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Le creuset reviews on cookware


Is Le Creuset Worth the High Price? (In-Depth Review)

Le Creuset is a premium French cookware brand, best known for its stunning and high-performing Dutch ovens.

Their cookware checks all the boxes—it’s well-made, beautifully-designed, durable, and versatile.

There’s no question; Le Creuset makes fabulous Dutch ovens, but premium cookware comes with a premium price tag.

So, is Le Creuset worth it? The short answer is yes. Le Creuset is worth it because it’s more durable, beautiful, and performs better than the competition.

Although there are alternatives for half the price, Le Creuset is worth the investment when you consider that you’ll own it for life.

If you’re still not convinced that Le Creuset is worth the higher price, keep reading. In this review, I provide all the facts about Le Creuset cookware that you’ll need to decide for yourself.  

Use the links below to navigate the review:

Le Creuset Prices vs. the Competition

Le Creuset cookware is expensive, but how much does it actually cost? And how much more does it cost compared to other brands?

Before I jump into what makes it so unique, let’s look at the prices of Le Creuset Dutch ovens across the sizes and compare them to the competition.

Note: These prices are pulled in real-time from Amazon. You can click on the image or the price to check out more details and read dozens of reviews on Amazon.

As you can see, Le Creuset is a significant investment, and it’s much more expensive than several other brands that make similar products.

Why Le Creuset Cookware Is So Expensive

Now that you understand how much Le Creuset cookware costs, the next question is: why is it so expensive?

High-quality materials, expert craftspeople, and proprietary manufacturing processes contribute to the cost it takes to produce Le Creuset cookware.

But, ultimately, Le Creuset is so expensive because people are willing to pay a premium for the benefits it brings to the kitchen: exceptional performance, stunning design, proven durability, and reliability.

Exceptional Performance: Le Creuset Dutch ovens are incredibly versatile. They’re compatible with all cooktops and safe in the oven up to 500°F. They’re also known for superior heat and moisture retention, making it the ideal cookware for braising short ribs or making a hearty vegetable stew.

Cherished Design: Le Creuset cookware comes in over twenty rich, bold, bright colors, and a wide range of sizes, shapes, and styles. Its shiny two-tone exterior is highly-recognizable. Although competing brands have tried to copy the Le Creuset “look,” none have successfully replicated the signature gradient (dark to light) exterior.

Superior Durability: Like a quality stainless steel pan or cast iron skillet, Le Creuset Dutch ovens can last for generations with proper care.

Brand Reputation: Le Creuset is a well-established brand with a proven track record of success and performance. Its Dutch ovens are handmade in France, with some of the highest manufacturing standards in the world. When you buy Le Creuset, you know you’re getting a finely crafted piece of cookware, but its reliability, authenticity, and quality come at a price.

History of Le Creuset

Le Creuset, which means “the crucible” in French, was founded in 1925 by Armand Desaegher, a casting expert, and Octave Aubecq, an enameling expert.

Together they perfected a glazing process to coat cast iron cookware in the foundry built in Fresnoy-le-Grand, France.

The result? A Dutch oven with a brilliant ombre hue. This color, volcanique, is known as Flame in today’s offerings due to its tonal red and orange coloring.

Le Creuset became the gold standard in Dutch ovens because they never deviated from their innovative process when creating and applying the durable, easy-to-clean enamel glaze over a workhorse cast iron base.

Le Creuset is most known for Dutch ovens, but, over the years, they’ve expanded their offerings to include:

You can find all the cookware and bakeware options on the Le Creuset official website. Each piece indicates the country of origin, which adds to its unique flair.

Where It’s Made

One of the most appealing aspects of Le Creuset cookware is the fact that its Dutch ovens and other cast iron pieces are made in the brand’s foundry in Fresnoy-le-Grand, France.

Le Creuset – made in France

Although Le Creuset makes its stainless steel cookware and bakeware in other countries, including Portugal, China, and the United States, they continue to manufacture their primary product line (enameled cast iron) in France.

How It’s Made

Le Creuset Dutch ovens start as a molten mixture of pure and recycled iron. Some recycled iron comes from Le Creuset cookware that didn’t meet quality control standards during inspection.

