Le Creuset Heritage Doufeu, 7-1/4 qt Flame Orange

Product Review

Smart yet simple, the Le Creuset Heritage Doufeu Dutch Oven in classic Flame Orange enameled cast iron features a unique moisture retaining design. Fill the recessed lid with ice cubes. As moisture begins to evaporate inside the Doufeu during the slow cooking process, the cool ice-filled lid causes this moisture to condense. Specially designed dimples on the flat interior of the lid direct the moisture back down to evenly baste your roast or poultry. This self-basting effect minimizes the need to add additional water and ensures that food remains moist, nutrients are not lost, and flavors intensify. Even when the ice in the lid melts the self-basting process continues to function. As long as water in the lid remains below the boiling point it is cooler than evaporating moisture inside the Doufeu and therefore ensures that condensation continues. Le Creuset enameled cast iron cookware can be used on the stovetop, in the oven and under the grill. A Le Creuset Doufeu Dutch Oven is suitable for use on all heat sources including electric, gas, ceramic, halogen top and induction. All Le Creuset enameled cast iron cookware is coated with the highest quality vitreous enamel. This hygienic, impermeable enameled surface means Le Creuset can be used for marinating food prior to cooking or for food storage after cooking. Since 1925, the skilled French craftsmen at Le Creuset have perfected enameled cast iron cookware at their factory in Fresnoy Le Grand France. Each shape is one of a kind, made from molten steel and cast in a unique mold, and then expertly enameled. No other procedure yields cookware that so evenly distributes heat, browns and caramelizes food to perfection, and creates a masterpiece at the table. Warranted for the lifetime of the original owner. Made in France. Capacity: 7-1/4-Quart.

Product Features

Recessed lid is designed to hold ice cubes and condense moisture
Performs well on all heat sources, including induction
Non-abrasive bottom and long lasting, shock-resistant finish
Distributes heat evenly and retains heat longer
Warranted for the lifetime of the original owner

Accessories

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Review

(2 customer reviews)

The French Secret Weapon, March 20, 2012

Stephen Foster (Seattle, WA United States, via Scotland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Le Creuset Heritage Doufeu, 7-1/4 qt Flame Orange

I'm constitutionally incapable of spending $300+ for a single pot, but I was lucky enough to walk into an outlet store - with money burning a hole in my pocket - and found it at 40% off. The delightful sales lady greased the skids with a long, intense conversation about no-knead bread recipes, for which this pot is utterly perfect. She and I hand-picked the lid with the most perfect fit. I will never regret the decision.

(The recent flood of cheap, Chinese Le-Creuset-wannabee cookware is very welcome, providing excellent value, but I haven't yet seen a Chinese doufeu, and if I did I would expect the lid to fit poorly.)

But it wasn't until I got it home and read the included recipe book that I realized just what it was I had. A recipe for Poulet aux Olives calls for 2 tbs white wine and the juice of one lemon, NO OTHER FLUID. The recipe would be impossible in an ordinary pot without the tight seal and the ice-assisted constant rain over the ingredients...Read more

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful

Poor design, poor warranty, December 12, 2011

James Everhart (Bethesda, MD USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Le Creuset Heritage Doufeu, 7-1/4 qt Flame Orange

The handle snapped when the slick lid slid 3 feet from my stove onto a soft linoleum floor. It is clear that the break occurred at a weak point in the brittle cast iron handle, which is flared upwards. This is an inherently poor design. According to Le Creuset customer service, the "life-time" warranty does not cover damage due to the lid being dropped. High priced cookware should not break under these circumstances. One cannot buy a replacement lid alone. I was offered a discounted price to replace the entire unit, but would have to pay the cost of shipping the 17 pound pot and lid. My advice is not to buy an item whose lid can break so easily. Compared with other oval Dutch ovens, there is no advantage whatsoever to this piece.

Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 2-1/2-Quart Round Doufeu,...Read more