Le Creuset History
The history of the Le Creuset company is as unique as the cookware they produce. Reaching back over 80 years, Le Creuset is a name cemented in the world of fine cuisine, associated with fine cast-iron cookware and French cooking.
Le Creuset was founded in 1924 by the meeting of two Belgian industrialists, Octave Aubecq and Armand Desaegher, at the Brussels Fair. Octave Aubecq was an expert in iron casting, while Armand Desaegher was an enameling expert. Choosing to combine their strengths, the two decided to open a foundry where they could exercise their ability in the creation of cookware.
The following year, Le Creuset was officially started in Fresnoy-le-Grand in Aisne, France. A small town, Fresnoy-le-Grand was unique in that it was a raw materials hub, a nexus of iron, sand, and coke. The company started to blossom in the few years before World War II, creating a wide product range. Their initial cookware sets consisted of charcoal stoves, cookers, etc. At the same time, Le Creuset began its first forays into the world of advertising, via print and radio.
When World War II broke out, Le Creuset was severely impacted, and the foundry was taken over by the Nazis for grenade production.
Following World War II, Le Creuset took a risk and differentiated itself from competitors by focusing its energies on cast iron cookware. Committed to innovation, Le Creuset enameled cast iron became the first cast iron cookware offered in different colors, a move that coincided with several new styles and dramatically boosted popularity.
Shortly following the increased recognition, Le Creuset introduced its first grill, named the Tostador, and it soon became an international hit. In 1957, the company decided to take action and purchase their primary competitor, le Hauts Fourneaux of Cousances. A few years after the acquisition, Le Creuset amazed the culinary world yet again with the launches of their fondue cookware set and barbeque, in 1962 and 1963, respectively.
Following their first acquisition, the Le Creuset company started to embark on a vertical integration strategy. After they switched the casting machinery to semi-automatic replacements, Le Creuset bought the Godin company in 1970, a leader in furnace technology.
What was next for this outstanding company? Between the years 1975 and 1985, Le Creuset started to expand its image and offerings worldwide. Some of the countries included were Australia, Belgium, United Kingdom, and the USA.
From 1985 until now, Le Creuset has been focusing on expanding its selections to accommodate a wider variety of cuisines. In 1992, Le Creuset launched their first wok, and in 1995 they launched their Spanish Pueblo range. In 2002 and 2004, the company launched the Japanese Sukiyaki Cocotte and Italian Risotto Pot, respectively.
All in all, Le Creuset is a cookware company that has wonderfully adapted and thrived through over eight decades of change and culinary advancement.
Surviving a war, expanding around the world, and improving a legendary product line are just a few accomplishments of this amazing company, but in the years ahead anything is possible.
La Creuset Cookware Product Line
In the world of fine cuisine, few cookware companies stand out as much as Le Creuset. With a line of products including cast-iron, tri-ply stainless steel, and stoneware, it’s no surprise that chefs and cooking enthusiasts swear by Le Creuset.
When Le Creuset was founded, their initial production line was entirely cast-iron French ovens, but to say it has evolved since then is an understatement.
Currently, Le Creuset offers brasiers, skillets & grills, saucepans, cookware sets, roasters, and that old standby, the French oven, all forged in high-quality cast-iron. While cast-iron may weigh more than other materials, cast-iron also distributes heat more evenly and retains heat longer.
The Le Creuset line of tri-ply stainless steel cookware is, for lack of a better word, amazing. The tri-ply range currently consists of saucepans, fry pans, casseroles, nonstick, and sets. What makes tri-ply stainless steel unique is that it complements the unique qualities of cast-iron, such as having wonderful heat distribution and conduction. What makes tri-ply stainless steel cookware unique are the ergonomic handles, designed for minimum heat transfer, and the pan rim that prevents messy drips when pouring.
Last of the three, Le Creuset stoneware is truly a force to be reckoned with. With a wide product line including cooking and baking pieces, baking accessories, and specialty creations, it’s hard to imagine life without it.
Each piece of Le Creuset stoneware is fired at over 2000 degrees for the utmost in durability. In addition, each piece is expertly enameled, allowing for a wide range of colors and an easy-to-clean surface. Lastly, Le Creuset stoneware is flavor and odor resistant, and won’t absorb moisture.
All in all, Le Creuset cookware is more than just a name, it’s an impressive array of cooking products, each one expertly constructed and sure to last a lifetime.