The liquid metal is poured into sand molds. Once set, the pots are cooled and prepared to receive sprayed-on enamel in multiple layers.

Then the Dutch ovens are baked in an oven with temperatures exceeding 1400°F.

After baking, they receive an additional coat of colored enamel to create Le Creuset’s signature gradient-style color. Colors seem to melt into each other seamlessly.

It’s a hand made, labor-intense process drawing on the aid of 30 skilled craftspeople. The rigorous quality standards and use of high-quality raw materials produce cookware that performs exceptionally in the kitchen, looks stunning, and lasts a lifetime.

You can see the manufacturing process in action in this quick video.

Cooking Performance

One of the best features of the Le Creuset Dutch oven is its versatility.

It’s safe to use on the stovetop and, due to its magnetic cast iron core, is compatible with induction cooktops as well.

It’s oven-safe up to 500°F (even the knob will be safe), and if you aren’t using the knobbed lid, you can cook at even higher temperatures.

Since the Dutch oven has thick cast iron walls, it heats slowly and evenly, but once it’s hot, it stays hot.

Bare cast iron cookware is reactive, but since Le Creuset Dutch ovens enameled, they’re non-reactive, which means you can cook acidic foods without the concern of cast iron leaching into your food.

The Le Creuset Dutch oven is also a master at moisture retention. Its heavy, form-fitting lid locks in juices, dripping them back into the pot and maximizing flavor.

Most Dutch ovens do a decent job at locking in moisture; is Le Creuset really better?

I recently conducted a test to find out. For comparison, I tested Le Creuset versus Great Jones.

Great Jones versus Le Creuset Moisture Retention Test

Here’s a quick summary of the test:

I conducted a similar test, comparing Le Creuset vs. Staub (another highly-rated Dutch oven brand). Both Dutch ovens retained heat incredibly well in that test, but Staub performed slightly better. You can read the full details of that test in my in-depth comparison of Le Creuset vs. Staub.

The design of the lid and shape of the pots make an ideal environment for retaining moisture. Why is this important? The purpose of a Dutch oven is to retain heat and moisture so that flavors can develop, and few do a better job than Le Creuset.

Durability

Le Creuset’s long-lasting durability is one of the main reasons I believe it’s worth the high price. Although it’s a sizable investment upfront, it’s a piece of cookware that you’ll enjoy for decades, and many families pass it down to the next generation.

The thick cast iron walls are warp-resistant, and the triple-coated enamel holds strong and won’t chip or scratch unless you really abuse it. A quick scan of the hundreds of reviews on Amazon validates my point; Le Creuset Dutch ovens will last. 

The brand offers a limited lifetime warranty on its enameled cast iron cookware, and they are known for unmatched customer support.

Cleaning and Care

Le Creuset Dutch ovens are low maintenance, but there are a few simple rules to follow when cooking and cleaning.

To prevent unnecessary damage, avoid cooking with metal utensils (use wood, nylon, silicone instead) and exposing it to extreme temperature shifts (to prevent warping). Also, use a pan protector if you’re storing another pot inside of it.

The slick surface of enameled cast iron is relatively easy to clean. For the most part, warm water, mild dish soap, and a non-abrasive sponge or brush will get the job done.

Dirty and stained Le Creuset Dutch ovenClean Le Creuset Dutch oven

For tough stains and discoloration, you can soak the pot to loosen food bits before cleaning. If you need an elbow-grease kind of clean, try these tips.

The pots are designed to resist stains and maintain their vibrant colors. Over time you may notice slight cosmetic changes. But don’t worry, these won’t affect cooking performance.

Le Creuset Dutch ovens are designed to provide excellent heat conduction and retention.

The thick cast iron core allows them to gradually reach the desired temperature and maintain it to produce even cooking results, just like an actual oven.

The tight-fitting lid helps to circulate steam inside of the pot to keep food moist. Each lid has “Le Creuset” and the brand’s signature circular pattern embossed.

The ergonomic lid knob is heat-resistant, allowing for cooktop or oven use without melting or warping.

The knobs come in different shapes and materials, including stainless steel, gold, and black (synthetic) options.

The interiors are stain-resistant and light-colored, perfect for monitoring your food when browning and searing.

