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Overview:

Le Creuset has been making cookware and bakeware for over 80 years and is made from enameled cast iron. Cast iron has been used for cooking utensils since the Middle Ages. The Le Creuset factory is at Fresnoy-Le-Grand in Northern France and they make their cookware through a time honored method of hand-casting molten cast iron in sand molds. After casting, each mold is destroyed and the cookware is polished and sanded by hand then scrutinized for imperfections. Once declared good for enameling, the items are sprayed with two separate coats of enamel and fired after each process at a temperature of 800°C. The enamel then becomes extremely hard and durable, making it almost completely resistant to damage during normal use.

Since much of the finishing is done by hand, each Le Creuset Cast Iron cookware piece is completely unique.

Le Creuset Reviewers Say:

There are several publications that rate cookware periodically and the consensus is that Le Creuset is the best enameled cast iron cookware on the market today. Reviewers point to Le Creuset's heavy cast Iron core, which extends up the sides of the cookware for its great heat conductivity. Because the base, side walls and lid are all of the same quality and thickness there are no areas where heat can be lost rapidly. Heat is lost very slowly from cast iron meaning it can be taken to the table safe in the knowledge that food will be kept hot for some considerable time. The 2 drawbacks of the cookware are the high expense and the heaviness of the cookware which weighs considerably more than some competitors.

What We Think:

Our staff has tested Le Creuset cookware under some extreme conditions and admire the adaptability, versatility and heat retention that this cookware demonstrates. It is great for preparing dishes such as braises that require cooking on the stovetop first and then placing the cookware in the oven to finish. Also the fact that the cookware can be brought to the table and retain its warmth for long periods of time is a great feature. However, the weight of the cookware and relative high cost should be considered when purchasing cookware for your own use or giving cookware as a gift. Le Creuset is expensive but we believe it is worth it.