PERFECT LASAGNE CASSEROLE DISH !!!
After reading reviews of the larger covered casserole dish, it’s interior size, etc., I was not sure if it really would be just the right size for a deeply layered lasagne using standard length noodles. I was tired of trimming them to fill in 2 or 3” gaps. I took a chance and am SO glad I did!Its interior is the PERFECT size for 3 rows of noodles, slightly overlapped. The sides even flare out a bit to allow for expansion, and the cover fits well on mine. The handle is on straight, and I find it easy enough to grab to lift it. Not with a thick hot mitt, but no problem with a potholder or doubled up kitchen towel.Also, it’s NOT HEAVY for a ceramic dish! I have many pieces of stoneware for serving and baking, and this is light for its size compared to them. It will add 4.9 lbs of weight to a dish, 7.75 lbs with its cover. I’m 72, have arthritis in my hands, and weigh just over 100 lbs myself, and I’m going to enjoy using this often!The side handles are an inch deep and ridged so they won’t easily slip out of one’s hands. I’m going to make sure I have the right potholders, though, before I bake in it. IKEA used to sell some silicone 1/2-mitts that would be great for these (and other) handles. Maybe add a pair of those when gifting the larger 4.4 (or 3.4?) qt size covered dish.I LOVE the cover because it’s not just beautiful, it’s terrific for baking without aluminum foil. I will no longer need to use parchment paper underneath the tin foil I’ve always used to cover this tomato-based dish as it bakes! No more worries about aluminum leaching into my casseroles due to a chemical reaction triggered by the acid in the tomatoes, many fruits, etc. This really is the PERFECT lasagne dish!