Showing posts with label roasting pans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label roasting pans. Show all posts

3/10/2012

Chicago Metallic Commercial Bake N' Roast Pan Review

Chicago Metallic Commercial Bake N' Roast Pan
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This thing feels like a WWII landing craft. It's heavy, not pretty, but it sure gets the job done. This pan could be around long after the end of life as we know it.
Just keep it clean and dry. Don't let it soak in water or you might be sorry. All these products seem to season like cast iron. The more you use them the darker they get and the slicker they feel as the pores of the metal seal. Be sure to use a baking spray or oil and flour to keep the sticking down.

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Designed to meet the exacting standards of commercial bakers and gourmet bakers who prefer traditional baking on uncoated pans. The uncoated surface offers good reflectivity for even dispersion of heat -- which means more consistent, even baking and gradual browning. After repeated use, darkening of the metal will actually enhance baking performance.The aluminized steel finish combines the durability, strength, and superior heat conduction of steel with the corrosion-resistance of an aluminum-silicone alloy. Precise, proprietary "folding" technology is the key to the unique construction and strength of the pan; steel is folded over at the ends, which triples the corner thickness and reinforces the rim. A wire rod is curled inside the rim for extra strength and warp-resistance.Size: 9 × 13Dimensions: 13"L × 9"W × 2¼"DMaterials: Heavy-weight aluminized steelCare: Dishwasher safeWarranty: 25 yearsProduct of China

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2/05/2012

Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 15-3/4-by-10-3/4-Inch Rectangular Baking Dish, Cobalt Blue Review

Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 15-3/4-by-10-3/4-Inch Rectangular Baking Dish, Cobalt Blue
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
As a classically trained chef, I have an extensive collection of kitchen items not always found in a typical home. I tend to think of kitchen products from a professional point of view, although I enjoy many items made for home use. Le Creuset is uncommon in professionally kitchens; however they manufacture quality and effective products.
Le Creuset's porcelain enameled cast iron cooking vessels are cast from molten iron formed in single use sand moulds. Covering cast iron with porcelain enamel not only looks good, but has multiple benefits. The enamel, being a solid coating, is one of the most hygienic surfaces to cook on, does not stain, absorb odors, retain flavors, and is easy to clean eliminating the need for seasoning and preventing rust issues. Limit cooking tools to plastic or wood to prevent damaging the enamel.
Cast iron is a highly efficient material which absorbs and distributes heat efficiently. For this reason, it is recommended to use on low to medium heat. There are a few exceptions like boiling water where cooking on high heat is appropriate and okay. Otherwise, cooking with high heat may cause food to stick, discolor the enamel coating, or unevenly cook the food. Cast iron also retains heat, keeping food warm while serving.
The benefits of cooking with Le Creuset cast iron are many, but let's get down to the roasting pan specifically. This pan holds 5 1/4 quarts of food, measures 9 3/4 x 14 x 3 inches internally, and weighs 10.2 pounds. 5 1/4 quarts will typically feed 8 - 10 people when it comes to casseroles, consider the rectangular baker for smaller recipes. Except for roasts, the roasting pan tends to do best if at least 3/4 full. Any less and you may overwhelm your food with the pan's evenly dispersed heat.
I find the many benefits of Le Creuset make this pan a worthy purchase. This pan adds a desirable crispy texture to dishes like mac-n-cheese. Add the Le Creuset 9 by 11-1/2 inch roasting rack for roasting chickens and pork loins keeping them out of the grease. Some other possibilities for this pan include casseroles, deep dish pizza, pork chops covered with cornbread dressing, dinner rolls, baked squash, lasagna, scalloped potatoes, cobblers, pineapple upside down cake, or bread pudding. The enamel is attractive, while the cast iron keeps the food warm for serving. Cleaning and caring for this dishwasher safe pan is easy. When properly taken care of, this pan will last a lifetime.
One feature that people tend to complain about is the cost. The cost does seem steep compared to other pans made from other materials. Heck, cast iron doesn't seem like it should be expensive when comparing to that old cast iron pan past generations have used for cornbread and camping. However the manufacturing process requires making a mould for each and every pan produced. They then go through the enameling process before shipping these heavy pans. If you take what goes into making and distributing these high quality cast iron products, the cost tends to make sense. Then consider that this pan will easily last a lifetime when taken care of.
Knowing the benefits and the pleasure I get from using Le Creuset, I don't hesitate to recommend this pan. Purchase this pan and use it for its strengths, you won't be disappointed.
PROS:
Efficient absorption and distribution of heat
Hygienic enamel cooking surface
Does not stain, absorb odors, or retain flavors
Easy to clean when not abused or misused
Can be transferred from stove top to the oven to the table
Dishwasher safe
Can easily last a lifetime
CONS:
Its heavy, as cast iron tends to be weighing in at about 10.2 pounds

