I have a le-creuset and it is nice, small oval enameled one, I would not have purchased it but it was a wedding gift. I also have an old one I found at a rummage sale for 2 bucks or so. It doesn't have a lid but... For cast iron, if I can't find it at a garage sale or similar I love lodge. They even have a range of preseasoned options that are good. not too expensive either, and made in the USA.