Cast iron How do I remove an old cast iron Y fitting from its joint?
I have a cast iron y pipe sticking out above the basement floor. I need to replace the Y fitting with a PVC Y fitting. It appears that the cast iron is sealed at the joint (the thing that looks like a cup) with lead. How Do I remove the cast iron y fitting? one of the branches broke off and thats why I want to replace it.
the thing that looks like a cup is called a bell......the part of the Y that goes into the Bell is called a spigot.... its actuall flared out slightly inside the bell....so it wont just pull out..... if you have room below the bell and the cement floor? thats where it should be cut... to do this you will need a saw zall and a few 8" blades made for cutting cast iron! cast iron is extremmly heavy....when ever removing a fitting there is always a possibility that the piping above will drop!!!!secure it by placing a LONG 2x4 VERTICALLY from the floor and up and under a fitting..... forget about trying to chip the lead out!!!! it could be melted out with a torch..... if when melting the fitting is horizonal allowing the lead to drip out of the fitting...under the lead there will be oakum ( very hairy type of rope)) if you go the torch method DO NOT ALLOW WATER TO HIT THE MELTING LEAD IT WILL EXPLODE!!! and make sure you have a fire extinquisher ready..... a small torch wont work
At more than two feet across, the ITRE Cast Wall Sconce casts forth a wide wash of vibrant--and energy efficient--light. The curved panel of Satin White glass helps maximize the spread of diffuse ambient light all around. The Cast Wall Sconce is the largest version available in the Cast sconce collection, designed by Alessandro Lenarda. "Like Nothing Before." ITRE USA is a distributor of extraordinary modern Italian lighting in Murano glass. For more than 20 years, ITRE has introduced the United States to contemporary Italian lighting with imaginative, step-ahead-of-the-rest designs that also reflect the traditional craftsmanship of the "maestri di Murano." The ITRE Cast Wall Sconce is available with the following: Details:Satin White glass shadeAnodized aluminum baseAluminum finishRectangular wall plateEnergy efficientUL ListedMade in ItalyDesigned by Alessandro Lenarda, 2003Lighting: One 55 Watt 120 Volt Type 2G11 Fluorescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships in 2-3 business days. Dimensions: Fixture: Depth 6.75 In., Height 9.5 In., Width 25.63 In.
Engineered and sculpted out of solid brass to withstand the harshest weather conditions. The Kichler Lighting Cast Brass Path Light also combines a slick design with bright downlight to work in a wide variety of exterior applications. The flared and fluted solid brass shade is side-mounted to allow for more directional lighting without glare. Available in two finishes. Since 1938, Cleveland-based Kichler Lighting has created exceptional lighting in a variety of styles, finishes, colors and designs. With a diverse collection of indoor and outdoor lighting in classic and contemporary styles, Kichler Lighting always focuses on making home lighting that is both beautiful and functional. The Kichler Lighting Cast Brass Path Light is available with the following: Details:Solid cast brass shadeSolid cast brass construction8" in-ground stake35" wire leadsCable connector included12V S-8 wedge base socketLow-voltageUL Listed for wet locationsOptions:Finish: Brass, or Bronzed Brass.Lighting: One 24.4 Watt 12 Volt Low-voltage Incandescent lamp (included). Shipping: This item usually ships in 3-5 days. Dimensions: Fixture: Height 20.5 In., Width 7 In.
The petite ITRE Cast Piccola Wall Sconce casts forth vibrant washes of diffuse ambient light through its curved panel of Satin White glass (with silk-screened surface detail). The shade's lines and light are both enhanced by the anodized aluminum base. The Cast Piccola is a smaller, ADA compliant version of the Cast Wall Sconce. "Like Nothing Before." ITRE USA is a distributor of extraordinary modern Italian lighting in Murano glass. For more than 20 years, ITRE has introduced the United States to contemporary Italian lighting with imaginative, step-ahead-of-the-rest designs that also reflect the traditional craftsmanship of the "maestri di Murano." The ITRE Cast Piccola Wall Sconce is available with the following: Details:Satin White glass shadeAnodized aluminum baseAluminum finishRectangular wall plateADA CompliantUL ListedMade in ItalyDesigned by Alessandro Lenarda, 2003Lighting: One 75 Watt 120 Volt Type G9 Halogen lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships in 2-3 business days. Dimensions: Fixture: Width 4.38 In., Height 4 In., Depth 3.5 In.
