Beautiful, durable and practical, the Le Creuset 1.5, 2.25, 3.5 and 5 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Signature Braisers go from stovetop or oven to the dinner table in style. These heavy braisers are 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 biggest difference between the Le Creuset 1.5, 2.25, 3.5 and 5 Quart Braisers is that the 1.5 qt braiser only has the capacity to provide 1 serving, 2.25 qt provides 1-2 servings, 3.5 qt provides 3-4 servings, and the 5 qt provides the most servings with 5-6.
The Le Creuset 1.5 quart braiser measures approximately 9.25” by 11.75” by 4”, weighs 7.6 pounds, and it can serve 1 person while the Le Creuset 2.25 quart braiser has dimensions of 13.8” by 10.9” by 4.6”, weighs 9.7 pounds, and it can serve 1-2 people. The Le Creuset 3.5 quart braiser measures approximately 15.8” by 12.5” by 5.3”, weighs 12.6 pounds, and it can serve 3-4 people while the Le Creuset 5 quart braiser has dimensions of 16.8” by 13.6” by 5.4”, weighs 14.6 pounds, and it can serve 5-6 people.
Its’ cast iron construction ensures excellent heat distribution and retention. The Le Creuset Braiser is ideal for roasting, frying, sauteing, browning and searing. Casseroles and other slow-cooked foods will cook evenly and gently without hot spots if you cook them with a braiser. The cookware is ovenproof up to 500 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, this braiser is a welcome addition to any kitchen. It can be used on any cooking surface.
Difference between a Dutch oven and a Braiser
Both Dutch ovens and Braisers are made from the same materials, have thick sides and heavy bottoms and lids but Braisers are wider and have shorter sides than Dutch Ovens. The taller sides of Dutch Ovens make it great for simmering while Braisers are meant for braising, searing and browning and the wider top is suitable for whole cuts of meat.
Le Creuset Braiser 1.5 vs 2.25 vs 3.5 vs 5 qt Enameled Cast Iron Signature Braiser Comparison Chart
| Features |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity (Quarts) | 5 Quarts | 3.5 Quarts | 2.25 Quarts | 1.5 Quarts |
| Number of Servings | 5-6 servings | 3-4 servings | 1-2 servings | 1-2 servings |
| Dimensions (length x width x height) | 16.8" x 13.6" x 5.4" | 15.8" x 12.5" x 5.3" | 13.8" x 10.9" x 4.6" | 9.25" x 11.75" x 4" |
| Weight (pounds lbs.) | 14.6 pounds | 12.6 pounds | 9.7 pounds | 7.6 pounds |
| Cooking Surface | Nonstick coating | Nonstick coating | Nonstick coating | Nonstick coating |
| Maximum Oven Temperature Threshold | 500 Degrees | 500 Degrees | 500 Degrees | 500 Degrees |
| 45% larger handles that distributes the weight evenly and provides a better grip even with oven mitts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Colorful, long-lasting exterior enamel resists chipping and cracking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced sand-colored, enameled interior is durable and makes it easy to monitor food as it cooks to prevent burning or sticking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tight-fitting lid with stainless steel knob handle stays securely in place to lock in heat, moisture and flavor | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Larger composite knob that withstands temperatures up to 500ºF | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Suitable for all heat sources (induction, electric, gas and halogen) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Made in France | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Limited Lifetime Warranty | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Base Material Type | Enameled Cast Iron | Enameled Cast Iron | Enameled Cast Iron | Enameled Cast Iron |
| Handle Material Type | Cast Iron | Cast Iron | Cast Iron | Cast Iron |
| Lid Material Type | Cast Iron | Cast Iron | Cast Iron | Cast Iron |
Product Features for the Le Creuset 1.5, 2.25, 3.5 and 5 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Signature Braisers
• 1.5, 2.25, 3.5 and 5 quart braisers are made of enameled cast iron
• Colorful exterior enamel is shock-resistant to prevent chipping and cracking
• Sand-colored interior enamel has a smooth finish that promotes caramelization, prevents sticking, and resists stains
• Dome-shaped lid locks in flavor by promoting continuous circulation of heat and moisture
• Wide loop handles provide a safe and comfortable grip
• Ready to use so no seasoning is required
• Cast-iron loop side handles provide convenient transport
• Matching Tight-Fitting Cast Iron Lid with phenolic knob locks in heat, moisture and flavor (A Le Creuset Buffet casserole will have a cast iron base but a glass lid)
• Oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (°F)
• Limited lifetime warranty
• Dishwasher-safe but hand washing is recommended
These beautiful enameled cast iron Braisers by Le Creuset heats quickly and evenly. It also retains heat and cooks efficiently even over low heat.
The Braiser 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 braiser’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 cast iron 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 braiser, use only plastic or wood cooking utensils and avoid using too high heat.
Cooking with the Enameled Cast Iron Signature Braiser
The Le Creuset braiser 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
Customer Reviews for the Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Braisers
The Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Braiser is not cheap, although you will find it for much cheaper at a number of online stores. Cost is the one thing people complain about with this product, although no one would say that this braiser is not worth the price. Customers who purchased the Braiser 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 have said that the Le Creuset Cast Iron Signature Braiser is wonderful for cooking and recommend it to people who do a lot of skillet cooking.