I recently partnered with Le Creuset to giveaway one of their amazing French Oven pots, the same one I own and love. I was so happy to be able to give one to one of my readers because I know that these expensive cookware items are hard to buy on a limited budget.
But like I said in my giveaway/review post, you won’t regret buying one (unless you mind how heavy-weight they are – that’s the only complaint I’ve ever heard about them.) The question for many of us is, how to buy them when they are so expensive? There are a variety of problems with leaching cookware, but enameled cast iron pots like Le Creuset are generally considered one of the safest choices. A healthy diet is not just confined to the food we eat, but what we cook in is also an important part of a low-toxic lifestyle, which is why this post is part of my 52 ways to save money on a healthy diet series.
I hope to start phasing out my cheap stainless steel pots –as they can leach nickel into food –but without a big budget for new kitchenware, this will take time. But I definitely am planning on buying them for as good of a deal as I can! I use my 7 1/4 French Oven pretty much every day, and I would love to have another at some point.
You can’t get away from them being an investment, but there are ways to save on them. I was lucky enough to buy mine for half off, for example. Here are some of the ways I know of to save big on Le Creuset.
Look for seconds
Seconds are Le Creuset pots that are completely useable, but have very small flaws, and as such, are marked down. They often have a red sticker on them. I have seen them at Le Creuset outlet stores. You can find a list of outlet stores here. While still spendy, they are generally significantly marked down. However, the best time to buy them is when they are doing a storewide sale. That’s when you can really get a steep discount.
We don’t have these two stores near us, but I’ve heard that both Marshall’s and TJ Maxx will sometimes sell seconds as well.
Look for discontinued colors
I got my French oven when a local kitchen store stopped carrying that color of Le Creuset, and was making room to bring in other colors. Keeping track of local kitchen deals and steals can be worth the trouble when shopping for bigger items, like Le Creuset – you just may have to be patient.
Check out Tuesday Morning
Tuesday morning features big brand names at big discounts, and some people buy all of the their Le Crueset there. I haven’t shopped there yet myself, but from what I understand, to get the best deals you should sign up for their email updates, and then get up there early on the sale day to ensure being able to buy what you want. This option is great for those who love the rush of Black Friday, because some locations can get rather hectic, from what I’ve heard.
Buy Used
If you are a thrift store and yard sale fanatic, obviously keeping an eye out for Le Creuset makes sense, though patience (and some luck!) will be your friend here. However, there are other options for buying used as well. You can use Craigslist to find local people selling specific items like Le Creuset. (I believe they have a feature that notifies you when a certain item in your area has been listed too!) Often people having a big garage sale will list their big items on Craigslist as well, and if Le Creuset is listed, you can always try to strike a deal before the date of the sale to ensure you get it. Ebay is also an avenue worth exploring! I checked what is listed right now, and there are some definite savings worth checking out. Just make sure you don’t spend your savings in shipping, considering that Le Creuset is heavy.
When buying Le Creuset, it would also be wise to keep a price list, so you can compare and see how good of a deal that specific piece really is. Looking at Amazon.com, and writing down the prices for the pieces you want is a good place to start, since they never sell full price there to start with.
What about other brands?
There are a couple of other brands of enameled cast iron pots, including Lodge Color Dutch Oven (the cast iron pot is made in the US, and then it is enameled in China), which is much, much cheaper. I have gone back and forth about purchasing one. Some who have both the Le Creuset and the Lodge say that they seem about the same. Others have had more problems with the Lodge enameling chipping, and/or feeling that the design isn’t as good. Others say that they work well, just won’t last as long as Le Creuset (which is more of a lifetime investment). Many are troubled that they are enameled in China, instead of France (which Le Creuset is). Martha Stewart has her own line that is also significantly cheaper than Le Creuset as well. It’s a hard call, but I am thinking about buying a second pot in another brand so that I can compare the two.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Do you own any enameled cast iron? Have any other tips for saving on them?
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I did wonder about getting an off-brand one & was advised by a kitchen store person (at Williams Sonoma) that it wasn’t worth it. I felt like they were being honest w/me. Years ago I saw tons of Le Creuset at Tuesday Morning – and had no idea what it was. Too bad. There is an outlet not too far from me & if you go with the discontinued colors or flawed ones you can save big. Didn’t know about whole store sales. Will have to keep my eye out.