Bring sleek modern lighting into the fold with the ITRE Cast Media Wall Sconce. It casts rich, diffuse light upward and outward through a folded silk-screened panel of Satin White glass, held in place by an understated anodized aluminum base. Cast Media is the medium sized member of the Cast wall sconce collection, designed by Alessandro Lenarda. "Like Nothing Before." ITRE USA is a distributor of extraordinary modern Italian lighting in Murano glass. For more than 20 years, ITRE has introduced the United States to contemporary Italian lighting with imaginative, step-ahead-of-the-rest designs that also reflect the traditional craftsmanship of the "maestri di Murano." The ITRE Cast Media Wall Sconce is available with the following: Details:Satin White glass shadeAnodized aluminum baseAluminum finishRectangular wall plateUL ListedMade in ItalyDesigned by Alessandro Lenarda, 2003Lighting: One 150 Watt 120 Volt Type R7s Halogen lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships in 2-3 business days. Dimensions: Fixture: Width 13.13 In., Depth 4.38 In., Height 6.75 In.
At once strong and airy, the Access Lighting Iron Pendant adds a lustrous metallic accent to contemporary interiors. The cylindrical Opal glass shade is surrounded by a delicate, textural metal mesh. This structure is in turn suspended within a simple, four-pronged metal frame. Part of the Access Lighting Elements collection. Access Lighting, a California company, provides practical, beautiful, and affordable time-tested classics and energy efficient lighting. Exclusive designs in contemporary and traditional styles for indoors and outdoors are gathered from around the world. The Access Lighting Iron Pendant is available with the following: Details:Opal glass shadeMetal baseBrushed Steel finishRound ceiling canopy6", 16" and 22" downrods10' cordSloped ceiling adapterUL ListedLighting: One 100 Watt 120 Volt Type E26 Medium Base Incandescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 2 days. Dimensions: Fixture: Height Adjustable from 20 In. to 58 In., Diameter 6 In.
The Tech Lighting Iron Wrap Accessory designed by Jim Henderson offers an interesting way of accessorizing your Ovation Pendant, sold separately. The Iron Wrap Accessory features a handmade wrought iron material. Tech Lighting, headquartered in Skokie, IL, is known for their innovative lighting systems and exquisite lighting designs. Their passion for art, sophistication and imagination is balanced by rigorous testing and quality control in the creation of their line-voltage and low-voltage lighting, including the Tech Lighting FreeJack and monorail systems and track heads. The Tech Lighting Iron Wrap Accessory is available with the following: Included Features:Made of handmade wrought iron.ETL Listed.Designed by Jim Henderson.Options:Finish: Black Iron (shown), or Satin Nickel.Shipping: This item usually ships within three-to five business days.
Durable and ready for harsh weather, the Kichler Lighting Cast Brass Wall Wash also has a dash of style, like a 1940s Hollywood spotlight. With an adjustable shade, its low, even light spread is great for illuminating plants, shrubs or special architectural details. Made out of solid brass, it can be used even in salt air. Since 1938, Cleveland-based Kichler Lighting has created exceptional lighting in a variety of styles, finishes, colors and designs. With a diverse collection of indoor and outdoor lighting in classic and contemporary styles, Kichler Lighting always focuses on making home lighting that is both beautiful and functional. The Kichler Lighting Cast Brass Wall Wash is available with the following: Details:Clear polycarbonate shieldBronzed Brass finishSolid cast brass construction8" in-ground stake46" wire leadsCable connector included12V S-8 wedge base socketLow-voltageUL Listed for wet locationsLighting: One 24.4 Watt 12 Volt Low-voltage Incandescent lamp (included). Shipping: This item usually ships in 3-5 days. Dimensions: Fixture: Height 10 In., Depth 4.25 In., Width 7 In.
