Imitation Le Creuset

Glastoun

Looking for cast iron pans, and while Le Creuset stuff hits the mark it can be heavy and expensive, not to mention heavily expensive. Although it would probably last forever.

Are there any other decent cast iron pans out there (non-stick)? Is cheap cast iron worth bothering with?

woodworm001

I have Le Creuset pans and the wok and they are heavy, but I like this as I can stir with one hand without having to hold the pan steady with my other hand (meaning I don't have to put my glass of wine down!).

My Le Creuset pans are not non-stick, I'm not sure I've seen any that are? (other than frying pans).

I know Sainsbury's do their own range of imitation Le Creuset and they look decent enough to me for a fraction of the price.

One thing you have to be careful with cast iron pans is not to put them in cold water straight after cooking as it can make the paint chip.

mandragora_2

Aldi do some good cast iron cookware from time to time, though the best place to get any cast iron can be car boot sales and recycling centres.

Over the years I've picked up several pieces, never paying more than a fiver a time. The very best one I have is a Belgian casserole which cost me 50p at a car boot sale. A little research on the net and I found it was an early piece from Descoware which ultimately was absorbed into the Le Creuset empire: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Descoware . Another similar manufacturer is Cousances, who also got absorbed into Le Creuset.

If, like me, you're not too bothered about the name, look for pieces that aren't chipped, and, if you're buying a pan, make sure the handle is in good condition and securely attached. Cast iron utensils are the sort of thing that people *think* they want, and often ask for them as wedding or other presents. As they're heavy to use, sometimes recipients find that they then don't like using them, so they stick them in a cupboard for around a decade before taking them along to a car boot sale... which is where I come in!

Leon_W

We've got a mixture of Le Creuset pans, casserole dishes and looky likey's and can't tell the difference. They're all heavy so also give the wife a workout while in use.


We did pick up a cream coloured cast iron frying pan in Ikea that was particularly cheap and can't fault it.

jackyann

I had a mixture of both at my wedding over 40 years ago. Le Creuset still in use; the similar stuff didn't last so well - gave up the ghost after about 20 years. So depends on your time-scale........

Callie22

Denby cast iron is pretty good for the price.

PlutoinCapricorn

I have just bought some Crofton cast iron/enamel pans from Aldi and they are wonderful.

Glastoun

Thanks for the suggestions - I saw the Crofton baby ramekins at Aldi and we might get some of those (3 for £10) but we already have something like the casserole dishes they sell.

I've come to the conclusion that there's no such thing as the perfect pan, especially when cooking on induction.