Starting a cookware collection based on what you cook most often is a great way to set up your kitchen for success. After all, different cookware materials are suited for different recipes and cooking techniques. Le Creuset currently offers enamelled cast iron, stainless steel, and , ensuring you have the perfect piece for the technique you are using.
Whether you are looking for the perfect pan to flip delicate egg dishes, or simply want a slow-cooking pot with excellent heat retention, we have you covered. All our cookware is built with premium materials, offering home cooks and chefs alike the versatility and flexibility they need in the kitchen for years to come.
Curating your cookware collection according to recipes and cooking techniques you may want to experiment with is a good place to start and will make sure you are set up for success.
Here is a complete guide to enamelled cast iron, stainless steel, and toughened nonstick pro cookware and how to get the most out of these materials!
Shopping for Cookware by Material
Equipping your kitchen, especially for the first time, is a careful process with many considerations to make. We are here to help with these tough decisions, breaking down each cookware material and for what they are best suited!
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Enamelled Cast Iron
Enamelled cast iron cookware is known for its superior heat retention qualities and durability. Learn more about this popular cookware material here!
What is Enamelled Cast Iron Cookware?
Enamelled cast iron cookware essentially elevates traditional cast iron cookware, coating its surface with an enamel finish. This enamel serves as a useful protective coating for your cookware, ensuring its durability and top-quality performance for years to come.
Enamelled cast iron cookware has the ability to retain heat efficiently, which allows for use of lower heat settings in stovetop and oven cooking. This allows it to perform well for both higher temperature searing and lower temperature slow cooking. However, this type of cookware needs time to gradually heat up for even and efficient cooking results.
While traditionally cast iron cookware needs to be seasoned, Le Creuset’s range of cookware does not require seasoning as the raw cast iron is already completely encased in an enamel coating. Over time, a natural patina will form, creating an easy-release surface for home chefs and cooks alike.
Benefits of Enamelled Cast Iron
There are many benefits to cooking with enamelled cast iron cookware. For one, this type of cookware is an excellent retainer of heat, allowing for evenly cooked food through and through. Enamelled cast iron cookware also ensures even heat distribution, making it perfectly suited for stews and slow-cooked recipes.
Enamelled cast iron cookware is also very versatile, accommodating both stovetop cooking and recipes in the oven. Whether you are looking to sear a steak or make a stew for the whole family, enamelled cast iron cookware can be used. Another advantage to enamelled cast iron cookware is that it is extremely durable, and resistant to chipping, rusting and cracking when properly cared for.
Why cooking techniques is Enamelled Cast Iron Cookware best suited?
While enamelled cast iron cookware is versatile, there are certain cooking techniques that are tailored to this particular material. Enamelled cast iron cookware excels at searing, simmering, braising and stewing. This type of cookware can withstand higher temperatures and maintain its heat, making it ideal for stovetop searing, or even when simmering a soup.
Its excellent heat retention properties also ensure enamelled cast iron cookware is the best choice when braising or stewing ingredients for hours. These cooking techniques are designed to slow-cook food until it is perfectly tender, relying on even heat distribution.
Whether you choose to stir-fry, slow-cook a casserole, sear a steak or bake a cake, there is a shape that is suitable. Oval casseroles are typically suited for longer cuts of meat and fish, for example, while cookware with thick and high walls such as the Dutch Oven, create the ideal environment for slow-cooking ingredients.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid with Enamelled Cast Iron Cookware
Enamelled cast iron cookware is extremely durable; however, a little care can go a long way. The first step to cooking with this material is to preheat the pan on low heat for about five minutes before introducing ingredients. This will ensure food is cooked evenly and is an essential part to cooking with cast iron.
Another common mistake when cooking with cast iron cookware is flipping ingredients before they are ready. This will result in food sticking to the surface of your enamelled cast iron cookware.
Using the appropriate utensils is another consideration to make with enamelled cast iron cookware. Typically, Le Creuset recommends silicone tools for the most convenient stirring, but wooden and heat-resistant tools can also be used. When cleaning your enamelled cast iron cookware, simply avoid abrasive cleaning agents. Nylon and soft abrasive pads are usually your best option!
For more cast iron cooking tips, visit our complete blog post!
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel cookware is known as one of the best conductors of heat and is capable of withstanding extreme temperatures to deliver the best results in the kitchen. Learn more about stainless steel cookware here!
What is Stainless Steel Cookware?
Stainless Steel cookware has the unique ability to withstand higher temperatures compared to other materials without scorching. Crafted with a proprietary blend of professional-grade metals, its exterior layer is infused with titanium to prevent discoloration over time, ensuring its durability and performance for years to come. This also makes it a favourite in restaurant kitchens across the country.
Compatible with all heat sources, including induction, stainless steel cookware is extremely versatile and can help you tackle a number of new recipes and cooking techniques. Le Creuset’s stainless steel cookware is carefully constructed with a hot-forging process that prevents warping, embodying our commitment to European craftsmanship and premium materials.
