Although startups such as Made In are gaining ground against traditional kitchen brands, there are certain legacy names that home cooks are unlikely to relinquish. These brands have topped registry and gift lists for generations, and for good reason - their products are capable of producing both your grandmother's famous chocolate chip cookies and your contemporary quinoa cacao bites.

One such brand is French cookware company Le Creuset, which represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and style, albeit at a premium price point. Its enamel cast iron Dutch ovens are widely regarded as the best in the industry, and many consumers are willing to invest upwards of $200 in them, with few ever regretting the decision.

Le Creuset's products are unmistakable in any kitchen, with their smooth and glossy finish, substantial weight, and vibrant colors serving as a striking centerpiece on any shelf, stove, or countertop. Once you've cooked with them, it's unlikely that you'll ever forget the experience.

In essence, Le Creuset is one of those rare brands that truly lives up to the hype. It's akin to attending your first SoulCycle class - you may enter as a skeptic, but you'll likely emerge as a fervent convert (albeit hopefully less sweaty).

A brief history of Le Creuset — then and now

Le Creuset was established in 1925 by two Belgian industrialists, each with their own expertise in casting and enameling. Following their encounter at the Brussels Fair, they established a foundry in Fresnoy-le-Grand, a region in northern France strategically positioned along a major trade route.

Their inaugural product was the cast iron cocotte, also known as a French oven or enameled Dutch oven. The distinctive Flame color, which has become synonymous with Le Creuset, was inspired by the vibrant orange shade of molten cast iron within a crucible ("le creuset" in French).

During its time, the cocotte revolutionized the realm of cast iron cookware by combining enhanced functionality with exquisite aesthetics. It became an indispensable tool for home cooks, consistently delivering exceptional performance, while also serving as a visually appealing piece suitable for both stovetops and dining tables. The enduring success of Le Creuset suggests that our preferences have remained largely unchanged.

In the aftermath of World War II, as competitors turned to steel and aluminum for their cookware, Le Creuset remained steadfast in its commitment to enameled cast iron. This dedication led to the expansion of their product range, encompassing a variety of other cookware items and the introduction of captivating new colors. Today, customers can explore an array of offerings from the iconic Dutch oven to specialty cookware such as woks and Moroccan tagines, as well as bakeware like casserole dishes and dinnerware.

How to shop Le Creuset cookware and what to buy

Enameled cast iron has long been and will continue to be a specialty of Le Creuset. Its exceptional ability to distribute heat slowly and retain it strongly makes it ideal for medium and low-heat cooking, ranging from slow-cooking meats to roasting vegetables to baking indulgent desserts. The smooth interior promotes exquisite caramelization, prevents food from sticking, and is effortless to clean. This material is safe for use on all heat sources, including electric, gas, induction, outdoor grills, and ovens. Whether you are a first-time buyer of Le Creuset or expanding your collection that spans decades, this versatile and high-performing cookware is a must-have. All cast iron pieces are meticulously crafted in the original French foundry and undergo thorough inspection by 15 individuals. They are accompanied by a limited lifetime warranty.

Stoneware is the optimal choice for baking tasks. It ensures even heating, resulting in the coveted golden-brown crust, while guaranteeing uniform cooking throughout. Additionally, it facilitates easy release of food. All stoneware pieces are backed by a limited 10-year warranty.

Nonstick cookware represents a newer venture for Le Creuset and offers a superior upgrade from the nonstick products you may have previously used. Compared to cast iron, these aluminum-core products heat up rapidly. All nonstick pieces are accompanied by a limited lifetime warranty.

Where to shop Le Creuset

Le Creuset offers its complete range of products on its official website, where customers can enjoy complimentary shipping on all orders, access a wide array of recipes and events, and even create a gift registry through MyRegistry.com. The most convenient way to explore Le Creuset's stunning assortment of colors and exclusive limited-stock or limited-edition collections is by visiting the company's website.

