You Might Be Using Your Le Creuset Pieces Wrong

Le Creuset is a brand that our editors love and hold in high esteem. Perhaps most known for its enameled cast iron Dutch oven, it offers heirloom quality cookware that will last a lifetime, but only if it’s used correctly. So, when we saw that people on TikTok were confused about how its different cookware pieces should be used (to the extent of a dish exploding on a user’s stove), we had to step in and set the record straight: This incident was due to user error and not the fault of the brand’s cookware.

But why is this? It comes down to the use of cast iron versus stoneware; each material has its own place in the kitchen. Cast iron pieces (and enameled cast iron pieces) like skillets, Dutch ovens, and saucepans can be used on the stovetop and in the oven. Then there is stoneware, which includes covered casserole dishes, rectangular dish sets, and loaf pans, which are to be used in the oven only, never on the stovetop. And one person on Tiktok learned this the hard way — we’re grateful they did not get hurt. 

Below, we’ve gathered some popular picks of both types of cookware the brand offers — including some of our editors’ favorites. We’ve also explained how each type should be used to help provide a better understanding of how to properly use Le Creuset’s high-quality cookware. 

Popular Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Picks

Le Creuset’s enameled cast iron cookware offers the superior, even heat retention and distribution that the brand is known for. These pans can be used on the stovetop; put in the oven, broiler, and grill; and placed in the refrigerator and freezer. The enameled coated exteriors sport Le Creuset’s vivid glazing, which does not chip, fade, or crack. While these pieces can technically be put in the dishwasher, we prefer to hand-wash them to keep them in pristine shape.

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Saucepan

The brand’s signature saucepan comes in several sizes, including this 2.25-quart one. It has a helper handle and a larger handle for easy carrying and maneuvering. Plus, its light, creamy-colored interior is nonstick, while the airtight lid locks in moisture to keep the food tender and flavorful. We also love the stainless steel knob for a stylish finishing touch. The saucepan is heat-safe up to 500°F and is ready to go right out of the box, no seasoning required. This particular size is ideal for making side dishes, creamy sauces, comforting soups, brown butter, and more. Shop it now for $268 in colors like cerise, Caribbean, and flame — or head to Le Creuset’s site to snag it for $214 in agave.

And if you want a smaller size, it’s also available in a 1.75-quart option.  

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet

Every kitchen needs a skillet, and this 10.25-inch one is a Food & Wine favorite. It topped the charts in our enameled cast iron skillet testing, where we seared beef, baked cornbread, made a pan sauce, and even made crepes — and this pan did everything beautifully. At 5.15 pounds, it’s a bit heavy, but its helper handle and longer handle make it a breeze to move around. The skillet also has two pour spouts that allow for pouring out liquids and grease. It has a nonstick black satin enameled interior, which has exemplary heating. Like other pieces of the brand’s enameled cast iron, this skillet can be used on any stovetop or popped into the oven, put under the broiler, or put on the grill, up to 500°F. It comes in several of Le Creuset’s gorgeous colors, but don’t wait too long to pick your favorite, since these tend to disappear quickly.

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven

Another essential piece that should be a part of any cookware collection is a Dutch oven. These multifunctional pans make everything from comforting soups and stews to batches of spaghetti sauce to beautiful pot roasts and braised legs of lamb. This editor-loved Dutch oven ticks off all the boxes when it comes to its durability, versatility, performance, and ease of cleaning — you can’t ask for much more from a piece of cookware. It has two loop handles, so it’s easy to lift out of the oven or off of the stovetop. The airtight lid effectively traps moisture and has the brand’s signature stainless steel knob, so it looks good while doing it. It’s compatible with all stovetops and is oven-safe up to 500°F. 

Popular Le Creuset Stoneware Picks

Le Creuset’s stoneware pieces have that same exceptional heat distribution and retention we’ve come to know and love, but they should be used differently from Le Creuset’s enameled cast iron: All of the brand’s stoneware is made specifically to be used in the oven, broiler, and microwave up to 500°F, but should never be used on the stovetop (doing so may ruin the piece or cause injury). The stoneware pieces sport the cookware brand’s well-known brightly colored exterior and lightly colored nonstick interior, and since they’re glazed, they’re resistant to stains, flavors, and scratches. They also have gorgeous scalloped handles that make it easy to take them out of the oven and to the table. 

Heritage Stoneware 4.5-Quart Deep Baker with Lid

Whether you’re roasting a chicken or pork roast, this deep baker by Le Creuset is up to the task. It has a 4.5-quart capacity and deep side walls, which provide ample room to accommodate these dishes and more. It can even marinate meats and bake sourdough bread. Inside the airtight lid are dimples that hold in moisture to ensure you get a tasty and flavorful dish. The whole piece is heat-safe up to 500°F and should be used only in the oven and broiler. Pop it into the refrigerator and freezer, but never use it on the stove.

3-Piece Heritage Stoneware Rectangular Dish Set

This 3-piece stoneware rectangular dish set includes 4-quart (12.5-inch), 2.5-quart (10-inch), and 1.1-quart (7.5-inch) dishes. That way, you can whip up some cheesy macaroni and cheese, roasted vegetables, and an apple crisp dessert all at the same time. Since they are safe to put in the refrigerator or freezer, you can make your favorite recipes up ahead of time, too. These dishes can handle heat up to 500°F and evenly brown whatever you cook in them. They are only meant to be used in the oven and broiler — not on any direct heat source, such as on top of the stove. And when it comes to storing the dishes, they nest neatly together.

Le Creuset Stoneware Heritage Loaf Pan

If you’re a baker, you’ll quickly want to whip up homemade banana bread or lemon pound cake once this stoneware loaf pan is in your possession. (It can make a great zesty meatloaf as well.) Like the brand’s other stoneware pieces, it’s safe up to 500°F and can be used in the oven, microwave, and broiler. It is safe to put in the freezer or refrigerator, and you can even toss it in the dishwasher for an easy cleanup. It’s available in seven colors, including artichaut, Caribbean, and white.