Are you looking to build your own kitchen arsenal, but don’t know where to start? Committing to buying quality cookware can seem like a significant investment, but ultimately, it is worth every penny. Le Creuset cookware is built to last and can be passed on from generation to generation, all-while remaining relevant with evolving kitchen design trends.
Le Creuset has epitomized innovation and quality cookware since the turn of the 18th century, introducing the first vibrant, flame colored cast iron cocotte. Today, Le Creuset Cookware is present in kitchens across the world and is constantly evolving using the very best materials, including enamelled cast iron, stainless steel, and toughened nonstick.
When your Le Creuset cookware is not being used, it can act as a unique accent piece to your kitchen decor or even serve unconventional uses you had not previously considered.
Here are 6 essential pieces of cookware you need to get your Le Creuset collection started.
French Oven
The French Oven, (also known as a Dutch Oven or Cocotte) is a great piece of cookware to get your Le Creuset collection started. Dubbed the original multicooker, this iconic pot can tackle many of your favorite recipes and cooking techniques, including braising, searing, baking, sauteing, and boiling. The French Oven is ideal for both beginners and seasoned chefs alike and is extremely easy to use.
This thick-walled pot keeps all the rich flavours and moisture locked into it with a tight-fitting lid and has its own self-basting cycle to ensure all ingredients are perfectly tender and seasoned. Its rounded base and cast iron construction make it an exceptional retainer of heat and slow cooks food evenly without burning ingredients.
The French or Dutch Oven is compatible with any heat source, and goes from stovetop to table with ease. When it is not being used to prepare delicious, one-pot meals, it can serve a wide variety of other unique functions.
Stockpot
Sticking with the theme of easy-to-make one pot recipes, adding a stockpot to your kitchen collection is the next logical step. This piece of cookware is crafted with heavy-gauge steel and is coated with a colourful enamel porcelain to guarantee it is equally as durable as it is stylish. The stockpot’s high walls and tight-fitting lid create the perfect environment for soups and pasta dishes among other recipes to boil slowly.
The stockpot’s lid ensures evaporation is limited all-while infusing the flavours inside the pot evenly across all ingredients. Much like the French Oven, the stockpot is extremely versatile and can be used for a number of different recipes, including hearty stews, lobster rolls, and corn on the cob.
This piece of cookware is also compatible with all heat sources, including induction. Finally, the stock pot comes equipped with triple-welded side handles, making for a confident and secure grip. This is especially important when moving the stock pot from the stove top to the table to serve the entire family.
Iron Handle Skillet
The iron handle skillet is a staple in any cookware collection and has earned quite the reputation among chefs across the world. This piece of cookware is made from enamelled cast iron, offering superior heat retention at any temperature level and exposes ingredients to a consistent heat source.
A natural black patina forms on the matte black enamel, creating an easy-release surface on the base of the pan. In fact, every time the skillet is used an additional layer of seasoning is added. This also serves as a protective layer against chipping and peeling over time.
The patina, along with its shallow base, makes the iron handle skillet great for stovetop frying, oven baking, and searing. Its pour spouts on either side are a thoughtful (and practical) final touch, allowing for drip-free pouring and the easy transferring of liquids.
This piece of cookware has a unique ability of striking the perfect balance between achieving a crispy golden crust and a soft, fluffy interior when baking corn breads, and other desserts. It is also commonly used for cooking meats, proteins, and vegetables.
Saucier and Saucepan
Having a quality saucepan or saucier at your disposal can make a world of difference when looking to prepare delicate side dishes, sauces, and even main courses. These pieces of cookware are extremely similar with one key difference. The saucier features a rounded bottom, which makes it ideal for recipes that require constant whisking. The saucepan, on the other hand, typically has straight sides and is better suited for preparing side dishes and grains that require boiling.
A saucier or saucepan opens up a world of possibilities when cooking, allowing you to tackle unique sauces, gravies, and even desserts. These pieces of cookware are available in enamelled cast iron, toughened nonstick, and stainless steel and are built to withstand daily usage with ease. It is well worth the investment considering how often you will end up using it and can quickly become the most practical piece of cookware in your collection.
Toughened Nonstick Pro Fry Pan
The toughened nonstick pro fry pan plays an integral role in any kitchen and is primarily used for cooking delicate egg dishes, pan-frying, sauteing, and baking. Simply put, toughened nonstick cookware is designed to prevent ingredients from sticking to the surface while cooking and avoid burning food.
Le Creuset’s toughened nonstick pro fry pan is made without any harmful compounds such as PFOA and will never chip or flake. Its 100% stainless steel rivet will resist rust or corrosion, ensuring it can be used regularly for years to come.
This piece of cookware is especially useful when cooking with ingredients that typically stick to the surface or are delicate under higher temperatures. Ingredients will slide right off the toughened nonstick pro fry pan, minimizing the need for fats, such as oil, butter, or sprays when cooking. This pan can be used for many recipes, including sautéing, shallow frying, searing and more.
Rectangular Roaster
The rectangular roaster is yet another kitchen essential for your Le Creuset collection, helping you tackle traditional recipes, including lasagnas, casseroles, oven-roast chicken, and more. This piece of cookware is made with enamelled cast iron, ensuring even heat distribution throughout. Its low-profile design makes it ideal for oven roasting, offering a large surface area for ingredients to be cooked evenly.
The rectangular roaster also features wide helper handles, providing a safe and comfortable grip when transporting it from the high temperatures of the oven to the table. This piece of cookware is suitable for all cooktops and is oven safe up to 260ºC / 500ºF. The rectangular roaster is great for preparing hearty meals for the entire family or when entertaining guests, and can even be used to bake decadent desserts.
Bonus: Chef's Knife
This list would simply not be complete without the chef’s knife. You will likely use this item daily. A chef’s knife is a multi-purpose kitchen tool that can be used to slice, dice, and chop ingredients with precision. Whether you are cutting fruits for your morning smoothie, or chopping onions for dinner, the chef knife can do it all.
Common uses for the chef’s knife include cutting meat, dicing vegetables, slicing herbs, and crushing garlic. It has since earned a reputation as a kitchen workhorse, offering chefs complete precision and control.
The versatility of this knife alone makes it a must-have in any kitchen setup and should be among the first items on your list. It facilitates pre-meal preparation and is crafted from 64 layers of forged damascus, ensuring its durability. Simply sharpen it with a rod and a whetstone when the blade starts becoming dull.
Get your Le Creuset collection started
Committing to cookware that will be in your kitchen long-term can seem daunting. After all, where do you even start? These were just six of our favourite kitchen essentials that you need to start your Le Creuset collection off on the right foot.
From everyday pieces such as the iron handle skillet, a chef’s knife or a saucepan, to the iconic French Oven or stockpot, these pieces of cookware will set you up for success.
For more cookware inspiration, browse Le Creuset’s innovative catalogue or visit our blog for pro tips on making the most of your collection. You can even shop by material or by colour to find the perfect piece for your kitchen design. Kickstarting your collection is not as difficult as it seems!
