Why buy Le Creuset? It’s expensive, and is it really worth it?

Why buy Le Creuset cookware?

A common question you’re likely to ask yourself before you buy cookware from this high-end brand is, “Why buy Le Creuset cookware?” If you purchase one of their French Ovens, you’ll be the envy of many foodies and home cooks. Everyone from industry professionals to home cooks seems to love Le Creuset. But goodness me, the cookware is pricy.

So before you go shopping, take a little time and check out this article. In this article, you’ll be able to learn the following:

1. Is Le Creuset cookware worth the extra cost?
2. Why is Le Creuset more expensive than other brands?
3. Is Le Creuset is any good?

Table of contents

• Can you trust the information in this article?
• Background information on Le Creuset
• Is Le Creuset worth it?
• Why is Le Creuset so expensive?
• Is Le Creuset cookware any good?
• Le Creuset vs. cheaper cookware
• Final thoughts

Why trust this article, when everyone just seems to be selling me stuff?

Before you continue, there’s no doubt that Le Creuset cookware is expensive. But there’s plenty of pocket-friendly brands that will do you very proud. But that doesn’t answer your Le Creuset questions. Before we get into answering the questions, here’s why you can trust this article.

Table: why trust my article

I’m a cast iron collector	Yes, they are people who collect and use cast-iron cookware. I mostly collect 19th-century ironware, but I have visited many foundries and use a lot of cast iron and ceramic cookware.
I own Le Creuset cookware	I’m one of the few bloggers that use both Le Creuset enameled cast-iron and also ceramic bakeware. However, I use cookware from Le Creuset’s competitors too. But let’s keep that between us.
This a hobby site to learn about traditional cookery	Yes, I write the articles myself. Including articles on kitchen antiques, historical recipes, and traditional materials such as cast-iron and ceramic hollowware.

Table: Background information on Le Creuset

Founders	Le Creuset was founded by Armand Desaegher and Octave Aubecq.
Founded	The company was founded in the year 1925 and based in Fresnoy le Grand, France.
Product Range	The company continues to grow and sells a wide range of cookware, tableware, and kitchen utensils.
Cast-Iron Cookware	Le Creuset is well-known for its enameled cast-iron cookware. The company continues to manufacture all cast iron products in France.
Ceramic Hollowware	The French company also sells a wide range of attractive bakeware and tableware. However, Le Creuset currently outsources its ceramic range offshore.
Signature Product	Le Creuset is best known for its enameled Dutch or French Ovens.
Signature Color	Flame Orange

Boonie Hicks tip and recommendation: Choosing to right size Dutch Oven

Le Creuset 5 1/2 quart round Dutch Oven	Le Creuset 3 1/2 quart round Dutch Oven
If I could only choose one size oven, this would be it.	Highly usable size without being too weighty.
Perfect all-rounder for all your kitchen needs.	Great go-to pot. The size is similar to a large saucepan.
You’re likely to see this oven used on your favorite cooking show or YouTube channel.	Ideal for everyday use. I strongly recommend this size for stovetop cooking.
Ideally suited for larger families and traditional cookery such as braising and casseroles.	Ideally suited for smaller families or couples. Or cooking larger portions of pasta, curry and soup.
This is the iconic Le Creuset 5 1/2 quart oven you’ve always wanted. Buy now in Amazon (affiliate link)	You won’t hide this pot away in your cupboard for special occasions. This Le Creuset 3 1/2 quart pot is made for daily use. Check it out on Amazon (affiliate link)

Is Le Creuset worth it?

It’s a good question to ask. After all, high-end ceramic and enameled products from Le Creuset are certainly not the cheapest cookware on the market.

However, paying a little more for years of enjoyment could be well worth the extra cost. Here’s three points you might want to consider:

Table: Why it’s worth paying extra for Le Creuset cookware and bakeware?

Made for daily use	There is no need to hide your cookware away. You can use your ceramic bakeware and cast-iron cookware everyday.
Brand awareness and quality	When you purchase any Le Creuset product you know it comes from a trustworthy brand. And if you do have any problems the company is well-known to have amazing customer support.
Appearance	Let’s face you can buy any cookware and make tasty meals. But how many people proudly display their cookware? Le Creuset is available in many pretty colors and they look fantastic.

