Kitchen

[karlam]

Costco does sell a 6 1/2 quart dutch oven. The cost is $90 and it is made in France. I got this for my daughter and she says it is as god as her LeCreuset.

[novadc]

I believe the dutch oven sold at Costco today is made by Tramontina, unless Costco co-opted that brand, like it has so many others, and put the Kirkland name on it. My experience with a other Tramontina (and Kirkland) items has been excellent.

And, yes, the LC instructions say you can put in dishwasher, but indicate this could diminish the finish somewhat. Haven't noticed this effect on mine.

I could also put in a plug for LC stoneware casseroles, au gratin and baking dishes. Work great and clean up so easily that I won't even consider using any glass Pyrex these days. Sur La Table and Williams Sonoma recently had reduced prices on LC yellow (color name "Soleil") ceramic casseroles and at least some yellow cast iron items. I believe the sale lasts through April but not sure if anyone's interested.

[Still Raining]

They are pretty and a nice, heavy weight, but I have managed to crack the enamel on two of them and switched over to a cast iron. I do have their teapot in the small size and it is so cute and works well.

[camochef]

Quick answer...No!

As a collector and cast iron cook that owns Le Creuset, Staub, Kitchen Aid, Techniques, MCM, Better Homes &Gardens, Paula Deen, Mario Battali, Cooks Essentials, Lodge and many other brands of Enameled Cast Iron and I'm talking 100's and 100's of cast iron pieces, I can't see why anyone would pay those absurd prices.

My favorite and most used Dutch ovens are by Kitchen Aid, MCM, and Lodge. I don't stop with Dutch Ovens. There are skillets, casseroles, bean pots, fry pans, croquettes, I use them all.

Nowadays people seem to prefer the easy clean-up and non care benefits of enameled cast iron, but if you use well seasoned plain cast iron...it's just as non-stick and easy to cook in as enameled, perhaps even easier and more healthy.

I know a lot of people that paid top dollar for their LeCreuset cookware are going to be offended by my opinion, but I can by 10 or more pieces of the same item for the price of one french made piece.

I've only had 2 pieces ever chip out of the many hundreds that I own and one of them was a LeCreuset Dutch oven. (small chip on the lid).

I use my Lodge Comal's almost daily, (plain cast iron) and I love them. and as far as making pizza, nothing beats their large cast iron pizza pan. Prices are just a fraction of the price of those French pieces.

Enjoy! and save your money!

Camo