Monday, October 13, 2014

Duralex Casserole

How do you review something that's as ... normal ... as a glass casserole?


Yeah, I sort of struggled with this one.

Not that I don't like the Duralex rectangular roaster I've been testing. I actually like it a lot. But normally, I talk about new features or quirkiness. But what this has going for is that it's pretty classic. Back in the dim past, everyone's mom had some kind of clear baking dish for roasting or for casseroles, right?


This one would have looked right at home, although a keen eye would see that it's not exactly the same. The lines are classic, but updated, somehow. More retro/modern than old and clunky.

The 4-quart model, which is the one I have, is a great size for family-sized batches of lasagna or potatoes au gratin or for a beef roast or a large chicken. Cakes or brownies, too.

My most recent roast was actually a meatloaf,


If you look at it, you can see see a bit of crusty browning around the edges of the meat.


While a glass roaster isn't billed as a nonstick product, I have to say that it was pretty easy to clean.

Yup, there ya go. Glass roaster. Everyone needs at least one, right?

Here's the technical details, if you're into such things: Made from reinforced tempered glass resistant to a thermal shock of 200°C / 392 F temperature differentiation and withstands temperatures between -20°C/ -4 F and 300°C/ 572 F.

Who's it for: This would be a great gift for someone who is just starting out. Since it's clear, there's no need to worry about color schemes. And it's a good replacement piece if your glass casseroles are scratched.

Pros: Really affordable. When baking or making something like a casserole, you can see if the edges are browning or not. Nicer for table presentation than a metal baking pan. Oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe.

Cons: Not stove-top safe. And, since it's glass, there's the klutz factor.

Wishes: Gee, I wish I had all the sizes. And the oval shape is nice, too. Hard to decide which I like better.

Source:  I received this from the manufacturer for the purpose of a review.

1 comment:

  1. Do they offer any guaranty (or lawyerly warning against) the issue that plagues one of their well known competitors. The one where an imperfect or scratched dish can occasionally explode? I've been using a ceramic brand instead since I know someone who has actually seen that exciting part happen. But glass would sure be nice to use again.

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