Have you bought one yet, Jessie? I am in love with mine. 🙂
I actually received one as a wedding gift. I have not purchased another one, but if I do, I will go to an outlet store – there is one somewhat near me, but worth the drive for savings.
Out let store is great I can always buy a discontinued color or piece at 45% to 50% you can’t buy used for those prices!! Once in awhile I can find a deal on ebay but I take care of my tools!! Not like many people so an item Ive owned for years still looks new!!! No scrambling eggs with a fork in a pan!!
I love my Le Creuset! I have 3 of their pots and have gotten good deals on each of them.
My first was a 28 cm (7 1/4 qt) red French oven. I got it at Bed Bath and Beyond around Christmas time one year. They were having a free shipping on online orders sale, and also one of their ever-present 20% off coupons (but this one was applicable to online orders as well). You may also be able go in-store to order it when a free shipping promotion is going on and then use a 20% ticket then. I was lucky enough to have wedding gift card money so I actually didn’t have to pay anything out of pocket. Best wedding gift I received. 🙂
My second and third I got on eBay. I have an 18cm (about 2 qt) and 14 cm (about 3/4 qt) saucepans. I actually like the vintage style pot with the spout and wooden handle better than what Le Creuset currently makes. If buying on eBay, note that sizes are often listed by the number on the bottom which is the diameter in centimeters. You can use saved searches and watch lists to keep an eye on prices and recently listed items on eBay. This keeps the list of items from being overwhelming too. The best prices come from being willing to settle for less desirable colors. Save a few listings in your watch list to see how much they go for. Usually aqua, gray, red, and flame go for more than brown or yellow. Mostly be patient. Decide how much you’re willing to spend and wait for an auction that doesn’t have much activity. Cheers!
Great tips, Amy. Thanks so much for sharing!
Hi kimi, I buy my Le Crueset things out of TK Maxx a shop in Britian and they are usually half or 1/3 of the usual price! Just check every so often to see if they have a certain colour or different sets in.
Amy tried the Bed Bath and Beyond coupon. They said Le Creuset was excluded. I have 4 of these 500lb Flame Pots. I love love them. I bought mine at Williams-Sonoma. Worth every dollar. Le Creuset you get what you pay for Excellence. Making lots of memories and they will be past down to my kids.
Thanks Amy
Jules G.
I agree, there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t use something Le Creuset! My favorite is my giant skillet, although the smaller saucepan is a close second. While I would never suppose that a new off brand would pack the same punch as the real thing, I totally love my vintage Descoware pans. They are made in Belgium, and are my absolute favorite egg pans. They are enameled, and have wonderful non-stick properties. They also come in fun colors, like orange, red, and yellow. Since they are not as well known today, they sticker prices are usually lower at vintage shops or thrift stores. {this will give you a visual idea of what I am referring to: https://www.google.com/search?q=belgian+cast+iron+enamelware&client=firefox-a&hs=86e&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=LnS6UazvLoqXqgHXjoCoBA&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1280&bih=613}
Thanks for your wonderful posts Kimi, as always!
I really would love to get a large skillet from them too. I can think of a zillion ways I’d use it. 😉 Thanks for sharing the Descoware pans, they are really cute.
I have DBK Daniel Boulud Kitchen for a large Dutch oven and love it ! I also haveLeCeuset. The DBK is much heavier. I bought this on Amazon came from Canada Its black and I’ve had it for 5-6 yrs! No chipping and it’s soo heavy no steam gets lol
I have used a Kitchenaid enameled pot, and the enamel cracked and peeled off after only a few uses! I don’t recommend them, not sure if they come from China, but I suspect…….not a quality item, and quite a bit cheaper than Le Creuset.
Eeek! That’s not good. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I had no idea our Woodburn Outlet Mall had one of those stores there, of course its been years since I’ve been there. I got my dutch oven at TJ Maxx because I couldn’t afford the Le Creuset brand. Mine is a Cuisinart brand and I love love love it! I got it for $50 when originally it was close to $200!
Thanks for the recommendation, Chels! I didn’t even know that Cuisinart had a line of cast iron!
Is the Cuisnart as nice as the LaCruiset?
Hi Kim, I’ve always wanted one but wasn’t sure I would use it a lot. You wrote that you use it everyday. What type of cooking do you use it for? Mostly soups?
Thanks!
Lydia – I definitely use it a lot when making soups and stocks, however I also use it for making roast chicken or roast beef, or any type of braised dish. Or chicken pot pie (the type with biscuits on top), etc. It can be used for a lot of main dishes. 🙂
Ebay is a great place to find them as well, if you don’t mind used pots.
