Kitchen

[Kachina624]

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?

[beach-mom]

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! 

[phluphy]

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.

[mcducky]

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.

[Nuttmeg]

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.

[novamc1]

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.

[Sunshine Kate]

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

[faeriemoon]

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.

[silkyk]

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!

[novamc1]

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.