Benefits of Stainless Steel Cookware
Stainless steel cookware is a great option to equip your kitchen with durable and versatile pieces of cookware. This type of cookware is built to last a lifetime and can be used on a daily basis. Stainless steel cookware is typically lightweight and easy to store, and relatively easy to clean as well.
The main benefit with stainless steel cookware is that it retains heat exceptionally well, making it perfect for browning, searing and sautéing ingredients at higher temperatures. This type of cookware will ensure food is cooked evenly, achieving a crispy exterior and an evenly-cooked interior!
Why cooking techniques is Stainless Steel Cookware best suited?
Stainless steel cookware epitomizes versatility, going from the stovetop to the oven without any issues. As an excellent conductor of heat, this type of cookware is perfectly suited for searing, browning and sautéing ingredients.
These cooking techniques ultimately rely on higher temperatures to crisp ingredients and add texture and flavour into everyday meal preparation. Stainless steel cookware is also particularly great for cooking highly-acidic foods like tomatoes, vinegars and wines, and can also be used to reduce a pasta sauce to its ideal consistency.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid with Stainless Steel Cookware
There are many common misconceptions that exist surrounding stainless steel cookware. Picking the right cooking tools can make a world of difference, ensuring your cookware’s durability. With stainless steel cookware, you can use any tools and kitchen utensils, including stainless steel.
The next step is to take the time and preheat your stainless cookware. The most effective way to know if your cookware is ready to be used is with the water droplet test. Simply, heat up the pan and a dash of oil. Once it achieves the desired heat, introduce a droplet of water into the pan. If the droplet sizzles and hops around the pan, it is ready to be used.
It is also recommended to season your stainless steel cookware before tackling delicate recipes. This will help avoid food from sticking to your stainless steel surface, making cleanup a breeze. For more stainless steel cooking tips, visit our complete blog post!
Toughened Nonstick Pro
No kitchen is complete without toughened nonstick cookware, offering flexibility and all the benefits of nonstick surface for sensitive recipes. Keep reading for how to get the most of this type of cookware!
What is Toughened Nonstick Pro Cookware?
Toughened nonstick cookware is a type of cookware that is carefully crafted from premium materials that prevent ingredients from sticking to the surface. This type of cookware is especially great for beginner cooks looking to experiment but is equally great for experienced chefs who regularly cook delicate ingredients.
Crafted with high-quality, hard-anodized forged aluminum and a PFOA-free surface that is resistant to chipping and flaking, Le Creuset’s toughened nonstick pro cookware is built to last, striking the ideal balance between performance, durability and sleek design.
Benefits of Toughened Nonstick Pro Cookware
Toughened nonstick cookware eliminates the need to use fatty oils when cooking, providing a great way to prepare meals for the whole family. This type of cookware is perfectly suited for tackling recipes with sensitive ingredients, ensuring you can safely move ingredients with ease. Whether you are making a delicate omelet, or flipping pancakes, toughened nonstick cookware has you covered.
Toughened nonstick cookware is among the easiest to get started with in the kitchen, featuring a hard anodized and forged aluminum construction as well as an easy-release surface. This type of cookware is built to last with its hot-forged construction preventing warping.
What cooking techniques are best suited for Toughened Nonstick Pro Cookware?
Toughened nonstick pro cookware is extremely versatile and can be used for a variety of cooking techniques. This type of cookware can be used for frying, boiling, braising, stewing, and more. Toughened nonstick cookware particularly excels at cooking ingredients that typically stick to the surface, including eggs, batter, and or stickier ingredients like sauces or caramels.
This type of cookware is compatible with all heat sources, including conventional ovens, stovetops (including induction), broiler, and salamanders with low-to-medium heat typically recommended. Le Creuset currently offers a wide range of toughened nonstick cookware shapes, providing you with the perfect piece of cookware for all your favourite recipes.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid with Toughened Nonstick Pro Cookware
Using the right tools and utensils with toughened nonstick cookware is crucial to its durability. As such, you should exhibit caution when using metal cooking utensils on your nonstick surface.
In addition, avoiding extreme temperature changes is extremely important as significant heat can erode the nonstick surface. Instead, low to medium heat is recommended. When cleaning your toughened nonstick cookware, nonstick cleaning pads are the best option, ensuring you do not scratch the surface scraping tough, stuck-on residue.
For more toughened nonstick cookware tips, visit our complete blog post!
Starting Your Le Creuset Collection
Before starting your Le Creuset collection, take the time and ask yourself how you intend to use your cookware the most. Each type of cookware comes with its own set of advantages and cooking techniques it is best suited for.
Stainless steel cookware, for example, is capable of withstanding higher temperatures, while enamelled cast iron cookware is extremely durable and is great for slow-cooking ingredients to perfection. Lastly, toughened nonstick cookware offers home cooks and chefs alike a convenient way to tackle sensitive recipes without the fear of ingredients getting stuck.
Ultimately, having a combination of stainless steel, enamelled cast iron and toughened nonstick pro cookware is the best way to go, equipping your kitchen for any scenario. Visit our featured recipes or blog for more inspiration and begin curating your Le Creuset cookware collection today!