Yes! As mentioned in my post, I was impressed with what you can find on Ebay. Have you bought some there?
I own three purchased from Costco (Kirkland brand), the older one was made in China, my two newer ones(purchased last December) were made in France and are excellent quality. The price was right around $70.00 for a large dutch oven, which is why I bought two 😉
Good to know! Thanks, Suzy!
I have slowly been collecting pieces from a le creuset outlet and buying seconds on sale…but I would highly recommend Craigslist…my husband watched Craigslist religiously for them and this past December found someone who was selling off a full collection… They were 20 years old, been in storage for 10 years and very lightly used. He surprised me with 13 pieces, pretty much every size I could need, except the huge stockpot… And got them all for $400.
I was able to wipe out all our toxic cookware with that one gift he bought me… Though he waited over a year to find them, but his patience paid off! I love all my pieces and use them for everything!
That’s amazing, Jennifer! And good for him – that’s a beautiful gift so thoughtfully worked for.
He knew how much I wanted to clean up our cookware, but how expensive that transition could be… He also loves to cook, so he benefits also 🙂 but yes, the amount of effort he put into finding them meant a lot to me!
I have a very large Martha Stewart pot. I have to say it is much lighter weight and thinner than le creuset and does seem to chip easier. I still use that one a ton. It’s kind of nice that it’s not too heavy, but also easier to burn.
I purchased a 12″ Staub fry pan from Williams Sonoma about 3 years ago…I use it almost everyday and absolutely love it! No chipping, cracking, rust etc.
Thanks for the great post. I can see a Le Creuset french oven in my near future…hopefully at a discount!
I have two enameled dutch ovens. A 5qt Sur La Table that I got for $75 and a Lodge 6qt that was around $40. I love them both! I have had my Lodge for quite a few years now and have never had a problem with it. It it is certainly well made and has taken quite a beating without hardly any wear showing!
I HIGHLY recommend Sur La Table for affordable non-toxic cookware. I’ve been quite happy with their branded line of tri-ply stainless steel, anodized aluminum, and enameled cookware.
Thanks for sharing! I always wondered if Sur La Table’s enamel cast iron was any good 🙂
I got an enameled cast iron pot at Costco – it is Kirkland brand. I have used it for several years and it works great and I have had no chips. However, the inside light colored enamel has stained. Is that common? Is it okay to scrub them out with some Bar Keepers Friend?
I have a lovely red dutch oven, but the inner coating is peeling/chipping??? Can anything be done about this? Is is safe to use? I’m sure at some point a metal utensil was used in it, before I knew better – ick! Is it ruined?
I’ve been saving for years for a Dutch oven. I my be mistaken but I swear the times I’ve seen Le Cruset at TJMaxx that had a China stamp on it. I’ll only buy the full priced real thing.
Nicki,
My understanding is (though things might have changed) that the cast iron pieces are still made in France, while the stoneware and enamel on stainless steel are made in Asian countries. Let me know if you see anything different!
Good post! I drooled over the Le Crueset Dutch oven for years, but couldn’t handle the sticker shock. My husband finally found me a Lodge one on Amazon for $50. I use it almost everyday (stocks, stews, soups, braising roasts, pasta sauce, stir-fries) and treat it with kid gloves, but it STILL has little chips off the edges. Maddening, that. It also is quite stained on the inside, which I understand is common, but it still bugs me. I wouldn’t turn down another one – but I’d like to try the Le Crueset or the Staub.
Watch the Amazon Warehouse deals too… I got one that was returned & it didn’t have anything wrong with it and saved over $100.
Love, love ,love mine. They are over 20 years old and get used every day. The color is ugly yellow so when I have the money I’d love to replace them. Thanks for letting me know how I could get some new ones on my budget. The dutch oven is my favorite.
I found a set of Le Creuset (french oven, skillet, lidded pot) at a yard sale for $20. It was my best find ever! The woman hurt her wrist and couldn’t lift them any longer. I have since added a Lodge dutch oven and find it identical in use to my Le Creuset. I’ve had the Lodge for over three years and have had no problems with it. I use it daily!
I have a Lodge dutch oven and it chipped right away. It also has a crack on the inside. We contacted Lodge about it and they were no help. I still use it but I was very disappointed.
I have four pieces of Lodge cast iron that I use a lot and love. What is the benefit of the enamel cast iron over the plain cast iron?
