Le Creuset's high-quality and beautiful French cookware is coveted by many home chefs today. Learn more about what makes Le Creuset so popular, as well as how to take good care of it to last.

Choosing to purchase Le Creuset for your kitchen is a big choice! For one, it’s most likely going to outlive you and have the potential to serve countless people for many lifetimes. At the very least, it has a warranty that’s designed to outlive you. It’s such a cool thought that the cookware you choose to bring into this world could feed so many hungry people in such a colorful style.

Why Le Creuset Is Beloved Around the World

Le Creuset is a highly respected French cookware company that has been producing top-quality pots and pans since 1925. Its enameled cast iron cookware is favored by professional chefs and home cooks alike for its durability, performance, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. The enameled cast iron construction makes the pots and pans resistant to chipping, cracking, and staining, while the thick walls and base allow for excellent heat retention and even heat distribution. These pots and pans can be used on a variety of cooking surfaces, including the stovetop, oven, grill, and broiler, and are dishwasher safe. In addition, Le Creuset's enameled cast iron cookware is available in a range of colors and has a classic, timeless design that adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen.

Curating a Le Creuset Set for Your Kitchen

There are three main cookset materials that Le Creuset currently has in production: enameled cast iron, stainless steel, and hard anodized nonstick. The widely popular bakeware is also relevant but its uses are limited to oven duty only as the material can be fragile and the vessel shapes are specific to baking. So what’s the most ideal material for your cooking needs? Let’s take a look at this material overview.

Le Creuset Stainless Steel Cookware

Le Creuset Stainless Steel cookware is a line of high-quality pots and pans made from stainless steel. Some of the features of Le Creuset Stainless Steel cookware include:

1. Construction: The cookware is made from a tri-ply construction that combines layers of stainless steel with an aluminum core. The aluminum core provides excellent heat conductivity, while the stainless steel layers provide durability and a non-reactive surface that is safe for use with acidic foods.
2. Handles: Stay-cool handles are securely attached to the pot or pan with stainless steel rivets. The handles are designed to remain cool to the touch, even when the pot or pan is hot, making it easy and safe to handle the cookware.
3. Lids: Some Le Creuset Stainless Steel cookware comes with a fitting lid, while others do not. The lids are made from stainless steel and designed to fit snugly on the pot or pan and are suitable for use in the oven.
4. Compatibility: The pots and pans have a flat base that allows them to sit evenly on all cooking surfaces and distribute heat evenly.
5. Care: Yes, it’s dishwasher-safe! But hand washing is recommended to preserve the finish. The pots and pans are also easy to clean, as the stainless steel surface is resistant to stains and is non-reactive to acidic foods.
6. Price: Le Creuset Stainless Steel cookware is usually priced along with other high-end cookware options. The pots and pans come with a lifetime warranty and are designed to last for many years with proper care.

Top Pick for Stainless Steel Cookware Set

This 10-piece set has all the basics needed for a small dinner party or your everyday family meal. With a stock pot, sauté pan, two fry pans, and two saucepans, it’s essentially perfect. Great for home and professional use, the three-ply stainless has even heat distribution and it’s oven-proof up to 500f.

Le Creuset Nonstick Cookware

Le Creuset nonstick cookware is a line of pots and pans that are coated with a nonstick surface to make them easy to cook with and clean. Some of the features of Le Creuset nonstick cookware include:

1. Construction: The cookware is composed of hard-anodized aluminum, which is a strong, durable material that heats up quickly and evenly. The pots and pans are coated with a nonstick surface, which is made from a PFOA-free material and is designed to resist scratching and wear.
2. Handles: Riveted stay-cool handles are securely attached to the pot or pan and have a wonderful loop for hanging the cookware, if that’s what you prefer.
3. Lids: Some of the nonstick cookware comes with a fitting lid, while others do not. The lids are made from tempered glass and have a stainless steel rim and handle.
4. Compatibility: Le Creuset nonstick cookware is compatible with a variety of cooking surfaces, including induction, gas, electric, and ceramic.

