Enameled Dutch Oven vs Electric Slow Cooker?!
Earlier I posted a question which was not clearly written!. Now, I like to take the opportunity to post the question again!.
What do you prefer!? An enameled dutch oven or an electrical slow cooker!. Both cookware are excellent in slow cooking, non-reactive toward foods, and relatively easy to clean!. An enameled dutch oven allows a wider range of temperature variation, but it requires more attention, its temperature is not as easily controlled, and it is more expensive than an electric slow cooker!. I think the most expensive slow cooker is the All-Clad one ($180!?) and it costs no more than an average dutch oven, as Le Creuset French Oven can be >$300!. (Yes, the Le Creuset ones called their the "French Oven", but they are the same thing)
Please state your own personal preference and give a few reasons!. I am not looking for someone to agree with me!. I am just looking for some interesting opinions!. Thank you for your time!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
What do you prefer!? An enameled dutch oven or an electrical slow cooker!. Both cookware are excellent in slow cooking, non-reactive toward foods, and relatively easy to clean!. An enameled dutch oven allows a wider range of temperature variation, but it requires more attention, its temperature is not as easily controlled, and it is more expensive than an electric slow cooker!. I think the most expensive slow cooker is the All-Clad one ($180!?) and it costs no more than an average dutch oven, as Le Creuset French Oven can be >$300!. (Yes, the Le Creuset ones called their the "French Oven", but they are the same thing)
Please state your own personal preference and give a few reasons!. I am not looking for someone to agree with me!. I am just looking for some interesting opinions!. Thank you for your time!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Answers:
I have 2 slow cookers one large and one smaller , I find that they are good as well as convenient due to the ability to set the temperature and be able to go to work and leave them alone without a worry , they are also economical to purchase and to use and not as heavy is the French Oven ones, I love those! but we need to be realistic, they are heavy to lift when they are empty and heavier when they are full and very inconvenient for elderly people or the disables to lift and carry , so I will skip those and stick with the electric one instead, I hope that I have answered your question in a matter of properly expressing myself!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Electric slow cookers are convenient for cooking while your at work but in my opinion they kind of meld the flavors of everything together and as a result nothing stands out separately, ie, carrots and potatoes taste almost the same!.
I love my enameled Dutch Oven, it's very versatile!. It can be used for so many things I have only just begun to explore all the possibilities and the ease of cleaning is beyond compare!. Just my thoughts on the two!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I love my enameled Dutch Oven, it's very versatile!. It can be used for so many things I have only just begun to explore all the possibilities and the ease of cleaning is beyond compare!. Just my thoughts on the two!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I personally like the versatility of the dutch oven!. The fact that I can brown or seer meats means a lot to me!. You just can't do that with a slow cooker!. As for having to pay closer attention to my cooking, I prefer to do that anyway so that's not a problem!. also I have never tried to make a roux in a slow cooker, I don't believe it can be done!. The versatility of the dutch oven wins for me!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
When I am looking for a new appliance I check the Consumer's Report to see what they say about the product!. I also go to web sites that sell the product I am interested in and read to see what people have to say about it that have purchased the product!. I just bought a DVD Recorder this way and I love the thing!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Personally, I wouldn't pay the price for the LeCreuset!. It is very heavy to lift, empty let alone full of stew, or a roast etc!. The extra work to keep them nice is even more reason not to buy them!. I am a practical person, and it makes no sense to me to throw good money down the drain, or spend good money to make me work harder!.!.!.!.!.No not me!. Give me a good ole' Electric Crock Pot any day!. The $40!.00 variety works just as well as the $180!.00 one!. Then take the money saved and spend a day at the Spa!.!.!.!.with a friend!. Much better memories!.!.!.LOL
I use a cast iron Dutch Oven if I do any searing of meats, then it goes into the oven, pulled out to add in the veggies!. Simply a good thing to have around!. Unattended for most of the day is the Slow Cooker, in the cooler months, or when I have the urge!. I wash my Cast Iron with soap and water, soak it if necessary, rinse and dry it, spray it with oil, and put it away til the next time!. I have used that same Dutch Oven for about 30 years and it will certainly go another 30 if not more!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I use a cast iron Dutch Oven if I do any searing of meats, then it goes into the oven, pulled out to add in the veggies!. Simply a good thing to have around!. Unattended for most of the day is the Slow Cooker, in the cooler months, or when I have the urge!. I wash my Cast Iron with soap and water, soak it if necessary, rinse and dry it, spray it with oil, and put it away til the next time!. I have used that same Dutch Oven for about 30 years and it will certainly go another 30 if not more!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I couldn't live without my dutch oven!. I hardly ever use my slow cooker!.!.!.but my Le Creuset, I use all the time!. It's just so much more versatile!. I use it from everything from braising, boiling water for pasta, deep frying, soups and stews!.!.!.I could go on for days!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I don't know how I lived before my red Le Creuset Dutch Oven!. I love it! I cook out of it a few times a week!. Unlike my slow cooker which gets used about once or twice a month!.
