For the past fifteen years I have been loving Le Creuset cookware:

Le Creuset began producing its first porcelain enamelled cast iron pots in 1925 from its foundry in Fresnoy le Grand, France. It is from this base that Le Creuset continues to produce its world-famous cast iron pots.

While Le Creuset has expanded the types of products it offers and has taken advantage of many technological advances since its beginnings in 1925, some things have not changed in the manufacture of Le Creuset’s cast iron.

Le Creuset has continued to use the hand-crafted techniques and the original process of forging and casting in the manufacturing of its cookware. This attention to its heritage is also characteristic of the design. The Cocotte, or French Oven, was one of the first cast iron items produced by Le Creuset and is still the most popular item sold in a range of bright retro colours, with Volcanic (orange) the company’s trademark.

I have the cobalt blue range which I have just recently heard is being phased out.  Shock horror!  These pieces are such a staple in my kitchen that I appreciate them every day, long after I have forgotten the price tag.