Latest news with #gia
Telegraph
06-03-2025
- General
- Telegraph
Le Creuset versus FireUp: can this award-winning cast iron dutch oven outperform a kitchen classic?
£339 Buy now Price at Le Creuset What is a casserole dish and what is a Dutch oven? There are many similarities between casserole dishes and Dutch ovens. They tend to be heavy pots with tight-fitting lids, made of cast iron and used for slow cooking. But while the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference. Dutch ovens typically have higher sides and tighter fitting lids, explains Jason Moran, managing director of Season Cookshop, which has three branches in London. Casseroles, Moran adds, are more frequently used in the oven. Both, Moran continues, can be made of any material, although cast iron is a popular material for home use, as it's great at retaining heat, leading to even cooking. Le Creuset, as Moran explains, makes casserole dishes and has done for 100 years. It is a market leader for a reason: it provides excellent cast iron cookware that lasts a lifetime or more. FireUp, on the other hand, has created a new Dutch oven with fins around the outside that are inspired by rocket science (yes, really) and said to lead to quicker cooking times, with improved heat distribution and efficiency. The makers of the latter have stated their product is 'not positioned to compete with large legacy companies. We believe that there has been zero innovation in cookware design for almost a hundred years.' Like Le Creuset, its pans are made in France. The FireUp brand has just been recognised with a Global Innovation Award (gia), suggesting it is on to something. So, as a much talked about new player in the cast iron pot world, we decided to see how it stacked up to an established name. How we tested casserole dishes Though Dutch ovens and casseroles have slight differences, they are primarily used for similar types of cooking, namely low and slow. So our first test on the menu was a stew. A sourdough loaf was second, as they are also excellent for baking bread. 'The reason being that they form an enclosed chamber that's very evenly heated,' says Moran. 'When you keep the lid on it keeps the bread soft and lets it rise because of the steam trapped in there.' Removing the lid halfway through cooking then allows the bread to crisp. Aside from cooking, we also scored the pans on ease of washing, weight, ability to brown meat before slow cooking and more. Design Le Creuset: 10/10 FireUp: 9/10 Large cast iron pans are often kitchen centrepieces, adding a certain rustic appeal. Many homeowners will leave them out on full view or serve a meal with a one-pot dish in the middle of the table. Both Le Creuset and FireUp offer aesthetically pleasing pots – whether one prefers the classic appeal of the Le Creuset or the novel ribbed design of the FireUp is down to personal preference. Le Creuset's casserole dish comes in 12 colours and various sizes (we tested the 26cm, 5.3 litre version), while FireUp's 5-litre Dutch oven comes in three smart colours: red, blue and black. A minor complaint about the latter's design – which according to FireUp improves heat distribution and efficiency – is that the ribs can make it slightly trickier to clean if grime builds up on the outside and it is a bit heavier (5.8kg vs 5.14kg for the Le Creuset). Winner: Le Creuset Functionality Le Creuset: 10/10 FireUp: 10/10 There's no beating around the bush, both pans are weighty, especially when filled with food. The FireUp is marginally heavier, so it's worth taking that into account. Both are versatile pans, though. You can use them on the hob and in the oven. On the stove, they work on gas, electric, ceramic and induction. The enamelled coating means there's no seasoning involved and cleaning the inside is fairly straightforward – most remains will wipe off, but a soak will get rid of tougher-to-remove grime. Winner: A tie Materials Le Creuset: 10/10 FireUp: 10/10 Both these pans are made of enamelled cast iron, an excellent material to cook with. Incredibly durable, the pans can last a lifetime, if not generations, says Moran. They're not as 'bulletproof' as stainless steel, but when treated well, cast iron pans are a buy-once option. Cast iron offers excellent heat retention, which allows for even cooking – excellent when