Be my shopping coach: casserole edition (not in US)
July 15, 2016 5:35 AM Subscribe
So, I've wanted a Le Creuset-type casserole for a long time ... like 20 years. I've decided I'll finally get one for my birthday, But, DECISIONS. I want blue. My imaginary wonderful casserole I use all the time and cherish has always been blue or teal (why I mention this a bit later). I've come down to two, maybe three choices, which are: cheaper but highly rated, very highly rated but quite a bit more expensive, and very highly rated but much more expensive. (the last is a variation on the second)
All are 5 quart/litre size. The more expensive two are the same, but one has a steamer insert which is very pricey when bought separately (probably be around $90 US for me with tax and shipping, if I wanted to get it later).
The first is Lodge Color, which is highly recommended, but a) is a cheaper manufacturing process (just two coats of enamel, made in China) plus would only cost $60 if I were buying in the US. Since I'm not in the US, it would cost me $140 with VAT and shipping, which feels like too much for this.
I really would rather have the Staub, which is made in France with multiple layers of enamel, and many say is better than Le Creuset. The one without the steamer insert would cost me $240 US with VAT and shipping. The one with the steamer insert would cost me $298 US with VAT and shipping.
But I've never spent that much on something that wasn't furniture, or didn't have a motor or a motherboard, so I'm kind of stuck trying to decide. I should also note that I can get other colors of the Staub for a little less (the black and red, I think are about 20 euros cheaper), but I want to be delighted every day to look at it, and another color will be a little bit of regret each time, so I'm going to stick to my blue or teal choice.
(some quick notes: this is not the sort of thing you can pick up in a charity shop around these parts; it would probably be used at least twice a week; I really have no idea how much I'd use the steamer insert; I've read the Sweethome "best Dutch Oven" post.)
I've been dithering about this way, waaay too long, and probably need a shopping coach, so I'm asking what Ask Metafilter users think would be the wisest choice (including "other" or "none").
All are 5 quart/litre size. The more expensive two are the same, but one has a steamer insert which is very pricey when bought separately (probably be around $90 US for me with tax and shipping, if I wanted to get it later).
The first is Lodge Color, which is highly recommended, but a) is a cheaper manufacturing process (just two coats of enamel, made in China) plus would only cost $60 if I were buying in the US. Since I'm not in the US, it would cost me $140 with VAT and shipping, which feels like too much for this.
I really would rather have the Staub, which is made in France with multiple layers of enamel, and many say is better than Le Creuset. The one without the steamer insert would cost me $240 US with VAT and shipping. The one with the steamer insert would cost me $298 US with VAT and shipping.
But I've never spent that much on something that wasn't furniture, or didn't have a motor or a motherboard, so I'm kind of stuck trying to decide. I should also note that I can get other colors of the Staub for a little less (the black and red, I think are about 20 euros cheaper), but I want to be delighted every day to look at it, and another color will be a little bit of regret each time, so I'm going to stick to my blue or teal choice.
(some quick notes: this is not the sort of thing you can pick up in a charity shop around these parts; it would probably be used at least twice a week; I really have no idea how much I'd use the steamer insert; I've read the Sweethome "best Dutch Oven" post.)
I've been dithering about this way, waaay too long, and probably need a shopping coach, so I'm asking what Ask Metafilter users think would be the wisest choice (including "other" or "none").
Le Creuset has a teal color. I have an oval one from Le Creuset that is teal and was the best gift ever and is the workhorse of my kitchen. I recommend it!
posted by slateyness at 5:53 AM on July 15, 2016
posted by slateyness at 5:53 AM on July 15, 2016
I've had that exact Lodge (even the blue!) for five years and it's still like new. I use it so often in the winter that it lives on the stovetop all season long. I always wanted a Le Creuset but couldn't pull the trigger on the cost - I finally decided to give the Lodge a try, given how affordable it was. I figured I'd have to go through four or five of them in a lifetime to make it a less good idea than the Le Crueset, financially.
