Le Creuset dupes

[MrsMitford3]

Help!!

I have my MIL's old Le Creuset dutch oven-I think she bought it in the 1970s so it has had a good innings.

I use it almost daily and I love it.

But the finish is completely gone on the bottom and everything sticks and burns. Apparently they don't re-finish them anymore but would be glad to be wrong on this

Just love it so much but £375.00 for a new one feels like madness-anyone have a good alternative?

Aldi had some a couple of weeks ago.
Also I have one from sainsbury. Every now and then they have a large % off sale

I have Lidl's version from about four years ago. Still looking good.

IKEA. I bake bread in mine so it gets a hammering, but is v tough

I have this one from John Lewis. I also have Le Creuset ones and can’t tell the difference, except the price of course.
https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-cast-iron-shallow-casserole-31cm-ombre-green/p6389603?s_ppc=2dx92700078342469783_brand_mixed_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI59qHn-iqggMVIxSLCh3LBwvEEAQYAiABEgL9hPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

The Sainsbury's ones are really good.

I have the Lidl ones and they are very good.

Another vote for the Sainsbury’s ones.

Contact them! Depending on the warranty they might refinish / replace. Also I'd think that although £375 seems like a high initial outlay, but it's lasted 50 years - that's £7.50 a year, 63p a month - bargain cost per use imo.

TK Maxx sell Le Creuset and there are Le Creuset shops in bargain outlet villages. I tend to stock up on Le Creuset at those.

That is some maths I can get behind @justalittlesnoel !

i did go in to the shop and ask and they said they don't do it anymore-shame as I love the idea of keeping going. My MIL would be so happy it was getting used-in all of it's bright 1970's orange glory!

I have the 30cm one so they seem to be around less although I have just found it on a sale website for £100 off so might go on my christmas list after all.

I'm off to see if the Sainsbury one comes in 30cm!!

I'm sorry to say that I binned my Sainsbury's one , also my Aldi and Denby ones.

My John Lewis one has been fantastic. It has 'steam dimples' inside the lid that adds to succulence.

The price is very reasonable too.

Are you sure the enamel has gone and isn't just lost under decades of 'patina'?

I have some Le Creuset - I use them a lot but on one of them the enamel has gone so I can't cook with it any more but I can't bring myself to get rid of it.

I've wanted a buffet type pan version for ages but can't afford their prices for one now. I bought this one from Amazon after seeing it recommended on youtube somewhere - it lives on the hob and is used at least twice a week. I've only had it around six months, but I cannot fault it - it feels and performs no differently from my LC - obviously I don't know how it will fare over a decade - but I was always a bit sceptical about cheap cast iron and so far this has really surprised me.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shallow-Cast-Iron-Casserole-Lid/dp/B0C46TS9DQ/ref=sr_1_15?crid=211LFF8N2A64A&keywords=cast%2Biron%2Bcasserole%2Bdish%2Bwith%2Blid&qid=1699119162&sprefix=cast%2Biron%2B%2Caps%2C75&sr=8-15&th=1

@ciscowhispered that brand also came up on a google search of best dupes-will have a look!

I was going to say this. I have a 70's orange vintage one too. I scrubbed it regularly, even with a brillo, but eventually bleached it. It's like new!

Would a local pottery shop (where it's made on sight) do it for a charge?

My Denby one is infinitely better than the dupes I've had before. The enamel is much more non-stick and the lid nice and tight so things don't dry out. They also do some lovely colours.

I chose it because it came top of a carefully researched comparison review, where it came out top - better than Le Creuset

Pro Cook are meant to be good and on offer

https://www.procook.co.uk/product/procook-cast-iron-casserole-28cm-7300ml-round-graduated-red-1

I bought one after a bunch of research, but only used it once so far so I can't speak to longevity.

(I use LC for everyday cooking, needed an extra large one for occasional hosting but couldn't justify LC prices for something I'll only use a couple of times a year)

The Aldi dupes are good, honestly I have transitioned to mainly cast iron (no enamel) and it’s so much better.

I always find enamel burns and sticks, even at low ish heat, with properly seasoned cast iron it’s like having non stick.

I have a couple of Sainsbury’s cast iron casserole pots that are coming up to 10 years old. The outer enamel has chipped on one of them but it’s still going strong. No they aren’t quite as good as le creuset but the price is worth it. Le Creuset do have a few outlet stores so might be worth seeing if there’s one near you for cheaper stuff

Sainsburys

Sainsburys definitely

Get a Staub
They are comparable/ better

Another vote for Sainsbury's / Habitat cast iron. I bought a black oval one recently for £30 (they were on sale as they're no longer doing black), and I've got a 22cm cream one I've been using happily for about 5 years now.

Really good value!