Community Chat

[RainyDayGal]

On 7/30/2014 CardinalGirl_ said:

On 7/30/2014 RedConvertibleGirl said:

OK, I'm all for good quality, hand made, not in China, etc. But seriously, I wonder what it costs to actually make the item. I can't imagine all that much, and it seems the price has got to be super inflated. It's cast iron with enamel. I wouldn't think those two items are all THAT expensive. And any cast iron is going to last a lifetime. You are paying a lot of money for the name.

Not really true, I don't think. I was in Macy's one day and looked at their enameled cast iron. There were numerous chips in the enamel on every single display piece. Every one. And that's just from people looking at them. Can you imagine how they would look after being used in a kitchen?

I don't baby my Le Creuset--I use it. I cook, bake, scrub it....and it gets banged around. Yet, it looks brand new after several years.

The cast iron will be around forever. Now, you may not like the way the enamel wears. To me, I'm not willing to spend $300 or more just to have enamel stay "pretty". Is it some special cast iron that they use? Honestly, the product will be basically the same as any other out there but you are paying for a name. Some people are into name brands, and that's fine. I'd just like to know exactly what (other than the name) makes it cost so much.

[deepwaterdotter]

I bought an off-white Le Creuset Dutch oven at an estate sale many years ago for $15. It looks 'good as new' after many dinners of short ribs and beef stew. Always cleans up easy and retains heat evenly.

[NoelSeven]

On 7/30/2014 RedConvertibleGirl said:

On 7/30/2014 CardinalGirl_ said:

On 7/30/2014 RedConvertibleGirl said:

OK, I'm all for good quality, hand made, not in China, etc. But seriously, I wonder what it costs to actually make the item. I can't imagine all that much, and it seems the price has got to be super inflated. It's cast iron with enamel. I wouldn't think those two items are all THAT expensive. And any cast iron is going to last a lifetime. You are paying a lot of money for the name.

Not really true, I don't think. I was in Macy's one day and looked at their enameled cast iron. There were numerous chips in the enamel on every single display piece. Every one. And that's just from people looking at them. Can you imagine how they would look after being used in a kitchen?

I don't baby my Le Creuset--I use it. I cook, bake, scrub it....and it gets banged around. Yet, it looks brand new after several years.

The cast iron will be around forever. Now, you may not like the way the enamel wears. To me, I'm not willing to spend $300 or more just to have enamel stay "pretty". Is it some special cast iron that they use? Honestly, the product will be basically the same as any other out there but you are paying for a name. Some people are into name brands, and that's fine. I'd just like to know exactly what (other than the name) makes it cost so much.

It's a lot more than just a name. You want a cast iron Dutch oven that's heavy, has thick walls, and has a tight fitting lid.

I've seen others, including at Macy's (M.Stewart), that may be serviceable, but they're not top quality, and for sure they're not as heavy. Good cast iron holds the heat well and gives an even temperature.

Enameling makes the surface non-reactive to acidic foods. It not only looks good, it will hold up better.

[brii]

On 7/30/2014 deepwaterdotter said:

I bought an off-white Le Creuset Dutch oven at an estate sale many years ago for $15. It looks 'good as new' after many dinners of short ribs and beef stew. Always cleans up easy and retains heat evenly.

What a find...

[NoelSeven]

As an aside, cast iron pans were considered important in my family, and were passed down from cook to cook. Some of mine go back several generations.

They work great, but some don't look great, and they rust. Just my opinion, but I appreciate a good enameling on cast iron.

I have a Staub grill pan that I love. Super heavy, enameling on the outside but not on the grill

[tansy]

On 7/30/2014 NoelSeven said:

As an aside, cast iron pans were considered important in my family, and were passed down from cook to cook. Some of mine go back several generations.

They work great, but some don't look great, and they rust. Just my opinion, but I appreciate a good enameling on cast iron.

I have a Staub grill pan that I love. Super heavy, enameling on the outside but not on the grill

I have a Staub Dutch oven, too, which I think was a Q purchase years ago. My problem with the cookware is that it's so heavy to haul in and out of the oven, but I prefer the Dutch oven to a slow cooker.

[NoelSeven]

On 7/30/2014 tansy said:

On 7/30/2014 NoelSeven said:

As an aside, cast iron pans were considered important in my family, and were passed down from cook to cook. Some of mine go back several generations.

They work great, but some don't look great, and they rust. Just my opinion, but I appreciate a good enameling on cast iron.

I have a Staub grill pan that I love. Super heavy, enameling on the outside but not on the grill

I have a Staub Dutch oven, too, which I think was a Q purchase years ago. My problem with the cookware is that it's so heavy to haul in and out of the oven, but I prefer the Dutch oven to a slow cooker.

You're right, it is heavy to haul around! I found out the Q had a couple of Staub items after I bought my two pieces at Williams-Sonoma, but the Q pieces were gone by then.

[NoelSeven]

I love the little handles they have on some:

[soxfan]

Buyer beware! Not all QVC's Le Creuset items are made in France. One example is K297135.

I've found LC items much cheaper at TJ Maxx. And no $$$ S&H

[deepwaterdotter]

On 7/30/2014 brii said:

On 7/30/2014 deepwaterdotter said:

I bought an off-white Le Creuset Dutch oven at an estate sale many years ago for $15. It looks 'good as new' after many dinners of short ribs and beef stew. Always cleans up easy and retains heat evenly.

What a find...

The sale was being held in a small town by the departed woman's husband. I don't think he realized what it was worth. He was selling off many different kitchen items.