Lafont enameled cast iron

[Robo410]

New to my area is Lafont, enameled cast iron...colorful, strong, interchangable knobs (wood or cast iron) ... a little cheaper than Le Cruset, Lodge, etc. Seems to be great stuff. Anyone else come across this??

 

[Andy M.]

I had not heard of it before your post.

I did a quick google and found that Target offers them online. I saw an 8-quart dutch oven for $194.99. That's cheaper than the retail price of the 7.5-quart LeCruest I have. However, I got the LeCrueset (cosmetic blemishes) for $129.00.

If they are as heavy and the quality is the acceptable, they could be a real alternative.

 

[GB]

I did the same as Andy and found the same results. Could be a good deal.

I am not sure I am crazy about the interchangeable knob idea though. How often would you want to be changing the knobs? I would probably never use the wood ones (can't go in the oven) and so that is one more thing rattling around in my junk drawer.

 

[Andy M.]

... I would probably never use the wood ones (can't go in the oven) and so that is one more thing rattling around in my junk drawer.

I have put wood handled cookware into the oven for short periods without incident. Specifically, a non-stick wood handled skillet under the broiler with a fritatta in it.

Based on a quick google search, wood doesn't begin the first stage of the combustion process until 450 F. Putting a dutch oven into the oven for a pot roast or stew at 300 F probably wouldn't be a problem.

 

[Robo410]

the idea is if you intend to use it for stove top mainly, use the wood, if oven mainly, use the iron. At least you have a choice. Most don't give you one.

 

[GB]

I would still just rather have the iron. I don't want extra pieces floating around that I will never use.