Le Creuset - middle class nirvana or unnecessarily heavy con?

[PersonaNonGarter]

The Le Creuset from my wedding list (10yrs) is coming to it’s life end and tbh it hasn’t been a great ride. Each one is stained, with chipped handles, horrible to clean etc.

Do I repurchase at £££ or is there something better out there?

Con con con. But once conned you have to keep believing else you pause one day and realise just how much money you have wasted!

I’ve had mine for over 20 years. No damage.

Bought a new one 3 years ago, teen DDs and clumsy DH have managed to chip the outer edge. If they are looked after they will last for ages.

I got bye aldi one and was happy with it but less than a year later the coating on the bottom has worn off and everything sticks, DH offered a proper one but they didn't have a colour I liked on prime day.

I was given a Le Creuset non stick pan similar to this www.johnlewis.com/le-creuset-toughened-non-stick-shallow-frying-pan-20cm/p4901586 and it's by far the best pan I've ever owned. I use it for most things - curries, bolognese, chilli con carne, etc. I'm now convinced they're worth it.

The stoneware ones seem to always be in our local TK Maxx. I love the pale blue colours.

Nirvana!

Mine went to pot after ten years and I replaced it with the Sainsbury’s one, which I think was £35 but I paid for it with nectar points. Haven’t noticed any difference at all and I use it a lot.

Is it genuine Le Creuset? I’m another who can’t work out how you’ve managed to ruin it in 10 years. Mine is more likely to chip the slate floor than chip itself and any stains easily lift off with a little bio washing powder. Nirvana for me!

I’m very happy with my Aldi fakes but I’ve only had them a month or so so can’t comment on their longevity.

Have mixed feelings about my cast iron pots - dont know if they are better than other cast irons? The bottom ALWAYS burns on my ceramic hobs and they are so heavy and hard to wash. I utterly love my Le Creuset tri-ply plans though. 10 years in, used daily, look like new and the bottoms never burn.

I used to think expensive saucepans were a waste of money but bought some LeC after seeing an in store demo a few years ago. I absolutely love them and would definitely buy them again - although given how long some family members have had theirs I’m not sure I’ll ever need to!

I got rid of mine after 10 years (also wedding present) apart from the rectangular baking dish. Mainly because they were so heavy they killed my wrists. Had to get dh to help pick them up ffs. Much happier with hob/oven aluminium casseroles. So light, non stick and stay clean.

I do like my Le Creuset pots but they pale into insignificance when compared to my Aga pots. Aga pots are incredibly expensive, I think the small iron casserole pot is around £200. Worth every penny though.

I really love the cheaper cast aluminium aga pots too.

My Le Creuset casserole dish is over 40 years old and in perfect condition still. Heavy, yes, but very. very useful.

Ours are still going strong after 25 years of daily use. I'm sure that the newer Sainsbury's/other versions are as good now but back then there was no alternative that would have lasted so long.

I used to love mine but as I get older, they're just too heavy to manage.

Aga pots are incredibly expensive, I think the small iron casserole pot is around £200.

Your paying for the brand. You can buy converse canvas trainers for £50 or primark ones for £5, are the converse 10 times better? Or do you perceive them as being 10 times better?

I’ve had mine 30-plus years and they’re still going strong. Yes, there are a few stains, I mostly use them where fierce heat is required for browning, but that’s part of their patina!

I fully expect to be able to pass them on to my nearest and dearest when I shuffle off this mortal coil!

I have loads, but get it in TK Maxx/Homesense. They always have loads and it's a bargain.

Do they ever have the cast iron stuff? I’ve only ever seen the mugs and stoneware in TK Maxx/Homesense around here.

We have had our LC for 15 years and it is still going strong. We have the cast iron stuff I don’t rate their stone/ceramic stuff.

The cast iron stuff is not for me - too heavy even without anything in. But we have just bought the ceramic lined saucepans and they are LOVELY to use.

For casseroles - nirvana
As saucepans - pointless. Stainless steel do a better job more easily.

you can get much better alternatives from a camping store. I have a great pot which can be used on a campfire, the hob or in the oven and looks like it should weigh what Le Creuset does but is actually very lightweight with a price to match.

My kiwi ones are 16 years old and yes the inside bases are a bit battle scared but no where near end of life. I am coveting the new teal ones but currently saving for a new kitchen instead

I bought a BRILLIANT one from Ikea a few years ago...

I love Le Creuset ware. Unfortunately, it is now too heavy for me. I didn't think i would ever say that!