Is Le Creuset Ceramic Cookware Better?

Le Creuset Ceramic Cookware Needs No introduction. It Is Known As One Of The Best Kitchenware Brands.

I love French cookware. And right up, there has to be Le Creuset ceramic cookware. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular cookware brands in the world. Le Creuset has been producing cookware for nearly 100 years. The company has a reputation for manufacturing high-end quality cast iron designed to last for years and years. But did you know they also make great ceramic cookware?

But in this article, you can learn about Le Creuset ceramics and if it’s better than cheaper alternatives.

Table of Contents

• Company information
• Ceramic products available 
• Benefits of using Le Creuset ceramic cookware
• Buying tips 
• Most popular Le Creuset bakeware and tableware
• How to care for your ceramics

Company Information

Founded	Le Creuset was founded in Fresnoy-le-Grand, Aisne France.  (Aisne Wiki)
Founders	Armand Desaegher and Octave Aubecq
Product Line	Le Creuset manufactures a full line of kitchenware and tableware.
Cast iron Cookware	Made in France
Ceramic Tableware and Hollowware	Made in various countries
Signature Products	Le Creuset is well-known for its Dutch Ovens and beautiful colors across the entire range.

Le Creuset Ceramic Cookware And Tableware

Over the years, Le Creuset has continued expanding the variety and range of products, including: 

• Non-stick pans 
• Silicone kitchenware utensils 
• Wine accessories
• Ceramic tableware
• Bakeware

The ceramic ware from Le Creuset is both beautiful and durable. The ceramics are durable and will last a long time. They also come in pretty colors to suit every taste.

Le Creuset Ceramic Range

Le Creuset Ceramic Product Range	Currently, Le Creuset Manufactures Its Ceramic Products Outside Of France.
Pie Dishes	The generous 1.6-quart capacity looks great on any table.
Pitchers	There is a wide selection of colors and sizes available.
Gratin and Baking Dishes	There is a wide selection of colors and sizes available.
Cups and Mugs	You can even enjoy Le Creuset at your work desk.
Tableware (plates, serving bowls)	Their plates look good. Yes, I have a few of these myself.
Ceramic Teapots	Le Creuset makes teapots to match their other tableware products

You Have A Choice Of So Many Colors And Sizes.

Ceramic cookware has risen in popularity over the past few years. One of the main reasons is that ceramic cookware comes in many exciting colors and sizes. We are moving beyond the standard white ceramic dinner plates and baking dishes. Sure, white ceramics have a clean look. But more and more people are opting for more warm, fun colors. And Le Creuset makes some of the prettiest colors you’ll come across. 

Ceramics Are Non-Porous And Easy To Clean.

The ceramic coating on earthenware makes the cookware non-porous. It also makes the surface more non-stick while nowhere as non-stick as Teflon. However, ceramics are more non-stick and easy to clean than stainless steel. For more benefits of ceramic kitchenware, click the link.

Also, many cooks prefer not to line their cookware with foil. Hence, an easy-to-clean ceramic surface is hugely beneficial. 

Pure And Coated Ceramic Cookware?

There are two types of ceramic cookware: pure and ceramic coated. Pure ceramic naturally comes to mind when we think of ceramic cookware—clay earthenware with an enamel glaze. 

There is also coated ceramic cookware, which is relatively new. A thin layer of ceramic glaze that chemically bonded to a metal base.

Pure Ceramic Cookware

I believe simplicity is best when it comes to ceramic cookware. Le Creuset makes pure ceramic cookware using clay and sand quartz. Workers press clay into molds for the desired shape and size before kiln firing. 

After this, the process of vitrification occurs at approximately 1915 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, to get a glossy look and a non-porous surface, the cookware undergoes the glazing process.

Advantages Of Le Creuset Pure Ceramic Cookware

Ergonomics

Le Creuset cookware has easy-to-carry handles. And the dish and the handles are all part of the same piece of clay. The chances of the handles breaking off while taking the bakeware from the oven are slim.

Microwave Friendly

Le Creuset stoneware is 100% ceramic. So you can use it safely in the microwave. On the other hand, ceramic-coated cookware has a metal core that makes it unsuitable for microwave use.

Good Heat Retention

Le Creuset cookware has a high heat retention capacity because the walls of ceramic cookware hold heat for long periods even after being taken out of the oven. Some alternatives of ceramic cookware typically do not retain heat well after the heat source is off because of the thin metal used in the cookware.

Le Creuset Ceramics Are Safe To Use In The Oven.

You can, of course, use your e Creuset cookware for baking in the oven. The cookware can handle temperatures as high as 2000°F. Therefore, unlike lower-quality and less expensive brands, they can withstand high temperatures.

Dishwasher Safe

Le Creuset ceramic cookware has a vitreous surface that is impenetrable to liquids. So, put your ceramic dishes in the dishwasher because it’s perfectly safe.

Money-Saving Tips Before Purchasing Le Creuset Cookware

Take Note Of Your Cooking Techniques And Styles.