Click Here to see more reviews about: Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 15-3/4-by-10-3/4-Inch Rectangular Baking Dish, Cobalt Blue

Excelled in evenly distributing and efficiently retaining heat, this enameled cast-iron baking dish with its sleek, low profile makes a useful and versatile addition to any busy kitchen. The rectangular-shaped roaster measures approximately 15-3/4 by 10-3/4 by 2-2/3 inches and can hold up to 5-1/4 quarts. Use it for a variety of home-cooked meals--from oven-roasted chicken breasts and homemade lasagna to casseroles or even a side of roasted new potatoes.
Like other pieces in Le Creuset's line of enameled cast iron, the cookware's exterior features a colorful, long-lasting enamel that resists chipping and cracking, while its durable, nonreactive sand-colored enamel interior offers a smooth surface for cooking and an optimal palette for food presentation. As cast iron is unexcelled for even heat distribution and superior heat retention, and enamel is impervious to acids and odors, the baking dish cooks food uniformly and gently without hot spots and can be used for marinating, cooking on the stovetop, or finishing in the oven. The cookware also provides integral side handles for a secure grip, and it can be safely used at any oven temperature, under the broiler, and on any stovetop, including induction. Best of all, it moves gracefully from the oven to the table for serving to the refrigerator or freezer for storing leftovers after a family dinner, party, or holiday meal. The rectangular roaster should be hand washed for best results and carries a lifetime limited warranty.

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10/26/2011

Reco Romertopf 3-Quart Clay Baker Review

Reco Romertopf 3-Quart Clay Baker
Average Reviews:

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A friend told me about clay pots, so I decided to try this one. I normally cook for 2 people. This is a medium sized pot and you could easily cook enough meat for 4+ adults, but if you want to cook the veggies at the same time (highly recommended!), you will need a bigger pot. Last night I roasted a game hen - my first attempt. I adapted a recipe from the Chicken Boulangere in Bridget Jones' "Complete Guide to Claypot Cooking". It was incredibly easy. I soaked the pot while I prepared the veggies. Just put some sliced potatoes, onion, lemon and herbs in the lower half of the pot and season with salt and pepper. Put the game hen in the middle, and then I put some baby carrots and another layer of potato slices around the bird and brushed everything with melted butter. I put the pot in a cold oven, and turned the heat to 450. It was done in less than an hour. As this was my first time, I checked the hen temperature with a meat thermometer - it was a perfect 180F.
One thing to realize is that the pot releases steam. This means that the veggies will not be crisp, unless you take the lid off for the last 10-15mins of cooking to crisp up the top layer. The result was truly delicious, by far the most moist poultry I have eaten for a long time. The potatoes were fabulous too, they absorbed the juice from the meat, giving them a wonderful flavor. Cooking everything in one pot tied all the tastes of the different components together very nicely. My husband loved it too. I will certainly use this pot on a regular basis, and can't wait to try it on chicken, duck, beef and lamb. It is a whole new adventure in the kitchen, which makes it fun! I may even buy the bigger 4 quart model, as it will make entertaining much easier - you can put the whole meal in one pot, put it in the oven and then forget about it until the timer buzzes! From my experience last night, I know I would be serving a tasty meal I could be happy to entertain with.