Alternatively, customers can also find attractive sales and exclusive color options at select specialty retailers such as Williams-Sonoma, Sur La Table (where the "Artichoke" shade is as visually appealing as the real thing), Crate & Barrel, as well as renowned department stores like Nordstrom and Macy's. While Le Creuset products are also available on Amazon, frequent shoppers may find it more convenient to purchase them from these aforementioned retailers.

Review of Le Creuset cookware 

A team of three individuals conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the aforementioned cookware options, namely enameled cast iron, stoneware, and nonstick, to assess the capabilities of the long-established company. Although this was my initial encounter with cooking using Le Creuset products, some of my colleagues have been utilizing their cookware for an extended period and can vouch for its exceptional durability and longevity.

In the subsequent sections, we delve into a detailed exploration of the cooking experience with Le Creuset, encompassing their renowned Dutch Oven as well as the lesser-known Grill Pan.

Shop Le Creuset cookware here:

Round Dutch Oven

Round Dutch Oven (5.5-Quart), around $370, available at: Le Creuset | Williams-Sonoma 

We used it to cook: beef stroganoff, broccoli and sausage orzo skillet, chicken pot hotdish, and so much more.

Why we love it: The Le Creuset Dutch oven, available in a 5.5-quart version, is a premium kitchen item priced at $350. Despite the cost, it is an essential component of my culinary arsenal, offering exceptional versatility, durability, and most importantly, uniform heat distribution. I rely on it to prepare effortless one-pot meals throughout the week, ranging from beef stroganoff to spring peas and asparagus risotto, as well as broccoli and sausage orzo skillet. As an Executive Editor, I highly recommend this product.

As a Senior Editor, I personally use the 4.5-quart version of the Le Creuset Dutch oven, which was gifted to me by my former boss' wife. We would exchange recipes through her husband, and during a holiday party, she generously presented me with her Le Creuset pot and matching frying pan. Although she had grown fond of her Staub Dutch oven and no longer required multiple pots, her gift was one of the most thoughtful gestures I have ever received. I cherish using it to cook and serve stews, sauces, and orzo during dinner parties.

Square Dish

Square Dish, $50, available at: Le Creuset 

We used it to cook: fudgy vegan brownies, roasted apricots with coconut sugar, cornbread, and a million other things

Why we love it: I have been in possession of this square dish for approximately three years, and it has proven to be an indispensable item in my kitchen. Its versatility is evident as I frequently utilize it for baking quick-breads and brownies, roasting vegetables at high temperatures, and even crafting pot pies with a delightful, fluffy drop biscuit crust. The stoneware's coating boasts a remarkable glossy and smooth finish, rendering the cleaning process effortless. Despite enduring rigorous usage, my dish remains in pristine condition, resembling its initial state when I first acquired it.

Nonstick Saute Pan

Nonstick Saute Pan, $145, available at: Crate & Barrel | Le Creuset

We used it to cook: vegetarian "meat" sauce, garlicky zucchini noodles

Why we love it: I possess a considerable number of nonstick pans, however, I disposed of two of them subsequent to utilizing this particular pan for the first time. The nonstick coating surpasses any previous experience I have had. The pot I utilized to cook the sauce in was effortlessly cleaned within three seconds as there was no residue adhering to it. Additionally, it facilitated swift and uniform heating throughout, and the pan's walls are of an adequate height to enable its use as both a saucepan and sauté pan interchangeably. At a price of $145, it is an exceptional value and I frequently utilize it. —Sally Kaplan

Rectangular Casserole

Rectangular Casserole, $115, available at: Amazon | Le Creuset

We used it to cook: Enchiladas, lasagna, pasta casseroles

Why we love it: The 3.5-quart casserole dish offers an optimal depth for recipes that require layering, while its stoneware composition guarantees uniform heating, resulting in piping hot dishes, whether sweet or savory. Despite concerns about the delicacy of the enamel, it is reassuring to know that the casserole can be easily sliced into without any worries. However, it would be preferable if the handles were slotted to enhance safety while carrying the dish out of the oven. Therefore, it is advised to exercise extra caution to prevent any accidental dropping of your painstakingly prepared culinary creation.