my final take
The Brilliant Le Creuset Rice Pot Review
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Lifetime Guarantee
- Vibrant colour choice
- Versatile
Cons
- Steep Price
- Handles get very Hot
- Only one size
- Heavy
My Honest Review
Welcome to our review of the Le Creuset Cast Iron Rice Cocotte! You’ll want to keep reading if you’re a perfectly cooked rice fan. The Le Creuset brand is well-known for its high-quality cookware, and this cast iron pot with stoneware insert is no exception.
In this review, we’ll go over the features and share our experiences using the pot to get perfect rice. So, let’s get started!
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Rice Cooking Guide
How to get perfect rice from start to finish.
Below are approximate ratios of water to rice and cooking time on medium heat after coming to a boil.
We use setting 8/10 to bring it to a boil and reduce it to 4.5/10 for cooking time. This may vary depending on the hob type used.
| Type of Rice | Rice to Water Ratio (Cups) | Approximate Cooking time |
|---|---|---|
| Basmati Rice | 1 Rice – 1.5 Water | 15 minutes |
| Brown Rice | 1 Rice – 1.75 Water | 25 minutes |
| Mixed Wild Rice | 1 Rice – 2 Water | 35 minutes |
How we get Perfect Rice
First, add your desired measure of rice to the pot.
Take note of the measure, as this will be required if calculating the amount of water.
Often overlooked, yet vital, is washing the rice.
To do this, we add water to the rice and gently swirl the rice around until the water becomes cloudy.
Once the water becomes cloudy, carefully pour it away.
Take care to pour slowly and avoid pouring away rice.
This rice washing step should be repeated until the water remains relatively clear, typically 5 or 6 times.
Once drained, add the measure of water as per the previous table. For white rice, we use 1.5 times the amount of rice.
Next, we put the pot on medium/high heat (8/10) until it boils.
This typically takes 3 or 4 minutes, depending on the amount of rice.
Next, we put the pot on a medium (4.5/10) for a set time with the stoneware lid used to keep in the steam and heat.
For a cup of white rice, this is about 15 minutes. Brown rice 25 minutes.
After 15 minutes, you should turn off the hob and have a pot of lovely fluffy rice.
If the rice is undercooked or still wet, allow some additional cooking time. Adjusting the amount of water for next time if required.
Allowing the rice to sit for 5 minutes after cooking allows any remaining water to evaporate and leaves the rice ready for serving.
This is thanks to the cast iron holding a lot of heat and gently cook the rice even when the hob is turned off.
We often go back for extra rice during a meal.
Using the cast iron lid, you can keep the rice nice and hot. It also helps hold in moisture and stops it from drying out.
Features
After using this rice cocotte for several months below are the stand out features we have to share.
Temperature Consistency:
Cast iron cooking is known for maintaining a consistent temperature when cooking foods, including rice. When using a cast iron rice cooker for cooking rice, the heat is evenly distributed across the pan’s surface, ensuring that the rice cooks evenly and consistently.
The thick, heavy cast iron also helps retain heat for extended periods, making it ideal for keeping rice warm after it has been cooked.
Versatile:
Cast iron is a versatile material for cooking, this rice cocotte can be used on any heat source, including induction cooktops, grills, and ovens. It can cook various dishes, from soups to baking sourdough bread, making a perfect dutch oven.
Design:
The Le Creuset cocotte is beautiful and functional kitchenware. The cocotte is made in France from high-quality cast iron with the exterior coated with a glossy enamel finish, which not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also makes it easy to clean.
The cocotte also features an inner stoneware insert lid, which helps to lock in heat and moisture, resulting in perfectly cooked rice every time. Also, there is a cast iron lid that seals nicely on top.
Cleaning:
The rice cocotte is easy to clean because it has an enameled surface that helps prevent food from sticking and burning.
This means no need to scrub or scrape the pot to remove stuck-on food. Rinse the pot with hot water, use gentle dish soap if necessary, and clean it with a soft sponge or cloth. The pot is also dishwasher-safe.
