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I see Aldi has the cast iron cookware again

14 years ago

The ad says it starts next week. Didn't see any at the store when I was in one today. For the folks that have it, are you still satisfied with it? I'm looking at the frypan and the dutch oven but that braiser has me interested. I'm just not sure any advantage to the smaller braiser. Does it do anything that the dutch oven doesn't do? Seems about the same diameter, just more shallow.

Here is a link that might be useful: Aldi ads

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Comments (12)

mustangs81
14 years ago
I got the 12" braiser; after using it at Peppi's house I just had to have one. I use it just like I do my everyday pan what I am making needs cast iron instead of non-stick or when it goes from stove top to oven. Yes it functions like the dutch oven only shallower and wider.
cynic
Original Author
14 years ago
Maybe that would be a good idea. I didn't think about it but I imagine it could work well as a frypan too for burgers, etc and I have a nice stainless steel dutch oven with glass lid that I really like so I really don't need a second one. Sounds like the braiser would be a better idea. And who knows... if I really like it I might just have to get more too. :D I haven't used cast iron in years. My corning top stove wasn't conducive to cast iron. And come to think of it, I think I have a black iron dutch oven down the basement that hasn't been used in 20+ years.

Thanks for you input.
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tami_ohio
14 years ago
Cynic, I have that big braiser, and use is for a lot! I've had it for about 3 years now. The only thing that I didn't like was the only time I put it in the oven, the handle/knob bubbled a bit. It's still fine, just has a bubble in it. It's never cracked. You will love it!

Tami
soonergrandmom
14 years ago
It looks like they have the same six pieces that they had last year and I bought five of them for my own use plus a couple of pieces for gifts. The braiser, dutch oven, oval oven and the roaster pan are all very good. Each of them has a good finish on both the inside and outside. The skillet has a different finish and it is not as smooth as I would like. I wash it, then put a tiny bit of oil in it and rub it with my fingers to cover the inside then wipe it off with a paper towel. If I don't do this it shows signs of rust within minutes. I think it will get better as it is used, or at least I hope it does. It is very heavy and almost more than I can hold with one hand if I am trying to pour something out of it. I have used mine for a year and I have one small chip on the bottom side of the handle. It could have been there when I bought it and I just didn't notice.
mustangs81
14 years ago
Tami, I replaced the knob on my Aldi braiser with a LeCreuset knob. I bought three of these knobs at the LeCreuset outlet and replaced my DO knobs too.

Here is a link that might be useful: Knobs
cloudy_christine
14 years ago
Not so happy. I made pork and sauerkraut in it and found mysterious little dark bits. The iron edge was corroding and pieces were falling into the food! Does not happen with Le Creuset! Unfortunately this was after the time when I could have just returned it to the store. I'd have had to ship it to the manufacturer. Not likely.
tami_ohio
14 years ago
Thanks Mustangs. I'll look into it. I don't often use my stove top pans in the oven, but this one would be great to do that with.

Cloudy_Christine, check with the company anyway. They may still do something about it.

Tami
Bumblebeez SC Zone 7
14 years ago
I have the baker and the braiser and haven't had any problems at all. They work great.
pkramer60
14 years ago
CC, check with Aldi's this week if they will exchange or refund it this week.

I love mine and never had a problem with the knobs. If you are worried about them, cover them with foil when you put it in the oven.
ci_lantro
14 years ago
Why couldn't you use an aluminum (cabinet door) knob from Home Depot, etc. to replace the plastic knobs on the Aldi cast iron.

The bolt that threads into the knob might be too long but you could either replace it or cut it down some with a hacksaw.
cynic
Original Author
14 years ago
Several people have mentioned getting a brass knob from a DIY or cabinet store and replace it. They do this with Dutch Ovens they use for the no-knead bread. That'll handle the heat.
anoriginal
14 years ago
Bought the Dutch oven around this time last year. haven't used it a LOT, but when I did was totally satisfied. It is REALLY heavy, but good price worked for me. Haven't used it in the oven, but would probably replace lid with tight foil cover so knob doesn't get damaged.

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