Unlike other luxury brands, Le Creuset is made to be used daily

Le Creuset is in the same league with other high-quality and well-respected cookware brands such as Staub, Emile Henry and, Lodge Manufacturing. The products from these cookware brands can last generations. And they are often family heirlooms that can be passed one generation to the next.

The company has a great reputation and customer support

Another reason to choose Le Creuset over other brands is knowing that you are purchasing a quality product. This is especially important if you’re saving for your own cookware or buying for a loved one.

The last thing you want to happen is to buy a gift, and then the cookware arrives chipped or cracks on the first use. Better still this reputation is backed up with great customer support, just in case there is an issue.

There’s no denying it. Le Creuset cookware looks great in any kitchen

If you’re a home cook, cookware such as the Le Creuset French oven is the pride of the kitchen. They are the hero in both the traditional and contemporary kitchens. They are also highly decorative and many enjoy displaying their Le Creuset. This is a factor that is often missing in other cookware.

Boonie Hicks tip and recommendation. Le Creuset is famous for cast-iron. However, Le Creuset baking dishes and mugs are really popular and make great gifts.

If you want a little something for yourself or a gift then the Le Creuset mugs and 1-quart oval gratin dish (Amazon affiliate link) are great choices. Although they are not manufactured in France they are still Le Creuset products and therefore maintain a very high standard quality.

The Le Creuset 12oz mugs (Amazon affiliate link) is a great first Le Creuset choice and are ideal birthday presents. The mugs have warm homely hues and a rustic charm that everyone loves. Be warned your friends are likely to invite themselves over for a cuppa.

Why is Le Creuset more expensive than other bands?

Authenticity is often the main reason why Le Creuset is so popular. People see Le Creuset cookware and they know it’s a quality brand they can use, and trust.

Even if the brand is more expensive than most other low-end options, customers rave about the product and don’t mind paying for years of enjoyment. So why Le buy Creuset cookware and why is it more expensive than other brands? Here are some reasons below.

Table: Why is Le Creuset more expensive than other brands?

Ironware made in France	All Le Creuset cast iron products are manufactured in France. Needless to say, this increases the cost of production. However, as a benefit, the company can oversee production and maintain quality control.
Iconic design and usability	Unlike other brands, Le Creuset products are timeless and won’t look dated after a few years. The French company also makes their enameled cast-iron lighter than most other manufactures, making its products easier to handle.
Huge section of beautiful colors	Most companies only have a few colors to choose from. However, Le Creuset manufactures both their bakeware and cast-iron lines in a wide range of colors to suit every taste.

Le Creuset make their cast iron cookware in France. But you can expect all of their products to be good quality

Why is Le Creuset cookware so expensive? The company continues to manufacture cast-iron cookware in France, and maintain the highest quality control standards possible. For this reason, Le Creuset is a well-known and respected international brand that has appeal for so many around the world.

Le Creuset has more than 100 retail stores distributed in various parts of the world. And aside from cookware, the company also produces:

• stainless steel cookware
• ceramics
• textiles
• kitchen and wine accessories

Despite the high price of producing cast-iron cookware in France, Le Creuset continues to operate its foundry in Fresnoy le Grand. Instead of shifting its production to cheaper locations like China, Le Creuset has remained loyal to its community. It bears the cost of producing high-end goods in France.

With that being said, customers also pay for the higher associated costs for keeping manufacturing onshore.

Iconic design and usability

Because of Le Creuset authentic production standards and techniques, it has become the gold standard in the production of Dutch Ovens.

The signature flame orange hue is still as popular with consumers today as it has ever been. Even though the design of the pot has not changed since its advent. Le Creuset cast-iron cookware is still sought-after despite its considerable expense.

One of the main benefits of using Le Creuset Dutch Ovens and casserole dishes is due to the thinner cast walls of the cookware. This makes the company’s ironware lighter than other manufacturers, including cookware from Staub.

