Meghan Markle and Le Creuset Controversy

The Internet is once again up in arms about a choice made by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Every time she attempts something new, be it naming her daughter or arranging a balloon arch for a garden party, the actress-turned-royal-turned-lifestyle guru becomes the target of intense criticism. Her latest foray into the public eye in the form of a Netflix series called With Love, Meghan, is no different. Claims of her being out of touch and unrelatable for her hostessing tips and garden-to-table cooking style are being further compounded by angry Internet netizens who have taken issue with her expensive, coordinated Le Creuset cookware. When informed of this most recent tirade against her during an interview with The New York Times, Sussex was dumbfounded, saying, “This is a thing, in 2025?” 

Worry not, there are plenty of people coming to her defense. Journalist Michele Norris was quick to post on Threads: “Why is anyone surprised or disturbed that she would have beautiful color-coordinated cookware? Does anyone drag Ina or Martha for their cookware? Sure it would be nice to see a big heavy well-seasoned black skillet up in there. But did anyone expect that? So Yes, Le Creuset is beautiful but it is not merely performative cookware.”  

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Le Creuset Dutch ovens and grill pans are certainly expensive, but they will last for decades in your kitchen if you treat them with care. That said, if $300 pots aren’t within reach, we also found more affordable Le Creuset items that are just as special. Whether you’re shopping for pasta bowls or casserole dishes, these popular pieces are beautiful, functional, and less than $100.  

Le Creuset Pieces Under $100  

• Stoneware Pasta Bowls, Set of 4, $72 at amazon.com
• Stoneware Pinch Bowls, Set of 6, $35 at amazon.com 
• Enameled Cast Iron Omelet Pan, $100, originally $150 at lecreuset.com
• Silicone Utensil Set with Stoneware Crock, $70 at amazon.com 
• Stoneware Mugs, Set of 4, $76 at amazon.com
• Stoneware Heart-Shaped Spoon Rest, $30 at amazon.com
• Stoneware Heritage Shallow Square Casserole, $70, originally $100 at lecreuset.com

Stoneware Pasta Bowls, Set of 4

Le Creuset’s pasta bowls are an editor-favorite pick for their “simple and elegant” design that’s “sure to last for years.” Some highlights include their durable stoneware construction (which also happens to be dishwasher-safe) and their range of color options, including white and sea salt. With four bowls in the set, you’ll be spending less than $20 apiece.  

Stoneware Pinch Bowls, Set of 6

Pinch bowls are the underrated workhorses of the kitchen. They’re almost singlehandedly responsible for keeping our mise en place in order, which in turn allows us to cook efficiently and minimizes the risk of burning our food while our attention is elsewhere. This set of six also happens to look amazing and clean easily in the dishwasher.   

Enameled Cast Iron Omelet Pan 

For a limited time, you can even grab the brand’s iconic enameled cast iron cookware for just $100. Cast iron is known for its ability to conduct heat, leading to unbeatable browning when searing chicken breasts or sautéing vegetables. Just because this omelet pan is great for, well, making omelets, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t use it for other recipes, too. 

Silicone Utensil Set with Stoneware Crock

Non-toxic kitchen utensils are made even better when they can be used with nonstick cookware. This Le Creuset set hits both marks and comes with its very own utensil crock for convenient storage. That’s what we like to call a win-win. 

Stoneware Mugs, Set of 4

Just like its pasta bowls, the brand’s stoneware coffee mugs also received rave reviews during testing. Editors thought they were comfortable to hold with an “unfussy aesthetic that feels special enough to break out when guests arrive.” They’re functional, attractive, and well-worth some of your coveted cabinet space. 

Stoneware Heart-Shaped Spoon Rest

One Amazon shopper called this $30 heart-shaped spoon rest an “adorable addition to the kitchen,” while another added that the quality is “top-notch.” It’s such a clever (and cute) way to keep your counters splatter-free and sparkling clean while cooking. 

Stoneware Heritage Shallow Square Casserole

Since this dish is safe for use in the oven, freezer, and microwave, it more than makes up for its $70 price tag. Such versatility allows you to bake, serve, and store all in the same vessel, which is a boon when you’re not a fan of doing dishes. Grab it now while it’s on sale.