For anyone interested in Le Creuset, they have a fairly nice selection right now at HomeGoods. Though the prices still aren't exactly cheap, they're much less than retail...which is downright scary!

I've been looking for a large Le Creuset, even used, and keep asking me why the price is so high. Can you explain?

Ruth, I think it does have a little to do with the name since there are now other brands of less expensive enamel-coated cast iron cookware available. It's similar to something like All-Clad which is so expensive yet you can find other brands of good quality stainless cookware for less money, such as Tramontina.

As for the Le Creuset, these are some of my reasons for liking it...

~Well made (I'm loyal since I got my first set of Le Creuset in 1977)
~Excellent heat conduction (and holds heat for long periods of time after leaving oven/stove)
~No seasoning required
~Easy to clean (mild bleach/water soak keeps inside of pots clean)
~No reaction to acids
~Nice color, size and shape selection (I love those oval-shaped pots)
~Oven to table for serving (something I don't do with stainless cookware)

Again, these days there are other brands that have those same qualities and are less expensive. However, that wasn't the case when I acquired most of mine. I have found several pieces of Le Creuset at places like TJ Maxx and HomeGoods for great prices. The best was the day I found 2 white Le Creuset Dutch ovens at TJ Maxx for $20 each. That was a happy day!