I love my enameled cast iron cookware. Nothing can really beat enameled cast iron for stews and braises. It holds the heat well, and is easy to clean. It is compatible with every type of range (gas, electric and induction) and is ovenproof up to 500 degrees. It's heavy, so I leave some pieces on the stove all the time. I mostly have Le Creuset, because that's what I registered for when I got married and I have bought some for friends too. But Le Creuset is terribly expensive so I have a hard time recommending it.
Late last year I wrote about the Martha Stewart line of enameled cast iron. It was much less expensive than Le Creuset and definitely performed as well. The colors and shapes were a bit different from Le Creuset, but the price made up for any differences. Now I've got an even better recommendation, the ProCook line of enameled cast iron.
Take a look at how the ProCook in aubergine compares to my Le Creuset in white (and ignore the crumbs on the stove). The ProCook casserole is a bit larger at 4.2 quarts versus the Le Creuset 3.5 quarts.
I cooked onions in both and they performed equally well.
But when it comes to price, there is no comparison. The Le Creuset is $235 and the ProCook, only $52! On sale the Martha Stewart 5 quart oval is $99, almost twice the price of the ProCook piece. I have no idea how they can produce these pieces so inexpensively. Even better, they offer free shipping for any online purchase over $50. The range of colors includes black, red, cream and aubergine. The colors, shape of the pieces and the handles are all very attractive.
ProCook is a family owned company from England, though I imagine the pieces are manufactured in China. I had never heard of them, but found they get very good customer reviews online. They have only two retail shops in the US in New Hampshire and Maine, but sell everything online. They also have great prices on other types of casseroles and cookware, an "Atlas" style pasta maker for only $27, box graters for $5. Whether your are setting up your own kitchen or buying a gift, ProCook is well worth a closer look.
Disclaimer: ProCook provided me with a piece of cookware for review purposes. I was not paid for this or any other post.