Great for commercial or casual residential applications, the Access Lighting Iron Flushmount features frosted glass for bright illumination as well as a perforated metal frame in brushed steel. Use in the entryway, kitchen or hallway. Access Lighting, a California Company, provides practical, beautiful, and affordable time-tested classics and energy efficient lighting. Exclusive designs in contemporary and traditional styles for indoors and outdoors are gathered from around the world. The Access Lighting Iron Flushmount is available with the following: Details:Frosted glass shadeMetal frameBrushed Steel finishETL Listed for damp locationsOptions:Size: Large, or Small.Lighting:Large option utilizes two 75 Watt 120 Volt Type E26 Medium Base Incandescent lamps (not included).Small option utilizes one 100 Watt 120 Volt Type E26 Medium Base Incandescent lamp (not included).Shipping: This item usually ships within 2 days. Dimensions: Small Fixture: Diameter 12 In., Height 4 In. Large Fixture: Diameter 16 In., Height 4 In.
Heavy gauge iron gives the Landmark Lighting Iron Heights Chandelier a bold presence, softened gently by low-profile cream fabric drum shades. Under each shade is a translucent diffuser, allowing the light an even spread while hiding the bulbs. Finished in Oiled Bronze for the transitional dining room or entry. Based in Pennsylvania, Landmark Lighting was founded in 1996 to create quality lighting fixtures--in styles ranging from restoration to transitional to contemporary--that will enhance the home and be enjoyed as prized possessions for generations. Landmark Lighting is a division of ELK Lighting. The Landmark Lighting Iron Heights Chandelier is available with the following: Details:Drum-shaped Cream fabric shadesTranslucent inner diffusersHeavy gauge iron frameOiled Bronze finishRound ceiling canopy36" chainUL ListedOptions:Number of Lights: 4 Lights, or 6 Lights.Lighting:4 Lights option utilizes four 60 Watt 120 Volt Medium Base Incandescent lamps (not included).6 Lights option utilizes six 60 Watt 120 Volt Medium Base Incandescent lamps (not included).Shipping: This item usually ships within 5-7 days. Dimensions: 6-Light Option: Height 32 In., Width 34 In., Overall Hanging Length Adjustable to 70 In. 4-Light Option: Height 28 In., Width 25 In., Overall Hanging Length Adjustable to 66 In. Chain: Length 36 In.
The Landmark Lighting Iron Heights Pendant represents strong, simple design in its Oiled Bronze finish and Cream fabric shade. Three lights and a bottom diffuser provide ample illumination perfect for the dining room or entry. Pair with the Iron Heights Wall Sconce for a balanced look. Based in Pennsylvania, Landmark Lighting was founded in 1996 to create quality lighting fixtures--in styles ranging from restoration to transitional to contemporary--that will enhance the home and be enjoyed as prized possessions for generations. Landmark Lighting is a division of ELK Lighting. The Landmark Lighting Iron Heights Pendant is available with the following: Details:Drum-shaped Cream fabric shadeTranslucent bottom diffuserMetal supportsOiled Bronze finishRound ceiling canopy3' adjustable chain6' wire includedUL ListedLighting: Three 60 Watt 120 Volt Medium Base Incandescent lamps (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 5-7 days. Dimensions: Fixture: Height 32 In., Overall Hanging Length Adjustable to 70 In. Shade: Diameter 20 In.
The Access Lighting Iron Wall Sconce is at once strong and airy. Its lustrous cylindrical Opal glass shade is surrounded by a delicate, textural metal mesh, providing a handsome accent to contemporary interiors. Part of the Access Lighting Elements collection. Access Lighting, a California Company, provides practical, beautiful, and affordable time-tested classics and energy efficient lighting. Exclusive designs in contemporary and traditional styles for indoors and outdoors are gathered from around the world. The Access Lighting Iron Wall Sconce is available with the following: Details:Opal glass shadeMetal mesh accentMetal supportsBrushed Steel finishUL ListedADA CompliantLighting: Two 60 Watt 120 Volt Type E26 Medium Base Incandescent lamps (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 2 days. Dimensions: Fixture: Depth 4 In., Height 11.75 In., Width 10 In.