To determine which Le Creuset cookware piece to invest in, consider what food items you cook most frequently. Doing this will help to influence your choice of cooking materials. For instance, Le Creuset ceramic cookware is perfect for roasting or baking. However, an expensive roasting dish may not be the best option if you rarely use the oven when cooking. Instead, you may want some of Le Creuset ceramic bowls, which look fantastic. 

Decide How Many Pieces You Want.

If you do not own a cookware set, you might need to purchase one depending on the number of people you cook for. You may need different sizes of bakeware, stockpots, skillets, and French ovens. Buying a set that contains a piece you do not need may not be the best choice. And you will not be able to mix and match different colors.

Consider Shopping At A Physical Location.

Since this cookware could last for generations, it may help to handle the cookware at a physical retailer. Going to a physical store lets you see how the piece feels in your hand. Alternatively, because the manufacturing standards of Le Creuset cookware are high, you can always rely on online purchases. 

All Le Creuset cookware products are of high quality, so you rarely encounter any damage or chips upon purchase. Here, you can find out why Le Creuset commands a higher price. I think it’s with it.

Does Your City Or Town Have An Outlet Shopping Mall?

I admit it. I often shop in the outlet malls for Staub and Le Creuset cookware. And I wouldn’t be able to afford all the pieces I have paying retail price. However, it would be best to consider the travel cost of going to an outlet mall. And another factor to consider is the warranty. Le Creuset B-grade products may not have a replacement warranty.

Popular Le Creuset Products Compared.

Here is a small section of some of the most popular products in the Le Creuset ceramic range. However, I have also added a comparison table. After all, Le Creuset ceramics are expensive and are other choices available.

Let’s Compare Three Popular Ceramic Bowls.

Medium Le Creuset Stoneware Multi Bowl	Emile Henry Cereal bowl	Sweese Porcelain Fluted Bowl
6.5 x 6.5 x 4-inches	6 x 6 x 3.1-inches	6.9 x 6.6 x 3.9-inches
2 pounds	.9 pounds	1.1 pounds
Fun colors available	Color selection is limited.	Fun colors are available.
Manufactured outside of France	Made in France.	Made in China.
The bowls are not French-made. But it’s a quality bowl with fun colors.	I wish Emile Henry had more colors available.	Fun colors, and the bowls are reasonably priced.
Available through Amazon, you can choose your favorite color (affiliate link).		Set of six is available on Amazon at a very  reasonable price (affiliate link).

Comparing The Le Creuset Pie Dish With Two Other Great Options

Le Creuset Stoneware 9-inch Pie Dish	Emile Henry Classics 9-inch Pie Dish	Pyrex Easy Grab Glass 9.5-inch Pie Plate
10.1 x 10.1 x 1.5-inches	10.2 x 10.2 x 2.6-inches	11.2 x 2.1 x 11, including wide lip
3.25 pounds	2.54 pounds	2.2 pounds
Ceramic dish	Ceramic dish	Glass dish
Many color choices are available.	Wide selection of colors available.	No color options.
Manufactured outside of France.	Made in France	Made in the U.S.A.
Many fun color options to add excitement to the table.	Classic looking pie dish, with fluting (Recommended).	Pyrex is a trusted brand and reasonably priced.
Available on Amazon if you want to see current prices (affiliate link).	I’d go for this one. It’s a beautiful pie dish. See prices on Amazon (affiliate link).	Easy on the pocket. Pick up this dish on Amazon (affiliate link).

How To Take Care Of Your Le Creuset Ceramic Cookware.

How Do I Look After Le Creuset Ceramic Cookware?

1. If your cookware is brand new, remove any tags or shipping stickers. It may sound boring, but read the manuals that come with your cookware. Manuals contain tips and information about the various features. It lets you know the do’s and don’ts to remain covered by the warranty.
2. Use the correct utensils when using Le Creuset ceramic cookware. If you can, try to stick to silicone, wood, or nylon utensils. Metal utensils can scratch your ceramics.
3. Slowly preheat empty ceramics such as roasters to protect your Le Creuset cookware. Doing this will increase the life span of your dishes and prevent hot spots and potential cracking.
4. As much as possible, try to stack smaller dishes inside larger dishes. Taking the time to stack correctly will help prevent chipping.

Le Creuset ceramics are pricy, but for many proud owners, it’s worth it. Why? Because they have a lot of fun using their cookware and tableware. The colors are pretty, and you don’t need a whole set. You can start with a colorful coffee mug and go from there. But honestly, I think you’ll be impressed.

References

1. Ceramic Definition and Chemistry (thoughtco.com)
2. Ceramics Don’t Have To Be Brittle (https://www.caltech.edu)
3. WARRANTY (https://www.lecreuset.com.au)
4. Stoneware (https://www.lecreuset.com.au)
5. Le Creuset History (https://www.lecreuset.co.za)
6. Consumer use effects on nanoparticle release from commercially available ceramic cookware (https://www.sciencedirect.com)