Established in 1925, Le Creuset is today celebrated around the world for its enamel cast iron cookware. Starting out with its now iconic Volcanic orange colour—inspired by the flames of the molten iron used to cast each casserole dish—Le Creuset today offers its products in over 100 colours to more than 60 countries around the world. With its range of homeware expanding with each new season, we’ve teamed up with The Hut’s expert buying team to offer an essential guide to Le Creuset whether you’re a first-time buyer or Le Creuset connoisseur.
#1 Where is Le Creuset made?
Le Creuset continues to make its Signature Cast Iron Products from its foundry in Fresnoy-le-Grand, northern France. Over 10,000 Le Creuset cast iron products are made each day at the foundry where the brand has produced its products for over 90 years.
The Le Creuset brand ethos is founded on creating cookware that provides chefs and home cooks alike with quality, durability, and reliability, whilst also oozing style and complementing any home interior. In line with the lifetime guarantee provided on many Le Creuset products, we value longevity and the idea that every Le Creuset purchase is for life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSgsZHjEd64
#2 What sizes do Le Creuset dishes come in?
Round Casserole Dishes
| Diameter (cm) | Capacity (L) | Capacity (QT) | Serves |
| 18 | 1.8 | 2 | 2 |
| 20 | 2.4 | 2.5 | 2–3 |
| 22 | 3.3 | 3.5 | 3–4 |
| 24 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4–5 |
| 26 | 5.3 | 5.5 | 6 |
| 28 | 6.7 | 7.25 | 6–8 |
| 30 | 8.1 | 9 | 8–10 |
| 34 | 12.4 | 13.25 | 10–12 |
Oval Casserole Dishes
| Diameter (cm) | Capacity (L) | Capacity (QT) | Serves |
| 23 | 2.6 | 2.75 | 2–3 |
| 25 | 3.2 | 3.5 | 3–4 |
| 27 | 4.1 | 4.25 | 4–6 |
| 29 | 4.7 | 5 | 6 |
| 31 | 6.3 | 6.75 | 6–8 |
| 35 | 9 | 7.9 | 8–10 |
| 40 | 14.8 | 13 | 12–14 |
Buffet Casserole Dishes
| Diameter (cm) | Capacity (L) | Capacity (QT) | Serves |
| 26 | 2 | 2.25 | 02-Apr |
| 30 | 3.2 | 3.5 | 04-Jun |
| 32 | 4.7 | 5 | 06-Aug |
#3 Which products should I start with?
Famous for its bestselling and iconic enamel-coated cast iron pots, The Hut recommends starting off with one of Le Creuset’s Signature Round Casserole dishes. They are a super versatile dish to have in your kitchen, suitable for the microwave, freezer, refrigerator, dishwasher, oven and broiler. The maximum oven-safe temperature is 500°F / 260°C and with efficient heat distribution, these pans don’t need much oil compared to other cast-iron brands and build up a natural patina with prolonged use that helps with non-stick.
In terms of size, we recommend opting for the 28cm dish, which is big enough if you want to do a casserole for six. And for colour, pick from one of the bold shades that are now synonymous with the brand's cookware.
#4 What colours do they come in?
Since launching its Volcanic casserole dish back in 1925, Le Creuset has created its cookware in over 100 colours and today offers its cookware in a variety of colours. Among its most popular colours are:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pelVVCjrKM
#5 Are Le Creuset worth the money?
Le Creuset has been making world-class cookware for almost 100 years. Used by leading chefs and keen cooks around the globe, Le Creuset cookware offers outstanding performance time after time.
With an unwavering belief in the quality & durability of its cookware, Le Creuset offers a lifetime guarantee for the original owner across the brand’s cast iron range.
Le Creuset owners also frequently praise the versatility and ease of use of its signature dishes and pans which can be used throughout the year. Alongside celebrity chefs, the brand regularly offers inspiring (and often simple) recipes to try at home with your Le Creuset cast iron dish.
The most important thing about Le Creuset products is quality – cookware that can be trusted to last and delivers great results and flavours time after time. Le Creuset cookware is timeless and transcends generations, and that’s one of the most important things about our products and brand: whether it’s our colourful Cast Iron range, or our Toughened Non-Stick and 3-ply Stainless Steel ranges, Le Creuset cookware will last a lifetime and will never look out of place in the home.
Looking for inspiration on what to cook in your Le Creuset cookware? Whether you’re planning your weekend brunch, a Persian feast for the family or a warming one-pot recipe perfect for those cold winter evenings, find all the inspiration you need on The Hut blog.
#6 How should you clean your Le Creuset pots and grill pan?
You should always cool a hot Le Creuset product before washing. Do not plunge a hot pan into cold water. While Le Creuset’s enamel is designed to be the most durable on the market, thermal shock may still occur, resulting in cracking or loss of enamel.
If there are food residues, fill the pan with warm water and let soak for 15 to 20 minutes before washing. A brush can be useful for removing small food deposits, or for cleaning between the ribs on grills. Do not use scourers or abrasive cleaners on the cooking surface. Nylon or soft abrasive pads or brushes can be used to remove stubborn residues. To avoid damaging the enamel, do not use metallic pads or harsh abrasive cleaning agents.
Light stains or metal marks caused by metal tools can be removed with Le Creuset cast iron cookware cleaner. Occasional cleaning with this product will also retain the new appearance of your pans.
Never store pans while they are still damp. Store pans in a dry cupboard or airy space away from steam. Maintain the tightness of all handles and knobs by checking and retightening them regularly.