Do you have any posts about arthritis and how to become pain-free. I heard about drinking gelatin and will try that. I have been in severe pain, especially through the night. I have seen my chiropractor numerous times with very little results. I am suffering from hip joint pain that radiates down my right leg and throbs in my calf and across the top of my foot. I learned that if it’s Rheumatoid Arthritis, that I need to avoid dairy, red meat and Nightshade items like tomatoes. I’m ready to do whatever it takes.
I have good luck using turmeric spice. Research for yourself and pray for guidance.
I’ve also had great results with turmeric (it should be used with black pepper since that activates it… I use Nature’s Sunshine’s Curcumin BP). I’ve also felt much better avoiding nightshades and dairy. Also work on deep breathing. A great massage therapist once explained to me how proper breathing (normal inhale, but slow exhale– and lengthen the exhale each time) will reduce the buildup of histamine. Research online and see what you can find.) I agree that prayer, above all, has helped me.
I am confused. Upon researching kitchenware last year, I read that Le Creuset had a small amount of lead in the glaze and therefore should be avoided. I have a few pieces and love them, but have not wanted to use them for this reason, do you have any different information?
I don’t have any Le Creuset but according to their website they are lead free. http://www.lecreuset.ca/Care–Use3/FAQs-for-Le-Creuset-Cast-Iron/
I don’t have any Le Creuset but according to their website they are lead free. http://www.lecreuset.ca/Care–Use3/FAQs-for-Le-Creuset-Cast-Iron/
On the other hand, there’s this complaint of one exploding in the oven and the company saying it wasn’t under lifetime warranty. http://www.mybeautifulbc.com/blogs/creusetExplodes.php#m
I bought this one in 2009, and have had no issues whatsoever. I have two LeCreuset (smaller sizes), and feel that it stand up closely in quality. And I only paid $35.00 at the time. Still a bargain at $65.00
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00113ITXU/ref=oh_details_o08_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I bought this one in 2009, and have had no issues whatsoever. I have two LeCreuset (smaller sizes), and feel that it stand up closely in quality. And I only paid $35.00 at the time. Still a bargain at $65.00, although I see shipping is high. I got free shipping when I ordered mine too!!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00113ITXU/ref=oh_details_o08_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have always wanted one. I have seen them at TJ Maxx but have only been able to look at them fondly. I too have been wanting to change out my cookware to safer alternatives.
@Norma~ If you get a new one, I will gladly take your ugly yellow one 🙂
I have an eight year old teapot purchased at TJ Maxx that is in near new condition, a nine quart pot purchased at Bloomingdales six years ago that looks amazing and a brand new 5 quart pot from Home Goods.
The best deal was Bloomingdales, believe it or not. I got it during a friends and family event and received 50% plus 20% off. Sign up on their site for F&F events and shop only then. I find that the high end stores have the best sales.
I bought a “Cuisinart” french oven at Home Goods and I couldn’t be happier with it!! less than 1/2 the price of the “Le Creuset” and the same size….
Family purchased the Martha Stewart version for me for a wedding gift. That was 6 years ago. It was my first dutch oven so there’s been a learning curve. The more I use it the more I love it, which is why I now want a Le Creuset! I’d like to know if the L.C. interior holds its finish/color. That is my only negative feeling about the cheaper version – the creamy colored inside is now a dark, brown/grey color that is not appealing. I expect food to stick more and more over time. Can anyone tell me about the interior finish and it if stays the same?
I had both Le Creuset and Lodge, and Lodge actually rusted (I didn’t realize it was chipping…the quality is definitely different)
Just got ours through an online special from 6pm.com – Le Creuset 5 qt oval French oven for $119 – I consider it a steal deal! We always wanted to get one, and we are amazed at the quality, performance and ease of use of the product. We got the flame color – it looks amazing in our kitchen or counter top.
Other stores/ online shops (besides Amazon) one might like to consider: Crate&Barrel, Zappos, Rakuten, William-Sonoma (I get 20-30% off coupons all the time), Macy’s etc.
The next best brand according to me would Staub.
I’ve purchased several from Amazon during their lightning deals for an amazing price. Down side to that is that you have to stay on top of when the deal is being released and then ready when it is. If you have the time though, it’s a great resource! I love my Le Creuset!
