Le Creuset Casserole
Discussion
Hi all, a quick question that I was wondering about...
When I first moved out, I needed an iron casserole, and not being flushed with cash bought Tesco's finest for about £40, thinking if it was terrible it only had to last a while and I wouldn't feel too cheated. It is now about 6 years old, and going strong.
Now I happened to see a Le Creuset outlet so popped in, and an equivalently sized casserole was about £150 upward. Now generally, if I use a tool of any kind a lot, I'm more than happy to pay for a good one that will last, but I can't see where the price disparity can come from when it is that great.
So a genuine question, why are such casseroles (and other brands too, e.g. Denby) so expensive? What makes them so much better?
Cheers
When I first moved out, I needed an iron casserole, and not being flushed with cash bought Tesco's finest for about £40, thinking if it was terrible it only had to last a while and I wouldn't feel too cheated. It is now about 6 years old, and going strong.
Now I happened to see a Le Creuset outlet so popped in, and an equivalently sized casserole was about £150 upward. Now generally, if I use a tool of any kind a lot, I'm more than happy to pay for a good one that will last, but I can't see where the price disparity can come from when it is that great.
So a genuine question, why are such casseroles (and other brands too, e.g. Denby) so expensive? What makes them so much better?
Cheers
You’re paying for the name with le crueset imo. The enamelling might a a little hardier and they’ll be a bit weightier than the cheaper ones but functionally there’s little difference.
If you can find the Lakeland own brand cast iron stuff anywhere it’s worth buying. I’ve got a few big pots and the griddle pan and they’re very good.
They seem to have replaced the range with aluminium pots a wee while ago though.
If you can find the Lakeland own brand cast iron stuff anywhere it’s worth buying. I’ve got a few big pots and the griddle pan and they’re very good.
They seem to have replaced the range with aluminium pots a wee while ago though.
I vaguely wanted some le creuset stuff for years but last month when I was looking I just couldn’t fathom the premium. So we bought some Procook stuff instead which seems to be the Sports Direct of cookware: always on offer. I’ve got some sourdough cooking in the largest pot right now and I have to say I’m really pleased with the set. It’s more substantial than the Sainsbury’s stuff it replaced and which is now going to be (ab)used in my pizza oven.
My dragon had lots of le Creuset pans when I met her in 1981.
Still has them, and a couple of 'replicas', but they've all been gathering dust on my top workshop shelves for years.
Now (and for many years past) she only ever uses a huge crockpot thing, plus non-stick fry-pans/wok, and stainless saucepans.
Anybody want some very handsome (orange and blue) boat anchors? I want me shelves back! ??
Still has them, and a couple of 'replicas', but they've all been gathering dust on my top workshop shelves for years.
Now (and for many years past) she only ever uses a huge crockpot thing, plus non-stick fry-pans/wok, and stainless saucepans.
Anybody want some very handsome (orange and blue) boat anchors? I want me shelves back! ??
My partner works for a company that supplies a lot of restaurants pubs hotels etc with their kitchenware cutlery etc. She brings ex display stuff home all the time. Just this weekend i found a brand new le creuset iron cast Roasting tin at home that i was looking to shift, it retailed at £170 ! thing is it weighs a tonne and i wouldnt want to post it and who buys a roasting tin for £100 let alone £170 ?
My large Le Creuset casserole was a 'my first home' present from the parents back in 1987. Still going strong and I love having it. It's probably no better than many other cheaper makes but how could one tell? I have no idea how much they were back then but if we assume £50 then it has cost (thus far) £1.56 per year. There will be others along who have the same experience with much cheaper models I'm sure.
I like Le Creuset and would buy again. I have done so for my own kids.
I like Le Creuset and would buy again. I have done so for my own kids.
The original casserole and at one time the best. I've got a few, and when I bought them c.20 years ago the quality was fantastic. Not sure what they're like now.
We have my wife's grandparents small round casserole too, they are no longer with us, but it probably did 50 years service with them, and still gets the occasional use now. I suspect it will still be going strong when I snuff it.
Staub is now the trendy make to have. You'll see them in restaurants etc.
We have my wife's grandparents small round casserole too, they are no longer with us, but it probably did 50 years service with them, and still gets the occasional use now. I suspect it will still be going strong when I snuff it.
Staub is now the trendy make to have. You'll see them in restaurants etc.
Ritchie335is said:
Lodge stuff is well worth a look, a bit cheaper than Le Creuset and if anything heavier made.
They do a handy combo large saucepan / cassarole with a lid that doubles as a frying pan.
The American Grandma's weapon of choice! They've been making cast iron for decades, and good stuff it is too. They do a handy combo large saucepan / cassarole with a lid that doubles as a frying pan.
Not sure how much of it is enamelled like Le Creuset?
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