Le Creuset cookware is more than just a pretty pot on your stovetop, it’s a lifelong investment in quality, durability, and joy in the kitchen. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or someone finally ready to treat yourself, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know before buying your first Le Creuset.
Why Is Le Creuset So Special?
Le Creuset has been handcrafting enameled cast iron cookware in France since 1925. Known for its vibrant colours and unmatched durability, Le Creuset pieces are made to last a lifetime, and often become cherished family heirlooms.
Their signature cast iron is coated in a non-reactive enamel that resists stains, resists odours, and performs beautifully across all heat sources. Whether you're simmering a stew or baking sourdough, Le Creuset delivers consistent, even heat.
Choosing Your First Le Creuset Piece
Which Le Creuset Piece Should I Start With?
Cast Iron Essentials (Best All-Rounders)
The hero of the Le Creuset lineup is the enameled cast iron casserole dish, often called a Dutch oven. Incredibly versatile and built to last a lifetime, it’s the perfect starting point for beginners. The 24cm Round Casserole in Volcanic is ideal for hearty soups, rich stews, flavourful curries, freshly baked bread, and easy one-pot meals for two to four people.
Frying & Searing
If your cooking style leans toward high-heat searing or quick, everyday meals, a cast iron skillet might be your best bet. The 23cm Signature Skillet in Nuit is compact, stylish, and delivers exceptional heat retention, perfect for frying, searing meats, or making breakfast favourites like omelettes, pancakes, and eggs.
Bakeware
Le Creuset isn’t just about stovetop cooking, their stoneware and metal bakeware are beloved by home bakers for even heat distribution, long-lasting performance, and stunning presentation. Whether you’re baking lasagna, roasting vegetables, or preparing a fruit crumble, Le Creuset’s oven dishes, like the generously sized 32cm Heritage Rectangular Dish in Cerise, are perfect for savoury family-style meals. And for sweet treats or celebration cakes, the Le Creuset Square Cake Tin offers excellent non-stick performance and easy release. Ideal for casseroles, gratins, bakes, or oven-to-table serving, Le Creuset bakeware brings both style and function to your kitchen.
What Size Is Best for Beginners?
For singles or couples, a 20–24cm round casserole is perfect. For families of 3–4, consider 26–28cm. Always choose slightly larger if you enjoy batch cooking or leftovers.
Cast Iron vs Stoneware: What’s the Difference?
Cast iron is perfect for stovetop-to-oven cooking, offering unmatched heat retention that makes it ideal for slow simmers, searing, and roasting. It’s durable, heavy-duty, and built to last a lifetime.
Stoneware, on the other hand, is best suited for baking, roasting, and serving. It heats evenly, cleans easily, and comes in a wide range of sizes and colours, but it should never be used on the stovetop. Le Creuset stoneware is oven-safe, broiler-safe, and microwave-safe, making it a favourite for casseroles, desserts, and oven-to-table presentation.
Explore our Le Creuset kitchen and bakeware essentials to build your collection.
Choosing a Colour: More Than Just Aesthetic
Le Creuset pieces are designed to be both beautiful and functional, which is why colour plays such an important role. Whether you prefer bold tones or subtle pastels, there’s something for every style. Popular favourites in Ireland include:
- Volcanic – a warm, classic orange
- Cerise – a rich, deep red
- Chambray – a soft, muted blue
- Sea Salt – a breezy coastal green
- Shell Pink – a delicate blush pastel
And while your cookware’s performance won’t change based on colour, your kitchen’s personality just might. Don’t be afraid to branch out beyond a single shade, building a multicoloured palette can add charm, warmth, and visual interest to your space.
How to Use Le Creuset for the First Time
Do I Need to Season My Cast Iron?
Nope! All modern Le Creuset cast iron pieces are enameled, which means no seasoning is required. Just wash before first use and you’re ready to go.
Cooking Your First Meal
Start with a stew or curry that benefits from even, gentle heat. Avoid high heat right away. Heat your pot slowly, use oils to prevent sticking, and enjoy the magic of even cooking.
Is It Oven-Safe? Grill-Safe?
Absolutely. Le Creuset cast iron is safe for:
- Oven (up to 260°C)
- Hob (gas, electric, ceramic, induction)
- Under the grill or broiler
Just be sure to use oven mitts, those cast iron handles get hot!
Caring for Your Le Creuset
Cleaning After Cooking
Let the pan cool before washing. Use warm soapy water and a soft sponge. For tough stains, soak with water and baking soda.
Burnt Bits?
Add water, a bit of baking soda, and simmer gently. Avoid metal scrubbers, they’ll scratch the enamel. Let Le Creuset do the work for you!
Dishwasher Safe?
Yes, but handwashing is best for preserving shine and colour, especially for colourful pieces.
Making It Last
Avoid high heat. Don’t use metal utensils. Store with care. Follow these steps and your Le Creuset could last for decades, or even generations.
Buying with Confidence at Keans Claremorris
Where to Buy Le Creuset in Ireland
When investing in a piece of Le Creuset, it’s important to buy from a retailer you can trust. At Keans Claremorris, we’re proud to be an authorised Irish stockist, offering the full Le Creuset range with genuine quality, full warranties, and expert advice.
Do You Stock the Full Range?
Absolutely. We offer the complete Le Creuset range, from iconic enameled cast iron pieces to durable stoneware bakeware, kitchen accessories such as the beautiful Meringue Le Creuset Kettle and vibrant colour collections. Whether you're looking for timeless shades like Black, White, and Garnet, or exploring limited-edition seasonal hues, you'll find everything available to buy online in Ireland through our website, with fast delivery and reliable service.
Whether you’re starting with a Dutch oven or adding colourful accessories to your kitchen, Keans Claremorris is here to help. Explore our full Le Creuset range.