I love my LeCreuset pans, but have had two crack a good sized chunk of the porcelain off. The beauty of LeCreuset is that you send it back to them and they send you a new one, or your old one fixed. I couldn’t tell, but it came back same color with no chips… You pay shipping back to them, though, which isn’t exactly cheap, but way less than buying a mew pan…
Hi! I love my LeCreuset. We have an outlet here in Birmingham Alabama and that’s where I purchase mine. I have also have their stainless cookware which is wonderful as well. When you purchase any cookware at the outlets they mail you a coupon every time there is a sale, it is usually a 30% off coupon. My first piece of the enamelware was a blue they were discontinuing…which I don’t mind. 🙂
I have 2 pots, one I got half price at the seconds store, and the other from TJ Maxx, again at a good discount. I was at TJ yesterday, and saw a good collection of pots.
I have just purchased a Cuisinart 7 guart Dutch Oven at TJ Max, for $69.99 less a $20.00 gift card in red.
I took a chance because I can’t pay the price for the LeCreuset. I have used it twice now, only in the oven because I have a glass top electric range. Worked wonderful, and cleaned up nicely. I did not do my
homework before purchase, as I did not know it is not good to use them on a glass top range. To bad
I like to braise. Hope the Cuisinart holds up, if not I will be shopping for the LeCreuset.
Amazing deals on Ebay if you are looking for 20 – 24 piece cookware sets.
Just simply search for “Le Creuset 20 piece set”
It must be half of the cost if you were to buy individually!!
I am a HUGE Le Creuset lover and owner. I have a ton of the cast iron pieces in every shape and size. Plus a lot of the stoneware as well. I can’t not say enough good things about this brand!!! I have an outlet just a mile away from me. The ladies know me was I shop in there way too often. : ) The outlet store have AMAZING deals compared to TJ Maxx or Marshalls. I just bought a 6.5 QT dutch oven, first quality as it was as discontinued color from William Sonoma for 125.00. It sold for 425.00 at WS as the price tag was still on it. If you ever had a chance to visit an outlet store GO!!!!!!
Caribbean Blue
I was visiting our kids in the DC area and found Le Creuset outlet at the Leesburg Outlets. It was their annual sale. I spent around $207 the first day and got 25% off store wide, one piece was 50% off (roster), 40%(11.34 oval dish), 2 spatulas med, lg, 1 silicone handle potholder. I saved $157.61. Then I surfed the net and called the store back. I asked the price for the 5 piece set. On line it was around $425 theirs was $357. So we went and I upgraded from the 3.5 qt to the 5.5 qt French oven w/lid, 1.34 qt saucepan w/lid and got 2 skillets(2nds)l the lid from the oven fits one of the skillets and got 2 silicone trivet and 1 handle pot holder. It came to $458.25 + tax 27.51 = $485.76 saved $246.75! The girl at the store said the more you spend the bigger discount you get. She remembered me from the day before. I have since found Birch Run Outlets in MI which is an hour away. I will try there or online for the 2.5 qt saucepan pan, tea kettle, and maybe the 3.5 qt French oven and that should hold me. The sales clear said that after Christmas they have their early sale. I feel I got a huge discount between the two $404.36.
I had a Calphalon set but after cooking for 8 kids, 9 grandkids, and a whole host of family my pot died with no finish left. I am looking for a healthier way to cook. I think I already have a few kids in line to pass this down to. I’ve only cooked oatmeal and soup so far but I love the lids with the hole and fast it cooks and then keeps food warm for quite a while. I will scout out Homegoods, Marshall’s, TJ Max, WS to keep an eye out for more discounts.
I have been eyeing there items for years. I love our old cast iron skillets and thought this was the next logical step. I didn’t want anything made in China as I do not trust what chemicals they would use. Martha’s line got recalled. Lodge is made here and enameled in China. Choice was made. Happy Cooking.
We purchased our set 17 years ago this May. We have not ever had to replace any of the pieces and I use it nearly 5 to 6 times a week. We did purchase them as a set which reduced the price, but were able to substitute some of the pieces for an upgraded charge. We purchased them over a sale weekend. It was still pricey, however, the fact that I’ve never had to replace anything and have watched friends on countless occasions spend anywhere between $70-$150 a year on replacing pieces Of other types of cookware this has been well worth the investment. Plus it still has lots of years of life left. So to date this investment broke down to $48.25 a year.
I didn’t read through all the comments to see if anyone mentioned it, but they carry these at Home Goods as well.
