The name Le Creuset comes from the large cauldron (a "creuset") from which the molten iron is poured...
The molten iron is poured between two sand moulds and, once the shape is cast and the iron cooled, each item is finished by hand and enamelled, so no two pieces of Le Creuset cast iron cookware are exactly the same.
So what? ...
Le Creuset cookware isn't just great to look at, it's designed to make cooking easier too ...
No hotspots You don't want hotspots when cooking, as these can burn your food! Heat your cocotte slowly and the cast iron will heat evenly preventing hotspots and hopefully burnt food!
Oven to tableware You can use these cocottes in your oven or on your hob and then take them straight to your table without having to change dishes.
Excellent heat retention You'll want your food to look good and stay warm at the table. The cast iron construction of these cocottes means they retain heat well, therefore saving energy in cooking and keeping your food hot at the table for longer than other products.
Any heat source No matter what your heat source, this cocotte is suitable as you can use it on agas, rayburns, gas, electric, ceramic and induction hobs and, of course, in ovens.
Lifetime guarantee You'll get a lifetime of service from these cocottes and Le Creuset even offer you a lifetime guarantee!
Dishwasher proof
Need Spare Parts?
Spare handles and knobs can be ordered online ... please click here for details.
If you need replacement lids or even replacement dishes or pans (without lids) these can usually be ordered for you (at approximately half the cost of the full product.) Please contact us for assistance.
3 Secrets of Cooking With Le Creuset
Cast iron is a fabulous material for cookware so long as you appreciate its quirks and pay heed to these golden rules of cooking with it ...
Don't rush it ...
Cast iron conducts heat slowly and you shouldn't try to speed up the process. When you put any pan onto a heat source the heat is transferred where the pan comes into direct contact with the heat first and then spreads to the rest of the pan. If you put Le Creuset pans onto a high heat source, because the cast iron conducts heat slowly, heat will build up where the pan comes into contact with the heat source but will not have chance to spread evenly throughout the pan. This hot area is known as a hot spot and hot spots cause your food to burn. If you heat your pans gently and slowly, the heat has chance to disperse evenly so you stand less chance of getting hot spots and therefore less chance of burning your food. Once your pan has reached it's optimum temperature you'll only need to use low to medium temperatures to retain it.
Hot pans and cold water don't mix!
If the enamel has ever "popped off" your cast iron pans they've suffered from "Thermal Shock". To avoid this condition, NEVER put your hot pan into cold water - the sudden change in temperature causes the enamel coating to shrink faster than the cast iron and causes roundish patches of the enamel to "pop" off the next time the pan is heated.
Care for your non-stick
Le Creuset non-stick pans can last you years but if you overheat them you put too much strain on the coating and it will burn off. Your non-stick coating will last far longer if you heat gently, always put oil or food into the pan as soon as possible, use only nylon or wooden utensils, clean thoroughly after use and be aware that no matter what the name says, some food will just stick … bacon for example.
Why not read our article on how to make your non-stick last 2 to 10 times longer!
To get the best out of your Le Creuset, read our Care and Use information
Le Creuset Grills and Grillits
Good food's not just about the way it tastes ... it has to look good too.
These grills and grillits will give you that perfect chargrilled appearance on meat, poultry, fish, vegetables ...
Delicious!
Grills
Healthy eating When people say healthy eating to me, I generally think of lettuce and not much of it! Using a grillet is a healthy option because you need very little oil or fat, so the food you cook, whether you choose vegetables, meat or fish, will not only be healthier than other cooking methods, but will look fabulous too!
Distributes heat evenly
Heat your empty grillit slowly and the cast iron will distribute the heat evenly, preventing hot spots (which can cause the food to stick and burn).
Spout to pour away excess fat
One of the secrets to successfully using a grillet is to put the oil on your food, not in the pan. This will stop you from using too much, but just in case you over do it, each grillet has a "spout" to easily pour away any excess.
Retains heat very well
The cast iron retains heat really well, so once you've heated your pan you'll only need to use medium temperature settings to keep it at the perfect temperature.
