Le Creuset
Le Creuset has been making legendary cookware for nearly 100 years. What exactly makes a Le Creuset pot so special and do they deserve such a high price tag?
What is Le Creuset?
Le Creuset is a French company that is just a few years shy of 100 years old. Founded in Fresnoy le Grand, a small town north of Paris, in 1925. The company makes cast iron and enamel ‘cocottes’ or French Ovens, that are handcrafted and made from 85% recycled steel and iron. These ovens are what we now know as Le Creuset casserole pots.
The raw materials are melted down in a furnace and then poured into a melting pot, called a Creuset. When cool the craftsmen break away the sand mould and the cast iron casserole dish is revealed. Each mould is unique and once broken away from the pot, returned to be made into another batch of moulds.
Le Creuset has continued to use hand-crafted techniques in their production, but they have also embraced technology and innovation. Over the past 100 years, they have added countless additional product lines to the classic Casserole dish range. The combination of traditional techniques and modern technology has made a product line that will last a lifetime, in both style and substance.
The combination of cast iron and enamel, makes for a pot that is non-stick and cooks your food evenly, whilst also retaining heat. Making the pots ideal for family cooking and they can be brought straight from oven to table when entertaining. As they are so attractive, they are a feature piece of tableware for any occasion. They are also used by leading Chefs the world over.
The history of Le Creuset
Back in 1925, two men named Armand Desaegher and Octave Aubecq, met at a Brussels trade fair in Belgium. One man was a master cast ironmonger and the other an enamel specialist. They put their heads together and joined their expertise in cast iron and enamel to create the legend that is Le Creuset!
By combining their individual mastery they created a Casserole dish that was super strong, durable, stylish, and cooked food to perfection. Their collaboration resulted in the wonderful creation of Le Creuset. The first colour offering was the classic fiery orange VOLCANIC , which was inspired by the molten cast iron used when making the pots. This hue is the most instantly recognisable. Volcanic is the signature colour of Le Creuset and is their iconic trademark.
In the 1960s the design team experimented with different colours, and they launched the Elysee Yellow. This colour set was adored by movie star Marilyn Monroe, whose set was auctioned off in 1999 at Christie’s in New York for over $25,000!
Today we can purchase products in up to 100 shades, with new colours being added routinely. The latest addition is Bamboo, a tropical green grass shade. Retired colours can be re-sold at very high prices, particularly special editions. The fun playful colour sets can be incorporated into everyone’s kitchen deco, and it is lovely to have bright pops of colour. The colours all manage to complement each other so it is easy to mix and match if you don’t want to go for a uniform colour range.
What can you cook in Le Creuset?
The real question should be what can’t you cook in a Le Creuset?! The classic casserole dish is super versatile. You can make curries, stews, casseroles, soups on your hob, and then they transfer straight into your oven to roast food as well. The capacity to switch from hob to grill or oven is the best feature. You can brown off meat or sauté onions on the hob before popping the whole lot in the oven.
The fact that it can be used as a pan, or a roaster is excellent. They are perfect for making a sauce-based meal or spicy rice and great for roasting meat and veg in the oven. The pans are great for porridge or melting cheese and
chocolate, due to the enamel non-stick interior surface. You can bake a loaf of bread or cake the possibilities are endless!
How to care for Le Creuset Cookware
When looked after correctly a Le Creuset casserole dish will last a lifetime. It is not unusual to hear of people that have owned one for over 20 years! They are easy to clean, just allow the pot to cool naturally and if there is baked on food soak in warm soapy water, be sure not to use harsh abrasive cleaning products or metal scourers as this will scratch the enamel. Dry thoroughly and store.
Are Le Creuset pans worth it?
Purchasing a Le Creuset casserole pot is a big investment. The prices for the traditional cast iron and enamel pot with lid ranges from £235 to £500 depending on the size, colour, and shape you choose. What you can be sure of is that you are purchasing a piece of equipment that is durable, reliable, and will improve the quality of your cooking.
When reading reviews, previous customers rave about how happy they are, and it is not uncommon to find people stating they have had their dishes for over 20 years! For a young family, these pieces of kit can see you right until your kids are adults. Providing a lifetime of delicious meals and served in super stylish dishes.
Special edition Le Creuset Casseroles
From time to time Le Creuset will release special edition ranges, recently there has been a Harry Potter range which is good fun. They have a lightning bolt or Quidditch-shaped handle. There are also oven gloves, mugs, and my fav, the dinner plates that are embossed with the four Harry Potter house names. They are bright bold colours with the symbol and names, Hufflepuff (Yellow), Slytherin (Green), Ravenclaw (Blue), and Gryffindor (Red). These plates are perfect for Harry Potter super-fans.
They also have lots of pink and cerise heart-shaped pans, pots, tableware, and bakeware which are perfect for Valentine’s Day Gifts or if making a special romantic meal.
Christmas Le Creuset products are very special, including the beautiful Le Creuset New Holly Collection. These have a holly emblem, and they make such a lovely touch to your Christmas table. These would make a special Christmas gift for loved ones.
Le Creuset products make very special gifts for a wedding or new home, as they last a lifetime and the message behind them is of strength, quality, reliability, and durability. Which is perfect for young couples and families starting out.
Le Creuset Product Ranges
Since its conception nearly 100 years ago Le Creuset's product range has grown enormously. They offer way more than the iconic casserole dish. Their ranges include high-quality tableware, stoneware, and baking equipment. They have also branched out into fine wine products, such as carafes and bottle openers. All are made to the high quality and specs you would expect from this brand.
The best part is you can keep their vibrant colourful products throughout your whole kitchen, by using the storage jars, mugs, oven gloves/aprons, espresso cups, dinner plates, and kettles, the list is endless. They have even started to make pet bowls!
Where can I buy reduced Le Creuset products?
Le Creuset is most certainly wedged in at the higher price point when it comes to kitchenware. However, there are bargains to be found if you look. High street legend John Lewis often does the price match promise across the range and you can shave off up to 20% off the RRP, and this is applicable to the current latest products.
Big discounter TK Maxx always has odd bits knocking around if you are not fussy about colour choices. You can find big discounts such as a Teapot, usually nearly £50, selling for under £20! Which is a great saving. If you like rummaging through your local charity shops, you should keep your eyes open as second-hand pieces always turn up and they are still very useable.
Le Creuset themselves, have discount stores in outlet villages such as Bicester in Oxfordshire and Clarks Village in Somerset. At these outlet shops, you can buy seconds, retired colours, and special purchases year-round. Recently in the Bicester store, they ran a collector’s event that had special offers with big savings. They had a 20cm heart-shaped casserole pot reduced by over £100!