However, I'm in the US, where it cost me $60. If you can get something a lot better for less than double the cost, and you have birthday money, and you've wanted one for decades - get what you want. I've never once in my life regretted buying an expensive version of something I've coveted for a long time.
posted by something something at 5:53 AM on July 15, 2016 [6 favorites]
However, I'm in the US, where it cost me $60. If you can get something a lot better for less than double the cost, and you have birthday money, and you've wanted one for decades - get what you want. I've never once in my life regretted buying an expensive version of something I've coveted for a long time.
posted by something something at 5:53 AM on July 15, 2016 [6 favorites]
Buy yourself the tool that will delight you.
Anecdata: I did something very similar a year or two ago. I treated myself to a Le Creuset two-quart casserole in a golden yellow, plus a high-temperature knob for the lid. It was exactly what I wanted. It sparks joy. When I open the oven door to take it out with its cozy one-pot meal bubbling inside, I remember that I love this shade of yellow, and I remember the time I let myself spend money on myself for something I wanted, not a substitute or a hand-me-down or "good enough" from a charity shop. I bought it for life.
posted by dywypi at 5:53 AM on July 15, 2016 [36 favorites]
Anecdata: I did something very similar a year or two ago. I treated myself to a Le Creuset two-quart casserole in a golden yellow, plus a high-temperature knob for the lid. It was exactly what I wanted. It sparks joy. When I open the oven door to take it out with its cozy one-pot meal bubbling inside, I remember that I love this shade of yellow, and I remember the time I let myself spend money on myself for something I wanted, not a substitute or a hand-me-down or "good enough" from a charity shop. I bought it for life.
posted by dywypi at 5:53 AM on July 15, 2016 [36 favorites]
I would eliminate the third option off the bat. A steamer basket (assuming you even need one) is nice but not 40 euro nice.
posted by Karaage at 5:55 AM on July 15, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by Karaage at 5:55 AM on July 15, 2016 [3 favorites]
I think it's worth the money to get the one you want. You will LOVE cooking in the Staub, and honestly they are so well made, that it would likely be the last casserole you will ever need to buy. If you don't think you'll need the steamer basket, you could skip it and put the money toward something awesome to cook in your new shiny casserole.
posted by dorkydancer at 5:57 AM on July 15, 2016
posted by dorkydancer at 5:57 AM on July 15, 2016
Ah yes, the steamer basket – go to a local Asian supermarket (as in Chinese/Japanese/Thai/Vietnamese/Cambodian) and get a bamboo steamer in the right diameter for two or three euros :)
posted by fraula at 5:57 AM on July 15, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by fraula at 5:57 AM on July 15, 2016 [3 favorites]
I would not pay $50 extra for the steamer insert. There are a lot of ways to steam things and none of them require a $50 insert.
But I would totally get the Le Creuset version (or the Staub) in the color you like best. I received the Le Creuset Dutch Oven for my wedding and we use it all the time and depth of color continually delights me. With that and two cast iron frying pans, I'm basically totally set.
posted by chocotaco at 5:57 AM on July 15, 2016
But I would totally get the Le Creuset version (or the Staub) in the color you like best. I received the Le Creuset Dutch Oven for my wedding and we use it all the time and depth of color continually delights me. With that and two cast iron frying pans, I'm basically totally set.
posted by chocotaco at 5:57 AM on July 15, 2016
I inherited my Moms white Le Creuset set 15 years ago. My set is red. I just combined the two sets together and they look great!
Consider getting the piece you want in white if they no longer make your exact blue - you will not be disappointed.
P.S. - QVC carries Le Crueset and many of their pieces are on special "easy pay" - meaning you can divide the cost in monthly installments as long as you have a credit card. It does not cost to become a member of QVC. I have ordered many of the newer pieces from them - always first quality - it's the best!
posted by pamspanda at 6:12 AM on July 15, 2016
Consider getting the piece you want in white if they no longer make your exact blue - you will not be disappointed.
P.S. - QVC carries Le Crueset and many of their pieces are on special "easy pay" - meaning you can divide the cost in monthly installments as long as you have a credit card. It does not cost to become a member of QVC. I have ordered many of the newer pieces from them - always first quality - it's the best!
posted by pamspanda at 6:12 AM on July 15, 2016
Imagine yourself in 10 years' time. Which is more likely for you:
1. Here I am taking a casserole out of the oven. It looks delicious and will feed my family. I don't care what kind of pan it is and I'm so glad I saved that hundred dollars. This is fine, really.
