TL;DR
Good Housekeeping tested Tramontina’s stackable enameled cast-iron set, priced at about $130 in the report, using its Dutch oven, braiser and grill pan. The pieces browned food well, but the tester reported uneven cooking and scorching when heat or timing was not closely controlled, along with staining on the grill pan.
Good Housekeeping has published a hands-on test of Tramontina’s stackable enameled cast-iron cookware set, reporting that its Dutch oven and braiser browned food well but required careful heat and timing adjustments. The report described the roughly $130 set as a lower-priced alternative to a comparable Staub stackable set, while also noting challenges with uneven cooking, a crowded grill pan and stubborn exterior marks.
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The set includes a 5.5-quart Dutch oven, a 3.25-quart braiser, a 10-inch grill pan and one universal lid that fits all three vessels. Tramontina lists the cookware as compatible with all cooktops, including induction, and safe for oven use up to 450°F. The complete set weighs 27.5 pounds when stacked, according to the report. Protective rim bumpers are included to help prevent chips when the pieces are nested.
Good Housekeeping’s deputy editor, who tests Dutch ovens for the publication’s Kitchen & Cooking Lab, cooked beef stew in the Dutch oven, lemon chicken in the braiser and chicken thighs on the grill pan. The Dutch oven browned the stew meat without sticking, but the tester said the dark interior made it harder to see browned bits, or fond, as they formed. Some beef came out tender while other pieces were dry; the tester suggested using lower heat and allowing more cooking time.
The braiser browned chicken and kept its juices in the pan under its tight-fitting lid, according to the review. However, the tester said the cooking liquid could have reduced further and recommended adjusting the cooking time or uncovering the dish near the end. The grill pan produced grill marks, but four thighs crowded its 10-inch surface. The second sides charred, the pan had hotter areas near its edges, and its handles and exterior developed marks that were difficult to remove.
Where the Set Saves Space and Money
The set’s main appeal is combining three useful cast-iron pieces in a stackable footprint, an advantage for people with limited cupboard space. The report put its retail price at about $130 and said the tester saw it for $90.97 while preparing the article. That is a substantial difference from the Staub stackable set, which the report said is often on sale for about $600. Those prices are observations in the source material, not a guarantee of current sale prices.
The trade-off is that the lower-cost option may ask more of the cook. The tester found that heat control, timing and decisions about when to use the lid affected the results. Buyers should also weigh the reported 27.5-pound total weight and possible staining against the storage benefit. The review’s findings come from specific test dishes and do not establish how every home cook will experience the set on different stoves or with different recipes.
Products Worth Considering
Le Creuset Signature Deep Round Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 6.5 qt, Oyster
Traeger Ranger Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker with Cast Iron Griddle
Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
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Stackable cookware is designed to reduce the storage space needed for multiple pots and pans. Tramontina’s set uses a universal lid across its Dutch oven, braiser and grill pan, while the included bumpers sit over the rims when the pieces are stacked. The report’s tester tried the set in cranberry; it is also offered in black, navy and latte, according to the article.
The cookware has an enameled cast-iron exterior and a black porcelain-lined interior. The reviewer described the interior as slightly rough but generally easy to clean. The handles were comfortable to hold, and the lid knob was large enough for a secure grip; the tester noted that the knob gets hot, as is common with Dutch oven lids. These details help explain both the set’s practical appeal and the need for care during cooking and handling.
““My key takeaway is to reduce the heat when using it.””
— Good Housekeeping deputy editor and tester
Long-Term Use Still Untested
The report does not establish how the set will hold up with regular home use over time. The tester wrote that laboratory testing was complete and that the cookware’s performance in everyday use remained to be seen. It is also unclear from the supplied report how results may vary across cooktops, ovens, recipes and cooking techniques. The review’s observations about staining and heat are tied to the tested meals and do not establish that every user will see the same results.
The reported price may also change. The article noted a retail price of about $130 and a $90.97 price seen during reporting, but it does not provide a current price guarantee. Prospective buyers should check the seller’s listing for the latest cost, included pieces and warranty information.
Everyday Cooking Will Be the Test
The next evidence point identified by the reviewer is regular home use after the lab testing. The report does not give a date for a follow-up or promise another test. For now, its practical guidance is to start with lower heat, monitor browning closely, adjust cook times, and consider removing the lid near the end when a braising liquid needs to reduce. The reviewer also advised planning for thorough cleaning and some staining.
Key Questions
What comes in Tramontina’s stackable set?
The set includes a 5.5-quart Dutch oven, a 3.25-quart braiser, a 10-inch grill pan, one lid that fits all three pieces and rim bumpers for stacking.
What did the Good Housekeeping test find?
The tester reported that the Dutch oven and braiser browned food well. The test also found that cooking results depended on heat and timing, while the grill pan crowded four chicken thighs and developed stubborn exterior marks.
How much does the set cost?
The report gave a retail price of about $130 and said the tester saw it for $90.97 while reporting the article. Prices can change, so those figures should not be treated as current offers.
Can the cookware be used on induction and in the oven?
According to the report, the set works on all cooktops, including induction, and is oven-safe up to 450°F. Check the product’s current instructions for care and use details.
Is the set suitable for a small kitchen?
Its pieces nest together for storage, which may help save cupboard space. The full stack weighs 27.5 pounds, however, so buyers should consider the weight as well as the storage footprint.
Source: rss
