Is Le Creuset's expensive cookware really worth the cost?
Got your eye on some colourful Le Creuset cookware? Even the smallest casserole dishes can set you back nearly £200, but perhaps for a good reason – here's why we think they're worth the investment.
Le Creuset is a big name in the world of cookware. Launched in 1925 in the French village of Fresnoy-le-Grand, it's best known for its ultra-durable colourful ceramics, casserole dishes, pans and more.
It's also become a coveted status symbol among millennials and Gen Z, and last November there was such a rush on discounted Le Creuset items at the brand's warehouse sale in Hampshire that the police had to be called.
But is all the hype justified? Here at Good Food, we know more than a thing or two about quality cookware. We've been testing everything from cast-iron pans and stainless steel frying pans to saucepan sets and casserole dishes for years, and Le Creuset consistently ranks as one of the best brands out there.
Perhaps the only thing that might put you off buying a Le Creuset product is the hefty upfront cost. With quality cookware often comes expensive price tags and Le Creuset certainly doesn't come cheap.
If you're still undecided, we've pulled together some guidance on how to take care of your Le Creuset and our tried-and-tested picks of the best products to buy.
Jump to:
- Is Le Creuset worth it?
- How to clean Le Creuset
- Can you put Le Creuset in the dishwasher?
- Why is Le Creuset so expensive?
- Top-rated Le Creuset cookware we've tried and tested
Is Le Creuset worth it?
Le Creuset has a stellar reputation in the world of cookware and ceramics, but it is more expensive versus others out there – which begs the question, is it really worth the cost?
In our opinion, the answer is yes. We're big fans of any brand that offers a lifetime warranty on its products and Le Creuset is one of them. In fact, its ceramics are so well made that they often outlive the people who originally bought them, with items being passed down to the next generation.
Our expert reviews team has also tested a wide range of Le Creuset products, measuring them against a list of strict criteria like ease of use, quality of build, sustainability and performance – and we've been impressed with the results time and again.
They're usually among the most expensive we've tested in each category, but if you use your Le Creuset product regularly enough and take care of it properly, you'll get plenty of value from it in the long run.
How to clean Le Creuset
If you're daunted by the prospect of looking after your Le Creuset, you can rest assured that whenever we've tested the brand's cookware we've always found it very easy to clean. Le Creuset casserole dishes are made from ultra-durable enamelled cast iron, which means they don't need the same level of treatment that you would give traditional cast-iron pans.
Can you put Le Creuset in the dishwasher?
Le Creuset say its cookware can go in the dishwasher, but hot temperatures and powerful dishwasher detergents won't do it any favours in the long run. Instead, always try to wash by hand with warm, soapy water whenever possible.
For burned-on ingredients that are more difficult to remove, a soak in warm water and washing-up liquid overnight should help soften and lift away any stubborn residue.
How to look after Le Creuset
You don't need to season your casserole dish before or after use but you will want to let the dish cool after cooking before you wash it – sticking it in water when it's still hot might crack the enamel coating. When it's ready to be put away, store it in a dry, airy cupboard and use a pan protector to keep it scratch-free.
Why is Le Creuset so expensive?
The simple answer is, when it comes to cookware, you get what you pay for. With prices starting at £199 for a 24cm casserole dish, Le Creuset is certainly among the most expensive out there. However, what you get in return is ultra-durable, high-quality, good-looking dishes, pots and pans that, when cared for properly, will last a lifetime.
There are also some brands, like ProCook and Our Place, that have the same colourful aesthetic if you're looking for less expensive alternatives, but bear in mind the warranties are significantly shorter.
Top-rated Le Creuset cookware we've tried and tested
Le Creuset signature stainless steel frying pan
Available from John Lewis & Partners – 20cm (from £125), Amazon – 26cm (£145)
We tested the 28cm version of this stainless-steel pan, though it comes in a range of sizes (from 20cm to 30cm). We loved how well it retained heat when caramelising onions, and its curved sides and slim, easy-to-grip handle are winning features, too. Read more in our guide to the best stainless steel frying pans.
Available from:
Le Creuset stoneware fluted flan dish, 28cm
Available from Le Creuset (£36.40), Amazon (£36.40)
This fluted flan dish is ideal for baking pies and comes in two sizes (24cm and 28cm), as well as a range of colours. Made from stoneware, it's heavy but built to last and backed by a 10-year guarantee.
Inside the box, there's plenty of advice on how to care for your dish, plus protective packaging to keep it safe in storage. It can also be used as an attractive serving dish at the dinner table, and is dishwasher and fridge-freezer-safe, too. Read more reviews in our guide to the best pie dishes.
Available from:
Le Creuset signature round casserole dish, 18cm
Available from Amazon (£142), Le Creuset (£219)
Perhaps what Le Creuset is best known for, this iconic cast-iron casserole is available in seven sizes, but this is the smallest available.
This particular size is ideal for smaller households of two people, or you can use it to cook side dishes as part of a larger meal. There's also a choice of 18 colours, though we love Le Creuset's signature volcanic orange. Discover our guide to the best casserole dishes.
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Le Creuset signature round casserole dish, 20cm
Available from Amazon (from £187), Harts of Stur (£199.20), John Lewis & Partners (£249)
A slightly larger size than the version above, this 20cm cast-iron pot is also ideal for feeding two or three people. It's also compact enough to store easily and slide next to other dishes in the oven.
It heats quickly and is versatile, too – you could even use it to bake a loaf of bread, as Le Creuset's cast iron conducts and retains heat so well.
Available from:
Le Creuset signature oval cast-iron casserole dish, 35cm
Available from Le Creuset (from £299), Amazon (from £299)
This hard-wearing oval-shaped casserole dish is perfectly built for roasting a whole chicken or other joints, and the tall sides also allow you to roast your veggies around the meat. The heat-resistant knob on the lid is easy to grip, even when wearing oven gloves, and the enamel interior means cleaning is a breeze, too.
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Le Creuset signature cast-iron Grillit
Available from Amazon (from £115.50), Harts of Stur (£132), Le Creuset (£165), John Lewis & Partners (£165)
This cast-iron griddle is heat resistant up to 250C, which makes it a versatile option if you’d like a pan you can move from the hob to oven or barbecue.
In test, we found it was great at achieving defined griddle marks on our meat and veg, while also locking in lots of flavour and moisture. For more product suggestions, read our guide to the best griddles.
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