2. Ooooooh I love this pan every time I use it!! It makes me happy just to see it; it's exactly what I always wanted. I'm glad I splurged on my birthday.
My rule when shopping is that if you truly have an emotional reaction, then you should get that one regardless of the price. If you don't care, then don't get it.
posted by CathyG at 6:13 AM on July 15, 2016 [7 favorites]
1. Here I am taking a casserole out of the oven. It looks delicious and will feed my family. I don't care what kind of pan it is and I'm so glad I saved that hundred dollars. This is fine, really.
2. Ooooooh I love this pan every time I use it!! It makes me happy just to see it; it's exactly what I always wanted. I'm glad I splurged on my birthday.
My rule when shopping is that if you truly have an emotional reaction, then you should get that one regardless of the price. If you don't care, then don't get it.
posted by CathyG at 6:13 AM on July 15, 2016 [7 favorites]
I would skip the steamer insert, there are other ways to steam things, and most people don't steam things very often anyway.
I have two Le Creuset pots and one that is either the Lodge or another cheaper brand that was highly rated at the time. The Le Creuset versions are just plain better -- the enamel is better, the handles are better, and the weight balance is better. I care because I have ended up using them all the time; this would not matter much if you just use it once a month.
But if you are going to use it often, I'd save up the money to get the nice version that genuinely makes you happy, whether that is the Staub or another brand. The extra cost spread over years of use is not going to be bad. (And I don't know where you are, but when I was buying my Le Creuset it was cheaper to buy locally on sale than it was to mail-order because of the shipping costs. Even a slightly cheaper price helps a lot, whether that is a local sale or an online store with tighter margins.)
posted by Dip Flash at 6:14 AM on July 15, 2016 [1 favorite]
I have two Le Creuset pots and one that is either the Lodge or another cheaper brand that was highly rated at the time. The Le Creuset versions are just plain better -- the enamel is better, the handles are better, and the weight balance is better. I care because I have ended up using them all the time; this would not matter much if you just use it once a month.
But if you are going to use it often, I'd save up the money to get the nice version that genuinely makes you happy, whether that is the Staub or another brand. The extra cost spread over years of use is not going to be bad. (And I don't know where you are, but when I was buying my Le Creuset it was cheaper to buy locally on sale than it was to mail-order because of the shipping costs. Even a slightly cheaper price helps a lot, whether that is a local sale or an online store with tighter margins.)
posted by Dip Flash at 6:14 AM on July 15, 2016 [1 favorite]
The Le Creuset version is only 40 euros more than your most expensive option from the Italian LC site. I would be tempted to go straight for that, the Marseille Blue colour is lovely.
Otherwise, I'd go for the middle option. But I have a LC casserole dish and it's the shit.
posted by corvine at 6:24 AM on July 15, 2016
Otherwise, I'd go for the middle option. But I have a LC casserole dish and it's the shit.
posted by corvine at 6:24 AM on July 15, 2016
Imagine yourself in 10 years' time. Which is more likely for you:
1. Here I am taking a casserole out of the oven. It looks delicious and will feed my family. I don't care what kind of pan it is and I'm so glad I saved that hundred dollars. This is fine, really.
2. Ooooooh I love this pan every time I use it!! It makes me happy just to see it; it's exactly what I always wanted. I'm glad I splurged on my birthday.
Or possibly a third option:
3. Ugh, I wish I had bought the nicer pan, but this one works ok and a new one is expensive, so I guess I am stuck with it.
If there is going to be an emotional component to this (and if the pot is going to be displayed as decoration rather than just used for cooking), I'd listen to those emotions. Some things are purely functional and you don't care as long as it works, and other things, for whatever reason, aren't so simple.
posted by Dip Flash at 6:34 AM on July 15, 2016 [4 favorites]
1. Here I am taking a casserole out of the oven. It looks delicious and will feed my family. I don't care what kind of pan it is and I'm so glad I saved that hundred dollars. This is fine, really.
2. Ooooooh I love this pan every time I use it!! It makes me happy just to see it; it's exactly what I always wanted. I'm glad I splurged on my birthday.
Or possibly a third option:
3. Ugh, I wish I had bought the nicer pan, but this one works ok and a new one is expensive, so I guess I am stuck with it.
