Question for Le Creuset owners

[ClaraB]

I would love to have a Le Creuset dutch oven, but it is just too much for my budget. I did find some Cuisinart cast iron dutch ovens at TJMaxx (for<$100), but I noticed that the enamel finish covers the entire outside of the pot, including the bottom. Are the Le Creuset dutch ovens like this? I'm just wondering how the enamel on the bottom would hold up to regular wear.

[RiverFarm]

My Le Creuset have enamel throughout as well, if that helps. It doesn't seem to have any effect on the wear.

[Beth]

I only have one Le Creuset piece and it is enamel inside and out. So are all the pieces I can remember seeing -- in Le Creuset, Staub and others. I've also heard of other folks who've bought less expensive variations and been thrilled with them.

[ClaraB]

Thanks for the replies. The only LC dutch oven I've seen closeup is my mom's old (30+ years) one, and the bottom exterior of that is not enameled. I would use it, but the enamel on the inside is pretty much worn off. It's good to know that a completely enameled exterior shouldn't be a problem.

[Gumbeaux]

I'm just wondering how the enamel on the bottom would hold up to regular wear.

This is the area that you need to be least concerned about - it doesn't show. Inside chips look bad but don't affect the cookware.

[wallycat]

I have some old, old stuff from DH's days....no enamel on the bottom outside.
The new stuff has enamel all throughout.

[robinf]

I bought my first piece of Le Crueset at Marshall's and still see pieces of it there every so often. They are usually at pretty good prices. If your are not in a rush, and have your heart set on LC, it may be worth waiting a bit and see if any shows up at Marshall's or TJ Maxx.

Good Luck on your hunt.

[ClaraB]

I bought my first piece of Le Crueset at Marshall's and still see pieces of it there every so often. They are usually at pretty good prices. If your are not in a rush, and have your heart set on LC, it may be worth waiting a bit and see if any shows up at Marshall's or TJ Maxx.

Good Luck on your hunt.Thanks - I have seen LC at TJMaxx, but it was still well about $150 for a dutch oven. Unfortunately, no Marshall's nearby...

[Angelina]

I have a small red Cuisinart cast iron Dutch Oven, and yes, it's enamel all around, including the bottom. I use it regularly and I love it and it does not seem to turn bad or give me any problems.

My LC does not have enamel on the bottom, and it does not seem to make a difference. They both weigh a ton and are lovely to use. :)

[___Rhianna___]

I have a Lodge enamel Dutch oven. It is also enameled in the bottom, and it has held up wonderfully. I use mine often and have been very pleased.

[vabelle35]

I bought my first LC at Marshalls as well. Mine was on clearance (missing the knob) so I just bought a new knob from LC (still a good deal even with the extra purchase).

I go every week and do a sweep.

I also have an LC outlet near me and purchased 2 other pieces there.

[robinf]

I bought mine several years ago and don't recall how much I spent. But I agree with vabelle35. You my find one at TJMaxx that is "damaged" and a great price.

[ljt2r]

I have a Lodge enamel Dutch oven. It is also enameled in the bottom, and it has held up wonderfully. I use mine often and have been very pleased.

My brother bought a Lodge also to save money and has been very happy with it.

Both my LC dutch ovens are enameled everywhere.

[ClaraB]

Just an update - I bought a Food Network dutch oven at Kohl's last week for $50. I liked that the sides were straighter, so it had more surface area for cooking. It also has a metal knob which should be more oven-safe than the phenolic ones. Here's the link to a picture: Food Network dutch oven. (http://www.kohls.com/upgrade/webstore/zoom_popup.jsp?productId=845524892716965)

[karen w]

I have 2 Le Creuset pots, an oval 8 qt. oven and a round 8 qt. pot. I like them both alot. But what I am loving even more lately is some enameled cast iron pots that I bought at Costco. They are Kirkland brand and very affordable. IMHO they preform equally as well if not better than the Le Creuset. I have 2 soup pots, a 5 qt. and 6.5 qt as well as a skillet. The skillet is made in the US while the pots are made in France. My smaller pot is already a year old and holding up extremely well which is one of the reasons that I bought the other pots this year. Each piece was about $50.

Karen