Le Creuset Sizes – The Ultimate Guide
Le Creuset enameled cast iron cookware is admired both by professional cooks and avid home cooks. The reason is the iconic design, versatility, and exceptional quality of these pieces.
But each Le Creuset cookware piece comes in different sizes which confuses many customers.
So, what are Le Creuset sizes? Each Le Creuset cookware piece comes in different sizes. To make things easy, the brands embed a number at the bottom of each pot which indicated the diameter of the piece in centimeters. Le Creuset round and oval Dutch ovens are the pieces that have the most size options.
This article is a comprehensive guide to Le Creuset sizes. Read on to learn everything about the world-known Le Creuset cookware and which size to get.
What Is Le Creuset?
Le Creuset is a famous French cookware company known for its enameled cast iron cookware. Founded in 1925, Le Creuset was the first-ever cookware company to develop colorful enameled cast iron.
The popularity of the brand hasn’t fallen since. It has been growing and selling a large number of its signature pieces.
While Le Creuset enameled cast iron products are what the brand is most known for, it makes other types of cookware, bakeware, dinnerware, and kitchen tools too.
What Colors Does Le Creuset Cookware Come in?
Le Creuset started out with its volcanic orange color called Flame.
While it is still one of the most popular Le Creuset colors, the brand has introduced other bold shades over the years, including a range of blues and oranges, classic black and white.
The most popular Le Creuset hues aside from the inaugural Flame include the following:
- Cerise
- Oyster
- Marseille
- Deep Teal
- Caribbean
- Artichaut
- Stone
- Licorice
- White
- Fig
Choose your first Le Creuset piece considering the colors of your kitchen design and the rest of your cookware if you are someone who likes to when things match.
But the colors of Le Creuset cookware are so sophisticated and rich that having pieces of various colors will make an impressive collection too.
Why Is Le Creuset So Expensive?
Le Creuset cookware is certainly on the expensive side. You may be enchanted by your friend’s indigo casserole dish but taken aback by its price when you search for it online. And many people wonder if Le Creuset is worth the money?
There are multiple factors that justify the high price tag of Le Creuset products. First off, Le Creuset products come with a lifetime warranty.
This is proof of their durability and gives you peace of mind. And it is not surprising that well-known chefs around the world rely on Le Creuset cookware.
Secondly, the appearance of Le Creuset cookware is another factor responsible for its high price.
Colorful Le Creuset cookware looks so presentable that you can not only cook but also serve the food in them. Something you can’t always do with other brands.
Lastly, the versatility of this cookware is something all Le Creuset owners point out. You can use Le Creuset cookware year-round for such tasks as roasting, baking, marinating, and much, much more!
So, Le Creuset is worth the money. But why is it so expensive? The cast iron for Le Creuset is manufactured in France. This increases the production costs.
But the main reason why Le Creuset is higher in price than many other cookware brands is that it has a timeless iconic design, authenticity, and above all, exceptional quality.
Many people are intimidated by the price of Le Creuset cookware when they first learn about it. However, their versatility and long life span certainly compensate for it.
Types Of Le Creuset Cookware
As mentioned earlier in this article, while Le Creuset is most known for its colorful enamel cookware line is still what makes it so widely popular.
Thus, it is not surprising that most of the Le Creuset best-seller items are enameled cast iron pieces.
Here are the most popular cookware pieces manufactured by Le Creuset:
- Dutch ovens
- Casseroles
- Saucepans
- Skillets and grill pans
- Sauciers
- Braisers
Size Guide To Le Creuset Cookware
Nearly all Le Creuset cookware pieces come in multiple sizes. So, having a guide that will help you decide which size you need and what you can make in different-size pans and pots is very helpful.
But before you learn about the sizes of the most popular Le Creuset cookware items, let’s learn about the numbers and letters embedded on Le Creuset cookware pieces.
Le Creuset Sizes By Number And Letter
Many find Le Creuset’s sizing to be overly complicated. One reason why some people find the Le Creuset sizing confusing is the letters and numbers embedded on the pieces.
But things get quite simple as soon as you understand what they stand for and why they are there.
