Le Creuset saucepans - which ones?

FelinePrincess

I have been desperate for some new saucepans for ages and now I'm thinking I might treat myself to some le creuset ones but wondering which ones are best? Cast iron, 3-ply or toughened non stick?

I do find non stick handy but know they don't usually last as long so maybe I should go for cast iron? Would love to hear any thoughts!

Hadley

I have the cast iron ones and have had them 14 years I would highly recommend them the only thing I would say is they are abit on the heavy side.Mine still look like new and I use them everyday I even had them shipped to the USA and back.

mandragora_2

I love my cast iron frying pan - you can sometimes pick up le creuset or similar at car boot sales - people buy them and then don't use them much because of the weight. I've had many a bargain from the tip, too! To be honest, I would invest in a decent 'cocotte' - ie something than can go in the oven as well as on the hob top and a good frying pan, where even spread of heat is important.

The only other pan I've used loads - and pretty much my first 'weapon of choice' is a really good, thick based steamer (aluminium)- I find I can do all the veg I need in there.

My pans consist of the steamer bought in a sale from a local store 15 years ago (£10), a frying pan rescued from the tip (50p) and a casserole/cocotte pan from a car boot sale (50p); I sometimes use the le creuset casserole pot I got in a sale (£20), but to be honest, probably far less than the others in my mis-matched but practical collection!

FelinePrincess

Thanks for the replies Think I am definitely going to get some of the cast iron ones, I am watching a few on ebay so will see how they go. Mandragora, you have got some great bargains there! My sister found a little le creuset frying pan in a skip - don't understand how anyone can throw these sorts of things away!

mandragora_2

Neither do I, but believe me, they do! Ebay can be quite pricey -especailly as they will be heavy to post. If you can bear to wait so that you either find a good bargain there, or, over time, somewhere like a recycling centre, car boot or jumble sale, it is worth it. In the meantime, get second-hand or hand-me-downs from relatives - because decent pans will last you a lifetime once you have them, and they will come along sometime over the next year or two, if you keep your eyes peeled!