Top Pick for Nonstick Cookware Set

The nonstick cookware set is built to serve a smaller party. The stockpot for example is a 6.3-quart capacity which is almost perfect for most people, but might be a little small for larger families. But the combination of skillets and sauté pans give the full range of any household cookset. Perfect for enthusiastic home cooks, this cookware has a lifetime warranty on the nonstick coating

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

Le Creuset cast iron is coated with a layer of enamel which creates a high-quality pot and pan. Some of the features include:

1. Construction: The enameled surface is smooth, hard, and resistant to chipping, cracking, and staining, and it is available in a wide range of colors with a memorable hue. The pots and pans have a thick base and walls that retain heat well, making them ideal for slow cooking and simmering soups. To avoid scratching, it’s best to use wooden utensils with the cast iron cookware
2. Handles: The handles and loops on Le Creuset cookware are some of the most recognizable features of them because they are large and round with enough space to fit an oven mitt.
3. Lids: Most of their enameled cast Iron cookware comes with a fitting lid, which is made from cast iron and coated with a layer of enamel. The lids are designed to fit snugly on the pot or pan and are suitable for use in the oven.
4. Compatibility: The enameled cast iron cookware is compatible with all cooking surfaces.
5. Care: Enameled cast iron cookware is dishwasher safe, but hand washing is recommended to preserve the enamel finish. The pots and pans are known for easy cleaning, as the enameled surface is resistant to stains and is non-reactive with acidic foods.
6. Price: Le Creuset enameled cast iron is more expensive than other options, but their quality, durability, and aesthetics are timeless and with proper care, will last a lifetime.

Most Renowned Le Creuset Piece

With the iconic red “flame” as their signature color, or more than a dozen other options to choose from, all Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Ovens are perfect for soups or casseroles, or could even work as a shallow fry pan. This 5.5-quart is the most popular because it suits a meal of 4-6 people without a fuss.

Top Pick for Cast Iron Cookware Set

Owning cast iron is often the mindset of having as few pieces of cookware as possible. It’s heavy and takes up so much space, plus it’s incredibly versatile—dutch ovens have the versatility to do just about any task in the kitchen without a fuss. So here it is, the perfect starter set for opening an obsession with Le Creuset. The 5.5-quart dutch oven will become your best friend, and the 9 inch skillet is perfect for breakfast and lunch for one or two people. To really fill out the kitchen though, one might need to explore their catalog for the remaining perfect pieces!

Le Creuset Stoneware

Le Creuset stoneware is a high-quality type of ceramics that is known for its durability, performance, and versatility in the kitchen. It is made from a high-quality clay that is fired at a high temperature, making it resistant to chipping, cracking, and scratching, and it has a durable enamel finish that adds an extra layer of protection. The stoneware has a non-porous surface that prevents the absorption of liquids and odors, and a non-stick surface that makes it easy to release food. It is also resistant to staining and can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for use in the microwave, oven, and dishwasher. Le Creuset stoneware is available in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit different needs and comes in a range of colors to match any kitchen decor. The company is known for its strict quality control standards and attention to detail, and its stoneware products are backed by a 10-year warranty

Top Pick for Bakeware

The 4-quart casserole is effectively the most classic ceramic bakeware anyone could have in their kitchen. It’s perfect for cakes, lasagna, and family-size pot pies. Perfect for home cooks who want some color and beauty in their kitchen.

FAQs

Are Le Creuset pans worth it?

Le Creuset pans are known for their high-quality, durability, and performance. They are made from heavy-duty materials, such as enameled cast iron, stainless steel, and hard-anodized aluminum, and are designed to meet the demands of professional chefs and home cooks. Le Creuset pans are easy to use and care for, with stay-cool handles, dishwasher-safe construction, and compatibility with a variety of cooking surfaces. They are also easy to clean and retain heat well, making them ideal for tasks like searing, sautéing, and simmering. While Le Creuset pans are generally more expensive than other brands, many people consider them to be worth the investment due to their long-lasting performance and excellent quality.