The Mini Ovation Iron Wrap is a handmade wrought iron wrap accessory designed to drape around a Mini Ovation Pendant and add dimension and an organic, vine-like effect. Available in either a Black Iron or Satin Nickel finish. Tech Lighting, headquartered in Skokie, IL, is known for their innovative lighting systems and exquisite lighting designs. Their passion for art, sophistication and imagination is balanced by rigorous testing and quality control in the creation of their line-voltage and low-voltage lighting, including the Tech Lighting FreeJack and monorail systems and track heads. The Tech Lighting Mini Ovation Iron Wrap is available with the following: Details:Handmade wrought ironOptions:Finish: Black Iron, or Satin Nickel.Shipping: This item usually ships within 3 to 5 business days.
The Arteriors Armand Riviera Iron Pendant is at once rustic and contemporary, the ideal fixture with which to add subtle texture and warm light into modern spaces. The shade is a rough sphere of hammered metal, the texture enhanced by a lustrous Matte Silver finish. This reflective finish maximizes the wash of useful downlight. Since 1987, Texas-based Arteriors has paired timeless concepts with a nod to the latest looks, offering home lighting with unique character and enduring presence. The lighting from Arteriors is ideal for both transitional interiors and modern homes, capturing a flavor that reflects the trends and traditions of lighting design across the world. The Arteriors Armand Riviera Iron Pendant is available with the following: Details:Globe-shaped metal shadeMetal supportsMatte Silver finishCeiling canopy included120" natural fabric suspension cordAccepts energy efficient fluorescent lampingUL ListedLighting: One 60 Watt 120 Volt Type E26 Incandescent lamp (not included), or one 60 Watt 120 Volt Type E26 Fluorescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships in 5 days. Dimensions: Fixture: Diameter 14 In., Height 12 In., Overall Hanging Length Adjustable to 132 In. Cord: Length 120 In.
A splash of organic color adds a fresh dimension to living rooms and bedrooms. The Landmark Lighting Iron Heights Wall Sconce offers this natural look in its Cream fabric shade and Oiled Bronze finish. A bottom diffuser allows the light to further diffuse for great lighting along a hallway. View the other pieces in the Iron Heights collection for simple, refined lighting. Based in Pennsylvania, Landmark Lighting was founded in 1996 to create quality lighting fixtures--in styles ranging from restoration to transitional to contemporary--that will enhance the home and be enjoyed as prized possessions for generations. Landmark Lighting is a division of ELK Lighting. The Landmark Lighting Iron Heights Wall Sconce is available with the following: Details:Drum-shaped Cream fabric shadeTranslucent bottom diffuserMetal supportsOiled Bronze finishRound wall plateUL ListedLighting: One 60 Watt 120 Volt Medium Base Incandescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 5-7 days. Dimensions: Fixture: Depth 10 In., Height 10 In. Shade: Diameter 9 In.
Forged in the fire for a strong, handsome appearance, the Hubbardton Forge Axis Iron Wall Sconce gives off a powerful vibe in the soft contemporary bathroom. Its composition naturally blends with stonemasonry, woodwork, and other organically designed furnishings. Choose from 6 finishes. Hubbardton Forge, headquartered in Hubbardton, Vermont, hand-forges simple and elegant metal lighting fixtures and accessories, combining ancient hand-forging techniques with environmentally-sound finishing practices. The Hubbardton Forge Axis Iron Wall Sconce is available with the following: Details:Hand-forged wrought iron compositionRectangular wall plateUL Listed for damp locationsADA CompliantMade in the USA (of U.S. and imported parts)Options:Finish: Black, Bronze, Burnished Steel, Dark Smoke, Mahogany, or Natural Iron.Please Note: This item is hand-forged by master craftsmen and includes hand-blown glass. As a result, variations in finish appearance and small blemishes, bubbles, and variations in the color of the glass are a normal and desired result of handcrafted processes. Lighting: Two 60 Watt 120 Volt Type G9 Halogen lamps (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 2-3 weeks. Dimensions: Fixture: Width 17.3 In., Height 4.5 In., Depth 3.5 In. Wall Plate: Height 4.1 In., Width 4.3 In.
