"Seconds"?

Oh, how I once loved Le Creuset.  Their enameled cast iron cookware is colourful, durable, easy to use and is most importantly, manufactured in FRANCE. 

Courtesy of Le Creuset

As cooking shows began to gain popularity, chefs began to praise certain products they endorsed and swore by.  This is how the Le Creuset phenomenon began…and then the hype was born, and with it, came the “Seconds” which can be found at HomeSense, Winners, and any retailer that sells Houseware “Labels” for less.  Do not, I repeat, DO NOT purchase any of their products if they have slapped a “Seconds” sticker on their cast iron cookware.  First of all, flip the product over, where is it made?  If it doesn’t say “France”, please place it back on the shelf.   For the “Seconds”,  you will usually see engraved  “Made in China” or Made in Thailand”.  Le Creuset  China manufactures enamel over steel stockpots. Le Creuset Thailand manufactures stoneware (not cast iron).  Now, if you look really closely to the product, is it as durable as the products made in France.  Most importantly, the enamel will always be unfinished.  Check again, is it as heavy as the cookware made from France?  Please note the Le Creuset “Seconds” are indeed a Le Creuset, but not a true cast iron original made in France.  They chip easier, and do not look as flawless as the cookware made from France as only France can use their sand casting method, spraying 2 coats of enamel (each fired at 800°C).

Courtesy of Black Rumba

I am no way encouraging that we all become snobs when walking into a Houseware store or boutique, but please, always check where your products were made because retailers may try to get you by increasing the price of the “seconds” and passing it off as the “Premiere” cast iron cookware.

The best Cast Iron cookware I have ever used belongs to a company named Staub.  Staub is also made in France!  Staub cookware has self-basting spikes underneath the lid to ensure continuous, natural basting. Also, the handles and knobs can withstand temperatures up to 500°C.  Each staub cookware comes with a Lifetime Limited warranty, and like its competitors it comes in an array of colours,

Both Le Creuset and Staub are pricey products but why be like everyone else?  Stand out from the rest and get yourself the best! Chefs have been praising staub for years!