The Le Creuset Signature enameled skillet is a perfect choice if you're looking for a skillet that has cast iron qualities, but requires a bit less maintenance. This pan can handle acidic foods and be put in the dishwasher without rusting.
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Pros
Pro Dishwasher safe
This skillet can be washed or soaked in water without rusting.
Pro Can be used to cook acidic foods
Since this skillet's enamel is non-reactive, nothing from the cooking surface leaches into food, even when exposed to highly acidic foodstuffs. As a result, pasta sauce, chili or anything else can simmer for a long time or even be stored in the pan.
Pro A looped extra handle for easier handling
Since the skillet is heavy, it has an extra handle for added balance when moving the pan. The handle is large and looped, comfortable to grip even when wearing bulky oven mitts.
Pro Can handle high heat
This Le Creuset skillet can be used in temperatures of up to 500 ºF. Most of the other enameled cast-iron frying pans are not supposed to be used above 450 ºF.
Pro Wide range of colors
The skillet comes in 16 colors: matte black, white, mineral blue, cerise red, sugar pink, cashmere grey, cotton beige, amethyst purple, marseille blue, soleil yellow, palm green, flame orange, carribean teal, hibiscus pink, marine blue, and oyster grey. The glossy outside enamel looks appealing and decorative.
Pro Comes preseasoned for immediate use
This skillet comes with a layer of seasoning and can be used right away. The cooking surface of Le Creuset's enamel allows for some more seasoning, but not so much as a raw cast-iron skillet.
Pro Spouts for easier pouring
This frying pan has spouts on two sides, so it is easy to pour out grease or gravy.
Pro Suitable for various cooking mediums
The enameled Le Creuset skillet can be used with these heat sources: gas/electric/induction stove-tops, oven, broiler, and grill, although using a grill risks damaging the pan's outer glossy enamel layer.
Cons
Con Very heavy
Weighing 6.8 lbs, this skillet may not be suitable for cooks with weaker wrists.
Con Expensive brand
The smallest and cheapest 6.3'' skillet version costs $119.95. The largest 12'' skillet costs $199.99.
Con Sensitive to sudden changes in temperature
To use with high heat, this skillet should be heated up slowly for 10 minutes. When heated up, it should never be cooled suddenly (such as plunged in cold water), as the enamel coating may crack and come off entirely.
Con Not suitable for using on a campfire
Unlike the bare-cast iron skillets, this enameled skillet should not be put straight into campfires. The temperatures of open flames are hard to control, and if the skillet gets too hot, the enamel can soften enough to get damaged.
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