Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Le Creuset or Other?

66 replies

Smokeahontas · 27/02/2022 11:28

I have wanted a LC casserole dish for ages now. I know the price tag is higher because of the quality, lifetime guarantee and all that. If you have one, do you feel it’s worth the £££? Or if you use something else, what do you use & is it as good?

OP posts:
Matildatoldsuchdreadfullies · 27/02/2022 11:32

I have a fair amount of LC - all very cheap from charity shops. I also have the Sainsbury’s dupes. TBH, I can’t tell the difference, and definitely wouldn’t pay LC prices.

That said, if I won the lottery I’d invest in the (hideously expensive) Harry Potter X LC. Just because it’s lovely.

GiantKitten · 27/02/2022 11:34

I have 2 dupes - one Sainsbury’s, one Lidl. They are way heavier than actual LC, which can be awkward when lifting a full pan.
The finish is different too but that’s not necessarily a bad thing - the insides don’t stain as badly.

User478 · 27/02/2022 11:36

We have some authentic and some Aldi dupes, if you feel strongly you can buy the branded handles from Amazon and swap them over. (You can't sort the embossed name on the lid, but if you don't know you can't tell...)

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Home improvement
LemonViolet · 27/02/2022 11:39

I have quite a lot of LC - casseroles, other cookeware, baking dishes, plates/bowls/serving dishes, accessories. I’ve not seen anything else that is quite as lovely all round in terms of beautiful colours, design and function, for me I really really value having lovely colourful everyday belongings so it’s worth it to me to spend more, having said that I have very rarely bought direct from LC - you get most things second hand on eBay for less than half the price, and sometimes get really fab bargains.

The “dupes” I’ve seen in supermarkets probably function just as well but for me never quite hit the spot that the original stuff does.

When you use something every day I personally feel it’s worth getting just what you want and then you feel happy every time you use it.

Reallybadidea · 27/02/2022 11:44

I'm looking at the John Lewis ones which are also a fraction of the price but also have a lifetime guarantee.

ChardonnaysPetDragon · 27/02/2022 11:47

Their prices are bonkers.

I have a few, collected over the years,, won't be buying now.

Staub are better, but even more expensive.

Oldraver · 27/02/2022 11:58

Ive had the Sainsburys ones in the past and while I did like them, dishwashing has pitted the inside. The edges also went rusty

Ive recently bought Pro-Cook and making sure this time to handwash

LemonViolet · 27/02/2022 11:59

Honestly, eBay! Have got some beautiful LC bits for much much less than full price! Plus you know you can sell it should you need to.

HundredMilesAnHour · 27/02/2022 12:01

@User478

We have some authentic and some Aldi dupes, if you feel strongly you can buy the branded handles from Amazon and swap them over. (You can't sort the embossed name on the lid, but if you don't know you can't tell...)
I'm sorry but what on earth is the point of swapping the handles??!! I guess maybe if you're the sort of person who also buys fake handbags but....Confused Surely the point is the quality of the casserole dish not the name?!
ChardonnaysPetDragon · 27/02/2022 12:03

Yes, Pro cook!

I bought from them as well, for one of the DCs. It's been holding up quite nicely.

HundredMilesAnHour · 27/02/2022 12:05

I've had my LC casserole dish (and some pans etc) for 20-30 years. The casserole dish still looks as good as new.

However, during lockdown I borrowed a friend's Staub casserole dish (I needed a bigger size) and I LOVED it. The dimples in the lid just gave it an edge over my LC dish's results. So now I've bought a couple of Staub casserole dishes and use them religiously. I bought them direct from the factory in France so even with import duties added, they were a little cheaper than buying in the UK.

Original poster
Smokeahontas · 27/02/2022 12:12

I’ve never seen any in charity shops Sad that would be an amazing find though!

eBay is a great shout, I hadn’t even thought of it. Might have a look at Gumtree too, now I think about it. Will have a look at Staub too.

OP posts:
ButtockUp · 27/02/2022 12:45

@Reallybadidea

I'm looking at the John Lewis ones which are also a fraction of the price but also have a lifetime guarantee.
I've replaced my LC casserole dish for a JL one.

It's beautiful and cooks just LC. The lid has little pointy lumps on the inside which help to keep the steam in too.

It's a fraction of the price. I just couldn't bring myself to spend so much money to replace my old one.

I have a shallow pan from Denby... everything ticks to the base so I shall be replacing with a JL one.

ButtockUp · 27/02/2022 12:46

Ah... that's the word..."dimples'l

ButtockUp · 27/02/2022 12:47

Oh, and don't bother with Sainsbury's ones.

Cinnabomb · 27/02/2022 12:50

Second the JL or house of Fraser linea used to be brilliant

thegcatsmother · 27/02/2022 13:05

I have had LC for years. I think the Sainsbury ones aren't bad, especially if you get them in the sale.

TooBigForMyBoots · 27/02/2022 13:09

I have cast iron LC that I no longer use (too heavy). I bought a Sainsbury's one in the sale 5 or 6 years ago and I prefer it.

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 27/02/2022 13:13

I inherited a big casserole LC from my MiL.
TBH I found it so unbelievably heavy, esp. when full - and hot on top! - that I never used it - I had other casseroles that were just as good, and I’ve had those for decades.

The LC ended up at a charity shop. I just don’t want things I never use cluttering up my kitchen cupboards.
Plus of course they’re ludicrously expensive.

Skinnytailedsquirrel · 27/02/2022 13:17

I have several Le Creuset pans. The enamel ones are the best. I've had some for over 20 years. I bought a Le Creuset large wok type frying pan (non stick) which I absolutely loved but within a year the non stick was coming off.

Have tried the copies from Sainsbury (many years ago) and got rid of them as at that time they were certainly not near Le Creuset standard. Might have changed?

chairbumg · 27/02/2022 13:22

I have a couple of the casserole pots & all my saucepans are LC. I like them but don't know anything else really. My dad bought me them for uni! 😆 Very heavy though

PC20 · 27/02/2022 13:25

I have a small oval casserole which I got for my 21st. I am now approaching 60. Inherited a bigger oval casserole from MIL 15 years ago. Both used at least weekly, and after being precious about hand washing for years - they now go in the dishwasher and seem to be fine.
No ideas about current prices

PC20 · 27/02/2022 13:26

Also so pleased when we changed kitchen to an induction hob - that they still work.

deadlanguage · 27/02/2022 13:28

Does LC hold up ok in the dishwasher? I’m think about getting a casserole but if it needs handwashing we won’t use it.

EBay recommenders - doesn’t it cost a fortune to have them posted as they are so heavy? Or do you look for local collections?

Missey85 · 27/02/2022 13:29

I have the aldi knockoffs and their great I wouldn't pay the extra your just paying for the brand its no better than cheaper ones ☺