If there is going to be an emotional component to this (and if the pot is going to be displayed as decoration rather than just used for cooking), I'd listen to those emotions. Some things are purely functional and you don't care as long as it works, and other things, for whatever reason, aren't so simple.
posted by Dip Flash at 6:34 AM on July 15, 2016 [4 favorites]
I give you permission to treat yourself and get the exact one you've wanted for 20 years, no matter how much it costs.
posted by jeweled accumulation at 6:37 AM on July 15, 2016 [11 favorites]
posted by jeweled accumulation at 6:37 AM on July 15, 2016 [11 favorites]
I cannot imagine a world in which my choice vessel for steaming something would be a cast iron pot. The point of using cast iron is even heating and lots of thermal mass, whereas for steaming, you want something that's going to come to a boil quickly, which is, you know, not cast iron, because first you have to heat up all that iron.
posted by jacquilynne at 6:39 AM on July 15, 2016 [9 favorites]
posted by jacquilynne at 6:39 AM on July 15, 2016 [9 favorites]
Team Staub. Received one as a gift many years ago, we use it constantly and it's a joy to cook with. No signs of wear, and I tend to not be gentle in the kitchen. It's so well crafted and just downright gorgeous that I give a little purr of delight every time I take it out of the cabinet.
posted by spinturtle at 6:40 AM on July 15, 2016
posted by spinturtle at 6:40 AM on July 15, 2016
I mean, I can imagine that world, but it would be a post-apocalyptic dystopia in which I had to do all my cooking in a fire pit and I only had the one pot.
posted by jacquilynne at 6:40 AM on July 15, 2016 [5 favorites]
posted by jacquilynne at 6:40 AM on July 15, 2016 [5 favorites]
Response by poster: The thing with the steamer is not so much that you use the cast iron casserole as a steamer, but that you put your meat or fish or whatever on the bottom, and the steamer on the top of that and cook it all together (some images in this vid, which is not where I first saw it, but can't find what I was looking for). Still don't know how much I would actually do that ... could go either way.
posted by taz at 6:50 AM on July 15, 2016
posted by taz at 6:50 AM on July 15, 2016
Yeah, like a tagine or whatever (with the steamer). I'd skip it because I don't do that kind of cooking, and also I don't want to store that extra bit of kit until I decide to try it.
But I'm definitely on board with the other advice to go for the better, prettier option. You'll have and enjoy this thing for decades. That's worth the premium.
posted by notyou at 7:01 AM on July 15, 2016
But I'm definitely on board with the other advice to go for the better, prettier option. You'll have and enjoy this thing for decades. That's worth the premium.
posted by notyou at 7:01 AM on July 15, 2016
Get what you love. Don't get the steamer. Don't get the Lodge.
I have two red Lodge (because I live in the US and can get them super cheap) and both have chipped enamel on the underside of the handles after 8 years of constant use. How it happened and in such a weird place, I don't know. I purchased both new within 6 months of each other and while the chipping is a slight disappointment, I still love using them.
posted by tipsyBumblebee at 7:06 AM on July 15, 2016
I have two red Lodge (because I live in the US and can get them super cheap) and both have chipped enamel on the underside of the handles after 8 years of constant use. How it happened and in such a weird place, I don't know. I purchased both new within 6 months of each other and while the chipping is a slight disappointment, I still love using them.
posted by tipsyBumblebee at 7:06 AM on July 15, 2016
If you can afford any of the options then just pick whichever you like best - these things last for nearly ever (currently regularly use an enameled LC dutch oven regularly that my dad bought in probably the 70s which was dropped at some point in the 80s and has a crack in the exterior enameling that does not affect its function).
cost-per use over the lifetime of the cookware makes this decision more about what you want and less about how much they seem to cost (right now).
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 7:16 AM on July 15, 2016
cost-per use over the lifetime of the cookware makes this decision more about what you want and less about how much they seem to cost (right now).