Le Creuset Dutch Oven Interior

Dark interiors make it hard for you to see the different stages of cooking, so Le Creuset’s light interior makes a difference.

Monitoring browning and fond in a Le Creuset Dutch oven

Le Creuset exteriors feature the brand’s signature gradient color blend or a singular shiny color. They’re designed to resist fading, chipping, and cracking, as long as you adhere to the proper care and maintenance.

Sizes

Le Creuset Dutch ovens come in a range of sizes, including:

Shapes

With Le Creuset, you also have a choice of shapes, such as:

Colors

One of the most appealing aspects of Le Creuset is the vast array of colors available. No matter what look you’re going for in your kitchen; there’s a color for you.

In total, Le Creuset offers 22 exterior colors. Most have a two-toned gradient, meaning the color fades from light to dark. Below is a list of the colors currently available. 

Some sizes and shapes offer more color options than others. For detailed information, check out the Le Creuset website.

Downsides

While there are so many great things about Le Creuset, no product is perfect, and this is no exception. Let’s look at the downsides.

Expensive

There’s no denying it; Le Creuset Dutch ovens are expensive. Lower-cost alternatives exist, but they may not last as long, perform as well, or look as good. The point is, you’ll get what you pay for, but be prepared to make a substantial financial investment.

Heavy

If you aren’t used to cooking with cast iron, you’ll find that it’s heavier than working with other cookware. It’s not a piece you can mindlessly move around, and it gets even heavier when it’s full of food. The popular 5.5-quart Dutch oven weighs 11 pounds and 4 ounces. Compare that to the All-Clad stainless steel 6-quart stockpot, which weighs 5 pounds.

Resource: Check out my in-depth comparison of Stock Pots vs. Dutch Ovens to learn the key differences.

Slow Heating

Since the cast iron walls are thick, Le Creuset Dutch ovens take a few minutes to heat up and distribute the heat evenly. Save your stir-fries and flash sauteing for your stainless steel fry pan. Le Creuset Dutch ovens are a low-and-slow type of cookware that takes a while to reach the desired heat, but it maintains its temperature once it’s hot.

Discoloration

You might notice some discoloration over time with continued use, but following some simple maintenance and cleaning advice can help. Check out my tips for cleaning enameled cookware.

What Others Are Saying

Here is a snapshot of some recent accolades Le Creuset has earned:

The New York Times named Le Creuset the Upgrade Pick, saying it’s the “kind of piece people pass down to their kids.”

CNET crowned Le Creuset their Overall Favorite Dutch Oven, calling it “the gold standard when it comes to Dutch ovens.”

Consumer Reports tested several top Dutch ovens and gave Le Creuset an Excellent rating thanks to its ability to brown and easy cleanup. 

Business Insider named Le Creuset the Best Overall Dutch Oven for its versatility, ability to handle high temperatures, and extensive color options. 

Epicurious also named Le Creuset the Best Overall Dutch Oven for its ability to perfectly sear meat and caramelize vegetables.

Forbes awarded Le Creuset the Top Option to Last a Lifetime, praising its ability to offer “decades of reliable cooking performance.”

Alternatives to Le Creuset

Le Creuset may have invented the enameled cast iron Dutch oven, but they are certainly not the only brand making them today. 

Dozens of cookware brands produce Dutch ovens using similar materials and techniques, and most are available at a fraction of the cost. 

If you love everything about Le Creuset besides the price, consider these high-quality alternatives:

StaubStaub Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

This French-made brand is a step below Le Creuset in price, but certainly not in quality. It’s the closest you can get to Le Creuset in terms of options, performance, durability, and reputation (check out my in-depth comparison of Staub vs. Le Creuset). Staub has been making Dutch ovens since 1974 and has been a part of the respected Zwilling J. A. Henckels brand since 2008. The main downside of Staub is that they don’t offer as many color options as Le Creuset. You can shop Staub’s full lineup of Dutch ovens on Amazon.

LodgeLodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Lodge Dutch ovens look closest to Le Creuset in terms of color options, sizes, and shapes. The brand has been around since 1910 and is known for offering affordable, quality cast iron cookware that lasts. Check out Lodge Dutch ovens on Amazon.

