Le Crueset Cookware

Le Crueset Cookware Company began production of its unique enameled pots in 1925. It was born of a meeting between Armand Desaegher and Octave Aubecq at the Brussels Fair. After talking they came up with the idea to open a foundry where they would enamel cookware. The foundry was set up in Fresnoy-le-Grand, Aisne, France.  It was a perfect location for the foundry since it was right on the transportation route for coke, iron, and sand; raw materials that would be needed in the process of creating the cookware.

The first item to be produced was the cocotte, a covered casserole. As the small company grew and increased in popularity, adding to its line, trouble with Germany was brewing. The foundry was very near the front lines and became part of the German Occupation.  After the war Le Crueset went back to making cookware and by 1952 it was being imported all over Europe and the United States.

Le Crueset is cast iron cookware that has had enamel applied to it. It retains all of the cooking benefits of the cast iron and is easy to clean, pretty, and won’t rust. To produce the shape two sand moulds are made. One is the shape for the inside of the pot; one is the shape for the outside. These moulds are fitted together with only a small gap between them.

Into this gap go the melted raw materials of the cookware. The shape is cast and allowed to cool. Then it is removed from the mould and set aside to be finished. Interestingly the mould is then broken, the sand recycled, and no other piece will be exactly like the one just made.

The pots are then smoothed and finished. The surface has to be very smooth for the enamel to go on it correctly. Once this is done a clear coat of enamel is put on and left to dry. It is then followed by the colored coat and the piece is finished up.

If you have never cooked with Le Crueset you may not understand why it is better than other cookware.

• It is durable. It isn’t unusual for someone to be using 40 to 60 year old cookware.
• It heats perfectly and evenly. Food doesn’t burn easily.
• It cleans easily. The enameled coating keeps food from sticking to it.
• It is pretty! There are numerous colors available.
• It is consistently high quality.
• Can be used with gas, electric, induction, or ceramic ranges
• Flat  bottoms sit firmly on the surface of your cooktop.
  
• Porcelain enamel coating won't absorb odors or flavors
• Lids seal in moisture and flavor
• Knobs are heatproof up to 450 degrees F

Le Crueset is a brand that many cooks know and trust. You can turn off a soup or casserole thirty minutes before it is scheduled to be done and the food will keep cooking in the retained heat of the pot. In the long run this brand will save you money.

Most people can’t afford to just go out and buy a ton of Le Crueset cookware. It is expensive, even if it is worth it. It does make excellent gifts, however, and since it lasts so long over a period of time you can end up with a complete (and valuable) set.

Buy Le Crueset for a reputable dealer. You can also find outlets once in awhile. Buying it second hand is great when you can find it…just make sure you look it over carefully for cracks and other flaws that might cause problems when you use it.