Customer Reviews

Ilsa 7-Inch Cast Iron Heat Defuser

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

It works like promised. I have a gas stove that runs on propane, producing a high flame even on simmer. This takes care of the problem giving a true simmer. There is some discoloration after you use it and it can get VERY hot - be careful after cooking.

This device is worth it's weight in gold. I cook a lot of pasta sauce and like to simmer it for 2-3 hours. Without this diffuser I would have to stir and scrape the bottom of the pot every 15 minutes to prevent scorching now it is every 30 to 40 minutes between stirs. It evenly distributes the heat to the entire bottom of the pan.

For people with glass top stoves, this cast iron defuser is essential. I do alot of steam canning and this defuser keeps the canner from sticking to the stovetop. The only thing that i have found, though, is that the paint on the defuser began to bubble up and slough off onto the bottom of my canner. But, all in all, i like this defuser.

We've had ours for over 20 years now, no sign of rust at all. There is some discoloration but doesn't affect it. I don't know if it's mentioned but the different sides are used for the type of stove you have. The glossy side is used facing down if you use gas, flipped over if you use electric.

I've used this particular diffuser on my gas cooktops for more than 25 years. I dragged two back from Europe, where you find them in virtually every home, when they weren't yet available in the U.S. It allows you to control heat distribution under a pan with great accuracy. You wouldn't be able to make fine sauces, like a beurre blanc (yes we're still allowed), without it. Rice never sticks to the pot for those of use who just throw a pot on the stove instead of rummaging around for yet another 'groovy' appliance. Well, nothing burns to the bottom of your pots and pans with these cast iron heat diffusers. It's not needed on every burner most of the time, but when you're doing something with difficult ingredients or want a long, slow simmer, it makes the difference between garbage and gourmet. Like all the other reviewers, I won't live without it, period.

We were delighted when the landlord got us a new stove, and we love cooking with gas, BUT even the simmer burner burns so hot that making slow things like spaghetti sauce was impossible. This diffuser has been used constantly. It is sturdy and works perfectly. I like the handle that allows it to be removed from the stove when hot, but am not sure if I've ever used it, as we pretty much let the diffuser live on a back burner. I am seriously considering buying another one so we can have TWO burners that allow for longer simmering.

I have a Visions Glass Pot that overheats and causes burning on the stove. This product diffuses the heat as promised.

The product is solid and seems to have an enamel coating on the top. Underneath you can see the cast iron and it does not have the same coating. It is made in Italy and mine came with a metal hook that I assume is used to lift the item off the stove. The first time I used it, I noticed some kind of smell after heating which kicked my air purifier on.

Be careful when using pots that are not dry. I had just washed my pot and set it on the diffuser without drying. After coming up to temperature, the water between the pot and diffuser started to boil. There is very little space between the two items and the water started to sputter and spit, getting on my skin and slightly burning me like hot splattering oil would.

Of course this can be avoided by drying your pot beforehand. But this could also occur if you what I do sometimes and pour something out of the pot and re-place it on the stove leaving liquid dripping down the side and in between the diffuser and pot.

I also have gas burner grates that don't seem to be completely flat and this causes my 1920s cast iron skillet with heat ring to be a bit tippy. The diffuser solves this problem!

EDITED to add text from product box:

Heat diffuser Cast iron enamelled. Made in Italy. In compliance with E.E.C. regulation 89/109. The Heat Diffuser placed between the heat source and saucepan, eliminates the need to mix foods while cooking because it distributes the heat in a uniform and constant manner. When in use, foods neither burn nor stick, retaining intact all their vitamin, mineral, and protein properties. The Heat Diffuser also prevents the external blackening caused by the flame on the pans, preserving them so shining they sparkle like new. It is suitable for all types of pots and pans, fits all burners, is ideal for pans lacking a double radiant bottom and it is indispensible for those in Pyrex and Terracotta. The Heat Diffuser is supplied with a very practical handle.

Bought this for my wife. No more cursing at the stove...love it. Finally she can simmer items, especially things like soup/sauces for long periods of time without sticking to the bottom of the pan.
This product has little dimples on the top that keep pot from resting directly on defuser. Limiting the direct contact from hot defuser seems to be critical in getting that desired simmer.

I bought this heat diffuser years ago. It is an invaluable cooking device that sits on top of my gas cooktop burner. I use it for soups, sauces, stews, oatmeal, spinach; nearly everything that needs to cook for a while. It takes the worry out of burning items and prevents things from boiling over. It is worth its weight in gold. I really should have two of these diffusers when preparing multiple dishes. Yes, it does discolor, but that isn't bothersome to me. I love the antique look. Buy it. You will wonder how you ever cooked without it.

I ordered this defuser because we had been given unglazed cookware as a gift. We have a gas stove and defuser works beautifully with everything. Sauces cook without burning pots and it is possible to keep items warm with stove set to extra low. Needless to say the diffuser is perfect for clay cookware cooking.