Le Creuset - What's the Draw?

Icegoddess · ‎03-19-2010

Please tell me what is so great about Le Creuset that demands that price. I know it has always been expensive like that and that cooks love it, but I just don't know why. Hubby was asking about it last night and I really didn't have an answer for him. I basically just ended up saying it's probably not worth it for my style of cooking which is more quick and easy rather than building flavors and cooking for hours. I once had an enameled cast iron pot (not Le Creuset) and everything stuck to it so I got rid of it. I would hate to pay that much for something and then find out it was hard to clean.

fthunt · ‎12-24-2010

Yes, the big roaster I just got rid of......was very hard to clean. White interior showed the gravy line even after soaking and scrubbing. I wouldn't give you a nickle for another piece.......and non-stick (2) fry pans (Chef Z's) in garage waiting for disposal truck this week.

LindaSal · ‎05-15-2014

I have a few of them and they clean up nicely. They cook evenly too. I use them all the time.........especially for soups and meatballs. I own the dutch oven types, not a frying pan. Mine were made in France and they are worth every penny for the high quality of the pans.

Mistreatedbycs · ‎03-10-2010

I had the large dutch oven but when I updated my stove and went to a glass top it is not recommended so that's "in storage" now. I didnt find food stuck to it but the bottom does show stains/spots I cannot remove.

BUT, I do have a lot of their bakeware and have found it evenly bakes anything. The large rectangular pan is perfect for lasagna, and I found the matching color flame rectangular pan is perfect for casseroles and other baked goods like brownies and cinnamon rolls.

The larger rectangular pan was purchased at full cost but just recently at Marshalls found the smaller one for $16.99. Actually Marshalls had a great selection of Le Creuset but went there again 2 days later and everything was gone.

Le Creuset does have outlet stores and recently found the matching ramekins for less than retail and 30% off. They do not have an outlet website so you need to call. It appears they do by clicking but that's the regular website not the outlet, very confusing. Not all products/colors are in the outlet but worth a call and the shipping is reasonable.

Brand is known for even heating but yes, this is heavy cookware/bakeware.

Also bought the "tea cups" 14 oz that I use for coffee, found that my coffee stays hotter than a regular ceramic cup.

Lastly, it makes me happy, nice to know that I have a kitchen of quality items to use for baking and cooking. Just the little things in life.

LuvmyLab · ‎06-07-2010

@Icegoddess I agree. Maybe for the gourmet or professional chef the pan would be good but for my type of cooking, that pan is not for me either.

froggy · ‎03-10-2010

They are quality pieces - much better than less expensive enameled cast iron made in China. However most are too heavy for me to handle easily. Today's TSV weighs almost 9# empty. I have several pieces, all under 3 qts, which I use frequently and find that they clean up easily.

Queen of shop · ‎12-13-2020

@Icegoddess They are wonderful pots and pans. I have one, literally, that's over 30 years old. It stays on my stove at all times. It is beautiful and I consider it art. I have cerise. They conduct heat evenly and you can use a much lower flame.That's a key point. Lower the flame, no chance of scorching the interior.

I have never had a problem with cleanup. Yes, the white interior never does come out pristine white again. Not a problem for me at all. The patina tells the story of many enjoyed meals with family and friends. In the big picture of life, who really cares how clean our beloved LeCreuset are. Know what I mean? My kitchen, my rules, my pots. LOL. The pots are outstanding.

I have all cerise and started to add their new color "licorice".

Go for it. Try one. If you don't like it, you have 30 days to returne.

LillyTilly · ‎03-14-2021

Purchased the Soleil color large roaster before Christmas. The Soleil color is not listed on the Le Creuset website. Was able to find out through William Sonoma, its been discontinued, but you can find it occaisionally in the Le Creuset discount stores. I called a few, and yes its discontinued, they do get a few pieces here and there. My question is, has it been brought back special to QVC, if not why is QVC selling it at the same price as current Le Creuset colors?

SharkE · ‎08-19-2010

@fthunt wrote:
Yes, the big roaster I just got rid of......was very hard to clean. White interior showed the gravy line even after soaking and scrubbing. I wouldn't give you a nickle for another piece.......and non-stick (2) fry pans (Chef Z's) in garage waiting for disposal truck this week.

ROFL