Is Le Creuset a luxury brand?

Le Creuset is a luxury brand that is known for producing high-quality pots, pans, and other cookware. The company's enameled cast iron, stainless steel, and nonstick products are made from premium materials and are designed to meet the demands of professional chefs and home cooks. Le Creuset is also known for its classic, timeless design and signature enamel finish, which adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen.

Why is Le Creuset better than other cast iron?

Le Creuset uses high-quality materials and has strict quality control standards to ensure that its products meet the highest standards of excellence. Le Creuset's cast iron cookware is known for its classic, timeless design and signature enamel finish, and is designed to provide excellent performance and be easy to use and care for. The company's products come with a lifetime warranty, which is a testament to the company's confidence in the quality and durability of its products.

Is Le Creuset made in China?

Le Creuset is a French company that has been producing high-quality cookware since 1925. The company has manufacturing facilities in France, Thailand, and China, and its products are sold in more than 60 countries around the world. While some Le Creuset products are made in China, the company's enameled cast iron products are still made in its original foundry in France. Le Creuset's stainless steel and nonstick cookware is most often made in Portugal.

Can Le Creuset go in the dishwasher?

Most Le Creuset cookware is dishwasher safe, with the exception of a few specific products that are not recommended for use in the dishwasher. Le Creuset enameled cast iron cookware, stainless steel cookware, and nonstick cookware are all dishwasher safe, although the company recommends hand washing enameled cast iron and nonstick cookware to preserve the finish and prevent any chipping or scratching of the enamel or nonstick coating. It is best to follow the care instructions provided by Le Creuset to ensure that your cookware stays in good condition and performs optimally.

Can Le Creuset dutch oven go in the oven?

Most Le Creuset cookware is oven safe, including dutch ovens, and great for oven stews, with a few exceptions. Enameled cast iron cookware, including pots, pans, roasters, and other items, is generally oven safe and can withstand temperatures up to 500°F. Stainless steel cookware, including pots, pans, and other items, is also generally oven safe and can withstand high temperatures. Nonstick cookware, including pots, pans, and other items, is generally oven safe and can withstand temperatures up to 500°F

How to clean Le Creuset skillet?

Le Creuset enameled cast iron cookware is easy to clean and maintain with a few simple steps. First, allow the cookware to cool naturally before cleaning it to prevent the enamel from cracking or chipping. Use a soft sponge or brush to gently scrub the inside and outside of the cookware, avoiding abrasive scouring pads or steel wool. Rinse the cookware thoroughly with warm water and dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth to prevent spotting. If there are stains on the cookware, a baking soda and water paste can be used to gently scrub them away. Do not place the cookware on the stovetop or in the oven to dry, as this can cause the enamel to become discolored or damaged. By following these steps, you can keep your Le Creuset enameled cast iron cookware in good condition and enjoy it for years to come.

Which is better: cast iron or enameled cast iron?

Both cast iron and enameled cast iron have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, and which one is better depends on your specific needs and preferences. Cast iron is known for its excellent heat retention and durability, but it is significantly heavier than enameled cast iron and requires more maintenance, including regular seasoning to prevent rust and maintain its nonstick properties. Enameled cast iron is lighter and easier to handle, and is generally easier to care for, as it is dishwasher safe and does not require seasoning. However, the enamel finish is prone to chipping or cracking if it is subjected to excessive force or dropped. Cast iron is generally less expensive than enameled cast iron, although high-quality enameled cast iron can be more expensive than lower-quality cast iron. Ultimately, whether cast iron or enameled cast iron is better depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Conclusion

We’re excited to have Le Creuset in Curated’s catalog. I’m happy to be here to help passionate cooks get connected to the very best cookware! If you would like some help figuring out which pieces of cookware would suit you, one of our Kitchen Experts is ready to assist.