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 7:16 AM on July 15, 2016
I still can't imagine cooking like that video suggests in a cast iron casserole. If I'm making stew (a perfectly useful application of cast iron casserole), I am not making so little stew that there's room to also add a steamer basket on top of my stew, nor am I planning to cook it at a temperature or for a length of time I think is particularly appropriate for steaming vegetables. And when it comes to fillets of fish, again, I am not cooking them in a cast iron casserole, because that makes no real sense to me. (Cast iron skillet, extensively pre-heated, maybe. But even that seems like loading in a lot of thermal mass for something that isn't going to draw a lot of heat out in the cooking process.)
posted by jacquilynne at 7:23 AM on July 15, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by jacquilynne at 7:23 AM on July 15, 2016 [2 favorites]
I came in here to say "go with real Le Creuset, nothing else compares, and I know they make a blue one because I have it", but The Sweethome picked Lodge as their favorite and I trust their testing. They didn't like the Staub as much, though they said the differences were overall fairly minimal.
posted by capricorn at 7:36 AM on July 15, 2016
posted by capricorn at 7:36 AM on July 15, 2016
In your shoes I'd get the Staub, with or without steamer, assuming you use it at least twice per month. It's a cost per use thing; you use kitchen equipment a lot and this piece will last forever, so the difference is pennies per use, if that. Plus, whatever makes cooking fun is worth it-- it's a lot of hours out of your life, and you save money by not going out. That last bit is rationalization, I know.
Personally I try not to get equipment for stuff I haven't been doing, thinking I'll use it down the road, because I probably won't. If I got the steamer, I would make sure to use it right off the bat. It might be fantastic.
posted by BibiRose at 7:38 AM on July 15, 2016
Personally I try not to get equipment for stuff I haven't been doing, thinking I'll use it down the road, because I probably won't. If I got the steamer, I would make sure to use it right off the bat. It might be fantastic.
posted by BibiRose at 7:38 AM on July 15, 2016
I just got a Midnight Grey 24cm Le Cresuset literally yesterday, courtesy of Amazon Prime Day, for the disgustingly cheap price of 97€. While I was waiting the 24 hrs for delivery, I had a minor obsession going through all the various national Le Creuset websites and the UK site had this and this combo deal that I've been salivating over; if you've got anyone in the UK or Ireland that might be a good deal.
You might try keeping an eye on the Amazon warehouse deals; there's currently a black version of the first Staub you linked for €137,66.
I've had my eye on both Staub and Le Creuset for a while, and only pulled the trigger the other day because it was to good of a deal to pass up (I didn't buy a Le Creuset 10qt stockpot that was on sale while i was in the US in January, and it's haunted my dreams ever since.). I too was more partial to the blue or teal colors as well. Now that I have physical possession, it's really really nice; Midnight Grey is almost black, with a bit of a sparkle.
Go for the Staub or the Le Creuset; those lifetime warranties are worth it, IMO.
posted by romakimmy at 7:56 AM on July 15, 2016 [2 favorites]
You might try keeping an eye on the Amazon warehouse deals; there's currently a black version of the first Staub you linked for €137,66.
I've had my eye on both Staub and Le Creuset for a while, and only pulled the trigger the other day because it was to good of a deal to pass up (I didn't buy a Le Creuset 10qt stockpot that was on sale while i was in the US in January, and it's haunted my dreams ever since.). I too was more partial to the blue or teal colors as well. Now that I have physical possession, it's really really nice; Midnight Grey is almost black, with a bit of a sparkle.
Go for the Staub or the Le Creuset; those lifetime warranties are worth it, IMO.
posted by romakimmy at 7:56 AM on July 15, 2016 [2 favorites]
Sorry if this is a stupid question, but have you checked other sites? Amazon.fr seems to be having a sale. I haven't checked whether those items ship internationally though, or how much they cost. Also the best prices are for 24 and 28 cm, but not for 26.
Depending on where you are and if you happen to have travel plans in the near future to one of the countries amazon has free delivery to, you might compromise with yourself that way :-)
And if you still feel uncomfortable with the price you could check second-hand sites for your country online instead of charity shops. Probably only a better option if you actually enjoy stalking listings for long periods of time.
Any way you go, enjoy!
posted by trig at 8:16 AM on July 15, 2016 [1 favorite]
Depending on where you are and if you happen to have travel plans in the near future to one of the countries amazon has free delivery to, you might compromise with yourself that way :-)
And if you still feel uncomfortable with the price you could check second-hand sites for your country online instead of charity shops. Probably only a better option if you actually enjoy stalking listings for long periods of time.