slow-cooking meat, for example. By adding an enamel layer (some cast-iron pans are pure iron), there's no seasoning involved. However, the enamel can chip or scratch – which Moran says is more of an aesthetic issue than a functionality one. Both pans use recycled iron, and can be heated to high temperatures, so they're great for searing meat or baking bread, while the FireUp pan is dishwasher safe. So is the Le Creuset, but constant dishwasher use can damage the enamel finish. Winner: A tie Quality of results Le Creuset: 10/10 FireUp: 10/10 I tested the pans by cooking the same dishes in each, including a slow-cooked stew using beef brisket and sourdough loaves. The first test was searing the meat. In the Le Creuset casserole, the meat browned slightly quicker, although the difference wasn't huge. Then I sautéed onions and celery, which browned and softened in a similar time. I then slow cooked the stew for two and half hours on a low heat. The results for both were impressive: tender meat and a rich, well-reduced sauce. My other main testing method was to bake sourdough loaves and here there was a minor difference in the outcome, aesthetically if not quality wise. The FireUp is narrower and taller, which led to a slightly taller loaf; in the Le Creuset, it was a little squatter. The bread, however, was equally delicious in both: soft, holey crumb and a crisp, crunchy crust. Winner: A Tie Ease of cleaning and maintenance Le Creuset: 10/10 FireUp: 9/10 Cleaning an enamelled cast iron pan is usually fairly easy. That's because the enamel surface is smooth (although this shouldn't be confused with non-stick, which it isn't). Most food wipes off fairly easily with a sponge, hot water and a bit of soap. Often, a sponge or scourer is useful to rub off grime that builds up on the outside of the pan, or underneath. The Le Creuset's inside is light in colour, making it easy to see when the pan is clean. FireUp opts for a dark interior, so it can be a little harder to spot any dirty bits that remain. Yet with both, a short soak is usually all you need. Both are dishwasher safe, although the Le Creuset comes with a warning not to wash in that manner too frequently. It's best to wash both by hand. As they're enamelled, neither needs seasoning with oil after use, as would be the case with a pure cast iron pan. The only potential downside in this department is the FireUp's ribbed design, which makes it a little more cumbersome to scrub off when any dirt builds up on the outside. Winner: Le Creuset Technical Specifications: Telegraph verdict: In truth, there's little separating these pans in terms of performance. Both are excellent dishes that will produce consistent results. So, choosing which one works for you is likely to come down to other factors. Le Creuset offers the classic aesthetic that's been loved and trusted for 100 years. However, that comes at a significant additional cost for a similar-sized pot. For something more affordable (that doesn't compromise on cooking performance), FireUp is an excellent alternative. Its aesthetic might be a bit more divisive, but we liked the ribbed design. It is, however, a little heavier. As for a winner? It depends on what factors matter most to you. Technically, the Le Creuset scored marginally more than the FireUp, but to this tester, the price difference makes it a draw. FAQs What sizes are available for Le Creuset casserole dishes? Le Creuset's casserole dishes come in seven sizes, between 18cm/1.8l and 30cm/8.1l, rising at 2cm intervals. What are the key features of FireUp dutch ovens? The fins on the outside of the pan are designed to improve heat distribution and improve efficiency. How do I choose the right size casserole dish for my needs? It depends on how many people you're cooking for. If you're regularly cooking for groups of around four or more, you'll want something around 24cm wide, with a capacity of around five litres. How do I clean casserole dishes? It depends on the material, but the two tested in this review are enamel cast iron, which is easy to clean with just a sponge, soap and hot water. If any food has remained from, say, braising meat, a soak should help remove it. The outside of the pan will often become grimy and a soapy sponge with hot water should be enough – otherwise, a scourer will do the trick.
