Review: Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron · 5 Piece Set
By Curated Experts
Melissa Brunetti and Kate Wilson
5 photos
The Curated Take
4.7/5
The Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron 5-Piece Set is ideal for those who enjoy cooking various meals, particularly in high-heat situations like searing steaks. Its durability and heat retention make it ideal for camping trips. However, these pans are heavy and require careful maintenance to prevent damage. They are well-suited for a smaller family, offering versatility from stove to oven to table. The set includes a Dutch oven, skillet, and saucepan, all known for even heat distribution and quality craftsmanship. Though pricey, their longevity and nonstick properties make them a valuable investment for avid home cooks and outdoor enthusiasts.
Ideal for
- Best used in medium- to high-heat situations
- Great for searing steaks
- Versatile pieces for a variety of meals
- Best pans to take on a camping trip
Not ideal for
- Pans are on the heavier side
- Damage may occur without proper care
Weight
The weight of these pots and pans makes them ideal to use in high-heat situations. The fry pan I like to use for searing meat and poultry. The Dutch oven...Read more
Being someone with wrist injuries, I have found that this cookware can be tricky to transport from stove to oven or tabletop. This is especially true for the Dutch oven....Read more
Ease of Cleaning
The fry pan comes pre-seasoned but does require some maintenance. One has to season it themself with salt and scrape and wipe it clean after each use. I like to...Read more
All pieces in this set are easy to clean. While the pieces do not boast a nonstick finish, they definitely do offer some of the same benefits when used as...Read more
Quality
I know whenever I buy a Le Creuset pot or pan, I am investing in my present and future. This is something that is going to last me for a...Read more
Heat Conductivity
The quality of the cast iron in this set makes it beautiful to use in high-heat situations. It promotes very even cooking and has great heat retention. This means that...Read more
Each piece in this collection is consistent in that they heat up quickly and evenly regardless of which type of stove they use. Food stays nice and warm for a...Read more
Versatility
The size and number of pieces make this set a perfect starter set for someone who does not have a lot of cookware. It is also ideal to use in...Read more
The Dutch oven can handle larger servings of soups and stews, even a loaf of bread and desserts. The saucepan has been a staple for my evening chocolate almond milk...Read more
Size
The fry pan is a nice medium size, which can work well with fish, meat, or poultry. I love the size of the smaller pot. It makes it ideal for...Read more
The saucepan and skillet are a good size for smaller portions, and I frequently use them when cooking for myself and/or my partner. The Dutch oven comes out more often...Read more
Ergonomics
These pots and pans are heavy, making them harder to lift and toss items as they cook. Most of the time when I cook with them I use utensils to...Read more
While heaviness does play a part in ease of use, overall, the handles are well placed and large enough to get a steady grip on, even with oven mitts. The...Read more
Aesthetics
I love that Le Creuset focuses so much on beauty and color. It really adds pizzazz to my kitchen environment. I am someone who loves bright colors and had a...Read more
One of the main selling points of Le Creuset is the color options. From bright, vibrant reds and blues to more mellow grey and off-white, there likely isn't a kitchen...Read more
Heat Resistance
These pots and pans take a long time to heat up, but once they do, they stay hot for a long time. This promotes very even cooking, which is something...Read more
Heats up quickly, spreads evenly throughout the pans, and keeps food hot with or without the lid for a long time. The top knob on the lid resists heat nicely,...Read more
Durability
This set holds up in any cooking situation. I never have to worry about it getting too hot, resulting in warping or denting. I use any of these pieces directly...Read more
I have had many cookware brands through the years, and Le Creuset tops the list of pieces that consistently offer beautiful results in the kitchen. No loose handles, cracked surfaces,...Read more
Non-Stick Coating
Le Creuset does a great job at pre-seasoning the pan. So much so that it is ready to use as soon as I purchase it. I recommend building up the...Read more
This set is not advertised as nonstick, but the natural sand enamel coating keeps food from sticking overall and is easy enough to clean up. If I cook something on...Read more
Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
Melissa Brunetti
Kate Wilson
About the kitchen products
- Model: Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron · 5 Piece Set
Test conditions
- When I bought these: 2020
- Where I’ve used them: I have used it at home, mostly on top of my grill and while camping.
- How many times I've used it: 75
Expert Reviews of the Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron
Melissa Brunetti This has become my go-to set to use when I'm outside, whether that be grilling in my backyard or out on a camping trip. These pans are heavy bottomed, super durable, and have a beautiful cast iron nonstick coating. They work best in high-heat situations, making them great for searing steaks or developing color on vegetables. They do take some getting used to because they are heavy and can retain heat for a long time. Exercise caution when using the handle—it can get very hot. Make sure to use an oven mitt or towel.