Le Creuset Manufacturing Process
This is a fantastic video that gives a great look into how Le Creuset enameled cast iron cookware is made. It so fun to get a look inside manufacturing facilities. You get to see the owner of the popular Le Creuset company Paul van Zuydam talk about how the cookware is made. The guy is very passionate about his product. He bought the company 20 years ago from the founders. He goes into depth about how important the look of the cookware is.
And get this he “can’t cook” he says!! Funny. And he also mentions that Le Creset is guaranteed for life. How can you beat that? Obviously, this is quality cookware folks.
How Do You Pronounce Le Creuset
This video provides an example of how to correctly say Le Creuset. If you’re gonna buy it, you might want to learn how to say it. I was saying it wrong too! It’s Luh (like the) Crew Say.
And also, here are some common misspellings of LE CREUSET:
La Creuset
Le Crueset
Le Cruiset
Le Cruset
It might be difficult to say or spell, but it is easy to cook with!
Le Creuset in the Kitchen
Le Creuset cookware is use by the best chefs throughout the world but it’s not just for the chefs and restaurants with big budgets. Any kitchen will benefit from the durability and quality of a Le Creuset cast iron cookware product.
Enameled cast iron distributes heat slowly and evenly. Almost any recipe can be prepared in a Le Creuset cookware piece. Le Creuset’s versatile shapes are a must-have for any kitchen collection. They have designs to fit any cooking requirement. And they also have many different sized products to fit kitchens of all sizes from a small galley kitchen to an expansive kitchen with an island and massive cabinet space.
For instance, Le Creuset roasters offer superior cooking performance. But beyond that, they come in various shapes and sizes to fit nicely into any kitchen environment.
Here are the various sizes available:
Rectangular Roaster, 2½ qt.
Rectangular Roaster, 5¼ qt.
Oval Au Gratin, 3 qt.
Tatin Dish, 9¾” 2 qt.
Important for good roasting is even heating. All Le Creuset roasters in all sizes can spread heat smoothly and evenly providing golden roasted meats and a crisp and light pastry every time.
Similarly, you will find a wide assortment of Le Creuset skillets in all manner of shapes and sizes. Here are the various designs and sizes of skillets (6 inches all the way up to 15 inches) :
Square Skillet Grill, 10 ¼”
Iron Handle Skillet, 6 1/3″
Iron Handle Skillet, 9″ 1 ⅜ qt.
Iron Handle Skillet, 10 ¼” 1 ¾ qt.
Iron Handle Skillet, 11 ¾”
Oval Skillet, 15¾” 3 qt.
You owe it to yourself to have the best-cast iron cookware available on the market. It’s not just a treat to have such beautiful cookware, but it will also provide you with better meals, versatility, and the right piece to fit into your kitchen. And also Le Creuset will save you money, in the long run, providing many years to great meals.
Le Creuset Outlet Stores
Le Creuset company has a series of factory stores in various US states. These are considered outlet stores I would assume. Here is the complete list of Le Creuset outlet stores.
ALABAMA
Riviera Centre Factory Stores
2601 S. McKenzie Street #R7
Foley, AL
36535 U.S.A.
(251) 943.7600
ARIZONA
The Outlets at Anthem
4250 Anthem Way,
Suite 880
Phoenix, AZ
85086 U.S.A.
(623) 465.5876
CALIFORNIA
-Cabazon Outlets
48750 Seminole Drive,
Suite #108
Cabazon, CA
92230 U.S.A.
(909) 849.4007
-Carlsbad Company Store
5600 Paseo del Norte,
Suite 125
Carlsbad, CA
92008 U.S.A.
(760) 931.6868
-Gilroy Premium Outlets
8225 Arroyo Circle,
Space 24
Gilroy, CA
95020 U.S.A.
(408) 848.6619
-Vacaville Premium Outlets
111 Nut Tree Road,
Suite B
Vacaville, CA
95687 U.S.A.
(707) 453.0620
COLORADO
-Colorado Mills
14500 W. Colfax Ave.
Space 208
Lakewood, CO
80401 U.S.A.
(303) 590.1555
-Silverthorne Factory Stores
135-E Stephens Way
Silverthorne, CO
80498 U.S.A.
(970) 262.2992
CONNECTICUT
Clinton Crossing Premium Outlet
20 Killingworth Turnpike,
Suite 228
Clinton, CT
06413 U.S.A.
(860) 664.4390
FLORIDA
-Belz Factory Outlet Mall
500 Belz Outlet Blvd,
Suite 215
St. Augustine, FL
32084 U.S.A.
(904) 824.0343
-Silversands Factory Stores
10676 Emerald Coast Parkway West,
Suite #1124
Destin, FL
U.S.A.