Great JonesGreat Jones oval Dutch oven

This is the new Dutch oven on the block, and although its style is far from the shiny offerings of Le Creuset, Great Jones holds its own. They offer an oval Dutch oven with a matte finish in several colors. It also boasts a smooth, lighter-colored interior similar to Le Creuset. Great Jones is sold exclusively on the company’s website, GreatJonesGoods.com.

TramontinaTramontina Dutch oven

If price is your main concern, you can’t go wrong with the Tramontina Dutch oven. It’s attractive and surprisingly durable for the cost. It’s a top-seller on Amazon, too. Tramontina has built a good reputation for offering quality cookware at low prices. To learn more, check out my in-depth comparison of Le Creuset vs. Tramontina.

Are these alternatives a better value than Le Creuset? Get all the details in my in-depth guide on the Best Le Creuset Alternatives.

Final Verdict: Is Le Creuset Worth it?

Is Le Creuset really worth it? Before I answer that question, let’s recap the pros and cons:

Pros

Cons

Bottom line—If you’re going to buy one Dutch oven, and it’s within your budget, Le Creuset is absolutely worth it. If you want several or are on a budget, consider high-quality alternatives like Staub and Tramontina.

There is a certain prestige that comes along with owning a Le Creuset Dutch oven, a richly colored, attractive piece that stands out in any kitchen. It’s the type of cookware that gets you excited to cook and host gatherings.

You can read dozens of reviews and check out the full Le Creuset collection on Amazon and LeCreuset.com.

We Tested Its Classic Dutch Oven and 6 Other Pieces

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Though startups like Made In are making headway against traditional kitchen brands, there are some decades-old names that home cooks may never let go of.

Topping registry and gift lists everywhere, these legacy brands have been wished for, raved about, and passed down from generation to generation. For good reason — their products help to make your grandmother's famous chocolate chip cookies as well as your newfangled (her words, not yours) quinoa cacao bites.

French cookware company Le Creuset is one such name, representing the height of craftsmanship and style, and accordingly, price. Its enamel cast iron Dutch ovens are widely considered the best in the industry, which is why many people are willing to commit to the $200+ investment and few ever regret it.

You can't miss them in a kitchen. They're the smooth and glossy, weighty and substantial, brightly colored centerpiece of a shelf, stove, or countertop, and after cooking with them, you're unlikely to ever forget them.

Basically, Le Creuset is the rare brand that's really as good as everyone says it is. The experience is kind of like going to your first SoulCycle class — you enter a cynic, but you emerge (hopefully less sweaty) a zealous convert. 

A brief history of Le Creuset — then and now

Williams-Sonoma

Le Creuset was created in 1925 by two Belgian industrialists, one who specialized in casting and the other in enameling. After meeting at the Brussels Fair, they created a foundry in Fresnoy-le-Grand, an area in northern France located along a major trade route. 

The cast iron cocotte, also known as a French oven or an enameled Dutch oven, was their first product. Its Flame color, a Le Creuset signature, is said to have been modeled after the vibrant orange hue of molten cast iron inside a crucible ("le creuset" in French). 

The cocotte was a groundbreaking product at the time because it made the kitchen staple of cast iron cookware both more functional and beautiful. It was something that home cooks could rely on every time to perform at high levels, but also an aesthetically pleasing piece that looked good on stovetops and dining tables alike. Based on Le Creuset's enduring success, it looks like our tastes haven't changed much. 

After World War II, as competitors flocked to steel and aluminum to make their cookware, Le Creuset doubled down on its enameled cast iron efforts, expanding into a range of other pieces and experimenting with exciting new colors. Today, you can shop its iconic Dutch oven alongside specialty cookware like woks and Moroccan tagines, bakeware like casserole dishes, and dinnerware. 

How to shop Le Creuset cookware and what to buy

Sur la Table

Enameled cast iron was and will remain Le Creuset's specialty. Its slow heat distribution and strong heat retention make it great for medium and low-heat cooking, from slow-cooking meats to roasting vegetables to baking rich desserts. The smooth interior encourages beautiful, delicious caramelization, plus it prevents sticking and is easy to clean. This material is safe to use on all heat sources, including electric, gas, induction, outdoor grill, and oven. Whether you're a first-time Le Creuset buyer or expanding a decades-old collection, this versatile, high-performing cookware is the main one to shop. All cast iron pieces are made in the original French foundry and each is hand-inspected by 15 people. They come with a limited lifetime warranty. 

