NBR - Cooks! Cast Iron Cookware?

GreenBride624 · November 2013

Anybody use cast iron cookware? I'm thinking about getting some for Jason for his birthday & Christmas. I'm looking between Le Cruset & Lodge. Any other good brands out there? I like that Lodge is mainly made in the USA (but their enameled line is made in China). Le Cruset is "prettier". lol! Le Cruset is also more expensive than Lodge.

fabk · November 2013

I just answered this on FB. But the "prettier" thing I think is the biggest difference. I used to sell Lodge and I never had any issues with it. The company stands behind their products and I have some at home and I love them.

I think there is a difference in price with Le Cruset being more expensive. I don't know if its a quality thing or not.

booneybear · November 2013

I have one Le Cruset pot and LOVE it. I always want to get more but then I look at the price and buy shoes instead.

MrsC7 · November 2013

Do you have a Le Creuset outlet nearby? The outlet prices are generally better than department store prices.

SnShne322 · November 2013

I can't speak for Lodge since I don't own any, but I love my Le Creuset. I have a 9qt French Oven and the Braiser. The braiser is the best cookware item I own. I can't speak highly enough about it. I use it for everything. I got the 9qt so I didn't have to buy multiple sizes and I've yet to fill it. It will hold nearly anything.

Both of mine were gifts so I can't speak to the cost, though I know I have the 2nds from their outlet store, plus 30% off. I couldn't tell you what is a second about the french oven, but the only defect in the braiser is there is a pinhead sized speck of blue paint (I have it in cobalt) on the inner enameled surface.

My thought is if Lodge is that much cheaper and you are happy with the looks, get it. I mean, even if you have to buy another after 5-10 years, it's still probably cheaper than Le Creuset. Though I don't know what kind of warranty they have.

SusieBW · November 2013

My coated cast iron Dutch oven is Mario Batali brand, and I completely love it. I'm pretty sure it's my favorite thing in my kitchen. I think the quality is the same as Le Cruset, but it's a bit cheaper.

You can also often get Le Cruset at TJ Maxx/Marshalls/Homegoods.

My cast iron bacon press (which I only use for making grilled sandwiches, and not at all for bacon) is Lodge, and I like it fine.

fabk · November 2013

SnShne322 said:

I can't speak for Lodge since I don't own any, but I love my Le Creuset. I have a 9qt French Oven and the Braiser. The braiser is the best cookware item I own. I can't speak highly enough about it. I use it for everything. I got the 9qt so I didn't have to buy multiple sizes and I've yet to fill it. It will hold nearly anything.

Both of mine were gifts so I can't speak to the cost, though I know I have the 2nds from their outlet store, plus 30% off. I couldn't tell you what is a second about the french oven, but the only defect in the braiser is there is a pinhead sized speck of blue paint (I have it in cobalt) on the inner enameled surface.

My thought is if Lodge is that much cheaper and you are happy with the looks, get it. I mean, even if you have to buy another after 5-10 years, it's still probably cheaper than Le Creuset. Though I don't know what kind of warranty they have.

pretty sure it was lifetime. I maybe wrong though.

GreenBride624 · November 2013

Yes, there is an outlet near-ish. I just wasn't sure if the prices were worth the drive. (Sometimes outlet prices aren't better than online prices)

RiverPlate · November 2013

I love Le Creuset. But in all honesty, I don't cook that much, and when I do it's relatively simple. I have a few Lodge peices, and they are inexpensive, and have put a couple others on my Christmas wish list. You could probably get a set for what one of the larger peices of Le Creuset costs.

If I cooked more, or maybe just more expertly, I would definitely make the case for some beautiful cookware. My MIL has a LC dutch oven she uses all the time, it was a joint birthday gift a few years ago from us and SIL's family. But I love going through the outlet and seeing all of the pretty things. It makes me sad that I don't know what half of them are for.

SnShne322 · November 2013

fabk said:

SnShne322 said:

I can't speak for Lodge since I don't own any, but I love my Le Creuset. I have a 9qt French Oven and the Braiser. The braiser is the best cookware item I own. I can't speak highly enough about it. I use it for everything. I got the 9qt so I didn't have to buy multiple sizes and I've yet to fill it. It will hold nearly anything.

Both of mine were gifts so I can't speak to the cost, though I know I have the 2nds from their outlet store, plus 30% off. I couldn't tell you what is a second about the french oven, but the only defect in the braiser is there is a pinhead sized speck of blue paint (I have it in cobalt) on the inner enameled surface.

My thought is if Lodge is that much cheaper and you are happy with the looks, get it. I mean, even if you have to buy another after 5-10 years, it's still probably cheaper than Le Creuset. Though I don't know what kind of warranty they have.

pretty sure it was lifetime. I maybe wrong though.

If that's the case, I think I would get the lodge to start. If you're happy with them, keep buying! If not, get a Le Creuset (or another brand) next time.

SnShne322 · November 2013

GreenBride624 said:

Yes, there is an outlet near-ish. I just wasn't sure if the prices were worth the drive. (Sometimes outlet prices aren't better than online prices)

They usually have seconds at the outlets and if you sign up for their emails, they'll let you know if they are having a sale. It's usually 30% off a couple of their colors. If you aren't picky on the color you can usually get a reasonable deal.