A recessed wall wash scoop style trim with an internal baffle. The WAC Lighting D419 4" Die-Cast Aluminum Wall Wash features a clear tempered glass lens and die-cast aluminum construction. Three heavy gauge retention clips firmly hold trim to housing. Use with the low voltage WAC Lighting 4" 8400 Series Housings. WAC Lighting, founded in 1984, has developed a strong reputation for high quality decorative and task lighting. Based in Garden City, New York, WAC Lighting is a leading manufacturer of low voltage, line voltage and LED lighting, including track systems, transformers, lamps, cabinet lighting and recessed downlights. The WAC Lighting D419 4" Die-Cast Aluminum Wall Wash is available with the following: Details:Clear tempered glass lensDie-cast aluminum bodyAbrasion resistant powder coat paint finish35 degree adjustment from verticalUL Listed for damp locationsOptions:Finish: Black Baffle with White Trim, or White Baffle with White Trim (shown).Shipping: This item usually ships within five business days. Dimensions: Trim: Opening Width 3.56 In., Height .5 In., Overall Width 5.13 In.
A slotted aperture trim with black interior--used for controlled highlighting or drama from a small aperture. The WAC Lighting D413 4" Die-Cast Aluminum Trim features a clear glass lens, die-cast aluminum construction and three heavy gauge retention clips firmly holding the trim to housing. Allows 35 degree adjustment from vertical. Use with the low voltage WAC Lighting 4" 8400 Series Housings. WAC Lighting, founded in 1984, has developed a strong reputation for high quality decorative and task lighting. Based in Garden City, New York, WAC Lighting is a leading manufacturer of low voltage, line voltage and LED lighting, including track systems, transformers, lamps, cabinet lighting and recessed downlights. The WAC Lighting D413 4" Die-Cast Aluminum Trim is available with the following: Details:Clear tempered glass lensDie-cast aluminum constructionSlotted aperture trim with black interior35 degree adjustment from verticalUL Listed for damp locationsOptions:Finish: Black, or White (shown).Shipping: This item usually ships within five business days. Dimensions: Trim: Height .25 In., Diameter 2.25 In.
A recessed adjustable trim with a specular reflector for maximum efficiency. The WAC Lighting D412 4" Die-Cast Aluminum Trim features a die-cast aluminum trim and a specular anodized aluminum reflector. With three heavy gauge retention clips firmly holding the trim to housing. Allows 35 degree adjustment from vertical. Includes a clear tempered glass lens. Use with the low voltage WAC Lighting 4" 8400 Series Housings. WAC Lighting, founded in 1984, has developed a strong reputation for high quality decorative and task lighting. Based in Garden City, New York, WAC Lighting is a leading manufacturer of low voltage, line voltage and LED lighting, including track systems, transformers, lamps, cabinet lighting and recessed downlights. The WAC Lighting D412 4" Die-Cast Aluminum Trim is available with the following: Details:Clear tempered glass lensDie-cast aluminum constructionAbrasion resistant powder coat painted or plated metal finish35 degree adjustment from verticalUL Listed for damp locationsOptions:Finish: Black Baffle with White Trim, Clear Baffle with Brushed Nickel Trim, or Clear Baffle with White Trim (shown).Shipping: This item usually ships within five business days. Dimensions: Trim: Height .25 In., Diameter 3.56 In.
