You’ll just adore Le Creuset ceramic cookware, here’s why.

Le Creuset ceramic cookware needs no introduction. It is widely regarded 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. In fact, Le Creuset has been producing cookware for nearly 100 years. The company has a reputation for manufacturing high-end quality cookware designed to last for years and years. 

Since 1925, Le Creuset has been manufacturing cast iron cookware in their Fresnoy-le-Grand factory in France and still do to this day. They also make a wide range of kitchen utensils and stainless steel cookware. But in this article, you can learn about Le Creuset ceramics. And I will cover the following:

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 to expand 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 made with the same care and standard as their original cast iron products. 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	Available in different styles and sizes.
Pitchers	Generous 1.6-quart capacity looks great on any table.
Gratin and Baking Dishes	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. While white ceramics have a clean look. 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, so 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 is what naturally comes to mind what we think of ceramic cookware. Clay earthenware with an enamel glaze. While coated ceramic cookware is relatively new. A thin layer of ceramic coating is applied to a metal base.

Pure ceramic cookware

I believe simple is best when it comes to ceramic cookware. Le Creuset makes pure ceramic cookware using two main components clay and sand quartz.  When the correct percentages of sand and clay are mixed (which I’m sure would be a tightly held secret). The clay is pressed into molds for the desired shape and size.

After this, the process of vitrification occurs at approximately 1915 degrees Fahrenheit. Then to get the glossy look and non-porous surface, the cookware is subjected to a glazing process. Pure ceramic cookware can also be referred to as classic ceramic cookware.

Advantages of Le Creuset pure ceramic cookware

Ergonomics

Le Creuset cookware is ergonomically designed. And the cooking surfaces and the handles of the cookware are all part of the same piece. The chances of the handles breaking off while taking the dish from the oven are slim.

Microwave friendly

Le Creuset cookware is made from 100% ceramics. So it can be used easily in a 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 after the heat source is turned off because of the thin metal used in the cookware.

Le Creuset ceramics are safe to use in the oven.

Le Creuset cookware can be used for baking in the oven. The cookware can handle temperatures as high as 2000°F. Therefore, they can withstand high temperatures, unlike other lower quality and less expensive brands.

Dishwasher safe

Le Creuset ceramic cookware has a vitreous surface that is impenetrable to liquids. This makes it safe in a dishwasher.

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, think about what food items you cook most frequently. This will help to influence your choice of cooking materials. For instance, if you roast or bake, then Le Creuset ceramic cookware is perfect for you. However, if you rarely use the oven when cooking, an expensive roasting dish may not be the best option. Instead, you may want some of Le Creuset ceramic bowls, which look fantastic, by the way.

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 typically cook for. You may need an assortment of different sizes of bakeware, stockpots, skillets, French ovens. Buying a set that contains a piece that 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. So it may help to handle the cookware at a physical retailer. This will allow you to feel and 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, which means that you will rarely encounter any damage or chips upon purchase. Here you can find out why Le Creuset commands a higher price. We really do think it’s with it.

Does your city or town have an outlet shopping mall?

I admit it. I often go shopping 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, you have to keep in mind the travel cost to going to an outlet mall. And another factor to consider is the warranty. Le Creuset B-grade products may not be covered with any 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.

Comparing three 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 available.
Manufactured outside of France	Made in France.	Made in China.
Not made in France. 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 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 11.2 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).	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.

1. If your cookware is brand new, ensure to 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. And lets you know the do’s and don’ts to be 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. To protect your Le Creuset cookware, ensure to preheat empty ceramics such as roasters slowly. 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. This 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 to purchase 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)