Le Creuset cookware: 6 great pots and pans
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Darrian Wilkins
- Last update: September 20, 2021
The favorite Dutch oven of most cooks is still at it's own league:
- Versatile shape for large meals but easy storage
- Quality, non-recycled cast iron resists breaking and hot spots
- Enameled exterior is beautiful and protects iron from rusting
- Even heat distribution, excellent heat retention
- Works on all cooktops
- Enameled interior is a light color for easy monitoring
- Can handle heat up to 500F
- Ergonomic handles for easy carrying and balance, even with oven mitts
- Can transfer from stove to oven
- Available in multiple colors
- No seasoning required
Le Creuset is one of the most recognizable cookware brands on the market, and the pursuit of eating as a pleasure rather than just a necessity has driven their business to innovate for over 90 years and counting.
While they still are most well known for their enameled cast iron cookware available in a delightful array of both classic and trendy colors, Le Creuset has expanded their range to include stoneware, stainless steel and even silicone in a myriad of shapes and sizes for every imaginable purpose.
Modern production meets human craftsmanship, as each and every piece on the production line is carefully handled and inspected for quality assurance. Each piece is uniquely molded as they were in Le Creuset’s earliest days, and made from the highest grade materials available- no recycled cast iron, ever! This ensures that, unlike similar cast iron cookware brands, there are no impurities or weaknesses in the metal, preventing cracks and uneven heat distribution, making Le Creuset a solid choice. Le Creuset also offers lifetime limited warranties on all of their products, including their nonstick options. Check out some of the options below to find the perfect heirloom-quality piece to add to your collection, or to start it!
Best Le Creuset cookware products
1. Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Braiser
- Enameled cast iron delivers superior heat distribution and retention
- Ready to use, requires no seasoning
- Easy-to-clean and durable enamel resists dulling, staining, chipping and cracking
This piece is much more shallow and wide than a traditional Dutch oven, ensuring lots of room to brown meats and vegetables on the stove before putting in the oven to braise.
The braiser features a domed lid that allows liquid to redistribute continuously back into your food as it braises, allowing for delicious and tender meats. The pot is lighter than most traditional Dutch ovens, and features wide looped handles that allow for easy carrying- essential when transferring a heavy cast iron pot to a hot oven!
This attractive little braiser can hold enough food for two people or cooking everyday meals and is a great tool for cooking chops, ribs, chicken or vegetables. The sand-colored, enamel coated cast iron interior allows for even browning and easy cleanup- and with no seasoning required! The unrecycled cast iron has even heat distribution and excellent heat retention, ensuring your food cooks evenly every time. The enamel coating on the bottom means that this braiser can be used on all cooktops safely without warping or cracking.
As with most Le Creuset pieces, it is available in pretty much any color you could want, and the colorful enamel is shock-resistant, preventing chipping and cracking that can lead to rust issues. Many reviewers also noted that when ordered online, their Le Creuset cookware arrived in perfect condition without any chips or scratches. Similar STAUB products, which cost more than Le Creuset had lots of issues with scratching and chipping during shipping, so the Le Creuset is a more durable option that actually costs less!
Pros
- Unrecycled cast iron
- Shock resistant enamel coating
- Easy to clean, no seasoning required
- Great size for everyday cooking
- Lighter than traditional dutch ovens
- Works on all cooktops
- Chip resistant means less potential shipping damage
Cons
- Not deep enough for larger batches or stews
- Perhaps best as a second Le Creuset piece/ addition to an existing collection
- Can be expensive for less experienced home cooks
2. Le Creuset Signature French Oval (Dutch) Oven
- Enameled cast iron delivers superior heat distribution and retention
- Ready to use, requires no seasoning
- Easy-to-clean and durable enamel resists dulling, staining, chipping and cracking
This one is a mammoth, 6.75-quart dutch oven that is truly heavy duty – emphasis on heavy! Made from Le Creuset’s signature enameled cast iron, it is chip and scratch resistant, can be used on all cooktops and can withstand oven temperatures of up to 500F, even with the lid on. Lined with a lighter colored enamel, it is easy to brown food evenly, and the unrecycled cast iron allows for excellent heat retention and even heat distribution.