Stoneware is best for baking tasks. It heats uniformly to create that coveted golden-brown crust while making sure that everything inside is cooked evenly, and it releases food easily. All stoneware pieces come with a limited 10-year warranty. 

Nonstick is a newer venture for Le Creuset and a nicer-quality upgrade from the nonstick stuff you've used before. Compared to cast iron, these aluminum-core products heat up quickly. All nonstick pieces come with a limited lifetime warranty. 

Williams-Sonoma

Where to shop Le Creuset

Le Creuset's full lineup of products is available on its website, where you can get free shipping on all orders, find recipes and events, and start a gift registry (through MyRegistry.com). It's easiest to shop all of Le Creuset's gorgeous colors and special limited-stock or limited-edition collections on the company's website. 

However, you can also find sales and exclusive colors at specialty retailers like Williams-Sonoma, Sur La Table (the "Artichoke" shade looks as delicious as the real thing), and Crate & Barrel, and department stores like Nordstrom and Macy's. It's available at Amazon as well, but it might be more convenient to buy Le Creuset at those places if you shop there frequently. 

Review of Le Creuset cookware 

Three of us tested the cookware types I mentioned above — enameled cast iron, stoneware, and nonstick — and put the nearly 100-year-old company to the work. While this was my first experience cooking with Le Creuset, some of my colleagues have been using their pieces for years and can attest to the durability and wear of their cookware. 

Below, learn more about what it's like to cook with Le Creuset, from the classic Dutch Oven to the lesser-known Grill Pan. 

Shop Le Creuset cookware here:

Amazon, Sur La Table, Crate & Barrel, Nordstrom, Macy's, Le Creuset, Williams-Sonoma

Round Dutch Oven

Ellen's beef stroganoff Ellen Hoffman/Business Insider

Round Dutch Oven (5. 5-Quart), around $370, available at: Le Creuset | Williams-Sonoma 

We used it to cook: beef stroganoff, broccoli and sausage orzo skillet, chicken pot hotdish, and so much more. 

Why we love it: The 5.5-quart version of the popular Le Creuset Dutch oven isn't cheap at $350, but it's the cornerstone of my kitchen; it offers a lot of versatility, a durable design, and crucially, even heat distribution. I use it to cook easy, one-pot meals on most weeknights — everything from beef stroganoff to spring peas and asparagus risotto to a broccoli and sausage orzo skillet. —Ellen Hoffman, Executive Editor

I use a 4.5-quart version of this Dutch Oven, the same one that had previously belonged to my former boss' wife. She and I would swap recipes through her husband, delivering muffins and breakfast bars and favorite recipes to each other via his briefcase. At a holiday party at their home a few years ago, she gifted me one of her Le Creuset pots along with her matching frying pan. She gave it to me because she was growing partial to her Staub Dutch oven and didn't need so many in the house, but it was still one of the kindest gifts I've ever received. I love cooking in it and especially using it to serve stews, sauces, and orzo during dinner parties. —Sally Kaplan, Senior Editor

Mini Cocottes

Connie's mini mac and cheese and veggies Connie Chen/Business Insider

Mini Cocottes, $100, available at: Le Creuset 

We used it to cook: single-serving/app-sized mac and cheese, veggies, baked eggs, apple pie

Why we love it: These are hands down the most adorable pieces of cookware I own. The mini versions of the brand's classic cocotte are perfect for serving personal desserts, side dishes, and snacks like nuts or candy. They're made from stoneware, so they're best used in the oven on a baking tray and uncovered. The set I got came with a cookbook filled with recipes optimized for tiny portions, but if you're comfortable with experimentation, I can see the potential to get really creative (and cute) with these mini cocottes. —Connie Chen, Senior Reporter

Square Dish

Sally's fudgy vegan brownies Sally Kaplan/Business Insider

Square Dish, $50, available at: Le Creuset |Bed Bath & Beyond (currently sold out)

We used it to cook: fudgy vegan brownies, roasted apricots with coconut sugar, cornbread, and a million other things