All heat sources
You can use this grillet on all heat sources including induction, halogen, ceramic, gas, electric, solid plate, aga or rayburn so no matter what hob you use, it'll work fine.
Oven Proof
Beause the handles of Le Creuset grills and grillits are made of cast iron, they're even oven proof ... but please remember to use an oven glove! as they will get hot and stay hot!
What is the perfect temperature?
The other secret is the temperature. You need your grillet hot enough to sear the food, to give it those chargrilled lines, but you don't want it too hot as your food will stick... so how do you know what the perfect temperature is? Well, practice is the real answer, but as a guide, if the pan is smoking it's too hot and you'll need to take it off the heat to cool a little. To check if it's hot enough, put a drop of water into the pan ... if it "spits" it's hot enough, if it just sits there looking like a puddle, keep heating slowly ...
Dishwasher Proof
Lifetime Guarantee
And for pudding, how about an Apple Tart, cooked to perfection in a co-ordinating, Tarte Tatin Dishes... it's making my mouth water just thinking about it!
Don't burn your hands
Le Creuset Grills and Grillits have cast iron handles ... avoid burning your hands with a multi-purpose silicon multi-mat ...
Protect your work surface ...
A multi-purpose silicon multi-mat can be used as a trivet to protect your work surface...
Le Creuset Tagines
Have you ever wondered why the lamb you eat whilst on holiday in North Africa is so tender? It's probably because it's cooked in a Tagine...
These unusually shaped dishes were traditionally use in the desert, where both water and fire wood could be scares. Originally the whole tagine would have been made in terracotta but Le Creuset produce the chimney in enamelled stoneware, which is far more resistant to chipping, and with a cast iron base, which can be used on a hob.
Tagines
Cook almost anything You can cook meat, poultry, vegetables, fruit and spices in the tagnine ... the only limit is your imagination.
Any heat sourceYou can use the tagine on your hob, or most likely in your oven, as it's suitable for all heat sources including induction, halogen, ceramic, gas, electric, solid plate, an aga or a rayburn.
Food stays moist and tender Your meal will stay moist and tender thanks to the unusual shaped "chimney" where the steam produced during cooking condenses on the cool side walls and trickles back into your food...
Save energy Once hot, the cast iron base retains heat extremely well, so you don't need to use so much energy to keep it hot and the earthenware lid stays cooler to encourage the condensation process.
Chip resistant chimney Traditionally, the whole tagine would have been terracotta, but the Le Creuset tagine has a poterie chimney which is far more resistant to chipping than terracotta.
Hob or oven Although it's most likely that you'd use the tagine in your oven, the cast iron base means that, if space is at a premium, you can use it on your hob, leaving your oven free for other dishes.
Recipes provided The tagine is supplied with a booklet containing a few recipes to get you started so you'll be able to start your North African adventure immediately!
There's a wide range of Baking Dishes to co-ordinate with the tagine.
Spare handles and knobs can be ordered online ... please click here for details.
If you need replacement lids or even replacement dishes or pans (without lids) these can usually be ordered for you (at approximately half the cost of the full product.) Please contact us for assistance.
Le Creuset Woks
All Le Creuset Woks are made of enammed cast iron and their weight makes them more suitable for a "shovelling" action witha spatual or slice than a "flicking action that's all in the wrist!.
That said, if you['re more used to "flicking" your stir-fry it will only take you a short time to get used to shovelling.
Wok and Lid
Not just for stir-fry Because this wok comes with a glass lid you can use it for braising, boiling, steaming, deep frying ... you can also use it for stir-frying if you like!
Any heat source You can use this wok on any heat source ... induction, halogen, ceramic, gas, electric, solid plate, aga or rayburn … it’s suitable for all.
Retains heat well Cast iron will heat relatively slowly, but once heated it retains heat well so you'll only need to use low or medium heat settings to maintain the optimum temperature for perfect stir frying.
Black enamel interior The inside of this wok is coated in enamel, not non-stick, so you don't need to worry about "burning off" a non-stick coating or spoiling it with the wrong utensils.
