Are cast iron Le Creuset casserole dishes worth the money?

BitterAndTwisted

In my opinion, *massive (and possibly inaccurate) generalisation coming up* the people who buy pricey cookware brands for snob-value are the types who never use them for actual cooking but just have them in plain view for impressing other people. Now, my granny's tatty old casserole dish sees plenty of use. It won't win any prizes in a beauty contest, that's for sure

littlegreenparrot

I have a casserole pan that looks almost identical to Le Creuset that came from Aldi a couple of years ago. It's brilliant and gets used all the time.
They had more in the same range a few months ago, and I would have bought them if I had anywhere to put them : )
Its worth looking out for them.

ragz_2

I have a set of 4 and a set of 2 of the small pans (volcanic orange and dark blue in fact!). I tried to give one set to my Mum, but she gave them back as they were too heavy for her.
I use my pans every day, they are great but only because we were given them when we set up home and I have never needed many more. I use a stainless pan for pasta and potatoes though.
I would love a casserole pan, one thing I am missing...

But I am not sure they are worth spending a fortune on and if I were you I would definitely buy a cheaper version or pick up a few second hand.

hex2

I have an LC casserole that was a wedding present a scary 15 years ago. Lasted longer than the marriage, and one of the very few things I took. I still use it regularly.

I have since had a chasseur which I killed moving from fridge to hob after c5 years, and a cheapo Tesco one which already looks quite rough after maybe 3 years. Broken down to pence for use they have all done well, and I will continue to buy cast iron for as long as I can lift it.

I found the pans too heavy for me.

HOWMUCH

I am still using all my pans that I bought back in 1976 so to me well worth the cost.

timefortea

I cracked and bought one (was cheapish, and I had some Amazon vouchers - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/B000E3LK7A/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used). Does anyone have any good meat-free recipes?

BitterAndTwisted

You need Rose Elliott's "Complete Vegetarian Cookbook". Full of fantastic recipes. I picked mine up for two quid in a charity shop but perhaps one can be found second-hand on Amazon or ebay. One of the oven-baking recipes I use often is Melanzana alla Parmigiana aka aubergines baked in garlicy tomato sauce with cheeses on top. Very filling and delicious. I'll see if I can find the proper recipe here somewhere.

karenrel

I inherited 2 oval LC casseroles and they roast chicken and make stews fantastically! Don't think I would ever have spent that much on one but now, having used them for over 12 years second hand, would be lost without them and would defiantely replace with cast iron.

Incidnetally, on the Quick grabbit thread there is a House of Fraser cast iron pot on ebay for £18.99 free p+p - definatley worth grabbing!!!!!

GreenTricky

I have a casserole from Aldi as well and so far so good, will definately pick up another from the same range when they are in again

mummybearx

I just bought a cast iron 27cm casserole dish from House of Fraser on ebay. It's in the daily deals section. £65 down to £18.99.

Ordered yesterday morning and it was delivered this morning :j

I've always wanted Le Creuset, love them ,but the price...... I just cannot afford it. So I grabbed that bargain!

hth x