A question for Le Creuset lovers

[BiminiBonGoulash]

I’ve got a friend who has been dreaming about owning a Le Creuset casserole dish for months. She’s had an absolutely shit year and it’s her birthday coming up so I’d love to buy her one and cheer her up. We usually spend about £15 on presents, so it would be a bit much than usual!
On the Le Creuset website, there’s this 18cm one for £185 www.lecreuset.co.uk/en_GB/p/cast-iron-round-casserole/CI1177.html

I was a bit shocked by the price as I’m not a Le Creuset user myself so I naturally had a quick look around the internet to see if I could get one any cheaper. Only thing I came up with was this Le Creuset dish on TKMaxx for £29.99 www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/home/kitchen+dining/baking+ovenware/27x22cm-orange-stoneware-casserole-oven-dish/p/78135989
Although I can visually see that the handles and the lid knob look different - are they otherwise very similar?! £29.99 seems too good to be true compared to the £185 one - is it a not as good version?! Because there’s no point in buying her a slightly shit version of her dream, I’d rather fork out for the dream. But I’d also rather save 100 quid if they are basically the same! So could any Le Creuset users help me out please?
And i know there are knock offs out there that are just as good, but her dream is Le Creuset so it’ll have to be a Le Creuset one. Thank you!

Will you be my friend OP? 😊

I am also a LC fan, and have bought myself one for Christmas for the last few years. I don't think you will go wrong with a 24cm, I have this one for myself and 2dc and it's the perfect size.

I use one of my collection every day really. But my most used one is the balti dish. It's smaller than the casserole but it's just so useful.

It is a bit of an addictive habit, I agree. But I have never paid full price for any of mine. I'm not in UK, so just wanted to check if you have a clearance section of the website. Any color bring discontinued is sold there at half price. I have a bit of a mix of colors because of this, but it really doesn't bother me.

TK Maxx near me do the cast iron ale Cruset dishes in all types . You need to check out the actual shop , not online .

brand alley have got some on offer. Not sure how the prices compare

We have a (massive!) 28cm one which we got second hand for £80. Check ebay and gumtree as people are often selling there. Ours is in good condition. 28cm was probably excessive as we are two people - try 24cm.