Top 6 Favourite Le Creuset Cookware
When it comes to premium cookware, Le Creuset is the brand to beat originally founded in 1925, the first casserole dish was cast from raw coke, iron and sand at the foundry in Fresnoy-le-Grand in north-east Paris. And to this, the same foundry continues to cast this timeless cookware, made to rigorous standards. Artisanal skills are mixed with modern technology to create these amazing pans, skillets and more. Today we are going to discuss how Le Creuset create their amazing cookware, as well as share our top 7 favourite pieces of Le Creuset cookware!
The History of Le Creuset
As we discussed above, Le Creuset was founded in Fresnoy-le-Grande. This is located in Aisne, Picardy, at the crossroads of transportation for iron, coke and sand in that region. The company was founded by Armand Desaegher – a Belgian casting specialist – and Octave Aubecq – a Belgian enamelling specialist. They produced their first cocotte, or French Oven, in 1925, which ultimately laid the foundation for the extensive range of cookware and utensils they produce today.
The Le Creuset signature colour, known as Flame, was used in that first piece. With their ability to pigment enamel glaze, they decided to mimic the intense orange hue of the molten cast iron in a crucible to create Flame – known as Creuset in French. And so the brand was born.
Between 1925 and 1957 Le Creuset continued to focus on improving their cast iron skills. In 1957, they purchased a competitor, Les Hauts Fourneaux de Cousances which triggered the company to begin creating grills and fondue sets.
In 1995, Le Creuset moved even further into other categories, including stainless steel, stoneware, silicone, enamel on steel, forged hard-anodised aluminium, and even textiles.
Today Le Creuset’s French ovens and casserole pots are market leaders in cast iron cookware.
Production of Le Creuset Cookware
Le Creuset still produced with the same artisanal methods from the company’s early years, with each piece being formed from a sand mould that is finished by hand. Over 40 people are involved in the process of making one piece of Le Creuset cookware to ensure each piece reaches the company’s exceptionally high standards in quality and finish.
Le Creuset offers cookware in a variety of colours from bright cherry reds to muted off whites. They also often partner with brands to offer exclusive colour ranges that are only available in those stores. Le Creuset also has two other notable ranges of cookware – their toughened Non-stick and 3ply Stainless Steel. Their toughened non-stick range is renowned for its superior non-stick properties in both bakeware and cookware.
Instantly recognisable, Le Creuset enamelled cookware is not only timeless, but it will also look fabulous in any kitchen. These pieces are so wonderfully made that they will last generations to come. Buy now, pass one to your children and grandchildren!
Below are our top 6 favourite pieces of Le Creuset cookware!
1: Le Creuset Cast Iron Roaster
Looking for delicious results? There are very few things as satisfying as popping meat and potatoes in the oven and pulling out an amazing roast. This amazing and versatile enamel, cast iron roaster can help you cook up a storm in the kitchen. It is the perfect shape for nearly every dish you can imagine, from your humble meat and potatoes to homemade lasagne, to crumbles.
The Le Creuset Cast Iron Roaster features the unique stay cool function. The heat resistant knob is designed for a better grip, even when using oven gloves to lift the lid. And the enamel interior makes for light work of cleaning. The Cast Iron Roaster features large handles, allowing you to easily move the roaster from oven to table, even when wearing gloves. It is perfect for the oven, hob, induction cooker, and under the grill. And it retains heat for even cooking and browning, ensuring your creations stay warmer at the table for longer. But take care of your cast iron, and cook at a steady, low to medium heat to enjoy delicious results.
We recommend you only use Le Creuset silicone tools, wooden, or heat resistant plastic tools with your Roaster. Never use knives or metal utensils as doing so can cause marks and scratches on the enamel surface of the Roaster. And always use the Cast Iron Roaster on the most appropriately sized hob ring. This will ensure your food is cooked more evenly and reduce the risk of damage to the handles and sides – this is especially important on induction hobs. Never slide your Roaster on glass-topped hobs or stovetops as this can damage both the glass and the glass. Always lift the Roaster up and down when moving it.
The stunning Le Creuset Cast Iron Round Casserole is truly the Queen of the Kitchen. As a culinary classic, it has been loved by cooks across the world for nearly a century. It has been perfectly designed for a wide range of dishes including roasts, stews, soups, baking, and casseroles, all in this one iconic piece. Allow the Casserole to be your one-stop pot for memorable meals that have truly mouth-watering flavour.
Like the Roaster, the Casserole has the classic stay-cool feature. The heat resistant knob is designed for a better grip, even when using oven gloves to lift the lid. And the enamel interior helps make quick work of cleaning the interior. The large handles allow you to easily move the Casserole from hob to table, even when wearing gloves and are fit for the oven, hob, induction or under the grill. Cast iron retains heat for even cooking and browning meaning your delicious creations stay warmer at the table for longer. The Casserole’s tight-fitting lid helps boost moisture and enhances flavour, for perfectly cooked food.
