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Enameled cast iron cookware is a thing at Aldi. There can be a lot to like about these kitchen pieces. They don’t require the maintenance and seasoning of traditional cast iron cookware. Also, there are no worries about cooking tomatoes or other acidic foods in enameled cast iron, whereas it can ruin the seasoning in regular cast iron and can impart a metallic flavor.
I’ve seen Aldi sell various types of enameled cast iron cookware in recent months, ranging from oval roasters to French ovens to bread ovens. All of these have been imitations — or dupes — of expensive name-brand Le Creuset cookware.
Le Creuset is a French brand established in 1925 and known for its handcrafted colorful enameled cast iron pots, pans, skillets, and more. I know people who own and love Le Creuset products. However, you’ll pay a high price to own a piece of this name-brand cookware. A single product typically costs more than $100, and sometimes Le Creuset products cost several hundred dollars a piece, depending on what you’re getting.
This is where Aldi comes in. The discount grocer has steadily rolled out Le Creuset knockoffs that cost a fraction of what the name brand does. The most recent Le Creuset dupe to show up at Aldi is a cast iron braiser.
Le Creuset states its braiser is:
Designed to provide steady, even heat to transform tough cuts of meat and hearty vegetables into tender, flavorful dishes. The wide base allows ingredients to be placed in a single layer for searing without crowding; once liquid is added, the domed lid circulates steam to lock in moisture and flavor. The versatile shape of the braiser also makes it perfect for shallow frying, steaming, stews, casseroles and serving at the table.
Keep reading for more information about the Aldi braiser.
What We Know:
The braiser in blue.
The Crofton Cast Iron Braiser (Product Code: 827574) is an Aldi Find, which means it’s only in stores for a short time. Each store receives one shipment, and after that sells out, it’s gone unless Aldi decides to bring it back next year. Aldi does not offer online ordering for products that are out of stock at your local store.
This is scheduled to arrive in Aldi stores on November 15th of 2023.
The Crofton Cast Iron Braiser cost $24.99 at in November of 2023.
If you were to buy an actual Le Creuset braiser in a similar size, it would set you back $368. You’ll also pay a lot for any Le Creuset braiser you find on Amazon.
The Aldi braiser is sold under the Crofton name, which is not a company. Instead, Crofton is the private label Aldi uses for various kitchen products.
Here’s more information:
- Choose from white or blue
- Interior diameter: 11.85 in.
- Holds up to 3.7 quarts
- Offers superior heat retention and distribution
- Features long-lasting porcelain enamel interior and exterior
- Oven safe up to 482°F
- Compatible with all cooktops, including induction
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
Aldi has not yet published information about who provides warranty service on this year’s braiser. Aldi sold a larger 5-quart cast iron braiser in 2019 that had a warranty serviced by Protel, a common Aldi warranty provider. However, I’m not sure if Protel is the warranty provider for this 2023 braiser.
What We Don’t Know:
We haven’t purchased this braiser, so we don’t know how well it works or how it holds up to regular use. We write open threads to provide readers with a place to discuss Aldi products.
Have you purchased the Crofton Cast Iron Braiser? Tell us about it in the comments below.
Is Aldi’s find #827574 (cast iron bread oven available or has been at the store in Escanaba mi 49829