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Perfect for quickly preparing healthy, high-quality meals for two to four people, this versatile 4- to 6-pound 3-quart-capacity clay pot may be used for a wide variety of foods, from soups and stews to desserts and breads. The baker is made of porous clay that is unglazed inside and out, which allows it to "breathe" during the cooking process. Soaking the baker in water before baking allows it to create and maintain moisture that cooks recipes to perfection, while preventing flavors and nutrients from escaping. The pot should be placed inside a cool oven and then the temperature should be set, allowing the oven and baker to heat up gradually. Sudden temperature changes should be avoided. The handsomely embossed terra-cotta baker easily moves from the oven or microwave to the table for use as an attractive serving piece. Made in Mexico, the dishwasher-safe clay baker measures 13-3/4 by 9-1/2 by 6-1/3 inches.

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8/25/2011

Granite Ware 3-Piece Bake, Broil, and Grill Pan Set Review

Granite Ware 3-Piece Bake, Broil, and Grill Pan Set
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Granite Ware 3 Piece Bake, Broil & Grill Set
I suppose there is a more cheaply made broiler pan out there somewhere, but I can't imagine how any more corners could be cut...no pun intended, since all edges of the two painted steel sheets are knife sharp. The steel used to punch out those two pieces couldn't be thinner.
Package wrap indicates not to heat when empty! My intent was to pre-heat as a steamer for bread baking by adding water to the pan to create a crispy crust. Still searching for an at least a medium grade broiler pan.
Amazon's packaging was loose enough to cause the pan to bounce around freely in the shipping box, causing the chrome plated grate (not stainless steel) to scratch the paint off; looks like rust will follow shortly. Don't waste your $$ on this low end device.

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The dark interior absorbs all the oven's energy, the steel core evenly distributes the heat and the glass interior doesn't alter the taste.You can bake, broil and grill with this 3 piece set.Includes: roasting pan: 14" x 9" x 2", broil, seafood and veggie rack: 13" x 9", grilling rack: 13" x 9"Black

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6/18/2011

Schlemmertopf Classic Glazed Clay Cooker, Medium Review

Schlemmertopf Classic Glazed Clay Cooker, Medium
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I found my first Schlemmertopf at a yard sale, never used and with instructions. Ten years later I own 6 different sizes including some Romertopf brands. I don't use anything else for baking, ever, with the exception being obvious things like pizzas or cookies. So far I have found many of mine second-hand; I believe this is because people don't use the bakers properly and think they don't work.

Let me be clear on this: you need to read the instructions. I'm not used to doing that, so I'm very grateful I did this time. You MUST soak the baker in water before using for the first several times. The terra cotta absorbs the water and then diffuses it inside the baker during cooking. This creates a moist atmosphere and a naturally-occurring broth for meats. After it becomes seasoned with regular use, you rarely or never have to soak it again. Soap, cleaners or the dishwasher must never be used as the terra cotta absorbs the "flavor" of soap and this will ruin your food, however they clean up really well with water. The bakers turn out perfect, moist roasts, meatloafs (no need for a special meatloaf pan!) and chickens and food generally cooks in less time. The coloring of the bakers will change with use, just chalk it up to part of the charm of using "real" cookware.
Whenever I am cooking for company, they ask about the bakers - apparently few people have seen them or know anything about them. For that reason, they make great gifts for people who love to (or simply have to) cook.

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The classic glazed Schlemmertopf is made in Germany.It provides you with options in cooking as it can be used in either the oven of the microwave.It provides healthy cooking options for you, and comes with an instruction book and cook book.The top is unglazed and allows the moisture to cook into the food.The bottom is glazed inside and makes for easy cleanup and the ability to cook meats and sides together This size serves 3-6 people..

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