Simple to use:
The rice cocotte is extremely simple to use. The two side handle gives a secure grip, making it easy to lift and move, although they do get very hot.
Simply add rice and liquid to the cocotte, put it on the stove, and let it cook to perfection. The stoneware lid seals in heat and moisture while helping prevent boil over , ensuring that the rice cooks evenly and comes out perfectly fluffy every time.
Hand Made:
Each cocotte is crafted by skilled artisans who use traditional techniques and attention to detail to create a truly unique and high-quality product. This also helps support local workers, while keeping the highest standards.
Durable:
Cast iron is known for its strength and durability. The enamel coating adds an extra layer of protection against wear and tear, making it incredibly durable. The rice cocotte is also backed by Le Creuset’s lifetime warranty.
Avoid planned obsolescence:
As the Le Creuset rice cooker is designed to last a lifetime it enables buyers to avoid the planned obsolescence of common electric rice cookers.
Additionally, the pot is designed to be used on various cooking surfaces, including gas, electric, and induction ranges, even in the oven. With proper care, the Le Creuset cast iron rice cocotte can be passed from generation to generation, ensuring that it is not discarded. This helps reduce the amount of waste that is created by common electrical appliances.
Compact:
It is a compact cooking pot perfect for cooking small to medium servings of rice for about 6-8 people.
Its compact size makes it easy to store, making it a great option for people who live in small spaces.
Positives and Negatives
My breakdown of the Rice Cocotte.
Positives:
- Very easy to use and clean.
- Lifetime Guarantee, simple design, and excellent quality help avoid the planned obsolescence of electric rice cookers.
- A vibrant choice of colors is available to suit any kitchen.
- Adequate size for most occasions. Cooking about 8 portions of rice.
- Suitable for cooking soup, stews, and many other dishes, not only rice. It can even be used as a dutch oven for bread.
Negatives:
- Heavy for its size due to being cast iron.
- Not available in the full range of Le Creuset colors.
- Handles get very hot during use.
- Not available in larger sizes.
- Steep price for a rice cooker.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the Le Creuset cast iron rice cocotte is top-notch and will stand the test of time, making it the perfect choice to avoid the planned obsolescence of electric rice cookers.
Its durable construction and superior heat retention make it the perfect tool for cooking rice and various dishes.
It can be used on any stovetop or in the oven, making it a must-have for any home chef.
The cocotte’s beautiful design and vibrant colors make it a great addition to any kitchen.
Overall, the rice cocotte is a brilliant investment that will become a staple in your kitchen as it did ours.
FAQ
What is the capacity of the rice cocotte?
The rice cocotte has a capacity of 2 Litres. Roughly sufficient for 2 cups of rice, making about 8 portions.
How do I clean the rice cooker?
The pot can be cleaned using a soft sponge and warm water thanks to its enamel coating, or it can also be washed in the dishwasher. We wouldn’t advise using dishwater if you have seasoned the cast iron pot.
Can I use the rice cooker to cook other grains besides rice?
Yes, the rice cooker can be used for any rice, grain, and beans. You can also cook soup and stews, and even loaves of bread, as it makes a great Dutch Oven.
Does the pot come with a measuring cup?
No, there is no measuring cup provided.
Can I use the pot in the oven?
Yes, the rice cooker is all metal and stoneware construction. It can safely be used in an oven at very high temperatures.
Is the pot dishwasher safe?
Yes, it is dishwasher safe but best washed by hand. It’s effortless to clean. Make sure to use soft, non-abrasive pads, as metallic pads and abrasive cleaning agents may damage the enamel.
Is the rice cocotte available in different sizes?
No, it is only available in one size of 2 Litres.
Can the rice cocotte be used on an induction cooktop?
Yes, we use it on the small ring of our Induction Hob, and it works perfectly.
Is the Le Creuset rice cooker covered by a warranty?
Yes, it is covered by Le Creuset’s Lifetime Guarantee.