Sadly, for many customers, their first experience using Dutch Ovens are with cheaper celebrity-endorsed cookware. And I’ve noticed the quality can be less than desired, and the cookware tends to be weighty. Putting off so many home cooks from ever using enameled cast iron again.

Why buy Le Creuset cookware? Just looks at those pretty colors

The cookware is available in a range of different colors that are unique to Le Creuset products. Colors such as the signature flame orange are vibrant, and they add a decorative quality to the cookware. Color is important because it adds an element of vibrancy to the table or kitchen.

Le Creuset also makes cookware to cater to all tastes. And the company even goes as far as to introduce colors unique to different countries. Visit a Le Creuset store in Japan, and you’re likely to find gentler soft colors. While in European cities, you’re likely to see a wide range of traditional colors. And you will see a lot of Enameled cast-iron colored in flame orange.

Is Le Creuset cookware any good? Why are people are willing to pay a premium?

Table: Why is Le Creuset cookware so good?

Design Features	From wide handles to heat resistant knobs, Le Creuset makes cooking a joy.
Multiple Cooking Uses	Enameled cast-iron can be used on multiple heat sources. So if you buy a new stove, you won’t have to replace your cookware.
Easy to Maintain	Both ceramic bakeware and cast iron cookware is easy to maintain and clean.
Great Thermal Density	Ceramic dishes and cast-iron cookware, holds into heat so your meals won’t go cold quickly.
Exceptional Quality	If you buy Le Creuset cookware, you can expect it to be top-notch.

Designed for easy use

All cookware that is produced by Le Creuset is designed with the user’s comfort in mind. This means that you will love how easy it is to use.

For example, the black knobs are extremely resistant to heat. All the features of Le Creuset cookware are incredibly sturdy.  People that prefer cooking with cast iron and stoneware understand the need for comfortable features when cooking. These pots, after all, tend to get really hot.

Some Le Creuset Cocottes have black stay-cool knobs that make it easy to handle. You can remove the lid from the pot without getting burnt but I still recommend using an oven mitt. These phenolic knobs can withstand high temperatures (as high as 400 degrees F).

Are Le Creuset Dutch ovens safe to use on your stovetop?

All Le Creuset cast iron cookware can be used safely on a stovetop or an oven. This feature is perfect for a mix of different cooking methods. For instance, you can braise a piece of meat on the stovetop, and you can move the pot to the oven. Le Creuset enameled cast-iron can also tolerate high heat of up to 350 degrees F.

Enameled cast-iron and stoneware is easy to clean

Ease of cleaning is a consideration, customers have before deciding to purchase new cookware. And here is where Le Creuset shines.

Le Creuset cast-iron and stoneware are easy to clean and maintain. All you need is a soft cleaning sponge or dishcloth and mild soap. And gently rinse and wipe clean. If you do have stubborn baked-on food. You can simply leave your cookware to soak for a few hours in hot soapy water.

The surfaces of Le Creuset cast-iron and ceramic products are more non-stick than stainless steel that tends to stick. Making the cleaning process easy and straightforward.

Le Creuset products retain heat evenly

The Le Creuset French oven is made from cast iron, this ensures heat is retained and distributed evenly. This feature is great for cooking techniques such as poaching, simmering, browning and braising. Additionally, enameled cast-iron pots can be put into your refrigerator to store any leftovers.

Quality Control and standards

Since Le Creuset has been in the game for nearly more than 100 years, consumers can rely on the quality. Unlike other brands, Le Creuset sources high-quality materials, which include selected recycled iron, steel, and pure pig iron. This means that the end product can last for years.

Why Buy Le Creuset vs. cheap cookware brands

When you start shopping for cookware, you will soon find that you will come across a broad range of prices. Some cookware may look similar and even imitating the look of Le Creuset. But depending on how much you want to spend, there are clear differences between Le Creuset and cheaper brands.

In exchange for a high price tag, Le Creuset customers get to enjoy enhanced cookware performance. The key differences between Le Creuset and other cheaper imitations may include:

Table: What sets Le Creuset apart from other brands?