The two-digit numbers on Le Creuset cookware indicate the diameter of the piece in centimeters, not including the handles. To find out the size of your cookware just flip it over.
For example, if you see the number 22 at the bottom of the pan, then the diameter of the piece is 22 centimeters measured from the inside.
Le Creuset round and oval Dutch ovens have letter markings too. Many people think these letters are some type of production markings. But these indicate the size of the cookware too.
The letter and number embeddings can be found both on the lid and the pot of the pieces to help you find the right match easily.
However, know that as a result of the changes in sizes throughout Le Creuset’s history, not all A lids will fit all A pots.
| Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven | |
|---|---|
| Number | Letter |
| 16 | A |
| 18 | B |
| 20 | C |
| 22 | D |
| 24 | E |
| 26 | F |
| 28 | G |
| 30 | H |
| 34 | I |
| Le Creuset Oval Dutch Oven | |
|---|---|
| Number | Letter |
| 23 | - |
| 25 | C |
| 27 | - |
| 29 | E |
| 31 | G |
| 35 | H |
| 40 | - |
Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven Sizes
A round Dutch oven is perhaps the most versatile cookware item you can buy from Le Creuset. No matter which size you buy, you will surely find a good use for it.
| Number | Capacity | Serving | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 1.5 qt. | 1-2 | Individual servings and desserts |
| 18 | 2 qt. | 2 | Side dishes and desserts |
| 20 | 2.75 qt. | 2-3 | Sides dishes and small breads |
| 22 | 3.5 qt. | 3-4 | Soups, side dishes |
| 24 | 4.5 qt. | 4-5 | One-pot meals |
| 26 | 5.5 qt. | 5-6 | Fried chicken |
| 28 | 7.25 qt. | 7-8 | Dishes cooked in bigger batches |
| 30 | 9 qt. | 9+ | Holiday meals and batch cooking |
| 34 | 13.25 qt. | 9+ | Holiday meals and whole turkey |
Le Creuset Oval Dutch Oven Sizes
There isn’t much difference between the uses of round and oval Dutch ovens. But oval ones are more suitable for certain cooking tasks as the shape allows fitting pieces that won’t fit in a round Dutch oven.
Le Creuset oval Dutch oven comes in multiple sizes.
| Number | Capacity | Serving | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | 2.75 qt. | 2-3 | Side dishes, desserts |
| 25 | 3.5 qt. | 3-4 | Soups, stews |
| 27 | 4.25 qt. | 4-5 | Bread, soups |
| 29 | 5 qt. | 6 | Long cuts of meat, poultry |
| 31 | 6.75 qt. | 6-8 | One-pot family meals |
| 35 | 9.5 qt. | 8-10 | Dishes cooked in bigger batches |
| 40 | 15.5 qt. | 10-12 | Holiday meals, whole chicken, turkey |
Le Creuset Saucepan Sizes
No cookware collection is ever complete without a saucepan. Le Creuset makes enameled cast iron saucepans that come in a few sizes too.
| Number | Capacity | Serving | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 1.75 qt. | 1-2 | Pasta sauces |
| 18 | 2.25 qt. | 1-2 | Sauces, rice, |
| 20 | 3.25 qt. | 3-4 | Larger batches of sauces, soups |
Le Creuset Skillet Sizes
Skillets are probably one of the most frequently used cookware items. These flat-bottomed pans are used for all the frying and searing tasks.
Here’s what sizes Le Creuset enameled skillets and grill pans come in and what you can use them for.
| Number | Inches | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | 6.3 inches | Breakfast for one |
| 23 | 9 inches | Pies |
| 26 | 10.25 inches | Dinner for two |
| 27 | 10.6 inches (deep skillet) | Sautees, stir-fries |
| 30 | 11.75 inches | Family dinners |
| 34 | 13.3 inches | Batch cooking |
| 40 | 15.75 inches (oval) | Holiday meals |
Le Creuset Saucier Sizes
A saucier may not be the first cookware piece you buy from Le Creuset. But if you have already purchased a Dutch oven, a saucepan, or a skillet, consider buying a saucier too as it is a very versatile cookware piece.
