The True Cost of Quality: A Love Letter to My Dutch Oven
Walking through David Jones the other day, I spotted a gleaming white Le Creuset Dutch oven on display, instantly reminding me of the day I made what seemed like an absolutely mad purchase seven years ago. Five hundred dollars for a pot? Past me must have been temporarily insane.
The sight sparked an interesting reflection on how we value quality and longevity in our everyday items. Back then, I was a uni student, and dropping that kind of money on cookware seemed completely ridiculous. I remember justifying it to myself: “It’s an investment piece,” I said, probably sounding like every other millennial trying to rationalise an expensive purchase.
But here’s the thing - it actually was. That pot has been worth every dollar, not just because it’s still pristine (though it absolutely is), but because it taught me something valuable about the relationship between cost and care. When you invest significantly in something, you tend to treat it with more respect. You follow the care instructions. You clean it properly after each use. You don’t take shortcuts.
Recently, I noticed quite a few discussions online about the astronomical prices of premium cookware, particularly here where we cop the infamous “Australia tax” on imported goods. There’s always someone quick to point out that you can get a perfectly functional Dutch oven for thirty bucks from Kmart. They’re not wrong - you absolutely can.
The funny thing is, I’ve become somewhat obsessive about maintaining this pot. After each use, there’s a whole ritual involving cream cleanser and a non-scratch sponge. Medium heat only, no metal utensils, proper cleaning every single time. Some might call it excessive, but there’s something oddly satisfying about keeping something in perfect condition years after purchase.
Looking at my kitchen now, this white Dutch oven sits there like a proud testament to the idea that sometimes, the expensive option can be the smart option. It’s not just about the cooking (though it does that brilliantly) - it’s about the mindset it creates. When you invest in quality, you’re more likely to develop habits that preserve and protect that investment.
Right now, with the cost of living constantly rising, it might seem tone-deaf to advocate for buying expensive kitchenware. But perhaps there’s a broader lesson here about how we approach our purchases. Sometimes spending more upfront can mean spending less over time, both in replacements and in the energy we invest in maintaining our possessions.
Mind you, I still get a slight twinge of guilt when I think about that original price tag. But then I look at this pot, still as pristine as the day I bought it, and I know it’ll probably outlast most things in my kitchen. Maybe even me.
Next weekend, I might even be brave enough to cook something with turmeric in it. Though on second thought, let’s not push our luck.