Le Creuset is one of the most famous cookware brands in the world. They are renowned for their dishes, especially their iconic orange (or “volcano”) colored stoneware oven dishes.
But Le Creuset has so many more ranges that are both cookware and bakeware. The bakeware can, of course, go in the oven. But what about their cookware?
Stove-to-oven cookware is becoming more and more popular. But not every frying pan and saucepan are safe to go in the oven.
Read on for our comprehensive guide to which Le Creuset items can go in the oven. As well as a few more tips and tricks for using and caring for your Le Creuset.
Stoneware
Let’s start with the basics. When you think of Le Creuset you probably think of their stoneware first (or perhaps their price tag).
As these pieces are intended for baking and roasting, it goes without saying that they can go in the oven. But how much heat can Le Creuset bakeware withstand?
Le Creuset bakeware is safe in the oven up to 500°F. This is a decent temperature and is very hot but some ovens can get hotter.
So, make sure to double-check the heat required for your recipe before opting to use your Le Creuset.
Bakeware
Of course, it also goes without saying that bakeware can go in the oven. But how much heat can it handle?
As Le Creuset bakeware is metal, it’s pretty heat-resistant. Le Creuset bakeware can go in the oven up to 460°F.
Cast Iron
Le Creuset might be best-known for their stoneware range but they also have a wide range of stovetop cookware. Some of this cookware is also suitable for the oven, such as the Le Creuset cast iron range.
But not everything can go in at the same temperature. Le Creuset has several cast iron ranges. As with much stove-to-oven cookware, the temperature limits are due to the lids.
Lids from the Classic range can go in the oven up to 375°F. The lids from the Signature range can go in the oven up to 480°F.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is the most commonly used material for cookware, especially stove-to-oven cookware.
This includes Le Creuset’s Signature and 3-Ply stainless steel pans. Both ranges can go in the oven at temperatures up to 500°F.
Non-stick
Non-stick cookware might not be the first products that you associate with Le Creuset. But they have a high-quality range of toughened non-stick cookware.
Le Creuset toughened non-stick cookware can go in the oven up to 500°F. But the glass lids are only oven safe up to 425°F.
Non-stick cookware can’t always be used in the oven. Sometimes the non-stick coating can react badly to the enclosed heat and begin to smoke and release toxic fumes.
But this isn’t the case with Le Creuset.
Professional Hard Anodised
The Le Creuset Professional Hard Anodised range has an excellent selection of cookware items.
It is oven safe up to 500°F. This includes the casserole dish and frying pans.
Top Tips
Now that you know which Le Creuset can go in the oven and (more importantly) which cannot, here are a few tips and tricks to make sure you take extra good care of your dishes.
- Wash before use. This is a good idea for any cookware or crockery. Washing dishes before using them cleans off any dust or dirt that may have gathered on them during the packing and transportation processes. It’s sensible when you think about it; you don’t know what touched them beforehand or where they were stored, so it’s a good idea to clean them before eating off them.
- Hand wash. If you have a dishwasher, it can be tempting to just throw everything inside and let it do its thing. As Le Creuset is such a high-quality item, you might assume that it will be safe in the dishwasher. And while it won’t become too damaged, it’s much safer to wash them by hand.
- Don’t put wood in the dishwasher. Most Le Creuset products are dishwasher safe (although it’s best to hand wash them). But anything with a wooden handle should definitely not go in the dishwasher. They also shouldn’t go in the oven.
Wood will become sodden in the dishwasher which can damage the wood and cause it to rot. The heat of the dishwasher can also warp the wood. Putting wood in the oven isn’t a good idea as it will burn. It can even catch fire, especially if you have a gas oven with an open flame.
- Use a soft cloth or sponge. Always avoid using anything too abrasive to clean your Le Creuset dishes.
- Double-check everything. Even if you are 99.99% sure that your Le Creuset can go in the oven, make sure to double-check the manual. Even if your frying pan is from the Professional Hard Anodised range, it’s always a good idea to check. It’s better to be safe than sorry. You don’t want to risk filling your kitchen up with potentially toxic fumes. It’s just not worth the risk.
- Be gentle. Although Le Creuset products are all very durable - some even have a lifetime guarantee - they are still breakable. This is especially true of the stoneware which will likely break if it is dropped.
Cast iron Le Creuset products are perhaps the most durable but they can still be broken or at the very least chip. The enamel coating of the cast iron products is made from glass so will chip or break if dropped.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. This guide has provided you with everything you need to know about using Le Creuset products in the oven. As well as a few extra tips and tricks for keeping them safe.
Le Creuset products are an investment and are intended to last you not just a long time but a lifetime. So, while they are very tough and durable, it’s still important to care for them and to keep them safe.