All pans with integral cast iron, phenolic handles or stainless steel knobs can be washed in the dishwasher. However, constant dishwashing may lead to some dulling of the enamel finish. This is not harmful and will not impair performance. When using the dishwasher always allow the cycle to finish before opening the door. This will ensure the pans are dried thoroughly.
#7 Are Le Creuset dishes oven-safe?
The black phenolic lid knobs on the Le Creuset Signature range of enamelled cast iron are heat-resistant to 480°F / 250°C. The black phenolic lid knobs on the Classic range of enamelled cast iron are heat-resistant to 375°F / 190°C. Products with integral cast iron handles or stainless steel knobs can be used at any oven temperature. Pans with wooden handles or knobs must not be placed in the oven.
Do not place any cookware on the floors of ovens with cast iron linings. This will increase the cooking temperature inside the oven, resulting in an increased cooking rate with detrimental effects on food. Do not drag cookware across the floor of the liners. For best results always place it on a shelf or rack.
#8 Are their mugs microwave and dishwasher-safe?
Le Creuset Stoneware, including its mugs, is safe for use in the microwave, dishwasher, freezer, fridge and oven up to 260°C.
#9 Are Le Creuset pots non-reactive?
Le Creuset’s cast iron products have a porcelain surface that is non-reactive and does not react with acidic foods such as tomatoes, chutneys, pickles or berries.
#10 Are Le Creuset pans non-stick?
The Le Creuset cookware collection includes its Toughened Non-Stick Range, comprising frying pans, griddle pans, saucepans and woks all designed with a tough, PFOA-free non-stick surface inside and out.
The Le Creuset Cast Iron Collection is not non-stick but does have a smooth enamel coating that will not stick if used in the right manner. Cast Iron is an excellent conductor and retainer of heat, so we recommend using low to medium heat when cooking. Cast Iron and the enamel coatings of our casseroles heat up and expand and contract at different rates, meaning that if you use a high heat the cast iron can expand faster than the enamel and cause damage to the enamel surfaces—usually fine hairline cracks or crazing lines in the enamel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAQ8dsS84E8
Here are a few tips to help protect your Cast Iron and stop food from sticking:
Make sure that the hob ring you use is close to the base size of the casserole - not too big, but large enough to ensure that the heat is spread more evenly across the base of the pan.
Because Cast Iron retains heat extremely well you could start a sauce or casserole off on the hob - using low to medium heat and giving the pan time to reach the temperature needed to brown the meat.
Once your sauce or casserole is at the stage where it simply needs to sit and simmer gently allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavours to develop, you can put it in the oven on low to medium heat (maximum temp 190°c) to continue cooking. This should help prevent sticking by ensuring the pot is subjected to an even distribution of heat in the oven, rather than a concentrated area on the hob.
Alternatively, get a sauce or casserole to simmering point then lower the heat right down for a while, then for the last half an hour/45 minutes of cooking you could turn the heat off and leave the food to cook with the lid on. Again, because cast iron retains heat so well the food will continue to cook inside the pot without the need of an external heat source - this method also works for cooking things like rice or potatoes and is an excellent energy saver.
#11 Can you use Le Creuset for induction cooking?
Yes, all Le Creuset cookware is suitable for use on an induction hob (except for the Le Creuset Stoneware Range which should not be used on the stovetop). Even older cookware is suitable for all heat sources and we would just recommend on any heat source that you use low to medium heat because all Le Creuset cookware is designed to heat evenly and effectively, providing excellent results even on low heat.
#12 Le Creuset's Latest Collection
This spring with so many occasions starting with Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Easter and the many bank holidays we have this may include the King's coronation Le Creuset celebrates a new collection.
The new range is a calming colour, inspired by the soft tones of delicate seashells scattered across serene shores. With the continuation of Le Creuset's popular tonal collections with contemporary gradients, this new collection will bring an edge to your kitchen. With 35 different pieces to choose from, elevate your kitchen space with a practical but very stylish new piece.
#13 Le Creuset Kitchen Styling
Once you have invested in one Le Creuset dish it's often the case that you build up the collection. Dependent on your style some people love to stick to one colour scheme. If you are a neutral home decor kind of person the Meringue is perfect or if you love a pop of colour the Volcanic and Cerise are classic colours. Those who love a Pantone effect kitchen, often mix them together which always creates a really exciting kitchen.
The great thing about Le Creuset is that they are so beautiful and meticulously crafted that it's a shame to hide them in the cupboard. Many people style them on open shelving or on top of an Aga cooker. They provide a classic and timeless accessory for your kitchen while it still looks lived-in and homely. Here's some of the homeware inspiration we love featuring Le Creuset...
#1 @thehaedout
#2 @barnhomeliving
#3 @murphydeesign
#14 Popular Le Creuset Recipes
If you are looking for some recipes to try out then Le Creuset is constantly creating seasonal dishes for you to try. Read our updated blogs to find the perfect dish you are looking for.
New Recipes to Help You Embrace The Great OutdoorsEasy Vegetarian Recipes in Under 20 Minutes With Le Creuset
Easy Vegetarian Recipes in Under 20 Minutes With Le Creuset
In need of some veggie inspiration? You've come to the right place. If you’re vegetarian or regularly have veggie guests over, we understand how tricky it can be to make something that's delicious but also on the table in under 20 minutes. So, together with Le Creuset we tried and tested these quick vegetarian recipes and we can confirm, they hit the spot.
Featured Image Credit – @marcjsievers
