topic Re: Le Creuset in Kitchen

Le Creuset

Kachina624 — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 07:33:00 GMT

Okay, kitchen experts, are these smallish 4Qt Le Creuset pots really worth $270? Maybe it's some sort of status symbol among gourmets? David was so excited, he was flustered and beside himself. Do these pots cook any better than the modest cookware we already own?

Re: Le Creuset

beach-mom — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 07:43:21 GMT

Hi Kachina! IMO they are worth it. I have a set DH gave me as a wedding present (he also gave me jewelry), and I've used it ever since. They are just wonderful! They heat up quickly and hold the heat. I never put my Dutch oven away - I use it that much. It's discolored. I took it into a kitchen specialty store and asked about cleaning it. The SA asked me why I would want to. She said that was a pan that was well loved and well used. I had never thought of it that way! So it's stained, but that doesn't bother me any longer. I know they do make cleaners for it.

If you're familiar with the brand, this is a good value. I haven't seen it before on QVC, but DH and I watched the midnight presentation, and I'm getting one from my family for Christmas! Just MAYBE they'll let me play with it a little while before!

Re: Le Creuset

phluphy — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 08:11:49 GMT

I have Staub, made in France also, I bought it when QVC offered it. It is wonderful, have more then enough pieces. Love them. Mine have not discolored and I use them all the time. Would never pay that much for the LeCrueset but everyone has their own taste.

I would check around first before to see if someone has it cheaper. Good Luck with your decision.

Re: Le Creuset

mcducky — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 08:35:01 GMT

I own one small sauce pan and have purchased a few pieces for my brother as gifts - his request. He swears by them. This seems like a good price for this....compared to other pieces I've Purchased. I'm tempted, just not sure it's in the budget today.

Re: Le Creuset

Nuttmeg — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 09:53:08 GMT

I would check William-Sonoma's,and Le Creuset's site.

http://www.seriouseats.com/talk/2010/02/le-creuset-which-to-get--round-or-oval-5-qt-or-higher.html

I would buy a regular 5.5 dutch oven from this line with a regular lid. The price is not much higher than this TSV. You want to be sure this "pan" is deep and large enough to cook your favorite dishes.

Re: Le Creuset

novamc1 — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 17:39:37 GMT

Having seen a little of the LC presentation, I would not want it, when I can go to a few other stores and websites on the internet and get exactly the color and style I want, without a grill lid that I don't think I would ever use much as a separate item I'd like to have a regular LC lid on my pot.

You need two hands to put the grill lid on, instead of one to handle a single knob in the lid's center. This could be inconvenient if cooking an oven stew and you need one hand to lift the lid to give a quick stir or add an ingredient, and the other hand to do the stirring.

I didn't think the price was advantageous, either, if I'm not getting exactly what I want and can see the entire selection available in other places, also discounted sometimes. Just my opinion.

That being said, the LC that was featured will work well for many people--because LC always performs well.

Re: Le Creuset

Sunshine Kate — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 13:11:58 GMT

I own Staub and Le Creuset and LOVE them. Enjoy!

Re: Le Creuset

faeriemoon — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 13:14:12 GMT

They are worth it, but you can do better than Q prices.

Also, the lid on this TSV makes no sense to me. Just a way to say you're getting two useful pieces. Try removing that lid when your pot is hot and you have no handle on the top to help you. Ridiculous design unless you are looking for a grill pan and a pot with no lid.

Re: Le Creuset

silkyk — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 13:26:43 GMT

Check Costco for Le Creuset. We purchased a few pieces there at great prices.DH loves his big blue Le Creuset dutch oven....and what he cooks looks so pretty in it! Wonderful cookwear and so easy to clean....just soak immediately after using and they almost wipe clean. Excellent cookwear!

Re: Le Creuset

novamc1 — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 14:09:17 GMT

You're lucky if you got "a few pieces" at Costco. I got one 4.5 quart blue one years ago and it was under $50. None seen there since then. I got mobbed in the checkout line when people saw that orange box in my cart and asked where to find it. I think it was one of Costco's infamous "one shot only" at a particular item, never to have that item return again.