Any way you go, enjoy!
posted by trig at 8:16 AM on July 15, 2016 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: I've been checking Amazon fr, it, de, and uk. So far, the ones I linked are the best prices for the combination of size, volume, shape, and color I want (26 cm, 5 litres, round, blue) ... but prices change every day, so it's crazymaking. The amazon fr sale doesn't look like it includes the one I'm looking at, and my most expensive option is even more expensive from amazon.fr.
(Also, sometimes there are third party sellers on Amazon, which I mostly try to avoid, having had a couple of not-good experiences. At least if it's actually handled by Amazon directly, they really will make good if it never shows up or arrives damaged.)
posted by taz at 8:49 AM on July 15, 2016
(Also, sometimes there are third party sellers on Amazon, which I mostly try to avoid, having had a couple of not-good experiences. At least if it's actually handled by Amazon directly, they really will make good if it never shows up or arrives damaged.)
posted by taz at 8:49 AM on July 15, 2016
Just re the steamer, you can get one separately, if you decide you want to try it later - it seems there are quite a few with a diameter of 26 cm (both cheaper ones made of aluminum, and stainless steel ones made by Staub).
(Get the beautiful thing your heart wants!)
posted by cotton dress sock at 9:08 AM on July 15, 2016
(Get the beautiful thing your heart wants!)
posted by cotton dress sock at 9:08 AM on July 15, 2016
Yeah, it is frustrating. I've never tried using price trackers, but it might be worthwhile?
posted by trig at 9:25 AM on July 15, 2016
posted by trig at 9:25 AM on July 15, 2016
I just noticed the part about this being for your birthday. In that case, if your concern is more on principle than because this will have a big effect on your finances, I think it's okay to just go ahead and buy the thing you want once a decade or two.
(And if the price still bothers you, resolve to buy a secondhand motherboard container next time.)
posted by trig at 9:50 AM on July 15, 2016
(And if the price still bothers you, resolve to buy a secondhand motherboard container next time.)
posted by trig at 9:50 AM on July 15, 2016
I have the blue Staub and I use it less than you will and I love it. It sits on a shelf, visible at all times. If you've waited for 20 years get exactly what you want, use it for the rest of your life and and leave it to somebody who'll appreciate it in your will. Cost per use goes to Nil.
posted by koahiatamadl at 10:50 AM on July 15, 2016
posted by koahiatamadl at 10:50 AM on July 15, 2016
I'd get the Staub. An enameled casserole will literally NEVER WEAR OUT, and if you're like me if you talk yourself out of the one you really want in favor of a "good enough" one that is still pricey, it will niggle at you eternally but you will never be able to bring yourself to replace it.
Can you buy the steamer basket separately? Before spending $50 on a steamer basket I'd probably want to be sure I'd use it a lot.
posted by The Elusive Architeuthis at 11:02 AM on July 15, 2016
Can you buy the steamer basket separately? Before spending $50 on a steamer basket I'd probably want to be sure I'd use it a lot.
posted by The Elusive Architeuthis at 11:02 AM on July 15, 2016
You can get Le Creuset directly from Le Creuset! It's the tail end of sales so plenty of deals!
posted by fraula at 12:10 PM on July 15, 2016
posted by fraula at 12:10 PM on July 15, 2016
Get the one you really want. In the colour you really want.
I promise you that once the money is spent, you are never, ever going to look at your beautiful casserole dish and think, gee, wish I'd got the cheaper one and saved fifty bucks. (Or a hundred, or whatever.)
Those kind of regrets belong to impulse buys, and faddy items. You've wanted this thing for 20 years. It's a classic item, beautifully made, with a lifetime warranty.
Get the one you *really* want.
posted by Salamander at 12:52 PM on July 15, 2016 [2 favorites]
I promise you that once the money is spent, you are never, ever going to look at your beautiful casserole dish and think, gee, wish I'd got the cheaper one and saved fifty bucks. (Or a hundred, or whatever.)
Those kind of regrets belong to impulse buys, and faddy items. You've wanted this thing for 20 years. It's a classic item, beautifully made, with a lifetime warranty.