Compared to a saucepan, the bottom of a saucier is rounded and has a wider opening which makes it perfect for simmering sauces.
| Number | Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 17 | 1 qt. | Small batches of sauces, boiling eggs |
| 21 | 2.25 qt. | Gravy and sauces |
| 24 | 3 qt. | Oatmeal and risotto, large batches of sauces |
What Size and Shape Dutch Oven Should You Buy?
As Le Creuset Dutch ovens come in a variety of sizes and in two shapes, choosing one may not be an easy task. Here are the things you should consider to make the right choice.
Round Vs Oval Dutch Ovens
Le Creuset makes both oval and round Dutch ovens. So, before you decide on the size of the Dutch oven, first think about which shape you want, oval or round.
Round Dutch ovens take up less storage space, are easier to store, and fit well on all stovetops, especially when you have multiple pots and pans on the stovetop at a time.
But oval Dutch ovens have benefits too. They work better for baking bread, cooking a whole chicken, turkey, and much more.
Additionally, some people find oval Dutch ovens to look more appealing when it comes to serving food right in the pot it has been cooked in.
What You Cook
Both shapes work well for soups and stews. However, oval Dutch ovens work better for roasts and braises.
This is because soups and stews only require tall sides while roasting and braising call for more space and width. Additionally, longer meat cuts fit better in oval Dutch ovens.
So, if you are choosing between an oval and a round Dutch oven of the same size, consider what dishes you will be cooking and only then make a purchase.
How Many People You Cook For
While deciding on the shape of the Dutch oven is important, the size of the oven is ultimately the criterion that needs the most careful consideration.
When trying to decide on the size of the Dutch oven, do some math—plan 1 quart per person as 1 quart is thought of as a serving size in most cases. But to be on the safe side, round up and buy a Dutch oven with a quart more capacity.
For example, a Dutch oven of a 5 to 6-quart capacity will work well for a family of four. If you do a lot of batch cooking and meal prepping, then buying a larger Dutch oven is a good idea too.
You may think that it would be better to buy a Dutch oven on the larger side so that it covers all your cooking needs—from regular family dinners to holiday meals.
While there’s some logic to this poi8nt, we recommend you consider your oven and stovetop size as well as a storage area when buying a Dutch oven with a capacity larger than 7 quarts.
Are You Going To Bake Bread In It?
You may need to reconsider your choice if you will be using the Dutch oven for baking bread. If you have ever baked sourdough bread, you surely know that it rises in the oven and can dramatically increase in size.
So, if you are going to bake bread in your Dutch oven, choose an oven with a 5 to 8-quart capacity. Dutch ovens with this capacity work well in allowing the dough to rise properly and form a curst.
What Le Creuset Product You Should Start With?
Le Creuset makes so many great cookware items that it is hard to decide which one you should start with.
When buying your first Le Creuset enameled cast iron piece, we recommend you go for one of the most versatile items—the Le Creuset round casserole dish.
Round casserole dishes are extremely versatile. You can use them for stews, soups, hot dips, and roasts.
Unless you don’t have any specific needs, starting with the round casserole dish is a safe choice.
How To Clean Le Creuset Cookware
No matter which Le Creuset piece you buy, it will have the longest life span if you take proper care of it. Many people think that Le Creuset’s enameled cast iron cookware is difficult to take care of.
However, it is enough to follow a few maintenance rules and the colorful pots and pans will maintain their best shape for years.
- One of the primary rules is no never put the hot Le Creuset pan in cold water. Always let the pan cool before you wash it.
- If food residue is stuck on the pan surface, fill it with water and let the pan sit for around 20 minutes. Once you soak the food residue for some time, it will easily come off with a few gentle movements with a brush.
- Never use heavily abrasive sponges or substances on the enameled cast iron surface. Soft abrasive sponges can be used on very stubborn food particles after soaking them in warm water.
- Once clean, dry your Le Creuset cookware before storing it. Store the pans in a dry cupboard.
Most enameled Le Creuset pans are dishwasher-safe. However, dishwashing these pans constantly may make the enamel coating look dull.
Just trying to find a cooking pot that goes from stove top to the oven , something other than le creuset. No dice, can’t get a simple answer for crying out loud.