I have something from Wal-Mart. I think the brand is Better Homes and Gardens. Does anyone know if it is the same thing? It’s big, it’s yellow, it’s heavy and coated. I love the color of the one in your article.
Joelle,
I’m thinking it’s a different brand then Le Creuset. 🙂
does the cast iron pots used need to be enamelled? I was considering just getting pots without the enalmel, like camping pots. I thought I’d absorb more iron that way and avoid worrying about chipping and much cheaper too. I was just going to make sure it remains well seasoned to prevent rust and sticking……
Hey Liz,
I use cast iron skillets all the time! You just have to be careful not to simmer acidic food in it for too long.
Hi, thanks for the great article. I just scored a whole vintage set of Le Creuset on Craigslist and it has a couple of the saucepans with the spout. You mention that you like that style. What do you like to use it for? Does it retain a lot of liquid or is a lot evaporated because of the spout? I’m excited to start experimenting but just curious about your experience.
I’ve shopped at our local Le Creuset outlet so much that every one of the sales ladies knows me…and I’m in the VIP list (aka get a discount every day even if there are no sales and I sometimes get special coupons in the mail). I started buying it before I got married and when we got married I registered for our “find China” at Le Creuset. I joke that they should come and photograph our kitchen for an advertisement. The sales ladies and I have a game where we try to find something I don’t already own when I go to the store (there are plenty of items I don’t own but not much left that I feel like I need!). We even have a few inherited descoware pieces (Le Creuset bought them to get the technology for the bright colors). I force my close friends to register for a few items at Le Creuset when they get married so I can share the love. Last Black Friday the ladies let me shop ahead of time and set everything aside so on Black Friday I could just come in and pay for it! I go out of my way to find good deals and keep a stockpile of gifts on hand for housewarmings or other random events. I can’t speak enough good things about the brand.
After searching eBay, Craigslist, Amazon etc. for a great buy I decided to call the outlet store. I was looking for a 6.75 qt round wide French oven. Lo and behold they had it! Two colors at 50% off and a few others at 30% off! I was able to buy it over the phone (gotta take a leap of faith and trust the sales person) and pick it up later in the week. (Yes, they take returns) Unfortunately, the outlet in my state is 2 hours from where I live. The sales associate let me know that they take phone orders and ship items all the time. I’m so pleased with the price I paid! $187 after tax for a pot with msrp of $495! Be sure to call an outlet store before pulling the trigger on that eBay deal! I was told shipping for my item would have been $25, seems reasonable considering how heavy that thing is!
Also note, the outlet is left over colors. My store said they almost never carry seconds. Biggest disappointment about the outlet store is that they will likely never have neutral colors such as dune and white due to their popularity.
Thanks so much for sharing your story! Very helpful. 🙂
Always one the lookout for Lecreuset at thrift stores and flea markets. Love to cook. I am very proud of Lecreuset collection I have accumulated in the past two years. I have six french ovens: two 4.5 qts, a 6 3/4 qts, 7.5 qt, 5.5 qt, a 5 qt braiser, three vintage spouts with wooden handles and lids, a stock pot, a grill pan, saute pan vintage with a wooden handle. My collection is a rainbow collection because of the prices and hubby is Hispanic so it is easier to call the color rather than the quart. I would love to have one color in red one day soon, but right now money is tight since I am in graduate school. For my current collection of ten le creuset items, I have paid $75 plus tax.
I love Le Creuset cookware. I own the dutch ovens, 7.5 quart, 9 quart, 2.5 quart and 3 quart. I use these items all of the time. they are not only safe to use on the stove, bu the oven too.
Their tea kettles are amazing too.
I am a regular at the outlet where I live. the ladies know me by name. I love the product so much that I got a part time job there for the discount so that I can build up my collection even faster.
The products are amazing and will last a lifetime and then some to pass on to someone else.
I also love the stoneware. It is mostly non stick and super easy to clean.
They are always having sales on different items each month. Be on the lookout and you can find some super buys.
Try the overseas European Amazon sites. With favorable exchange rates, even with shipping, I’ve found European made products cheaper through them.
I would be very wary of buying lodge & lodge having its enamel baking done in china as they have been poisoning us for decades I on the other hand trust companys that do their own quality control in china only buying what passes & leaving the rest of the junk enamel is great but if its not done right baked at a high enough temperature you run the risk of chiping as I cook ill be paying for high quality cast iron enamel coated cookware not junk but that’s whats so good about having a lifetime warranty they will stand behind their products because they know their great