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Le Creuset

post #1 of 58
6/3/09 at 9:07pm
Thread Starter 
Looking for input from the usual suspects. Are they really worth it? Wife is already bugging me for a complete set, when we move into the new house.
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post #2 of 58
6/3/09 at 9:09pm
I don't own any myself, but some family members do. They're very well made, and the pieces weigh a ton. I'd imagine they would quite literally last a lifetime.
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post #3 of 58
6/3/09 at 9:12pm
Can't comment on their culinary excellence, but they do last, my parents have some that must be 20+ years and look like they will last at least as long again. The le creuset pots work very well for stews and the like.
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post #4 of 58
6/3/09 at 9:19pm
I have some pieces and they're just awesome. Super sturdy, reliable, and they look beautiful. IMO worth it.

Though I must say, I wouldn't buy a set. I'd buy a 3.5 dutch oven and a 5.0 dutch oven (or maybe a 7 if you're feeding more people, it's just me +1 usually). Add a fry pan if you want a cast iron one, or a 1.5 if you want a little sauce pan, but those aren't necessary by any means. Personally, I round out my cooking set with All-Clad frying pans, stock pot, and a small saucer. Most people I know who are big into cooking tend to use LeCreuset for the dutch ovens but have other brands mixed in for versatility.




wait, I don't think I'm a usual suspect....
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post #5 of 58
6/3/09 at 9:19pm
I only like their dutch oven. But you can get a Lodge enameled one for 1/3 of the cost. So, in total, that's basically where I stand.
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post #6 of 58
6/3/09 at 9:27pm
Thread Starter 
Appreciate all the comments. I think she's getting delirious with the amount of storage space our new kitchen will have. Agreed, wise choices > full set. I was looking at the fry pan thinking how nice a blistering hot, enamel coated cast iron pan would cook foie
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post #7 of 58
6/3/09 at 9:31pm
Their dutch ovens are great. I use mine all the time for soups/stews/chili/anything you want to simmer.
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post #8 of 58
6/3/09 at 9:45pm
Staube is similar, some say better, but worth looking at for comparison.
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post #9 of 58
6/3/09 at 10:04pm
Excuse me, it's spelled "Staub."
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post #10 of 58
6/3/09 at 10:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkNWorn View Post
I only like their dutch oven. But you can get a Lodge enameled one for 1/3 of the cost. So, in total, that's basically where I stand.

+1

I have a Lodge enameled cast iron dutch oven and fry pan, and they're great.
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post #11 of 58
6/3/09 at 10:38pm
My mother has this and I don't like it. The enamel just causes food to stick, plain & simple. Browning is very difficult to do well.

Get copper or All Clad. You want a steel cooking surface.
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post #12 of 58
6/3/09 at 10:44pm
^I don't use my All-Clad and my enameled cast iron for the same purposes. I don't use the enameled cast iron for anything but simmering, really.

I definitely wouldn't buy a full set of enameled cast iron. I have a couple of pieces and that's more than enough. The dutch oven is the essential.

I have experience with both Staub and Le Creuset and, for what it's worth, don't think Le Creuset is worth the extra cash.
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post #13 of 58
6/3/09 at 10:44pm
Agree with comments to just get the dutch ovens, or as Le Crueset calls them, the French Ovens. I have the 5 Qt. oval and the 7-1/4 Qt. round and after 15 years of use and abuse, they still are my favorite and versatile vessels. The 5 Qt. oval is perfect for pot roasts and short ribs while the 7-1/4 round is ideal for stews and rice recipes. I recently purchased a 3-1/3 Qt braiser which is perfect for plain white rice....makes a mean crust.

The smaller vessels are rather cumbersome and metal pots or pans are more user friendly.

But I can only imagine what you have to deal with in terms of fulfilling a women's aspiration of the dream kitchen and the importance of matched cookware.

If you're interested in exploring heritage quality metal ware, check out the Demeyere Atlantis line. Superior to the All-Clad and other lines. Getting a match set of Demeyere will give her aesthetic appeal and a workhorse set of pots and pans for generations.
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post #14 of 58
6/3/09 at 10:46pm
BTW, you can usually get select models discounted at the LeCrueset outlets. Still rather pricey and the colors are usually unremarkable....if that should matter to you.
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post #15 of 58
6/3/09 at 10:49pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks guys. Ovens it is.
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