Kate Wilson This set is a good fit for the smaller family looking for quality pieces that they can build onto. The Dutch oven is a nice size for cooking larger servings of soups, stews, and casseroles, while the saucepan and skillet are suitable for smaller portions or meals. Each piece is extremely durable, built to last for generations, and the bright, vibrant colors do not fade with use. While they are heavier and higher priced than some of the competitor pieces, they are worth the extra cost because the quality is higher regarding chipping and discoloration. Seasoning is not required, and maintenance is easier than traditional cast iron. Still, damage may occur to the interior if heated at high temps without food inside (specifically on the saucepan and Dutch oven). Overall, it is a wonderful set to start one's Le Creuset collection.
Product Specs
| Set size (pieces) | 5 |
| Material | Enameled Cast Iron |
| Features | Induction safe, Oven safe, Broiler safe |
| Manufacturer warranty | Limited Lifetime |
| Collection name | Le Creuset Signature Series |
| Made in | France |
Review Ratings
Averaged between reviewers, view below how all experts voted.
Weight
5/5
Melissa Brunetti gave 5 of 5 stars. The weight of these pots and pans makes them ideal to use in high-heat situations. The fry pan I like to use for searing meat and poultry. The Dutch oven creates a great environment for stewing and braising. I also like to use it to bake in, making cornbread or an upside-down cake.
Kate Wilson gave 4 of 5 stars. Being someone with wrist injuries, I have found that this cookware can be tricky to transport from stove to oven or tabletop. This is especially true for the Dutch oven. The durability aspect outweighs the weight in terms of benefits, but one should keep this in mind before purchasing.
Ease of Cleaning
5/5
Melissa Brunetti gave 4 of 5 stars. The fry pan comes pre-seasoned but does require some maintenance. One has to season it themself with salt and scrape and wipe it clean after each use. I like to use a neutral oil to coat the pan after I have cleaned it out. This will help to build up and keep the cast iron coating so that it remains fairly nonstick and adds a nice seasoning to the food. Remember never to use soap on a coating like this. It can break down the coating over time.
Kate Wilson gave 5 of 5 stars. All pieces in this set are easy to clean. While the pieces do not boast a nonstick finish, they definitely do offer some of the same benefits when used as directed. This means no high heat and no metal utensils that will scratch the service and create grooves where food can get stuck.
Quality
5/5
Melissa Brunetti gave 5 of 5 stars. I know whenever I buy a Le Creuset pot or pan, I am investing in my present and future. This is something that is going to last me for a very long time. I never have to worry about any of these pieces rusting, denting, or warping. They hold up very nicely and add a flair to my kitchen environment.
Heat Conductivity
5/5
Melissa Brunetti gave 5 of 5 stars. The quality of the cast iron in this set makes it beautiful to use in high-heat situations. It promotes very even cooking and has great heat retention. This means that long after it has been taken out of the oven or off of the campfire, it will continue to keep one's food nice and warm.
Kate Wilson gave 5 of 5 stars. Each piece in this collection is consistent in that they heat up quickly and evenly regardless of which type of stove they use. Food stays nice and warm for a long time after the oven, saucepan, or skillet is removed from the heat source, too.
Versatility
5/5
Melissa Brunetti gave 5 of 5 stars. The size and number of pieces make this set a perfect starter set for someone who does not have a lot of cookware. It is also ideal to use in almost any cooking situation, whether it be on the stovetop, in the oven, on top of the grill outside, or over a live campfire.
Kate Wilson gave 5 of 5 stars. The Dutch oven can handle larger servings of soups and stews, even a loaf of bread and desserts. The saucepan has been a staple for my evening chocolate almond milk beverage, cranberry sauce on the holidays, and, of course, side sauces for dinner. My skillet cooks up fluffy pancakes, sausages, burgers and more.
Size
5/5
Melissa Brunetti gave 5 of 5 stars. The fry pan is a nice medium size, which can work well with fish, meat, or poultry. I love the size of the smaller pot. It makes it ideal for small batches of sauce or cooking rice. The larger Dutch oven is perfect for braising and stewing.
Kate Wilson gave 5 of 5 stars. The saucepan and skillet are a good size for smaller portions, and I frequently use them when cooking for myself and/or my partner. The Dutch oven comes out more often when the kids are around, or I'm cooking for a larger crowd. This set is a nice starter set for a smaller family.