Why we love it: I've had this square dish for about three years now, and it's one of the most-used dishes in my kitchen. I bake quick-breads and brownies in it, use it to roast veggies at high temperatures, and even make pot pies with fluffy, crispy drop biscuit crust. The coating on the stoneware is so glossy and smooth that it's always easy to clean — mine has been through hell and back, and still looks as new as it did the very first day I got it. —Sally Kaplan

Nonstick Saute Pan

Sally's vegetarian "meat" sauce Sally Kaplan/Business Insider

Nonstick Saute Pan, $145, available at: Crate & Barrel | Le Creuset

We used it to cook: vegetarian "meat" sauce, garlicky zucchini noodles

Why we love it: I have a lot of nonstick pans, but I threw two of them out after I cooked with this one for the first time. The nonstick coating is above and beyond what I've experienced before. It took about three seconds to wash the pot I cooked this sauce in because there was absolutely nothing sticking to it. Not only that, but it provided fast, even heat throughout, and the walls of the pan are just high enough that you can use it as a saucepan and saute pan interchangeably. It's an excellent value for $145 — I use it all the time. —Sally Kaplan

Braiser

Ellen's "sophisticated hamburger helper" Ellen Hoffman/Business Insider

Braiser, $200, available at: Le Creuset 

We used it to cook: lemon thyme chicken thighs, rigatoni and chicken with vodka sauce (family recipe), and lots of other bigger, saucy pasta dishes

Why we love it: This pan is the perfect size for the kinds of one-pot, saucy pasta dishes I make all the time. It's super wide and deep enough that I don't have to worry about adding too much liquid and having the contents spill over the sides. It's also great for cooking meats and veggies since, like I said, there's plenty of surface area so everything has room to get nice and crispy.—Ellen Hoffman

Rectangular Casserole

Le Creuset

Rectangular Casserole, $115, available at: Amazon | Le Creuset

We used it to cook: Enchiladas, lasagna, pasta casseroles

Why we love it: The depth of this 3. 5-quart casserole dish is ideal for recipes that call for layering, and the stoneware construction ensures every layer, whether sweet or savory, heats evenly and comes out of the oven piping hot. Though you might think the enamel would be too delicate to touch with a knife, rest assured you can slice into your casserole worry-free. I do wish the handles were slotted so I'd feel safer carrying it out of the oven, so just be extra careful about not dropping your hard work on the ground. —Connie Chen

Connie Chen

Connie Chen is a former senior reporter on the Insider Reviews team, where she led coverage of home textiles, home entertaining, and food and drink. While at Insider, she specialized in all the things that enhance life at home, from the most comfortable bed sheets and fluffy pillows to cool online wine clubs and bartender-approved cocktail shakers. She combined rigorous testing methods, conversations with professionals, and active knowledge of the home and kitchen space to help readers get the most out of their money. When she's not changing duvet covers or washing towels twice a day for articles, she loves talking about and trying the newest snacks, drinks, and food gifts. You can see more of her testing process and other behind-the-scenes of being a product journalist on her Instagram @connayreviews.  Connie joined Insider Reviews as an early member in 2017 and has also reported on products and services in the style, tech, fitness, travel, and e-learning spaces, with a particular interest and expertise in emerging startups. She has represented the team at CES and moderated panels on media business and the future of retail. Connie graduated from UC Berkeley with degrees in media studies and business administration, which help inform her perspective on and coverage of industry trends, as well as the competitive e-commerce landscape at large. Read some of her work: The 4 best cocktail shakers in 2021 The 7 best women's bathrobes in 2021 The 5 best wine openers and corkscrews we tested in 2021 The 5 best bed sheets we tested in 2021  The 5 best cordless vacuums we tested in 2021 12 direct-to-consumer kitchen startups that are changing the way we shop for cookware and knives 8 tableware startups changing the way we shop for dishes Even chefs experience cooking burnout — here's how they get re-inspired in the kitchen How businesses create successful virtual experiences 50 cookbooks from famous restaurants across the US that will help you recreate their best dishes at home Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Learn more about how we test kitchen products.

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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected].

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Common questions about Le Creuset cookware

We offer you to get acquainted with the most frequent questions that customers ask before purchasing kitchen utensils from Le Creuset. Of course, cast iron products are not only fashionable and popular, but also of high quality and durability. Nevertheless, many buyers are interested in how they function, how long they serve, what they are afraid of. This article contains the most common questions that may arise from both new and regular customers of Le Creuset brand cookware.

