About
6.3-quart rectangular-shaped roaster made of Burgundy Clay for gentle, even heating
Remarkably hard and flameproof; high direct-heat tolerance--won't crack, break, or discolor
2 integrated side handles provide a secure hold and easy lifting
Dishwasher-safe for quick cleanup; suitable for almost any heat source; oven-safe
Measures 17-1/5 by 11-1/5 by 3-1/5 inches; 10-year limited warranty
Measuring 17-1/5 by 11-1/5 by 3-1/5 inches, this rectangular-shaped roaster provides a 6.3-quart capacity and offers everyday convenience. Use it for roasting, braising, baking, browning, and slow cooking anything from lasagna, caramelized root vegetables, or a savory roast to fudge brownies, vanilla cake, cinnamon buns, and other sweet treats. The unit retains heat and distributes it gently and evenly, bringing out the natural flavors of the food and maintaining natural textures and colors for mouthwatering results. It can also be heated to extremely high temperatures for searing.
Emile Henry's Flame-Top ceramic cookware features Burgundy Clay construction, which can be used on any stove top (gas, electric, or halogen), though it requires Emile Henry's special induction disk when using with induction stove tops. The versatile unit can go directly from the refrigerator or freezer to a hot oven, under the broiler, in the microwave--or even onto a barbecue grill. Unlike most metal, glass, or ceramic cookware, the remarkably hard and flameproof cookware offers a high direct-heat tolerance. For example, it can sit on a hot open flame, empty, for an extended period of time without cracking, breaking, or discoloring. In addition to storing and cooking, the unit's beautiful design makes it a viable choice for use as a serving piece at the table. Other highlights include two integrated side handles for secure transport, a footed base for heat diffusion, and a lightweight design (up to 30-percent lighter than all cast iron). Manufactured in France, the roaster cleans up quickly by hand or in the dishwasher and carries a 10-year limited warranty.
- Type: Ceramic Roaster
- Color: Dark blue, black, red
- Weight: 11 lbs
- Made In: France
- Warranty: 3 years
- Dimensions: 17-1/4" x 11-1/4" x 3-1/2"
- Composition: Burgundy clay
- Manufacturer: Emile Henry
- Other versions: Black, Red
Ambitions
Apparent goal: | kids | gift/registry | home kitchens | restaurants | everywhere |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Intended audience: | novice | advanced beginner | good home cook | gourmet | professional |
Diet/nutrition: | does not apply | scary | empty promises | helpful | essential |
Green?: | not especially | neutral | mixed blessing | earth friendly | green! |
Innovative: | step back | standing still | progress | trendy | genius |
Problem solving: | no better | baby steps | solid steps | giant steps | a revelation |
Competition: | outclassed | follower | in the pack | strong challenger | likely champ |
Utility/Quality
Ease of use: | impossible | frustrating | OK | simple | child's play |
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Intuitive: | Ph.D. required | barely | logical | effortless | brilliant |
Instructions: | missing | incomprehensible | adequate | unnecessary | excellent |
Quality: | cheesy | questionable | good | years of service | impressive |
Parts to lose: | inevitable | some/many | one-piece | self-storing | not a problem |
Power source: | none | hands | batteries | outlet | cooker |
Clean-up: | nightmare | wipe clean | soap & water | scouring pad | dishwasher |
Does it work?: | not at all | adequately | well | very well | perfectly |
Availability: | airfare required | online | kitchen store | department store | supermarket |
Packaging
Easy to open?: | impossible | maddening | tolerable | good | opens itself |
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Green?: | fills a landfill | huge waste | passable | minimal waste | impressive |
Economy
Time saving: | time wasting | not really | modest | substantial | huge |
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Labor saving: | less efficient | marginal | a bit | noticeable | remarkable |
Money saving: | money wasted | none | $ | $$ | $$$ |
Beats the old way: | worse | no change | better | infinitely | entirely new |
Where will it live?: | garage/attic | drawer | cabinet | countertop | elsewhere |
Summary
Fulfills ambitions: | falls short | almost there | satisfies | exceeds | home run |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
How often used: | once/twice | ≥daily | ≥weekly | ≥monthly | ≥yearly/holidays |
Worth the space?: | no | does not apply | w/unlimited space | w/limited space | absolutely |
Need it?: | a luxury | discretionary | basic equipment | for serious cooks | get it |
Value: | ouch! | a little pricey | worth splurging | on the money | a deal |
Overall rating: | skip it | fair | good | very good | excellent |
Comments: After years – many years – of babying ceramic cookware, along comes Emile Henry of France and encourages us, no, dares us, to put its ceramic roaster right on the stove. With the burner on. High. And leave it there.
It won't break, they say. And indeed, we found their claim to be true, although it took us a while before we were really comfortable using it directly on an open flame. Old habits are hard to break.
The company says that the roaster's direct heat tolerance is so high that, unlike most metal, glass, or ceramic cookware, it can sit on a very hot open flame, empty, for an extended period of time and it won't crack, discolor, or break. It provides gentle, even heat distribution, and stays hot longer than a metal pan will.
You can sear meat, roast it in the oven, and then deglaze the "pan" right on the stovetop again. Of course the company wants you to roast meats and vegetables, but it also wants you to bake brownies and make cakes. It wants you to use the roaster right on the grill, to take advantage of all the new recipes that call for a hot plate or other solid container on the grill. The trick will be working it into your regular cooking schedule, and not saving it for the few times a year you prepare roasts.
The roaster is heavy. Filled with our lasagna it topped the scale at 25 pounds, so be sure you maintain a good grip. (The company notes that it is still 30% lighter than cast iron, so that's something….) It is also really beautiful in the new dark blue version we tested, but surely equally lovely in red or black.
Not everything Emile Henry makes can go on the stovetop; it has to be from the Flame line of products. The other products are useful and lovely, too, but be clear on what you're purchasing. If you're in doubt, you should look for the FLAME logo molded into the bottom.