Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our DC had slightly elevated lead when
We used lodge daily.

We stopped. Levels went to normal.

The Lodge enamelware?

Sorry I was unclear.

No. The old fashioned cast iron.

Anonymous wrote:Our DC had slightly elevated lead when
We used lodge daily.

We stopped. Levels went to normal.

The Lodge enamelware?

I'm still regularly using LC I got 45 years ago.

Anonymous wrote:Our DC had slightly elevated lead when
We used lodge daily.

We stopped. Levels went to normal.

Wow!! Thanks.

Yes, I am sold on LC....although I might check out the Ikea ones as well. So long as China isn't involved.

I think all I need is a 6-7qt round dutch, a skillet and sauce pan.

Our DC had slightly elevated lead when
We used lodge daily.

We stopped. Levels went to normal.

LC is wonderful, but you don't need lots and lots of pieces. You get one big round or oval French oven.

If you have a lodge cast iron skillet, you don't need to spring for LC.

I have a porcelain over cast iron Dutch oven from Ikea that I love, but I'm not sure where it was made. Very reasonably priced, though.

Find a Le Creuset outlet store, seriously. I posted a thread similar to this a while back when deciding whether to ask for an LC for Christmas. We got a 7 1/4 qt oven at an outlet for $300 and some change. It's fantastic and has already gotten so much use. Definitely worth it.

If there's any way to avoid it, I would avoid Chinese made, for a variety of reasons. If you love Le Creuset, start with one and build from there.

I chose Emile Henry Flame dutch ovens, made in France, and lighter than cast iron. They work very similarly and come in pretty colors.

Le Creueset if you can afford it. I use mine every single day since I bought them over 15 years ago. They still look gorgeous and make beautiful serving dishes too.
Check out Amazon, Cutlery and More and the Le Creueset outlet stores as well.

Thanks PPs. That's what DH is saying. So I guess I just have to get lucky and hope that I run into some at those stores

Get what will make you happy! Cookware like that lasts for years. Enjoy yourself!

LC is expensive. But if you love to cook and cook a lot and can afford it, buy LC. It's worth it. Check Tjmaxx and Homegoods, they often have leftovers for good prices.

Not ridiculous. Homegoods/Marshalls/TJ Maxx often have discounted LC and Staub enameled cast iron.

I have been wanting a few pieces for years now but the price has always put me off. I'm coming to grips with the fact that I do cook a lot and having a beautiful, high quality, long-lasting set of cookware would make me really happy.

That said, I have read that Lodge brand of Cast Iron Porcelain cookware - when compared to La Creuset is just as good. It's quality is excellent, they are just as heavy, and cook identically to LC cookware for a fraction of the price. Here's my hesitation, their cast iron/porcelain line is made in China which really bugs me. Their cast iron non-porcelain is made in the US...but I want cast iron porcelain.

Am I being ridiculous about not liking the China aspect? Or should I just buy LC and be done with it?