Ergonomics
4/5
Melissa Brunetti gave 3 of 5 stars. These pots and pans are heavy, making them harder to lift and toss items as they cook. Most of the time when I cook with them I use utensils to flip, fry, or stir, rather than picking the pan up and tossing them that way. I don't necessarily see it as a downside; they are just ideal for certain situations and not ideal for others.
Kate Wilson gave 4 of 5 stars. While heaviness does play a part in ease of use, overall, the handles are well placed and large enough to get a steady grip on, even with oven mitts. The handle on the saucepan is long enough to transport easily, too. The one downside is that the skillet handle is slightly short, which can be a bit harder to grip with a bulky oven mitt.
Aesthetics
5/5
Melissa Brunetti gave 5 of 5 stars. I love that Le Creuset focuses so much on beauty and color. It really adds pizzazz to my kitchen environment. I am someone who loves bright colors and had a lot of fun picking and choosing which colors I wanted to match the rest of my kitchen. Each time I cook with them it brings me joy.
Kate Wilson gave 5 of 5 stars. One of the main selling points of Le Creuset is the color options. From bright, vibrant reds and blues to more mellow grey and off-white, there likely isn't a kitchen out there that this set wouldn't look good in. Colors do not fade over time, and the integrity of the lid knob stays intact with consistent use, too.
Heat Resistance
4/5
Melissa Brunetti gave 3 of 5 stars. These pots and pans take a long time to heat up, but once they do, they stay hot for a long time. This promotes very even cooking, which is something that I look for in all of my cookware. However, be very careful to use a pot holder or towel when cooking with them.
Kate Wilson gave 5 of 5 stars. Heats up quickly, spreads evenly throughout the pans, and keeps food hot with or without the lid for a long time. The top knob on the lid resists heat nicely, as do the side handles if not cooked on high heat/flame. Cooking in the oven will increase the heat on all surfaces of the cookware piece, however.
Durability
5/5
Melissa Brunetti gave 5 of 5 stars. This set holds up in any cooking situation. I never have to worry about it getting too hot, resulting in warping or denting. I use any of these pieces directly over a grill or outside on a campfire. They are also extremely resistant to rust.
Kate Wilson gave 5 of 5 stars. I have had many cookware brands through the years, and Le Creuset tops the list of pieces that consistently offer beautiful results in the kitchen. No loose handles, cracked surfaces, or lack of efficiency in heat at all. This brand is made to last and is well worth the extra cost for the set.
Non-Stick Coating
4/5
Melissa Brunetti gave 4 of 5 stars. Le Creuset does a great job at pre-seasoning the pan. So much so that it is ready to use as soon as I purchase it. I recommend building up the seasoned coating by heating it with some salt, moving it around, and wiping it clean with some neutral oil. This will ensure a solid, nonstick base that will last over time.
Kate Wilson gave 4 of 5 stars. This set is not advertised as nonstick, but the natural sand enamel coating keeps food from sticking overall and is easy enough to clean up. If I cook something on a little higher heat and food ends up sticking, I simply add a little stock to deglaze or let a few inches of water simmer in the pot before cleaning.
FAQs
What do you love about this product?
Melissa Brunetti Even though it is small, this set has all of the pieces I need in most cooking situations.
Kate Wilson I love the versatility of the pieces. All go from stove to oven to table and look beautiful in any setting. I have come to trust the Le Creuset brand for its durability, too. It's a set I can pass down to my kids as their love for cooking grows.
What was your favorite moment with this gear?
Melissa Brunetti My favorite moment with this set was cooking barbecue with my friends on the 4th of July on our grill outside.
Kate Wilson I loved creating my first "one-pot meal." It wasn't the typical recipe I'd expect to make with a Dutch oven, like soups, stews, or casseroles. It was a stuffed pepper recipe. It was fun cooking all the elements in the same pot and then popping it in the oven.
Why did you choose this product?
Melissa Brunetti I chose this product to bring more cast iron pieces into my kitchen arsenal.
Kate Wilson I chose this set because it had all the essential pieces for my kitchen. I had older Le Creuset pieces that had stood the test of time, and I wanted to start building my collection of a certain color scheme.
What is the value for the money versus other options?
Kate Wilson While this set is more expensive than other sets with the same quantity of pieces, it won't need replacing if taken care of properly. The beautiful aesthetic is hard to find, and the vibrant colors will not fade with time.
Melissa Brunetti
Kitchen ExpertKate Wilson
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