Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 2-Quart Heart Casserole, Red

Although I own a set of the cobalt blue pans, the heart shaped red pan with lid is my favorite Le Creuset piece. It would make a great Mother's Day or Valentine's Day gift; then again it would make a wonderful present to yourself!


Be My Valentine with Whimsy, Beauty, and Function!   March 15, 2005
Gavin S. Pope (Cedar Creek, Michigan (the GREAT State of))
25 out of 25 found this review helpful

I have collected all of Le Creuset's fruit and vegetable shaped cast iron enameled casseroles. In my 40+ years of cooking these casseroles are at the top of my list for beauty and functionality. They are beautiful to display on a table or on a kitchen counter and very practical in cooking delightful casseroles, soups, stews and other wonderful dishes. The color that they can add to a kitchen brightens every vist there. The exterior and interior enamel coating is very durable and easy to clean. I have cooked a multitude of dishes in these casseroles and have found them to be excellent in heat conduction and preventing "hot spots". The wider and lower shaped casseroles are a little better in spreading the heat.

The warranty against defects of 101 years will certainly last beyond my expected needs but it is nice to know that I have the protection since these are not inexpensive purchases.

The comments of guests served from these casseroles is always positive and never fails to bring a smile to my face.

There is a drawback to these whimsical cookers and that is the rim of both the top and bottom of the casseroles. There is no enamel on these rims and they can rust if not dried immediately after hand washing. They are dishwasher safe but I do recommend that you hand wash and dry immediately. I also recommend that you let them sit out for an hour or so to air dry before storing them.

When wet this casserole can be very slippery and the handles on the bottom and top help in preventing dropping them. Be really careful!

Finally, closely inspect your casserole when it arrives. My first garlic casserole had a two inch crack in the enamel. I did not have to contact Le Crueset since Amazon.com immediately sent a replacement to me and had the defective item picked up at my home at no charge. I commend them for standing behind the products they sell.


Creuset Casseroles are the Best, hearts is your call   May 9, 2000
Eric Antonow (Palo Alto, CA United States)
37 out of 41 found this review helpful

The single best pots for doing rich chicken dishes and the like. Conducts heat perfectly, well-balanced and very easly to clean. So many great meals have emerged from these pots that I tend to cook more frequently, especially the more slow-cooking or complex dishes.

I inheirited one of these pots and then bought another. Since then I have excused all similar imitations from the kitchen.

If I had to equipt my kitchen with 3 cooking pots/pans, this would come right after the skillet and sauce pan.


And The Heart Will Go On   December 16, 2000
38 out of 44 found this review helpful

Le Creuset holds a well-deserved global reputation for its superior cooking products and this whimsical heart shaped casserole dish is no exception. My teens sons honored me with this beauty last Valentine's Day. And to my surprise it was not wrapped, it was warm to the touch, and when I slowly lifted the cherry red lid, my heart soared--they had filled that heart with their version of my homemade baked macaroni & three-cheese casserole recipe!

As we all grabbed forks, eating right out of the pan, in between bites, they excitedly took turns telling me all about the pan; "Mom--it's so cool, even the lid can go in the oven, (up to 450 degrees) it's that cast iron stuff you like so much, only coated, we can put it right in the dishwasher AND guess what? You can cook all your good stuff in it for 101 years!" (the warranty)

I'm not sure what made this the best present I ever received--the weighty, cooks everything deliciously, crimson pan or two teen sons taking the time to let me know, I, as a parent must be doing something right.


Beauty and function all in one   October 20, 2001
pm444 (Okemos, MI USA)
21 out of 23 found this review helpful

Of all the 2 quart Le Creuset specialty pieces (pumpkin, tomato, etc.) this was the one that caught my eye. I resisted it several times at a nearby Le Creuset shop, but when they discounted it so that the price was about what I'd pay on Amazon, I gave in. I only wish I would have bought it sooner.

Unless your kitchen is totally austere and devoid of all decor, this is one piece you will want to keep out at all times. You cannot look at it without smiling and just feeling good. As far as actually using it, it has all the wonderful qualities for which Le Creuset is so well-known. Whether on the stove or in the oven, you'll love the even heating and the smooth enamel finish. When it's time to serve on the table, it becomes a conversation piece as well. At 2 quarts, it's a great size for small recipes. Clean up is fast and easy.

So, beauty and function in a quality piece of cookware, and all for a reasonable price. What more could one ask for?