Get the one you *really* want.
posted by Salamander at 12:52 PM on July 15, 2016 [2 favorites]
A lone voice for cheaper enamelled cast-iron. I have a beautiful blue Dutch Oven I bought from Aldi several years ago. It was about £25, and is still good as new. The knob broke when I dropped the lid on the floor, but I got a replacement knob (for a different brand) from Amazon. Other than that, it's good as new, used at least once a week for soup, stews, roasting chicken, etc. It washes easily, and if there's something that doesn't come off with dish soap, I'll give it a hot soak in a little Oxi-clean. It was one-fifth the price of the equivalent size Le Creuset but I don't consider it to be an inferior product by any means.
posted by essexjan at 3:20 PM on July 15, 2016
posted by essexjan at 3:20 PM on July 15, 2016
I have the blue Lodge. (US, v cheap.) I use it several times a week. Mine too has chips under the handles, but the interior is absolutely fine. I love mine, but for a birthday gift (even to myself) I'd probably choose one of the other two.
posted by tangerine at 4:48 PM on July 15, 2016
posted by tangerine at 4:48 PM on July 15, 2016
I have that Staub in grenadine red, and I swear that pan is magic. I have had other, cheaper, enameled pans, but nothing cooks stews as well as my Staub. I would go for it in the color you love.
posted by djinn dandy at 5:11 PM on July 15, 2016
posted by djinn dandy at 5:11 PM on July 15, 2016
Because you mentioned teal, just FYI I just saw Amazon.it has the Le Creuset Carribean Teal on sale until July 31st.
I might need an intervention here, soon. I need to redo my postpartum wardrobe and instead I keep Googling cookware...
posted by romakimmy at 12:01 AM on July 18, 2016
I might need an intervention here, soon. I need to redo my postpartum wardrobe and instead I keep Googling cookware...
posted by romakimmy at 12:01 AM on July 18, 2016
Response by poster: Okay, whew! The deed is done! I've ordered the Staub without the insert. Your advice to skip the expensive steamer is well-taken.
It was reeeeeeaaaally difficult to decide eventually between some of the Le Creuset options folks pointed out (plus another in Marseille blue – yum! – that came up on sale eventually on amazon UK) and the Staub. I actually like the Le Creuset look from the outside a bit better, but wanted the Staub inside. After sitting for a couple of days with one of each in two different shopping carts, I decided to ask my husband just which he preferred the look of, without expounding on any other differences, and he liked the Staub, which was enough to put it over the edge. (Well, that, and finding out that Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen favors Staub.)
Thank you all for the encouragement and holding my hand through this challenging time! :) As a token of appreciation, I'll share a couple of recipes I plan to make in my birthday present when it arrives: Baked Mushroom Risotto with Caramelized Onions; Coconut Lime Braised Chicken Thighs; Eggplant And Country Ham Ragù (it has cocoa! Intriguing!)
Thanks again, everyone! (and sorry for leading you down evil pathways, romakimmy)
posted by taz at 10:43 AM on July 18, 2016 [2 favorites]
It was reeeeeeaaaally difficult to decide eventually between some of the Le Creuset options folks pointed out (plus another in Marseille blue – yum! – that came up on sale eventually on amazon UK) and the Staub. I actually like the Le Creuset look from the outside a bit better, but wanted the Staub inside. After sitting for a couple of days with one of each in two different shopping carts, I decided to ask my husband just which he preferred the look of, without expounding on any other differences, and he liked the Staub, which was enough to put it over the edge. (Well, that, and finding out that Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen favors Staub.)
Thank you all for the encouragement and holding my hand through this challenging time! :) As a token of appreciation, I'll share a couple of recipes I plan to make in my birthday present when it arrives: Baked Mushroom Risotto with Caramelized Onions; Coconut Lime Braised Chicken Thighs; Eggplant And Country Ham Ragù (it has cocoa! Intriguing!)
Thanks again, everyone! (and sorry for leading you down evil pathways, romakimmy)
posted by taz at 10:43 AM on July 18, 2016 [2 favorites]
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I had a Le Creuset that my ex-MIL gifted me for years; she'd had it for 30 years before that. Cooked beautifully. Recently rescued a genuine 1950s Le Creuset 23cm Dutch oven from the street, it still cooks like a beauty as well. Hard to go wrong with them. Their enamelled cast iron stuff is still made in the same French factory, too.
I hadn't heard that Staub is better than Le Creuset; here they're generally considered to be equal.
posted by fraula at 5:51 AM on July 15, 2016