Le Creuset: Worth the $?

[Marzipanlily79]

I got into a discussion with some family members recently and they seemed split on whether Le Creuset cookware is worth the money. My 5'3" mother seemed convinced they were high quality (but doesn't own one) and my 6'0" Uncle complained of their imposing weight and said their weight alone would keep him from wanting to use them.
So now I'd like to hear from people who have actually used them... are they worth their cost? Why/why not? Is their weight prohibitive? If they are not worth the $ what would you get/what do you have?
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks!

[Marzipanlily79]

BTW, I listed their heights because I thought it was interesting that my shorter mother didn't think she'd have a problem with the weight whereas my larger (and assumed stronger) Uncle thought it would be an issue.
HTH

[Drama Queen]

BTW, I listed their heights because I thought it was interesting that my shorter mother didn't think she'd have a problem with the weight whereas my larger (and assumed stronger) Uncle thought it would be an issue.
HTH

Oh puullleeeeze! I'm 5'2" and pushing 70. I own 20 pieces of LeCreuset (enameled cast iron) and love every piece The weight of the largest piece I own -a 7 qt. Dutch Oven with cover - is not even close to being too heavy for me to lift. How often will you lift a full pot? I don't serve from the pot, I use serving bowls and dishes. Go for it. it's worth every cent. Just a ote here, there are other good quality enameled cast iron brands on the market, Staub for one. If you buy by price alone you'll get what you pay for. Chipped paint, uneven heating due to faulty casting, or just cheap products in general. This stuff lasts a lifetime and will serve you well if you buy quality.

[lesley]

I got into a discussion with some family members recently and they seemed split on whether Le Creuset cookware is worth the money. My 5'3" mother seemed convinced they were high quality (but doesn't own one) and my 6'0" Uncle complained of their imposing weight and said their weight alone would keep him from wanting to use them.
So now I'd like to hear from people who have actually used them... are they worth their cost? Why/why not? Is their weight prohibitive? If they are not worth the $ what would you get/what do you have?
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Hi,
I've been using Le Creuset for years & because it's cast iron it really holds the heat superbly, used the casserole dish last night actually, chilli con carne. Heat up on the hob with the ingredients & then straight in oven, only use 1 pot that way! oh & the night before for meat stew, same procedure. Yes they're heavy but I carry in stages, (weak wrists). I spoon the food out onto the plates, I certainly would not be without them. Best kitchen pots I've ever had.:)

[cobraT]

Is worth every cent. Look at some of the kitchen discount stores. TJ Max, Marshalls. You can find some good deals. Le Creuset has outlets too. Check out Lodge cast iron also has enameled pieces available.

[lesley]

Might be worth checking out Cosco too.

[cookingwithliz]

I love Le Creuset but I will have to say I bought a Martha Stewart 7qt cast iron enamel pot for $59 online at Macy's a while back. For Christmas I bought myself a Rachael Ray 3qt. enamel pot for $39 at Ross. You may see a few minor imperfections but for a couple hundred dollars less I can live with that. You can't beat cast iron enamel when cooking.

[skember]

Hi

It seems to me that unless you're doing a lot of cooking where there is a high acid content that would wear away the seasoning of a normal cast iron skillet or pan there is little point going for the extraordinary extra added expense of Le Creuset cookware when a really good brand of standard cast iron cookware will do just as good a job.

I faced the same decision at the end of last summer and after much thought I went and bought a series of pans and skillets [and a lid lift] from the Outdoor Cooking Equipment Store online and I have been amazed at the quality of the cast iron and after seasoning how well they all cook; absolutely nothing sticks and I use almost no oil.. and the cornbread pan is brilliant. Yes of course they had to be seasoned but that was really straightforward, it was no hassle whatsoever.

Better still I bought my mix of pans and skillets at a price that just cannot be compared if you look at Le Creuset's prices! And I got some really big equipment [too big if the truth be told] as I wanted this for the family occasions that keep cropping up and catching us short! We got the following mix of things for $236.89 which I thought was unbelievable value:

Cornbread pan $8.98
Lid lifter $5.99
14" skillet $15.99
4 quart dutch oven $21.99
8 quart dutch oven $35.99
20" jumbo skillet $49.99
20" baking pan $37.98
12 quart roaster $59.98

[kitchenblitz]

Le Creuset cookware lasts for years and cooks beautifully. It's initially expensive but so far, it has been worth it for me.

[Len-NJ]

Marzipanlily - I'm in NJ like you and have seen quite a bit of Le Creuset at a few Marshall's stores. May only be available in one or two colors but the prices were pretty good.

[Big Daddy's House]

I once considered their cookware, but didn't get it.