654.5900
-Prime Outlets at Ellenton
5123 Factory Shops Blvd.,
Space 940
Ellenton, FL
34222 U.S.A.
(941) 721.9722
-Orlando Premium Outlets
8200 Vineland Avenue,
Suite 1124
Orlando, FL
32821 U.S.A.
(407) 477.0101
GEORGIA
North Georgia Premium Outlets
800 Hwy. 400,
Space 760
Dawsonville, GA
30534 U.S.A.
(706) 216.7084
INDIANA
Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets
813 Lighthouse Place
Michigan City, IN
46360 U.S.A.
(219) 873.0090
MAINE
Tanger Outlet Center
283 US Route #1,
Suite #4
Kittery, ME
03904 U.S.A.
(207) 439.4811
MARYLAND
Prime Outlets at Hagerstown
150 Prime Outlets Blvd.
Hagerstown, MD
21740 U.S.A.
(301) 797.0277
MASSACHUSETTES
Wrentham Village Premium Outlets
One Premium Outlets Road,
Suite 667
Wrentham MA
02093 U.S.A.
(508) 384.8502
MICHIGAN
Prime Outlets at Birch Run
12156 South Beyer Road,
Suite 140
Birch Run, MI
48415 U.S.A.
(989) 624.6264
MINNESOTA
Albertville Premium Outlets
6500 La Beuax Ave. NE
Suite G-040
Albertville, MN
55301 U.S.A.
(763) 497.0664
MISSOURI
Factory Outlet Village
4540 Highway 54,
Suite #0-3
Osage Beach, MO
65065 U.S.A.
(573) 302.4600
NEW JERSEY
Liberty Village Premium Outlets
One Church Street
Flemington, NJ
08822 U.S.A.
(908) 782.1224
NEW YORK
-Tanger Outlet Center
1770 West Main Street,
Suite 509
Riverhead, NY
11901 U.S.A.
(631) 208.9400
-Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
Rt.32,
889 Grapevine Court
Central Valley, NY
10917 U.S.A.
(845) 928.4316
NORTH CAROLINA
-Burlington Manufacturers Outlet Center
1246-A Plaza Drive
Burlington, NC
27215 U.S.A.
(336) 222.9743
-Carolina Premium Outlets
1025 Industrial Park Drive,
Suite 200
Smithfield, NC
27577 U.S.A.
(919) 934.2717
OREGON
Woodburn Company Stores
1001 Arney Road,
Suite #406
Woodburn, OR
97071 U.S.A.
(503) 982.2520
PENNSYLVANIA
Prime Outlets at Grove City Intersection of I-79 & Route 208,
Space #835
Grove City,PA
16127U.S.A.
(724) 748.4455
SOUTH CAROLINA
-241 King Street
Charleston, SC
29401 U.S.A.
(843) 723.4191
-30 Lane Street
I-95 Exit #38
Yemassee, SC
29945 U.S.A.
(843) 589.6650
TEXAS
-Allen Premium Outlets
820 West Stacy Road,
Suite 456
Allen, TX
75013 U.S.A.
(972) 678.2222
-Tanger Outlet Center
4015 I-35 South,
Suite 330A
San Marcos, TX
78666 U.S.A.
(512) 396.8193
VIRGINIA
-Prime Outlets at Williamsburg
5699-22 Richmond Road
Williamsburg, VA
23188 U.S.A.
(757) 565.4872
-Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets
241 Ft. Evans Rd.,
Suite 889
Leesburg, VA
20176 U.S.A.
(703) 777.1747
WISCONSIN
Prime Outlets at Pleasant Prairie
11211 120th Ave.,
Space A015
Pleasant Prairie, WI
U.S.A.
(262) 857.3124
Le Creuset also has something called signature stores. There are only six of these in the Unites States. I believe these are Le Creuset’s retail outlets. You can expect to see the latest cookware products and innovations from Le Creuset here. The locations are listed below.
Le Creuset Signature Stores
Chino Hills, CA
Bethseda, MD
Nashville, TN
Walnut Creek, CA
Charelston, SC
Allen, TX