These days, Costco has its own Kirkland-brand name on enameled cast iron Dutch ovens, or the Tramontina name.

Re: Le Creuset

Lacey1 — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 13:30:24 GMT

I have one Staub dutch oven and some REAL cast iron pieces. They suit me fine. I use my CI Dutchie to bake bread. I hope everyone enjoys the TSV!

Re: Le Creuset

jaxs mom — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 13:33:33 GMT

I have a bunch of Le Creuset and I love my pots but I'm not buying the TSV. I already have other pieces that are similar size and shape and I don't need or want the grill pan lid.

Re: Le Creuset

house_cat — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 13:35:55 GMT

Does anyone have this piece that I've got my eye on?

I'd love some feedback.

Here it is.

Re: Le Creuset

novamc1 — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 13:42:57 GMT

@house_cat

That is part of LC's stoneware collection, and I'm sure you will love it. I have five pieces of their stoneware--an au gratin oval dish, one square and one rectangular small casseroles, and two larger casseroles. Don't have a covered piece like the one you pictured, but don't tempt me, please.

You already did that once, with your Bisquick idea. I now have a box of Bisquick and need some time to figure out what I'm going to cook with it.

Re: Le Creuset

Sooner — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 13:45:56 GMT

It probably isn't worth it to you if you have to ask that question. Unless you are dying to have one and appreciate the craftsmanship, the beauty, and the way they cook, and really really have wanted one a long time--no, I wouldn't get one.

Also, for a first piece, this one will be very heavy and not very big.

Re: Le Creuset

DoxieMomma — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 13:46:44 GMT

@house_cat wrote:
Does anyone have this piece that I've got my eye on?
I'd love some feedback.

Here it is.

I have several LeCreuset pieces that I love and use often. I not purchasing the TSV because I have other pots the same size, plus the lid isn't efficient. I need to be able to lift a hot lid with one hand and stir, that's not possible with this set.

I don't have that particular piece that you linked above, but I do have the rectangular bakers. I love them! I used one on Sunday for a roasted chicken and it was perfect. Just remember that those pieces can't be used on your stovetop, only in the oven.

Re: Le Creuset

birkin baby — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 13:48:51 GMT

What an excellent observation! My friend just received his yesterday and the handle was cracked. He is exchanging. But I am going to pass along you're point about the lid . I'm no cook so I would not think about that. Now if it were boots.... that's a different story,LOL.

Re: Le Creuset

birkin baby — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 13:49:13 GMT

@faeriemoon wrote:
They are worth it, but you can do better than Q prices.

Also, the lid on this TSV makes no sense to me. Just a way to say you're getting two useful pieces. Try removing that lid when your pot is hot and you have no handle on the top to help you. Ridiculous design unless you are looking for a grill pan and a pot with no lid.

Re: Le Creuset

house_cat — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 13:51:35 GMT

@novamc1

@DoxieMomma

Thanks for the feedback. I'm not ready to purchase, but I've got my eye on it. I prefer to stalk the pieces online until I find the right price. I used my mom and dad's Citicard points last year and got the 7.5 qt dutch oven for $40! Yay!

The TSV is not something I need. The grilll is too small for me and I have pans that size that I like a lot. No need to replace them, which is good, because I don't need the temptation. I hope everyone who takes the plunge is happy with it.

Re: Le Creuset

CamdenCat — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 13:52:31 GMT

I have a few pieces of Le Creuset bought elsewhere. The 3 1/2 quart dutch oven that the Q has for almost $270 plus a hefty S&H I bought for $179.00. Most of the other sites that sell Le Creuset have real specials with either free shipping or a flat rate shipping; the Le Creuset site has a flat rate shipping of around $10. I have bought from Williams Sonoma with free shipping, Le Creuset and Chef's Catalog. I have used them and love them, but buy elsewhere for a much better price.