This particular Dutch oven packs a real punch with its massive size, but it is perfect for large stews or roasting whole chickens, hams or pot roasts. If it can fit in the pot, you can cook it perfectly, and this Le Creuset dutch oven can fit a LOT in it! It may be heavy, but the ergonomic handle design allows for safe transportation, even when using oven mitts. It is also beautiful enough to be used as the serving vessel for your creations- simply take your pot out of the oven and place on a trivet as the centerpiece of your table for holidays or every day.
The price can be intimidating but can be worth it if you want an item you can cook daily for generations to come. Make sure you are ordering an authentic Le Creuset from an authorized dealer (especially if there is a “too good to be true” price) so you can enjoy your cookware for years to come- and have the warranty in case something happens! If you still feel you can’t make the investment, a thrifty alternative is Cuisinart’s oval dutch oven. They generally have decent warranties, so if you feel you’ll only use your pot for special occasions this could be an alternative that won’t break the bank.
Pros
- The massive size and oval shape accommodates large poultry, roasts and large batches of stews, soups and grains.
- Unrecycled cast iron prevents cracking, hot spots
- Shock resistant enamel coating
- Easy to clean, no seasoning required
- Works on all cooktops
- Chip resistant means less potential shipping damage
- Ergonomic handles
- Can stand temperatures up to 500F, including lid
Cons
- Massive size and weight can be hard to store/carry
- Intimidating price if you’re a first-time buyer
3. Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Round French (Dutch) Oven
- 45% larger handles that provide a sure grip, even with oven mitts
- The superior heat distribution and retention of le creuset enameled cast iron
- An advanced sand-colored interior enamel with even more resistance to wear
This slightly smaller dutch oven by Le Creuset is a great option overall if you’re looking to invest in a timeless piece of cast iron cookware that will last a lifetime. Although Le Creuset’s cast iron cookware has the lightest weight per quart of any premium cast iron cookware out there, it is still heavy, sturdy and built to last.
This particular Dutch oven is a round shape instead of oval, which may provide easier storage and stovetop cooking. Like most Le Creuset offerings, it has ergonomic loop handles that can accommodate oven mitts and easier balance as you transfer the pot from stove to oven.
It features the signature sand-colored enamel coated interior to allow for even browning that you can monitor easily, and cleanup usually only involves a little soap and water in the sink. The exterior enamel coating is shock resistant to avoid chipping and cracking and is available in a multitude of colors to suit your personality and decor.
This pot can handle heat up to 500F, including the lid, making it perfect for roasts, chickens, braising, or even baking a boule of sourdough bread. It can also make a large batch of soup or stew for 6-8 people, so it is a perfect starter pot for your first kitchen, a gift for a couple, or if you’re looking to streamline your kitchen with a piece that can do pretty much everything. The even heat distribution and heat retention mean this pot heats up fast, making it perfect to boil water for pasta too!
It is truly an investment piece, and if you’re a first-time buyer the price can be intimidating. However, Le Creuset is truly built to last and a pot like this one can be used daily without much wear and tear. One reviewer who purchased this pot for her daughter’s wedding said her own Le Creuset has been with her for 37 years!
It is similar in price to STAUB’s Cocotte, however, the lighter enamel interior allows you to see the browning more easily than in STAUB’s dark enamel interior. Le Creuset is truly the top-rated option, but an affordable and serviceable option is Lodge’s offering, however, expect less even heat distribution and more potential chipping of the enamel.
Though the interior enamel coating is chip resistant, it is recommended that you use wooden or silicone utensils to prolong the life of the coating.
