COOKWARE: Enamel covered cast iron Le Crueset is just fantastic, but so expensive..?

Question

does anyone have any experience with a decent substitute?? I have already googled, and didn't find much....any help is appreciated!!!

Answer 1

i love my le crueset, sometimes I see it at Marshall's or TJMaxx...

Answer 2

I agree, the originals are the best!

I would suggest going to a TJ Maxx or an outlet mall.  Sometimes at the outlets the only thing wrong with the pans is that the color wasn't the sku they wanted - the Calphalon outlet s pretty good about it and labeling the reasons for the discounted price.  And their pans are just as good, in my opinion.

Answer 3

My mother has one of those.  I'm hoping she'll leave it to me in her will!

They are expensive, but as far as I can tell having used my mothers, they're worth every penny.  And they last a lifetime - you'll never have to buy another.  

Sorry, I haven't really answered your question.  Instead I'm saying: start saving and get the real thing.

Answer 4

Mario Batali has a line of enamel-covered cast iron; I've seen it for sale at Crate & Barrel... so does Lodge brand of cast iron cookware; I've seen that at Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's.  Both are a little less expensive than Le Crueset, but for shucking out those kinds of bucks, give me LC!

I don't want every piece LC makes.  I think a Dutch ("French") oven in LC is a must-have, maybe a big, deepish skillet for frying, but a saucepan in enameled cast iron is not  necessary, IMO.

I've found my LC cheapest at places like Tuesday Morning, Marshall's, Ross, and TJ Maxx.  None of them always have a supply of LC, and you may not have the up-to-the-minute colors of enamel.  Or you might not find 2 color- matching pieces in the sizes you want.  But who cares!?  When I got my 7-qt dutch oven for $121 instead of $189, I was elated.  And I smile every time I pull it out of the cabinet to use it.  It's truly wonderful, and worth the investment.

Anyway, just some ramblings on LC... hope it helps you in your search.  Oh, and use only wood or plastic utensils in LC; no metal.

Answer 5

Sometimes you will find a piece on sale for a lot less. Most of the cheap knockoffs are manufactured differently.  

Answer 6

Try this, I've had some amazing bargains! ::

http://home.shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_tr...

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