Season or not... Although you don't need to season this wok a gradual seasoning will coat it with a thin film of oil which may help to prevent food sticking and won't damage your wok... don't forget though, once you've seasoned your wok, if you wash it in the dishwasher you'll need to repeat the process.
Dishwasher Proof Yes, you can put this wok in the dishwasher, although with a diameter of 36cm it may take up quite a lot of space!
Won't move around unexpectedly The cast iron construction of this wok means that, thanks to its weight, it will stay where you put it, without moving, no matter how vigorous your stir-frying!
Optimum Temperature? How do you know what the optimum temperature is ... well practice makes perfect, but as a guide, if your oil is smoking it's too hot and you'll need to take your wok off the heat and allow to cool. If your food sticks to the wok then it's either too hot (is the oil smoking?) or not hot enough.
We stock a wide range of spatulas and slices to perfect your stir frying action!
Le Creuset Mini Cocottes
We love these poterie mini cocottes which are perfect for individual servings, but that's not all ... so far we've used them for all of these ...
Cassoulet, cakes, chowders, creamed potatoes, custard, dips, fish pies, fondues sauces, fruit crumbles, fruit mousses, fruit pies, lentils, fruit pureé, meat pies, muffin, paté, pickles, pilaffs, rice uddings, rissotto, roasted vegetables, sauces, savoury mouses, seafood, soufflés, soups, steamed puddings, terrines ... and finally ... used teabags!
If you come up with any other uses, we'd love to hear from you!
Mini Cocotte
All supplied with lids Each mini cocotte comes with a lid making it perfect for use outdoors at barbecues and parties.
Oven to tableware You can use these poterie cocottes straight from your oven to your table, ensuring your specially prepared dishes stay looking good and as they're lidded they'll help to keep your food hot, ideal for soup starters for example.
Chip resistant, won't crack or craze Le Creuset poterie is chip resistant and won’t craze or scratch even if cut with the sharpest knife ... although if you drop it it may still break!
Oven proof No matter what your heat source, poterie is suitable.
Freezer proof Poterie is freezer proof, but remember to heat your dish and oven together, never put frozen dishes into an already hot oven (and obviously allow to cool before freezing).
Microwave proof
Dishwasher proof
Le Creuset cocottes are also available in full size!
Le Creuset Cast Iron Dishes
Le Creuset baking dishes look fabulous on any dining table, but they're not just for serving - whether you choose the cast iron or the Poterie Francais dishes they're oven proof and retain the heat fabulously.
We especially like the cast iron dishes for Roast Potatoes as they keep the heat so well and retain their shape no matter how many times you use them.
Cast iron dishes
No Hotspots Hotspots, which can burn your meal, can be caused if heat is distributed unevenly. If you heat these dishes slowly they will distribute the heat evenly - no hotspots, no burnt food (hopefully)!
Won't Ever Warp These dishes can withstand high temperatures without their shape distorting ... unlike the hard anodized aluminium roasting dishes that many of us have. You'll get much better roast potatoes if your dish is flat, because they'll cook evenly in your oil or fat...
All heat sources No matter what your heat source, be it induction, halogen, ceramic, gas, electric, solid plate, aga or rayburn these dishes are suitable. And you can, of course, use them in your oven.
Oven to tableware If you've made a beautiful lasagne, you need to be able to serve it straight from the oven without trying to change dishes. These cast iron dishes can go straight from the oven to the table and still look good.
Hotter for longer Once on the table, your food will stay hotter for longer thanks to the cast iron construction which retains heat well.
Dishwasher proof
Lifetime guarantee
A fabulous pot roast, cooked in a Le Creuset cocotte would go very nicely with those perfectly cooked roast potatoes!
Stoneware Dishes
These stoneware dishes have the same good looks as the cast iron range.
They're available in a variety of sizes, shapes and colours to co-ordinate with the rest of the Le Creuset range.
Stoneware
Oven to tableware You can use poterie products straight from the oven to the table, ensuring your specially prepared dishes stay looking good.