ETA: at my nearest outlet here are the deals they are running for November.

Nov 1 - 27
Visit our store to receive a scratch-off card for savings of 25% - 35% Off All Le Creuset Brand Items*
*This offer cannot be combined with any other discount or sale price. Some new items may be excluded. Offer not valid towards the purchase of gift cards.

Nov 28 - 29 (until 8am)
Save 30% Off Entire Purchase plus a Free Kitchen Tool for the first 100 customers who make a purchase*
*Offer cannot be combined with any other discount or sale price. Some new items may be excluded from discount. Offer not valid towards purchase of gift cards. Free Kitchen Tool offer is available while quantities last.

Nov 29 - Jan 1
Save 25% Off Entire Purchase*

MrsJenE · November 2013

I have a Le Creuset grill pan. I can't tell you how much use I've gotten out of it. I use it at least twice a week.

Nova726 · November 2013

I'm a cast iron flunkie. I had a less expensive one (Emeril?) And I messed up and the thing rusted on me. Now i need to clean it all off and reseason it. Does this happen with the nicer ones too?

RiverPlate · November 2013

Nova726 said:

I'm a cast iron flunkie. I had a less expensive one (Emeril?) And I messed up and the thing rusted on me. Now i need to clean it all off and reseason it. Does this happen with the nicer ones too?

I've had some issues with my Lodge grill pan leaving rust marks inside my cabinet, probably from when I pull it out. I haven't seen any rusting on the actual cooking part of the grill though.

GreenBride624 · November 2013

SnShne322 said:

GreenBride624 said:

Yes, there is an outlet near-ish. I just wasn't sure if the prices were worth the drive. (Sometimes outlet prices aren't better than online prices)

They usually have seconds at the outlets and if you sign up for their emails, they'll let you know if they are having a sale. It's usually 30% off a couple of their colors. If you aren't picky on the color you can usually get a reasonable deal.

ETA: at my nearest outlet here are the deals they are running for November.

Nov 1 - 27
Visit our store to receive a scratch-off card for savings of 25% - 35% Off All Le Creuset Brand Items*
*This offer cannot be combined with any other discount or sale price. Some new items may be excluded. Offer not valid towards the purchase of gift cards.

Nov 28 - 29 (until 8am)
Save 30% Off Entire Purchase plus a Free Kitchen Tool for the first 100 customers who make a purchase*
*Offer cannot be combined with any other discount or sale price. Some new items may be excluded from discount. Offer not valid towards purchase of gift cards. Free Kitchen Tool offer is available while quantities last.

Nov 29 - Jan 1
Save 25% Off Entire Purchase*

@SnShne322 - was this an email? or on a website? Would I need a coupon (if it applies to all outlet stores)?

SnShne322 · November 2013

@GreenBride624 Do you have a premium outlet near you? That's where I got this from. IIRC you don't need a coupon, it's an in store promotion.

http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/sales.asp?id=101

This is the link for the one closest to me, but I imagine the sales should be the same for you. Just click on the sale "in store promotions" tab.

RhymeReason · November 2013

Nova726 said:

I'm a cast iron flunkie. I had a less expensive one (Emeril?) And I messed up and the thing rusted on me. Now i need to clean it all off and reseason it. Does this happen with the nicer ones too?

Is that just putting olive oil in it and whiping it off? I have a Martha Stewart dutch oven that I used this weeked for beef stew and it said to wash it with warm soapy water and then rub the rim (i think) with olive oil.

SnShne322 · November 2013

NorthernLghts said:

Nova726 said:

I'm a cast iron flunkie. I had a less expensive one (Emeril?) And I messed up and the thing rusted on me. Now i need to clean it all off and reseason it. Does this happen with the nicer ones too?

Is that just putting olive oil in it and whiping it off? I have a Martha Stewart dutch oven that I used this weeked for beef stew and it said to wash it with warm soapy water and then rub the rim (i think) with olive oil.

Is your dutch oven enameled? That sounds like what you would do for an enameled one. IIRC, you don't wash an unenameled one with soap, but just use the oil all over.

However, I only have enameled ones, so I'm not exactly sure how to season one that isn't.

RhymeReason · November 2013

Yes, it's enameled. I have no idea why they suggested oiling it. Guess it's time to consult Google

SnShne322 · November 2013

NorthernLghts said:

Yes, it's enameled. I have no idea why they suggested oiling it. Guess it's time to consult Google

@NorternLghts Does it have a cast iron lip? Maybe that's why?

RhymeReason · November 2013

That's what I read online-to prevent rust on the lip

GreenBride624 · November 2013

SnShne322 said:

@GreenBride624 Do you have a premium outlet near you? That's where I got this from. IIRC you don't need a coupon, it's an in store promotion.

http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/sales.asp?id=101

This is the link for the one closest to me, but I imagine the sales should be the same for you. Just click on the sale "in store promotions" tab.

Yup! Thanks! Well, sort of near. It is about an hour drive but it is an easy ride. I think I'm going to go this weekend. Not sure if I can fit it in next weekend.

NBR - Cooks! Cast Iron Cookware?

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