The Le Creuset Cast Iron Round Casserole comes in a rainbow of colours to inject a pop of vibrant hues into any kitchen. Cook with a steady, low to medium heat to take care of your cast iron and enjoy your delicious results.
As with all Le Creuset Cast Iron, always use oven gloves when handling anything hot. And only use Le Creuset silicone tools, wooden, or heat resistant plastic tools on your cookware. Never use knives or metal utensils as this can damage the enamel surface of the Casserole.
This amazing, shallow Casserole features Le Creuset’s best ever, non-stick coating. The Toughened, non-stick shallow Casserole is durable and can withstand the use of even metal utensils. It’s perfect for healthier cooking, too, as the food releases easier, meaning you need to a little to no added fat. And this amazing pan comes with a glass lid that seals in moisture and locks in flavour, for top results. And it allows you to check the food without having to lift it and disturb the cooking process.
The Toughened, Non-Stick coating offered excellent food release for easy cleaning; it is also tested, trusted, and guaranteed for life. It is independently, laboratory tested for metal utensil abrasion resistance. The shallow Casserole has been hard anodised to create efficient heat conduction and distribution for even cooking. And Le Creuset pans last longer thanks to the abrasion resistance, crafted for years to come. They a PFOA-free and can handle all types of frying without oil or fat.
Metal utensils should only be used with care and where possible, Le Creuset, wooden, or heat resistant plastic tools should be used with care. Don’t use metal utensils harshly or scrape the Casserole over a non-stick surface. You should also avoid knocking metal utensils on the top rim of the Casserole to prevent damage. Never use hand-held electric or battery-operated beaters or blenders, knives or sharp tools and implements as they can damage the surface.
For fat-free cooking, ensure you preheat on medium heat for around 2 minutes before adding your food. Never leave the Casserole unattended or you can use the dry, non-stick surface to overheat which can lead to damage.
You will enjoy smart sizzling with the Le Creuset cast iron rectangular grill. Le Creuset’s signature rectangular grill is perfect for searing meat, fish, vegetables, and even fruit! Split into two dedicated cooking areas, this clever grill allows you to cook two different foods at the same time. And like with all Le Creuset cookware, it features an enamel interior to make light work of cleaning and large handles making it easy to move from hob or oven to table even when wearing gloves.
The grilling grooves create authentic grill strips for great looking food and the cast iron cooks to a low to medium heat so you can enjoy delicious results no matter what you cook. Even for frying and searing, Le Creuset recommends low to medium heat. And Le Creuset cast iron ages gracefully, the enamel interior develops a natural patina that will behave like a non-stick surface. It has great food release properties which means less seasoning is required.
Both chefs and home cooks alike swear by the Le Creuset signature frying pan. With its satin black interior enamel, this kitchen hero takes caramelisation to delicious new heights. It is perfect for use under the grill, on the hob, or even in the oven. This makes it a versatile piece for crisping, searing, and browning. The Skillet features the Le Creuset “helping hand” to make it easy to lift and move between your hob, oven, and table. And the spouts on the sides make for perfect, drip-free pouring.
The Skillet comes in a rainbow of colours to suit any kitchen, to inject that perfect pop of colour that will last generation to come. And like all Le Creuset’s pieces, it ages gracefully, developing a natural patina with will behave like a non-stick surface that has great food release properties with less seasoning required. We recommend only using Le Creuset silicone tools, wooden, or heat-resistant plastic tools. Do not use knives or metal utensils as this may cause marks and scratches on the enamel surface of the product. Similarly, don’t use abrasive cleaning agents or metal, harsh abrasive or very stiff cleaning pads or brushes on any of the surfaces.
6: Le Creuset Shallow Frying Pan
All flip and no flow with the amazing Le Creuset Shallow Frying Pan. This everyday hero is a versatile essential. Coated on the inside with Le Creuset’s best ever non-stick coating, and with a clean coated exterior, it is simple to use and is perfect for use on any heat source. With clean lines and sleek looks, it makes a striking addition to your kitchen.
The frying pan is super easy to clean, with the toughened, non-stick surface offering excellent food release for easy cleaning. This non-stick surface has been tested, trusted, and guaranteed for life, and is now 4 times stronger. It has even been lab-tested for metal utensil abrasion resistance.
The Le Creuset is strong to the core, with its construction hard anodised to create efficient heat conduction and distribution for even cooking. And since they’re PFOA free they can handle all types of frying – even without oil or fat. Don’t use spray-on cooking oils as they have a low smoking point. When using under a grill, always allow at least a 6.5cm gap between the heat source and the top of the frying pan. For the best results, place the frying pan on a shelf or rack. Never place on the floor of the oven as this can increase the cooking temperature, leading to faster, uncontrolled cooking which could cause damage.
Looking for the perfect piece of Le Creuset cookware to add to your kitchen? Explore the range at Chef’s Hat today. We carry the best in the Le Creuset range for both professional chefs and home cooks alike.
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