Does Le Creuset cookware burn food?

If you cook at low and medium temperatures, then the food will not stick to the surface of the pans for a long time. This is achieved due to the enamel coating, which does not allow food residues to stick. Thanks to this, the dishes are easy to clean without damaging the surface.

Why are Le Creuset cookware designs different?

Le Creuset creates only unique designs that will find their place in any kitchen. Each unit of dishes is created individually, respectively, there is no other one like it anymore. This is what makes the brand truly unique and special.

In the photo: CHIFFON PINK Collection

Do I need to maintain a high temperature throughout the cooking time?

No, because cast iron is an excellent conductor of heat, therefore, the temperature is maintained for a long time. Even after turning off the hob, the dish will continue to cook for a certain time.

Can Le Creuset cookware be used on an induction hob?

Yes, cast iron is suitable for all types of hob, including induction.

Pictured: METAL Collection

Can I marinate food in Le Creuset?

Yes, the enameled surface is not affected by acids, as a result, the marinade will not spoil the coating.

What are the advantages of Le Creuset cast iron cookware over traditional stainless steel cookware?

Pictured: CERISE Collection

What should I consider before using Le Creuset cookware for the first time?

If you have just purchased a Le Creuset frying pan, it is recommended to carry out the following operations:

Le Creuset pan is ready to use. After each preparation, it should not be washed with special products. Over time, a light brown coating (patina) forms on its surface. It should not be removed, as such a layer prevents food from burning.

How to care for Le Creuset cookware?

Important to know: the hot surface of the dishes should not be washed with cold water. Otherwise, the enamel coating will lose its properties and deform. In order to get rid of frozen food residues, you need to wipe the surface of the dishes with a nylon brush. There is no need to use detergent. If the dirt cannot be cleaned, fill the container with water and soda and boil. Thus, your dishes will be as good as new, and mechanical cleaning will not spoil their presentable appearance.

Are all Le Creuset cookware enamel coated?

Yes, not only frying pans, but also pots, braziers, stewpans, pots. The choice of such a coating is obvious - the enamel is stronger, more durable and safer for human health. In turn, cast iron can rust over time, and thanks to the enameled coating, Le Creuset lasts for decades.

What is the diameter of the hob to use Le Creuset?

Since all Le Creuset cookware is made of cast iron, the diameter of the cooking surface does not affect the quality of cooking at all. The material is an excellent conductor of heat, respectively, the temperature over the entire surface of the dish is the same. This allows the dish to heat evenly and the dishes not to spoil
Tip: if the hob is much larger than the diameter of the pan, you should not put the dishes on a large fire. This can lead to overheating of the side walls.

In the photo: Le Creuset saucepan

Using Le Creuset cookware with broken enamel: is it safe?

In general, yes. But if you suffer from allergies, it is not recommended to use such dishes. After peeling off the enamel, rust appears on the surface of the utensils. It can be oxidized by iron, which is an element of our body. Accordingly, food cooked on such a surface cannot cause significant harm.

Our tip: To avoid rust, always thoroughly rinse and dry your crockery. And it is recommended to lubricate the places of scratches and cracks with oil.

What happens to Le Creuset dishes if they fall?

As a rule, nothing happens to Le Creuset products due to a fall, since the dishes are made of cast iron. But in rare cases, utensils can be damaged, depending on the type of floor and the height of the fall.

What accessories can I use?

When working with Le Creuset enameled surfaces, it is recommended to use heat-resistant tools made of wood, plastic and silicone, as they do not damage the protective layer.

Pictured: Heart shaped roasting dish

Le Creuset warranty

Le Creuset guarantees that there will be no problems with the cookware during the entire warranty period. The maximum service life of Le Creuset is 30 years.

Can Le Creuset dishes be washed in a dishwasher?

Yes, dishes can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Be careful when washing pans with wooden handles. It is also not recommended to clean products with a black coating in this way, since such a layer can be deformed.

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Care Instructions - Le Creuset Cast Iron Cookware

INTRODUCTION

The entire Le Creuset range currently produced is custom designed, using both traditional and the most advanced technologies.