Chip resistant, won't crack or craze Le Creuset poterie is chip resistant and won’t craze or scratch even if cut with the sharpest knife ... although if you drop it it may still break!
Oven proof No matter what your heat source, poterie is suitable.
Freezer proof Poterie is freezer proof, but remember to heat your dish and oven together, never put frozen dishes into an already hot oven (and obviously allow to cool before freezing).
Microwave proof
Dishwasher proof
If you'd like to recreate the taste of North Africa in your kitchen but aren't sure how, take a look at our selection of tagines from Le Creuset.
Le Creuset Tarte Tatin Dishes
The Tarte Tatin is named after the unmarried Tatin sisters, who ran a hotel in the Loire Valley at the end of the 19th century...
The story goes that Stephanie Tatin mistakely put the peeled apples, butter and sugar into the pan without lining it with pastry first ... realising her mistake she popped th pastry on top of the apples, into her oven and the delicious apple desert was born ...
If you'd like to try your hand at a tatin, without investing in a Le Creuset dish first, we also stock other tarte tatin dishes, such as Silverwood.
Tatin Dishes
Not just for tarte tatin Don't limit yourself to an apple tarte tatin! This dish is perfect for sweet or savory tatins or indeed any dish that you start to cook on the hob, then want to put into the oven or under a grill (or both) ... we love Delia Smith's Red Onion version!
No hotspots These enamelled cast iron tatin dishes can withstand high temperatures without their shape distorting and that in turn helps to prevent hotspots, which can burn your food. No hotspots, no burnt food (hopefully).
All heat sources No matter what your heat source, be it induction, halogen, ceramic, gas, electric, solid plate, aga or rayburn these dishes are suitable. And you can, of course, use them in your oven and under your grill.
Easy to use handles Because the handles are set lower than the top of the dish, you can pop your serving plate on top of the tatin dish, hold the two together and flip over your tatin without any of the contents escaping onto the floor in the process ... not all tatin dishes have this clever feature!
Dishwasher proof
Lifetime guarantee
If you're entertaining, consider a fondue. They're becoming very fashionable again!
Spare handles and knobs can be ordered online ... please click here for details.
If you need replacement lids or even replacement dishes or pans (without lids) these can usually be ordered for you (at approximately half the cost of the full product.) Please contact us for assistance.
Le Creuset Steamers
Le Creuset steamers come in three sizes and fit the cocotte of the corresponding diameter. They should also fit most saucepans of a corresponding size ...
If you're unlucky and the steamer doesn't fit your pan don't forget our Ultimate Guarantee ... if you're not satisfied with any item, return it to us unused with it's original packaging and your receipt and we'll give you a refund or a replacement item. There is no time limit on this - all you pay is the postage.
Steamers
Easy to clean Le Creuset steamers are made from stainless steel so you'll find them easy to clean, either by hand or in a dishwasher.
Designed to fit
These steamers are designed to fit your Le Creuset cocottes. Simply look at the numbers on the underside of your lid to see which steamer you need.
Healthy Eating You're far less likely to "cook out" the goodness in your vegetables if you steam them rather than boil them.
Dishwasher proof
These steamers fit perfectly inside the Le Creuset cocottes.
Le Creuset Kettles
Le Creuset stove top kettles are available with either traditional or modern styling and come in a variety of colours.
Unlike many of their electric counterparts there's very little that can go wrong, you just pop on the hob and turn on the heat source ... and if you live in an area where power cuts are common you may find one especially useful.
Kone Kettles
Removable whistle If you like an audible warning that your water’s boiling this kettle is perfect as it’s supplied with a whistle … don’t worry, it’s removable for those mornings when a more peaceful approach is required!
Fold down handle If you need better access to refill the kettle the handle can be moved to one side and clipped back into place after.
Good Capacity With a 2.8 pint (1.6 litre) capacity, this kettle is plenty big enough for you to fill for a standard cafetiere or teapot, but not so big that you’ll wait for ever for the water to boil.
