I’m sure you’ve heard several times that once you invest in Le Creuset cookware, you’ll never want any other enamelled cast iron dutch oven. It’s not just a pot and there is a reason why it is considered an investment. But before you drop a few hundred on a single casserole, I’m sure you want to know why it’s worth it. Yes, there are other brands for a fraction of the price so read below why it’s worth the hype.
Is It Really Worth it?
It is. That is if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Le Creuset is known for its quality and uses the best materials. And if you’re a collector and you’ve managed to get some limited, hard-to-find pieces, your collection will only get more valuable over time.
You don’t need to get the entire line. Start with one dutch oven. It is multifunctional and aesthetically pleasing, plus it makes cooking so much easier. Invest in kitchen tools that make cooking more worthwhile and less of a hassle; in the end, you’ll get your money’s worth back.
Brand History
In the US, it’s generally referred to as a Dutch oven but Le Creuset’s version is technically a French oven or a cocotte as how the French would call it.
The company is founded in Fresnoy-le-Grand by two Belgian lads named Armand De Saegher, a casting specialist and Octave Aubecq, an enamelling specialist in 1925.
The same year, the French cocotte came about when they paired the Dutch method of casting enamel using sand moulds (rather than clay) with layers of high-quality porcelain enamel. Traditionally, Dutch ovens were usually used to cook over an open flame hence old versions came with legs for this purpose. But Le Creuset’s design features large looped handles, a wide flat bottom; and a smooth enamel covering both internal and external for easy upkeep.
Le Creuset casseroles were designed for cooking home meals like frying, braising, stewing and even baking.
The early Le Creuset pieces all came in deep red-orange enamel inspired by the colour of volcanique or molten iron. Now available in many hues sold worldwide. Up to this day, Le Creuset Dutch ovens are still hand-forged in Fresnoy-le-Grand and still more or less using the same process as they did almost 100 years ago.
To summarise, Le Creuset casseroles are durable, good-looking, and easy to upkeep as the porcelain enamel requires no seasoning and is dishwasher safe. So it is definitely worth it!
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And last but not least, the iconic volcanique, Flame, red-orange casserole..
Bonus
If you’re into cooking and prefer to have the whole set, you’ll save a few bucks with this essential 7-Piece enamelled cast iron cookware set.
Set Includes:
- 4.5QT Round Dutch Oven
- 5.25QT Signature Roaster
- 2.25QT Braiser
- 10.25″ Signature Skillet
- 10.25″ Square Skillet Grill
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