Pros
- Versatile shape for large meals but easy storage
- Quality, non-recycled cast iron resists breaking and hot spots
- Enameled exterior is beautiful and protects iron from rusting
- Even heat distribution, excellent heat retention
- Works on all cooktops
- Enameled interior is a light color for easy monitoring
- Can handle heat up to 500F
- Ergonomic handles for easy carrying and balance, even with oven mitts
- Can transfer from stove to oven
- Available in multiple colors
- No seasoning required
Cons:
- Requires large initial investment
- Heavy weight can be an adjustment
- Color selection may vary online
4. Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet, 10 1/4 inch
- Enameled cast iron delivers superior heat distribution and retention
- Ready to use, requires no seasoning
- Easy-to-clean and durable enamel resists dulling, staining, chipping and cracking
A cast iron skillet is a kitchen essential, and Le Creuset’s version has innovated this classic cookware with some practical enhancements. There is a loop handle on one side for easier carrying, especially useful when transferring the skillet to the oven. The exterior enamel protects the exterior from rust and chipping and is available in many beautiful colors. Also, the interior of the skillet is coated in dark enamel, designed for less sticking and even browning. There are also pour spouts on both sides, perfect for draining fat from bacon or pouring a pan sauce. This particular size is great for a couple or small family as it can cook a few eggs and bacon, a couple of chops or can even be used for making a skillet pie or upside down cake in the oven.
The sturdy, non-recycled cast iron does take a little more time to heat up than some cast iron skillets, but the even heat distribution and consistent heat retention mean you can cook at much lower temperatures than expected- which can be a learning curve if you’re used to cooking over high heat. Some reviewers complained of intense sticking, but using a little oil over high heat will ensure that food will not stick and cleanup will be quick. Watch out for the super-hot handle when cooking!
While a classic Lodge cast iron pan can easily last for decades when properly seasoned and will only cost you about $25 USD, it isn’t usable on all stovetops and can be prone to rust. Enameled cast iron reduces the risk of rust and is easier overall to keep in working condition. STAUB and Le Creuset are frequently compared because of their visual similarities (heavy cast iron, colorful enamel coating), but in the case of 10 inch enameled skillets, STAUB’s is much more expensive. If you don’t mind mix and matching your cookware, Le Creuset’s skillet is a great deal for the same quality and tends to have a more comprehensive warranty.
While the enamel is chip resistant and the skillet can even go in the dishwasher, it is recommended that you use wooden or silicone utensils and hand wash your skillet to ensure a lifetime of use. Never shock a hot skillet with cold water- this can damage the enamel and may jeopardize your warranty!
Pros
- Loop handle on the side for easier carrying
- Works on all cooktops and in oven
- Protective enamel available in many colors to suit your personality
- Enameled interior for less sticking than traditional cast iron skillets
- No seasoning required
- Even heat distribution
- Excellent heat retention
- Can be safe in the dishwasher
- Spouts on two sides for pouring off fat/liquid
- Less expensive Le Creuset offering
Cons
- Can have issues with sticking if used on high heat without oil
- Handle gets very hot
- Care instructions must be followed carefully while learning to use
- Desired color may not be available
5. Le Creuset Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Nonstick Frying Pan, 12 inch
- Triple layer construction with a full aluminum core from base to rim for superior heat distribution
- Mirror-polish stainless steel exterior contains lightweight titanium to effectively prevent scorching, discoloration and corrosion at higher temperatures
- Fully sealed dripless precision pour rim keeps spills to a minimum
Le Creuset’s nonstick frying pans may not be their most iconic or well-known pieces, but they’ve combined the best of stainless steel cookware with the convenience of nonstick coating in this high quality pan.
If you aren’t ready to take the leap to cast iron skillets, or simply want an option that will heat up and cool down quickly, this may be a great option for you. Triple ply construction with a full aluminum core and magnetic exterior side wall ensures quick, even heating on any cooktop, including induction. The ergonomic handle is attached with strong, stainless steel rivets and it won’t get hot on the stove, allowing for easy and safe maneuvering.
The nonstick coating is high quality and free of some of the usual harmful nonstick chemicals, and ensures eggs will slide around effortlessly with minimal oil- a spritz of the cooking spray should be sufficient! As with all nonstick coated cookware, you must not use metal utensils in order to avoid flaking and scratching off the coating. Keep the coating intact by gently washing the cooled pan in soap and water and avoid scrubbing.