Enamelled Steel All Le Creuset kettles are made of enamelled steel, not cast iron, so are light in weight but with the same good looks.
Any Heat Source Le Creuset kettles are suitable for use on any heat source including gas, electric, ceramic, halogen, aga or rayburn so no matter what your stove this kettle is suitable.
Optional whistle If you sometimes forget you’ve put the kettle on this kettle could be perfect for you ... it has a whistle attached to the spout you’re unlikely to forget again! (And don’t worry, by leaving the spout open you can switch the whistle off for a quieter cup of tea!)
Large capacity This kettle is ideal if you have a large family, enjoy drinking a lot of tea or just hate having to refill the kettle permanently as it has a 3.7 pint (2.1 litre capacity).
Enamelled steel All Le Creuset kettles are made of enamelled steel, not cast iron, so are light in weight but with the same good looks.
Any heat source No matter what your heat source, this kettle can be used on it … induction, halogen, ceramic, gas, electric, solid plate, aga or rayburn … it’s suitable for all.
No longer an embarrasing reminder of the 1970s, a fondue is perfect for formal dining as the host or hostess can prepare everything in advance and is then able to enjoy the whole evening with his or her guests.
Did you know ... in Switzerland, if you drop your cheese into the fondue you have to pay a forfeit!
Fondues
Sweet or savoury
Cheese, oil or chocolate, suitable for sweet or savoury fondue …the choice is yours!
Sturdy and safe With hot oil on your dining table, you’ll want to be sure the container it’s in isn’t going to tip or spill by accident. Le Creuset fondues are cast iron so fit the bill perfectly.
Once hot it stays hot Cast iron’s excellent heat distribution and slow heat loss means your fondue will stay hot for longer.
Perfect for entertaining This set has a large 2.8 pint capacity (1.6 litre) and is supplied with six fondue fork to get you started, but why limit yourself to that many friends … extra fondue forks are available separately!
Choice of fuel Le Creuset fondues come with a mixed safety burner so you can use either methylated spirit or Firestar paste … you decide which you prefer.
Unpack and go! Comes with everything you need to get started – the enamelled cast iron handled pot, enamelled cast iron fork holder, six fondue forks, mixed safety burner and a Firestar paste refill … unpack it and away you go!
If you "love" cooking you'll "love" this range of heart shaped casseroles and ramekins from Le Creuset ...
The range has both cast iron and poterie items so you're sure to find your "heart's desire!"
Heart Shaped Cast Iron Dishes
All heat sources You can use cast iron products on your hob or in your oven as they're suitable for use on all heat sources (including induction, halogen, ceramic, gas, electric, solid plate, aga or rayburn).
Oven to tableware
You can take your food straight from your oven or hob to the table to keep your meal looking good.
Hotter for longer
Once on your table, your food will stay hotter for longer, as the cast iron retains heat extremely well.
Lifetime guarantee
Le Creuset offer you a lifetime guarantee on all cast iron products, so you'll "love" using them time after time!
Dishwasher proof
Mmm, an Apple Tarte, cooked to perfection in a co-ordinating, Tarte Tatin ... it's making my mouth water just thinking about it!
Heart Shaped Stoneware Dishes
Oven to tableware You can use poterie products straight from the oven to the table, ensuring your specially prepared dishes stay looking good.
Chip resistant, won't crack or craze le Creuset poterie is chip resistant and won’t craze or scratch even if cut with the sharpest knife ... although if you drop it it may still break!
Oven proof No matter what your heat source, poterie is suitable.
Freezer proof Poterie is freezer proof, but remember to heat your dish and oven together, never put frozen dishes into an already hot oven (and obviously allow to cool before freezing).
Microwave proof
Dishwasher proof
Need Spare Parts
Spare handles and knobs can be ordered online ... please click here for details.
If you need replacement lids or even replacement dishes or pans (without lids) these can usually be ordered for you (at approximately half the cost of the full product.) Please contact us for assistance.
Le Creuset Buffet Casseroles
These enamelled cast iron casseroles are suitable for any heat source so are perfect if you need to start cooking on the hob and then pop into the oven .