Associated Press
02-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
YouCopia® Introduces Organizers that Lighten the Load for You, Your Wallet and the Planet
YouCopia®, a global brand of category-leading home organizing products, introduces several new organizers at The Inspired Home Show, March 2-5, in Chicago. These items are designed to help consumers reduce overconsumption, save money and minimize environmental impact through better organization. 'We call it 'freedom of enough',' says Lauren Greenwood, YouCopia president and board member for the International Housewares Association. 'When our belongings are accessible, visible and easy to use, it helps us curb the endless cycle of 'more' and find joy in what we have. In the end, better organization supports our home, health, financial and sustainable goals, leading to a more satisfied and fulfilling life.' New organizers help you move through your day At The Inspired Home Show, March 2-4 in Chicago, YouCopia is introducing several products to help people create well-organized spaces that reduce stress and support daily routines. SinkSuite® Bag & Pod Dispenser is a finalist for the 2025 IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) for Excellence in Product Design in the Home Organization & Storage category. The 2-in-1 solution holds 100+ dishwasher pods and a club-size or standard roll of 13-gallon garbage bags in a space-saving tower. An angled floor and front ledge keep items within reach, and a patent-pending cradle base ensures trash bags dispense smoothly with each pull. Top trays remove for easy setup and refills, and provide extra storage for small items like brushes, soap and sponges. Durable design and waterproof materials protect inside contents and won't split or warp. A non-slip base holds dispenser in place. Made with high quality plastic in a speckled white color. Measures 7.3" D x 10.1" W x 13.3" H and will be available May 2025 at SinkSuite® Trash Bag Dispenser is an organizer designed for supersized storage – holding a club-size or standard roll of 13-gallon garbage bags. The patent-pending cradle base and wide opening keep bags within easy reach for a smooth pull every time. Refills are a quick task with a removable top tray that offers extra storage for items like brushes, bottles or sponges. The unit is sturdy enough to stack multiple dispensers and a soft, non-slip base keeps the organizer in place. Made with high quality plastic in a speckled white color. Measures 7.4" D x 10.0" W x 8.1" H and will be available May 2025 at StoraLid® Bottle Lid Holder means no more digging around the cabinet to find the right bottle, mug or tumbler lid. Four adjustable dividers create five customized compartments to fit as many as 10 lids. The cradle base fits any cabinet, drawer or pantry and gives a universal fit, so lids of various sizes up to 4" wide stay upright and sorted the way you like. The built-in handle makes it easy to slide out or carry. Made with high quality, BPA-free plastic in a speckled white color. Measures 4.8" D x 10.2" W x 3.2" H and will be available May 2025 at SipStation™ Straw Holder stows your straws in style. It features two individual compartments that hold up to 20 straws. The unique angled design fits everything from 5" kids' straws to 12" tumbler straws while keeping it all forward-facing and accessible. A slim footprint offers flexible placement options for the counter or in a cabinet or pantry – a perfect companion to your water bottle organizer. The non-slip, sturdy base holds steady without scratching surfaces. Staying hydrated is a quick pick and sip. Made with high quality, BPA-free plastic in a speckled white color. Measures 2.0" W x 7.5" D x 4.2" H and will be available May 2025 at SipStation™ Hydration Caddy helps conquer daily hydration goals. Three adjustable dividers create 16 custom-fit compartments to hold powder packets, flavor drops, drink tablets and more. The two-tier design and clear material keep small packs visible and accessible on a tidy display. A sturdy, built-in handler makes it easy to carry from the cabinet or pantry to counter or table so everyone can choose their own flavor. Made with high quality, BPA-free plastic in a clear and speckled white color. Measures 7.0" D x 11.2" W x 8.8" H and will be available May 2025 at Bathroom organizers cut down on clutter In its 15th anniversary year, YouCopia is expanding its product offering beyond the kitchen to include bathroom organization solutions that stash personal care essentials and elevate daily routines. Bathroom space is precious and every inch counts. YouCopia's bath organization collection was created to transform overlooked and underutilized areas into beautiful, functional storage. With ledges, adjustable trays and clever hideaways, the