A square directional spot that allows a 30 degree adjustment from vertical. The WAC Lighting D416 4" Die-Cast Aluminum Trim has adjustable aiming capabilities, which provide versatility for a wide range of accent and task applications. Features a clear tempered glass lens and die-cast aluminum construction. Use with the low voltage WAC Lighting 4" 8400 Series Housings. WAC Lighting, founded in 1984, has developed a strong reputation for high quality decorative and task lighting. Based in Garden City, New York, WAC Lighting is a leading manufacturer of low voltage, line voltage and LED lighting, including track systems, transformers, lamps, cabinet lighting and recessed downlights. The WAC Lighting D416 4" Die-Cast Aluminum Trim is available with the following: Details:Clear tempered glass lensDie-cast aluminum constructionAbrasion resistant powder coat painted or plated metal finishSquare directional spot30 degree adjustment from verticalUL Listed for damp locationsOptions:Finish: Black, Brushed Nickel, or White (shown).Shipping: This item usually ships within five business days. Dimensions: Spot: Length 2.69 In., Width 2.69 In. Trim: Height 1.19 In., Overall Width 5.25 In.
A wet location listed glass dome trim--typical applications include bathrooms, saunas, workrooms and patios. The WAC Lighting D418 4" Die-Cast Aluminum Shower Trim features a tempered frosted glass dome lens with a silicon gasket and a die-cast aluminum construction. Three heavy gauge retention clips firmly hold trim to housing. Provides strong diffused downward lighting from a small aperture. Use with the low voltage WAC Lighting 4" 8400 Series Housings. WAC Lighting, founded in 1984, has developed a strong reputation for high quality decorative and task lighting. Based in Garden City, New York, WAC Lighting is a leading manufacturer of low voltage, line voltage and LED lighting, including track systems, transformers, lamps, cabinet lighting and recessed downlights. The WAC Lighting D418 4" Die-Cast Aluminum Shower Trim is available with the following: Details:Tempered frosted glass dome lens with a silicon gasketDie-cast aluminum constructionAbrasion resistant powder coat painted finishUL Listed for wet locationsOptions:Finish: Copper Bronze (shown), or White.Shipping: This item usually ships within five business days. Dimensions: Trim: Opening Width 3.56 In., Height .88 In., Overall Width 5.13 In.
I bought a set last summer and I returned after a few weeks. The non-stick coating performed at first but its performance deteriorated rapidly. Within a couple of weeks the pan I used most had completely lost its non-stick properties and another one was quickly following suit. They became the hardest pans to clean and everything stuck to them. An other complaint I had with the pans was the handles, which got dangerously hot very very fast.
On a side note, be aware that a lot of fake reviews have been posted throughout the internet regarding the merits of this product. So take overly positive reviews with a grain a salt. You can read more about this issue at this links.
Le Crueset is over-rated and heavy! I haven't heard much bad about Lodge, so it's probably OK. I have a Le Crueset covered casserole that I actually use once in awhile, but it's not my favorite because it is so heavy.
Thanks Tracy for the added information. I did realize (but forgot twice) to mention using black or cast iron cookware. However, though my “best” soup pot is shiny metal it still does a good enough job that I am happy with it. I do realize that the black would give me better temps especially for breads or if I wanted to cook faster— I just haven't bought any yet. With the area you live in and my use of shiny pots—it just goes to show you this can be a very effective way to cook though doesn't it? Have a good day Monica
We live in PEI and we heat with wood. My husband is 63 and is in very good health, but he spends most of the winter cutting wood to heat our house. He finds it very tiring.
Admittedly we live in a house, not a cabin, and our boiler is not the most efficient, and it would be better to have a year's supply cut ahead of time, but other work interferes with all that.
How many hours of daylight will you have mid-winter. When a blizzard had shut down the electricity on the Island and my daughters were studying for finals, one daughter, after clustering an oil lamp and 3 candles around her trying to get enough light to study by, exclaimed to my husband (who with his brothers and sisters grew up without electricity), “Now I know why none of you guys can read!”