In order for any of the presented products to serve for a long time and be a worthy decoration in your kitchen, please read this section.

The information contained in it will help you keep your cookware in excellent condition throughout its life, and achieve the best results in cooking your favorite dishes.

APPLICATIONS

Enamelled cast iron is an almost ideal material for the production of cookware, and meets all modern requirements for food preparation and storage of finished products.

Over the centuries, various peoples have made kitchen utensils from it, and today these traditions are continuing in a worthy manner, since almost any dish can be cooked in cast iron dishes: soups, roast meat or poultry, grilled dishes, vegetables, and Desserts of course, such as: cakes, casseroles, quiches and more…

When used correctly, dishes prepared in this cookware retain many of the beneficial properties of the food, so it is ideal for those who care about a healthy diet, as well as people who need or prefer dietary food.

In addition to being able to keep your dishes warm for a long time, cast iron cookware is very convenient for cooling and storing food, both in the refrigerator and after some time after it has been removed from it.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

This section contains recommendations for the care and use of Le Creuset cookware. They apply to all products made of enameled cast iron, regardless of the color of the inner surface (black, white or sand).

Before first use, be sure to remove all stickers (if any), wash dishes thoroughly in hot water with soapy solutions, and dry.

No further preparation required.

Le Creuset cookware can be used on all types of cookers: including gas, electric and induction.

When cooking, avoid sudden changes in temperature.

Do not move cookware over glass or any other smooth surfaces as this could damage it.

Cookware with an enamelled interior is not suitable for cooking without liquid. This rule does not apply to grills, and products that have a non-stick coating.

USE IN OVENS

Cookware equipped with integrated (phenolic) handles and lids with integrated handles can be used in ovens at temperatures not exceeding 195°C / 375° F.

Ladles and cocotte makers with integrated handles made of cast iron or stainless steel can be used at any temperature.

Cookware with wooden handles cannot be used for cooking in ovens.

GENERAL POINTS

The handles integral to the product (integrated handles) can become hot during cooking, so care must be taken to use dry soft towels or mittens.

Since cast iron cookware has a very high heat dissipation capacity, you can achieve the best results by using a low to medium temperature setting, ensuring that it heats up gradually and evenly.

High temperature is preferred for boiling water, cooking vegetables or pasta, sauces, etc…

Due to the fact that cast iron has very high heat transfer characteristics, it is unacceptable to use high temperatures to preheat cookware made from this material. This can adversely affect the quality of the cooked dish, as well as damage the cookware itself, its enamel or non-stick coating.

Never leave unfilled dishes on a hot stove. This can lead to its damage.

To stir food while it is cooking, and to preserve the enamelled surfaces of Le Creuset cookware, use special heat-resistant tools made of silicone, plastic or wood. The use of metal tools for these purposes may damage the enamel or non-stick coating.

Do not hit the surface of the cookware with metal objects as this may damage its surface.

For hot dishes, use Le Creuset silicone mats or special coasters. To avoid spoilage, never place hot cookware on an unprotected surface.

The use of whisks, mixers and other metal objects to mix food may damage the enamelled surface.

After using the dishes, be sure to let them cool down before washing.

Do not place hot dishes in cold water. This can lead to the destruction of the enamel as a result of thermal exposure to lower temperatures.

If after cooking or storage there are food residues in the dishes, soak them in warm water for 15-20 minutes, and then wash in the usual way.

Use soft synthetic sponges to wash dishes.

The use of wire brushes or abrasive cleaners may damage the enamel or non-stick coating.

Surfaces coated with black may develop a patina over time (slight brown film). Do not try to clean it, since its appearance is a normal process that occurs as a result of environmental exposure to products made from certain metals, and does not affect the consumer qualities of the dishes themselves. Trying to remove it, you can damage the enamel.

Stains or other marks on the surface of the enamel (including those from metal objects) can be removed with the special cleaner Le Creuset, thanks to which your dishes will always look perfect.

CLEANING AND CARE

All Le Creuset cast iron products, including those with phenolic handles, are dishwasher safe. Constant washing can lead to a slight tarnishing of the enamel, but this in no way affects the consumer properties of the product and its performance.

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