1925 - 2025
THE ARCHIVE SERIES The Specialty Cookware
1925 - 2025
THE ARCHIVE SERIES The Specialty Cookware
Born from thoughtful design and shaped by craftsmanship, Le Creuset has long blended utility with artistry. From early kitchen novelties to our specialty cookware, each piece reflects a legacy of thoughtful design, reimagined for modern kitchens and shared moments around the table
1925 - 1945
Though Le Creuset is known for enamelled cast iron, our early catalogue held a few surprises like the Electric Waffle Maker. Finished in a sleek Grey Granite enamel and fitted with interchangeable plates, this rare appliance blended utility with unmistakable style. In an era when most cookware was purely practical, this novelty stood out for its thoughtful design and elevated aesthetic. For those who think Le Creuset has always been about cocottes, this delightful piece is a reminder: we’ve long pushed boundaries where innovation meets design.
1958
Debuting in 1958, the Autocuiseur “Pélican” was a sleek, stainless-steel pressure cooker with a polished exterior and enamel‑coated steel components making it both stylish and efficient. Designed for speed and modern living, it featured a distinctive chrome finish and rapid‑cooking performance. A pioneering appliance in family meals in the 50s, the Pélican combined meticulous craftsmanship with convenient design, hinting at Le Creuset’s future direction: cookware that marries contemporary materials with signature attention to detail.
1962
By 1962, Le Creuset expanded into special‑occasion dining with a beloved Fondue Set, prized for its durable beauty and convivial spirit. Designer Enzo Mari’s 1972 edition later became a collector’s item. A year later, the 1963 Super Tournegril coal barbecue appeared, followed by the compact, camping‑ready Safari. Together, they showcased Le Creuset’s playful inventiveness. Always pushing beyond the stovetop into outdoor and shared dining, Le Creuset reinforced its roots in joyful, community-focused cooking.
1995
Released in celebration of Le Creuset’s 70th anniversary, the Duck Dutch Oven Terrine is a true collector’s jewel. Part of the Pueblo Collection, it introduced a warm gingerbread interior and launched in deep, earthy hues like Sapphire, Hunter Green, and Brown. While functionally ideal for pâtés and seasonal dishes, it was its sculptural form and rarity that cemented its status. Nestled between culinary tradition and ornamental design, this terrine was a refined reminder that cookware can be both artful and deeply rooted in heritage.
2024
When the Pumpkin Cocotte first launched in 1998, it quickly became a beloved autumn classic, known for its sculptural charm and heirloom appeal. In 2024, the Pumpkin Braiser brought a new twist to the patch. Retaining the fairytale silhouette, this version presented the wide base and shallow sides of a traditional braiser making it perfect for caramelized root vegetables, hearty stews, or braised meats. It’s a fresh take on a fan favourite, proving once again that even the most whimsical designs can become kitchen workhorses.
2025
To mark Le Creuset’s 100th anniversary, the Modern Heritage Collection reimagines three iconic pieces into sculptural showpieces, included this new take on the Braiser. Crafted from enamelled cast iron, each Braiser features scalloped side handles, a lid bosting a new looped stainless-steel knob, and finishes that span from Cerise to Meringue. It’s a tribute to the past, filtered through a modern lens to elevate everyday cooking with form, function, and unmistakable French artistry. The result is more than a centennial celebration: it’s a reawakening of a legacy that began in 1925, now cast anew for the next generation.