Available in a range of colours and sizes, you're sure to find one to meet your needs
Buffet
Perfect for stews The "shallow" shape of these buffet casseroles makes them perfect if you're cooking a stew with meat in portions rather than cubed as you can see each portion easily.
No hotspots Hotspots, which can burn your meal, can be caused if heat is distributed unevenly (for example if the base of a dish is not perfectly flat). This casserole will distribute the heat evenly, withstanding high temperatures without it's shape distorting - no hotspots, no burnt food (hopefully)!
All heat sources No matter what your heat source, be it induction, halogen, ceramic, gas, electric, solid plate, an aga or rayburn or, of course, your oven, this casserole is suitable. You can even use it under a grill if you want.
Oven to tableware You can use this buffet casserole straight from your oven or hob to your table without having to transfer your meal into a serving dish first.
Hotter for longer Once on the table, your food will stay hotter for longer thanks to its cast iron construction which retains heat well. The buffet casserole also has a lid, to keep extra heat in.
If you can't find a cast iron Casserole from Le Creuset to suit your needs then you must be very choosy indeed! They're available in round or oval, from 3.3 pint right up to 21.5 pint and come in a variety of different colours!
Did you know ... if you want to make a cake to take to a party, you can use a 20 or 22 cm round casserole ... Grease the casserole well or line with paper, bake your cake and once cooled the cake can be easily transported in the cocotte with the lid on! The idea is most suited to "whole" cakes, like a fruit cake rather than a victora sponge ...
Casseroles
Round or oval How do you decide which shape to go for ... well, consider that an oval shaped casserole will take a bird whereas the round shaped casserole may take up less cupboard space...
All heat sources You won't have a problem using the casserole on your heat source as it's suitable for all, that is induction, halogen, ceramic, gas, electric, solid plate, an aga or rayburn. You can, of course, use the casserole in your oven too and even use it under a grill if you want.
Oven to tableware Your specially prepared dishes will stay looking good as you can use the casserole straight from your oven or hob to your table without having to change to a serving dish first.
Hotter for longer Once on the table, your food will stay hotter for longer thanks to its cast iron construction and lid which retain heat well.
No hotspots Hotspots, which can burn your meal, can be caused if heat is distributed unevenly (for example if the base of a dish is not perfectly flat). This casserole will distribute the heat evenly, withstanding high temperatures without it's shape distorting - no hotspots, no burnt food (hopefully)!
Dishwasher proof
Lifetime guarantee
The 22cm round casserole is perfect for cooking rice! Try this delicious Spiced Golden Rice recipe to see for yourself!
You can even bake a cake in it, and thanks to the lid, transport it without fear or it being spoilt. This Mary's Fruit Cake recipe was written especially to bake in a casserole.
And for pudding, how about an Apple Tarte Tatin, cooked to perfection in a co-ordinating, Tarte Tatin Dishes... it's making my mouth water just thinking about it!
Need Spare Parts
Spare handles and knobs can be ordered online ... please click here for details.
If you need replacement lids or even replacement dishes or pans (without lids) these can usually be ordered for you (at approximately half the cost of the full product.) Please contact us for assistance.
Don't burn your hands ...
Le Creuset omelette pans have cast iron handles ... avoid burning your hands with a multi-purpose silicon multi-mat ...
Le Creuset Accessories
The look of your kitchen need not be spoilt by accessories that don't match ...
If co-ordination is the order of the day in your home, Le Creuset even offer a range of matching accessories, including spatulas, whisks, even heat proof mats ...
Le Creuset Spare Parts Le Creuset is built to last but occasionally, because we're all human and do make mistakes, the odd disaster will happen ... a burnt handle, for example, won't necessary stop working or be dangerous ... but it may look unsightly.
We hold some stock of Le Cresuet handles and knobs. If you can't find what you're looking for please contact us with your requirements.
We are also able to supply lids for Le Creuset cocottes, again, please contact us with your requirements.
For more advice about Le Creuset spare parts, please see our FAQ page here
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