Nonstick frying pans are a common kitchen essential and can range in price from around $30 for a Calphalon nonstick pan, to a model from Le Creuset for couple hundred dollars. There is definitely a learning curve with Le Creuset, including cooking at a lower temperature, never heating an empty pan, and using less oil than you’d think in order to keep it in prime condition, whereas more inexpensive brands may provide a chance to learn without the steep initial investment.
The pan heats up quickly, which is always a benefit of stainless steel cookware, but letting it heat up slowly and cooking items on a lower heat will give you extra insurance against sticking. Some reviewers had issues with the coating becoming less slick over time, so low heat, a small amount of oil and proper cleaning will ensure a longer lasting nonstick pan.
Pros
- Quick to heat, even heat distribution
- Can work on all stovetops, including induction
- Easy to clean nonstick coating
- Ergonomic, stay-cool handle
- High quality triply ply stainless steel with aluminum core
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Some reviews report the degradation of nonstick qualities
- Can’t use metal utensils
- One of the more expensive nonstick options on the market
6. Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick Saucepan with Lid, 2 quart
- Lid with signature brushed stainless steel knob made for easy lifting
- Ergonomic, larger stay-cool handles
- Dishwasher-safe
Almost like a hybrid of nonstick and cast iron, this saucepan features Le Creuset’s toughened nonstick coating that is more flake and chip resistant than regular nonstick coatings, and without the harmful chemicals on more pedestrian nonstick cookware. A huge bonus of toughened nonstick is that you can even use metal utensils without fear of flaking- great for whisking sauces!
This nonstick saucepan is a reasonable size and is excellent for reducing sauces, reheating a few portions of soup or stew, or cooking a batch of rice or other grains. (However, for the best cooked rice, we recommend using rice cookers. The nonstick coating is especially useful for fatty, creamy sauces that can stick in traditional saucepans.
The coated aluminum heats up and cools down quickly as needed, so your sauces can simmer evenly. The quality materials are resistant to warping and can be used on any and all cooktops including induction. This saucepan comes with a high quality, clear glass lid has stay-cool handles to avoid burns, and is even dishwasher safe- though so easy to clean you should be fine with just a quick hand wash with soap and water. It is heavy for a pot of its size, but far less heavy than a cast iron Dutch oven.
As far as price, this saucepan is on the higher end, as even All Clad’s 2-quart nonstick saucepan is almost half the price. With Le Creuset, you are paying for heft, the toughened nonstick (as opposed to the flaky-loaded-with-chemicals traditional nonstick) and the Le Creuset lifetime warranty. It is significantly less expensive than technology-driven Danish brand Scanpan’s 2-quart nonstick saucepan. Le Creuset is a happy medium if you are looking for a classic, long lasting investment piece that is time tested rather than at the cutting edge of available innovations.
No reviewers had anything bad to say about the functionality of this saucepan, but as with all Le Creuset items you are truly investing in quality, which can be an expensive endeavor. Be sure to read the warranty thoroughly to ensure that you are using your Le Creuset properly.
Pros
- Toughened nonstick holds up to metal utensils, doesn’t flake
- Less of the harmful traditional nonstick chemicals
- Quick to heat up, even heat distribution
- Versatile for cooking anything from sauce to pasta to soups to grains
- Dishwasher safe, easy to clean
- Stay-cool handle
Cons
- Best nonstick saucepan out there, but much more expensive
Final thoughts
Le Creuset is an iconic cookware brand for good reason: it has been producing high quality, heirloom pieces for over 90 years and is still incredibly popular. Their commitment to craftsmanship and customer satisfaction means that if you take the plunge and invest in a Le Creuset piece, you will be cooking with it for many years! Choose a piece in a color as classic or as quirky as you are, and feel good knowing that it is protected under lifetime warranty and can be passed on for generations of cooking up memories.