Well worth the money!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Well worth the money!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
That really, for me, depends on what I'm preparing!.
The "crock pot" or "electric slow cooker" can be great, if you do a LOT of unattended cooking, or you can not be in attendance while cooking!.
For those that are "at home" more often than not, the Oven Method of using the Dutch (or Le Cruset's "French Oven") Oven does require a LOT more hands on approach!.
I use both, but for different reasons and times:
Crock Pot is usually winter, and for longer periods than I would have to invest in standing around an oven and checking the contents every hour or so!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.
The Dutch Oven comes out when I want to make stocks, or things that I spend a lot more time with!.
Each has it's merits, but one VERY nice thing about a Dutch Oven, it's NEVER going to go "belly up" electric wise!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.Or during a power outage, if you have a gas stovetop!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.
ChristopherWww@FoodAQ@Com
The "crock pot" or "electric slow cooker" can be great, if you do a LOT of unattended cooking, or you can not be in attendance while cooking!.
For those that are "at home" more often than not, the Oven Method of using the Dutch (or Le Cruset's "French Oven") Oven does require a LOT more hands on approach!.
I use both, but for different reasons and times:
Crock Pot is usually winter, and for longer periods than I would have to invest in standing around an oven and checking the contents every hour or so!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.
The Dutch Oven comes out when I want to make stocks, or things that I spend a lot more time with!.
Each has it's merits, but one VERY nice thing about a Dutch Oven, it's NEVER going to go "belly up" electric wise!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.Or during a power outage, if you have a gas stovetop!.!.!.!.!.!.!.!.
ChristopherWww@FoodAQ@Com
I prefer the Le Creuset Dutch oven!. I have 5 of them- different colors and sizes!. They are worth every dime because you can sear meats in them then turn the heat to a low simmer and add your stock and vegetables to make a nice stew or braised meats in the oven with the lid on!. Dishes come out flavorful and meats tender everytime!. Was hesitant years back to purchase one because of the price!. I went for it and I don't regret it one bit except for the fact that I waited so long to get my first one!. Lol! Slow cookers are not bad either but I just prefer the Dutch ovens versatility and the fact that my kids will get these when I'm gone and they will still perform for them like they do for me!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I used to have an enameled dutch oven til I burned a hole in the bottom of it! I prefer Cast Iron dutch ovens!. They can actually be cleaned back up and reseasoned after burning severly!. The enameled ones sure look nice on Pot Luck serving tables tho!.
I also have every electric slow cooker from the tiny quart one to the huge 10 quart one!. And in a variety of makers as well!. Oval ones, rectangular ones, round ones!. They each have their use and purpose!.
People eating in my kitchen know what the menu is from which cookers are on the cabinet or stove! I very rarely change a recipe from one to something else!.
Casseroles cook so very nicely in the rectangular one!. Beans of course in the huge one, that way I only have to start one pot a week!
Each different pot in my kitchen has its purpose!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I also have every electric slow cooker from the tiny quart one to the huge 10 quart one!. And in a variety of makers as well!. Oval ones, rectangular ones, round ones!. They each have their use and purpose!.
People eating in my kitchen know what the menu is from which cookers are on the cabinet or stove! I very rarely change a recipe from one to something else!.
Casseroles cook so very nicely in the rectangular one!. Beans of course in the huge one, that way I only have to start one pot a week!
Each different pot in my kitchen has its purpose!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Cast iron is the original slow cooker!. I love my cast iron because i can sear my meats in it add the remaining ingredients and toss the whole thing covered with the lid on into the oven i can set the temp at 250 for a nice slow cook!. temperature ranges are very wide!.
My wife prefers the crock pot or slow cooker cause she can throw dinner into it and leave for the day and come home to a finished meal without heating up the house!. As for enameled cast iron in my opinion it is a waste of money but, the most affordable is Lodge brand and it works as well as the others without the high out of this world prices!. The biggest problems with enameled cast iron besides its price is the enamel is fragile and the cast iron is heavy but, if you dont mind those 2 "problems" then go with the cast iron!. but I do have both and use both although i personally prefer my cast iron over a slow cooker!. I can use the cast iron on the stove top, in the oven, to bake in or make anything i want!. its a true multi-tasker!. One of AB's favorite reasons for a piece of cook ware in the kitchen!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
My wife prefers the crock pot or slow cooker cause she can throw dinner into it and leave for the day and come home to a finished meal without heating up the house!. As for enameled cast iron in my opinion it is a waste of money but, the most affordable is Lodge brand and it works as well as the others without the high out of this world prices!. The biggest problems with enameled cast iron besides its price is the enamel is fragile and the cast iron is heavy but, if you dont mind those 2 "problems" then go with the cast iron!. but I do have both and use both although i personally prefer my cast iron over a slow cooker!. I can use the cast iron on the stove top, in the oven, to bake in or make anything i want!. its a true multi-tasker!. One of AB's favorite reasons for a piece of cook ware in the kitchen!.Www@FoodAQ@Com