organizers hold more while maintaining a sleek, stress-free look for the smallest room in the home. Greenwood says, 'Our new line of organizers brings the same level of ingenuity to bathroom spaces, offering customers practical products that create less friction in personal care routines.' The Ledge™ Toothbrush Holder is a finalist in the 2025 IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) for Excellence in Product Design in the Bath & Personal Care category. The holder keep soral care essentials organized for a better brushing experience. Spacious compartments fit both manual and electric toothbrushes, while keeping everything elevated above water on a removable drip tray. The built-in cord slot keeps charger bases hidden and toothbrushes charged. A padded front ledge provides a soft-landing spot for phones, floss, eyeglasses, or jewelry. Antimicrobial treatment makes the organizer resistant to gunk buildup. When you're ready for an easy clean, simply dismantle the dishwasher-safe parts, rinse and dry, then snap back together in seconds. The Ledge Toothbrush Holder is made with high quality, BPA-free plastic in a clear and speckled white color. Available now in two sizes: 2 Slot: Fits 2 charger bases. Measures 4.5" D x 4.9" W x 4.4" H. SRP $14.99. 3 Slot: Fits up to 4 charger bases. Measures 4.6" D x 8.5" W x 4.4" H. SRP $19.99. The Ledge™ Tissue Holder keeps tissues elevated and protected but also offers a top tray and padded ledge to hold more. The full coverage lid and antimicrobial finish resist countertop moisture and grime. A non-slip base fits tissue boxes while the top slot dispenses tissues with ease. The soft, removable pad on the front ledge makes a nice phone prop, and a top tray holds little extras like lip balm, earbuds and jewelry. When ready for a reload, just dismantle the lid, place a fresh box, and snap closed in seconds. With tissues and personal items organized, countertop clutter will disappear. The Ledge Tissue Holder is made with high quality, BPA-free plastic in a clear and speckled white color. Available now in two sizes to fit standard-sized boxes: HideAway™ Toilet Cabinet adds extra storage to the top of your toilet so you're sure to maximize all available bathroom space. Two suction cups lock to grip both lever and button flush toilets with flat (non-curved) tank lids. The wide front door flips down to reveal a hidden compartment built for two mega toilet paper rolls, feminine care products or a full package of wipes. Closed storage keeps moisture at bay while a antimicrobial finish fights icky stuff. A top tray offers a tidy place for tissues, room spray, décor and more. Both inner and top trays are removable for easy cleaning. Made with high quality plastic in a speckled white color. Measures 11.5" W x 6.1" D x 8.1" H. SRP $34.99. HideAway™ Counter Caddy is a compact organizer to keep personal care essentials looking neat yet within reach. Its front bin features three adjustable dividers to create four custom-sized compartments for hygiene must-haves such as cotton swabs/rounds, hair ties, nail tools, etc. A hinged, flip-top lid keeps items covered yet easy to grab with one hand. The hidden back tray is designed for taller bottles of hand soap, cleanser, lotion, haircare and skincare. A sturdy, non-slip base helps the whole caddy stay in place and an antimicrobial treatment elevates your clean routine. Made with high quality, BPA-free plastic in a speckled white color. Measures 7.5" D x 8.6" W x 4.4" H. SRP $19.99. DoorStash™ Toiletry Organizer tucks toiletries under the sink – out of sight, yet close at hand. It hangs on the back of a cabinet door via a padded, stainless-steel bracket that protects cabinets from scratches. A top bin includes adjustable dividers to create perfect-sized compartments for cotton swabs, flossers, hair ties, razors and small bottles. The lid stays open with a simple flip so you can grab what you need with one hand. And a super-secret lower bin is ideal for stashing larger stuff like feminine care, toilet spray and hair and body products. Covered storage means personal care items not only stay nice and neat but also protected from grime and moisture. For a quick setup, simply hang on the back of a cabinet door, load items and enjoy feeling more organized. Made with high quality plastic in a speckled white color. Measures 5.6" D x 9.3" W x 15.0" H. SRP $39.99. Since its founding in 2009, YouCopia has helped millions of people discover the 'woo hoo' feeling of being organized. The company creates practical organization products to fit different items throughout the home. With almost effortless setup (no tools or installation required), anyone can transform their space into a happy place. YouCopia is a WBNEC-Certified Women's Business Enterprise based in Chicago.
