Le Creuset Cookware: Is it worth the money?

b.cummins · 18 Apr 2011 at 08:55

Looking to gather an opinion poll really.

I'm considering some new cookware, Including a 28cm Skillet, A cast iron casserole and a deep roasting tin with a rack. I'm not one to skimp on quality, I've been looking at collections from pro cook, alessi, bourgeat and the raymond blanc pans, but I always come across Le Creuset cookware and wonder if it merits being twice the price!

[TR]SweetSpotOz · 18 Apr 2011 at 08:57

J-FRO · 18 Apr 2011 at 09:09

It's true, it does last a lifetime.

All the celeb chefs love it as well, from Nigela *drools* to Jamie. And then you cant beat cooking in something as heavy based such as a le creuset skillet. Just makes the whole experience ten times nicer.

GhostlyPea · 18 Apr 2011 at 10:37

Expensive? Yes.

Worth it? Yes.

I have several Le Cruset pans and they are all outstanding

- Pea0n

Cosimo · 18 Apr 2011 at 10:48

We have several pots, pans and casseroles. They last, take a “beating” and my wife says they’re the best. I wouldn’t argue with her.

b.cummins · 18 Apr 2011 at 10:54

Certainly seeing a consensus emerging..

Tell me did you guys all invest in the cast iron cookware or are you also speaking for the saucepans, frying pans/non stick skillets and omlette pans as well?

GhostlyPea · 18 Apr 2011 at 11:22

I have a saucepan set (5 pans with lids and a large frying pan) and my dad has a cast iron casserole dish, al lare great. I haven't used their non-stick range so I can't comment on it

- Pea0n

alexakasloth · 18 Apr 2011 at 11:22

I haven't used that particular brand but the pots we had at work were cast iron and could take a beating which is great when you put things on a high temperature.

Disco Boy · 18 Apr 2011 at 11:22

The original stuff is pretty good and lasts.

Some of their new stuff isn't that great though. My girlfriend's mum just bought a set of their pans (3 ply stainless steel range). They cost a fortune (they were expensive even for good cookware being more expensive that high quality non-stick efforts when they are just plain metal), weigh a ton and the handles get hot when in use.

Skidder · 18 Apr 2011 at 11:25

I have a couple that my mum and dad had from when they were first married (I'm 36) and they are going strong. They're excellent.

The big casserole got too heavy for my mum, they do weigh a tonne.

Most of my normal pans are stellar and they've been great too.

-Ad- · 18 Apr 2011 at 11:28

Their weight will offset the need for a gym membership if used frequently.

We have a few bits and the casserole dish (shallow) is always being used.

-BA- · 18 Apr 2011 at 11:41

I have a Le Creuset square griddle pan and love it. Thinking about getting the longer rectangular one. Also after their tagine but it is damn expensive in comparison to many others.

b.cummins · 18 Apr 2011 at 11:48

sounds like the casseroles are pretty solid so i'd probably give that a consideration for investment :-)

I'm still more inclined to look at my original idea for a skillet, i've seen a non-stick 28cm pan in the raymond blanc range that looks pretty good. I've got nothing really to suggest the le creuset equivalent, which is twice the price, is going to be twice as good!

lookitsjonno · 18 Apr 2011 at 12:08

I have le creuset saucepan set and casserole dish - expensive but a great investment - 5 years and they are still going well. My only gripe with them (ultra picky) is the plastic handles seem a bit shoddy (a couple are slightly cracked/worn).

casserole is brilliant.

anyone know anywhere selling the almond grillit cheap let me know.

PlacidCasual · 18 Apr 2011 at 12:30

Shallow casserole is the must have for me. Goes on the hob, in the oven and looks great at the table. For pans I like my stainless steel although le creuset are good they won't take the abuse a good set of steel ones will.

Disco Boy · 18 Apr 2011 at 12:53

b.cummins said:
sounds like the casseroles are pretty solid so i'd probably give that a consideration for investment
I'm still more inclined to look at my original idea for a skillet, i've seen a non-stick 28cm pan in the raymond blanc range that looks pretty good. I've got nothing really to suggest the le creuset equivalent, which is twice the price, is going to be twice as good!

If you mean RB's anolon range then I highly recommend them, my mum has a set and they are brilliant. I'm far more impressed by them than the LC range I mentioned in my earlier post.

dannyjo22 · 18 Apr 2011 at 13:03

Will it last, yes. Is it actually any good, no not really.

You are far better off with Analons and if you need something to make a fish pie etc in the oven then just use pyrex because the heat distribution on Le Creseut is about as accurate.

They are a fashion accessory for the kitchen rather than actually being great for hob cooking.

They will certainly outlast you, doesn't mean that makes them good.

b.cummins · 18 Apr 2011 at 13:35

I think I am settled on an Analon pan then :-)

However, in terms of le creuset, asides being used as a weight or fashion accessory, the only reason i'd consider it over pyrex is it's versatility to go on the hob, in the oven and then onto the table, whilst pyrex will be fine for the latter two, it's certainly not hob safe and i presume the casseroles u can get from lc are designed with hob use in mind..?

rgzcampbell · 18 Apr 2011 at 13:46

Have a look in TK MAXX they always seem to have le Creuset stuff on sale at far less than retail. We bought a pan set plus a few casserole dishes - all weigh a tonne but are very good.

Skidder · 18 Apr 2011 at 14:32

rgzcampbell said:
Have a look in TK MAXX they always seem to have le Creuset stuff on sale at far less than retail. We bought a pan set plus a few casserole dishes - all weigh a tonne but are very good.

I already had quite a few stellar knives and pans and bought a load more in the maxx, you can be really lucky with their cooking stuff. I got a fantastic ham knife which was normally around £40 for a tenner.