Good products don’t change much. That’s why, even though Le Creuset is turning one hundred this year, their coveted pots and pans have barely changed since they first set up shop in the 1920s. Renowned for their signature style, long-lasting build quality, and beloved by chefs across generations, if you’re asking if Le Creuset is worth it – the answer is a resounding yes.
To celebrate a whopping one hundred years of culinary heritage, Le Creuset has turned back time to its very first hue: Flamme Dorée – launching today. And I suppose good things only get better, because this limited edition is finished with the most gorgeous, shimmering enamel sheen.
Le Creuset explains: 'In 1925, two Belgian industrialists – an enameling specialist and an expert in casting – were the first to enamel a cast iron cocotte. The fiery orange hue, inspired by the color of molten ore in a crucible, or creuset, became our signature color.'
Since firing their very first Dutch oven, Le Creuset has gone on to paint their collection in over two hundred beautiful colors, from soft, sweet Meringue to my favorite deep, velvety Nuit.
However, Flamme Dorée (or Golden Flame) remains the original – and the cult favorite. Our Style & Trends editor even designed her kitchen around a vintage Le Creuset collection in this retro orange shade.
Shop the 100th birthday collection
So, what makes the 100th-anniversary design so special? The new Le Creuset collection has been polished with a third layer of enamel coating, enhanced with light-catching minerals for a shimmering finish. The final touch is a gold-plated, steel knob on the lid. For cult cookware fans (myself included), it is both classic and exciting.
Le Creuset's signature piece, praised by home chefs, celebrities, and professionals alike. As a trained cook myself, this is the pot I use to cook the majority of my meals at home.
If you want to pick up a smaller piece of culinary history, this saucier has a small price tag compared to the larger items. It is just what you need for a lifetime of preparing side dishes and simmering sauces.
The best braiser money can buy. Le Creuset's large flat shape and shallow sides are ideal for browning meat or simmering casseroles, enhancing caramelization. I recommend it for tossing pasta dishes, too.
The warm orange hue certainly has an air of celebration, like a roaring fire, or even a birthday candle. If it doesn't float your boat, I have some advice: when exciting new releases like this pop up, it's always a good idea to check the Le Creuset sales – just in case you can surreptitiously snag an older piece on clearance.