Living the simple life can be very labour intensive and you need to be prepared for that. It might also mean that simple pleasures like reading are harder to come by. I'm not saying this to discourage you, but to give you the option to prepare if you need to.
I loved cooking over a wood stove, though I never baked anything more complicated than biscuits in the wood oven. We would fill the oven with bricks, if I wasn't baking, and wrap them in rags for the kids to take to bed with them in the winter. They kept them warm all night.
I love the heat coming off the wood stove, it is so constant. We can't have a wood stove in the house now for insurance reasons. Our wood boiler is outside in a cement block house. We burn wood to heat water which is pumped into the house through old cast iron radiators. It was a good thing the boiler was outside last spring because there was a small hole in the firebox and some wood drying next to the boiler caught fire. We were able to contain the fire in the cement block house (it spread to the rafters) until the fire department could get there. If that had happened in the house we would no longer have a house because our fire department is at least 20-30 minutes away and our house is over 100 years old (very dry wood). Make sure your stove is in good working order and that the firebox is sound.
I bought a set last summer and I returned after a few weeks. The non-stick coating performed at first but its performance deteriorated rapidly. Within a couple of weeks the pan I used most had completely lost its non-stick properties and another one was quickly following suit. They became the hardest pans to clean and everything stuck to them. An other complaint I had with the pans was the handles, which got dangerously hot very very fast.
On a side note, be aware that a lot of fake reviews have been posted throughout the internet regarding the merits of this product. So take overly positive reviews with a grain a salt. You can read more about this issue at this links.
http://forums.cooking.com/showthread.php?t=2156
You need to get peanut oil….its the only kind that will work
Le Crueset is over-rated and heavy! I haven't heard much bad about Lodge, so it's probably OK. I have a Le Crueset covered casserole that I actually use once in awhile, but it's not my favorite because it is so heavy.
Thanks Tracy for the added information. I did realize (but forgot twice) to mention using black or cast iron cookware. However, though my “best” soup pot is shiny metal it still does a good enough job that I am happy with it. I do realize that the black would give me better temps especially for breads or if I wanted to cook faster— I just haven't bought any yet.
With the area you live in and my use of shiny pots—it just goes to show you this can be a very effective way to cook though doesn't it?
Have a good day
Monica
Where in Canada are you?
We live in PEI and we heat with wood. My husband is 63 and is in very good health, but he spends most of the winter cutting wood to heat our house. He finds it very tiring.
Admittedly we live in a house, not a cabin, and our boiler is not the most efficient, and it would be better to have a year's supply cut ahead of time, but other work interferes with all that.
How many hours of daylight will you have mid-winter. When a blizzard had shut down the electricity on the Island and my daughters were studying for finals, one daughter, after clustering an oil lamp and 3 candles around her trying to get enough light to study by, exclaimed to my husband (who with his brothers and sisters grew up without electricity), “Now I know why none of you guys can read!”
Living the simple life can be very labour intensive and you need to be prepared for that. It might also mean that simple pleasures like reading are harder to come by. I'm not saying this to discourage you, but to give you the option to prepare if you need to.
I loved cooking over a wood stove, though I never baked anything more complicated than biscuits in the wood oven. We would fill the oven with bricks, if I wasn't baking, and wrap them in rags for the kids to take to bed with them in the winter. They kept them warm all night.
I love the heat coming off the wood stove, it is so constant. We can't have a wood stove in the house now for insurance reasons. Our wood boiler is outside in a cement block house. We burn wood to heat water which is pumped into the house through old cast iron radiators. It was a good thing the boiler was outside last spring because there was a small hole in the firebox and some wood drying next to the boiler caught fire. We were able to contain the fire in the cement block house (it spread to the rafters) until the fire department could get there. If that had happened in the house we would no longer have a house because our fire department is at least 20-30 minutes away and our house is over 100 years old (very dry wood). Make sure your stove is in good working order and that the firebox is sound.
I am a professional chef. I never use cast iron. I use professional pans purchased at a restaurant supply store.
At home I use All Clad.