Use of Natural Cooking Materials	If you want a food-safe cooking surface then, it doesn’t get any more natural than stoneware and cast iron. Cookware is covered with a natural glaze or enamel.
Durability	A lot of cookware today is considered throwaway away after a year to two. But you can expect Le Creuset cookware much longer.
Nonreactive Cooking Surface	Did you know stainless steel cookware leaches a little metal into your food? Enamelware, on the other hand, seals the cookware from the metal surface. And it is nonreactive when cooking acidic foods.
Build Quality	When you purchase any Le Creuset, you can expect it to be well made. Each piece of cookware is thoroughly checked for defects and imperfections before leaving the factory.

Materials

The type of material used to produce cookware definitely has an impact on how much the product costs. For example, an enameled cast-iron pot will cost more than an aluminum or stainless steel pot. This is owing to the properties and characteristics of the construction and materials. Le Creuset is popular for having superior thermal heat mass. That is why many professional cooks like to use the high-end brand.

Unlike low-end cookware, Le Creuset provides precise heating results without the possibility of hotspots once preheated. Thinner gauge materials on inexpensive cookware do not hold heat evenly and can also dent or warp.

Durability

Another difference between Le Creuset and other cheap brands is the quality of construction. Sure, there are pots and pans available for less than 100 dollars. However, after using them for six months, these pots and pans might start to deteriorate.

Over time, cheaper cookware may also warp as a result of sudden thermal changes, which reduces effectiveness and efficiency. Le Creuset cookware will maintain its aesthetic appeal and last much longer.

Reactivity

Some cookware may react negatively with particular types of food. For instance, aluminum tends to react with tomato-based dishes and other acidic foods. This implies food can actually react with metal cookware and will taint food. However, enameled cast-iron separates food from coming in contact with the metal surface. And your food will retain its natural flavors.

The quality of construction

Expensive cookware such as Le Creuset beats inexpensive cookware because of the quality of construction. Le Creuset conducts thorough research and is abreast of the trends and changes in the industry. Which is why it incorporates different elements and production techniques that deliver optimal cooking results.

Another answer to the question, Why should I buy Le Creuset cookware? Is cheaper cookware is mainly made with a single thin layer of glaze or metal. A single layer of glaze can chip easily, while a single metal layer such as stainless steel is a poor conductor of heat. And can cause hot spots in the cookware and burn your meals.

So why buy Le Creuset cookware? Why is Le Creuset so expensive? And is Le Creuset any good?

Based on all the above reasons, “Why buy Le Creuset cookware?” I think it’s clear that a Le Creuset purchase is definitely worth it.

The price that you pay for high-end Le Creuset goods allows you to enjoy the unrivaled quality and better construction.

Foodies love the brand, it is extremely well respected and most importantly valued for its cooking performance. This brand is synonymous with kitchen royalty because of the features mentioned above. Le Creuset customers are usually extremely happy with the quality of the product.

When shopping, your budget and the price point of various cookware sets should remain a priority. However, it should not be the sole priority that affects your decision-making process. Le Creuset cookware is a great option if you’re looking to treat yourself with some new cookware.

Why buy Le Cresuet cookware? I think Le Creuset worth the extra cost. How about you?

Have you enjoyed the article? If you’re interested here are some more great articles on cast-iron.  Alternatively, you may want to check the prices for the 5 1/2 quart Dutch oven on Amazon (affiliate link).

The cookware is a joy to use and perfect in any kitchen. If you are thinking of buying a new piece of cookware Le Creuset we think it would make a wonderful addition to any kitchen. Investing in Le Creuset cookware is to get a product that delivers value for your money by lasting years. It also happens to be really beautiful. Le Creuset definitely does not disappoint.

References

• https://www.davidlebovitz.com/a-visit-to-the-le-creuset-factory/
• https://www.afar.com/magazine/heres-how-your-beloved-le-creuset-pot-was-made
• https://www.lecreuset.co.za/production
• https://www.lecreuset.com.au/en_AU/our-craft/cop008.html
• https://www.lecreuset.com.au/en_AU/frequently-asked-questions/cop001.html
• https://www.lecreuset.com.sg/faq/general