needs only a good soaking and a mild nylon pad for scrubbing. The enamel can stain when cooking with tomatoes or caramelized foods but most people do not mind seeing some darkening.
One or two customers did complain that the enamel in their cookware started to chip right away, but others did not have the same problem.
Many customers say the Le Creuset 3.5-Quart Buffet Casserole is wonderful for cooking and recommend it to people who do a lot of skillet cooking.
