Le Creuset Cookware Reviews

My husband purchased a Le Crueset enamel coated cast iron dutch oven last year.  I try to cook with it as often as I can; stews, soups, and sauces.  I honestly believe that the food not only cooks better and faster but tastes that much better than when I made it in a stainless steel pot.  It retains heat and browns meats and vegetables wonderfully.  The food I have cooked in it cooks much faster.  Several of my family members own some Le Crueset and they love all their pieces. 

There are two concerns people may have. The price and the care insrtuctions.  Le Crueset products are rather costly...

Le Creuset. I've been using mine for about ten years now; all of my pots cook just as well as they did when I bought them and still look beautiful...and I use them a lot. My one and only gripe: having bought some of my collection used (and, unfortunaltely, abused) on eBay, I have seen that improper clean up can ruin these pans. DO NOT use the abrasive side of the kitchen sponge when cleaning these. Soak them and wipe them clean with a soft sponge. If you lose the glossiness of the finish on the inside of the pan, it's quasi-nonstick properties are over, the pot/pan is ruined.

This is the one item I would run over to the store and buy again if it ever broke.  I have had mine for over 10 years and it still looks new.  I use it at least once a week for stews, soups or roasts.  I love it.  It cooks evenly, cleans easily and the food does not come out as good when I use a different pot.  Not sure how to explain it, but it does.

In my earlier life I owned copper bottomed Revereware and Pampered Chef's early cookware.  Both left me wanting something else, but I was not willing to spend money on more expensive versions of what I found wanting. I knew about Le Creuset from cooking magazines and books, but it seemed like a big investment. My husband suggested I cook use his cast iron camping cookware.  Nice, but I hated caring for the stuff.  Four years ago I took the plunge and bought a starter set from Penneys. I have not once regretted the decision. 

Yes, this cookware is heavy.  If you aren't able to pick this...

I have one piece of this cookware.  It is the 5 quart buffet casserole.

I use it for everything. Stews, pasta sauces, pepper steak, stuffed cabbages, ect.

Yes, it's heavy, and at my age getting heavier, but I wouldn't give it up for anything, and when I can't lift it any longer, I'll have my husband do it.

I will pass this on the my daughter.