How to Build a Cookware Collection
Le Creusetcookware setsare a quick and easy way to build an impressive cookware collection at home. But what if you’re not ready to commit to a full set, or you would rather customize your cookware collection to fit your personal cooking needs? We’ve put together our list of essential cookware pieces to help you get started building your collection. Available in a wide variety ofour materialsand sizes, once you have these basic pieces in the kitchen you can tackle any task or recipe.
Dutch Oven
The iconic Le Creuset Dutch Oven is an indispensable tool in the kitchen, and is often the first piece of cookware for many. Expertly crafted from our enameled cast iron in a rainbow of colors, the everyday versatility of the Dutch oven makes it ideal for everything from slow-cooking to roasting, baking, frying and more – it truly does it all making the Dutch Oven a fan favorite for both chefs and home cooks alike. The hardest part will be choosing whatsize,shapeandcolorto get, but we have plenty of tips to help you find the perfect one for your style of cooking.
Skillets and Fry Pans
A skillet or fry pan is essential for searing, sautéing, stir-frying and more. Every kitchen should have at least one, and preferably two in different sizes for every kitchen task. Le Creuset skillets and fry pans are available in a variety of materials, choose from our enameled cast ironSignature Skillet,Toughened Non-stick PROorStainless Steelfry pans. Wondering what size you need? It depends on what you like to cook and how many people you are feeding. Start with a 10-inch pan, it’s the ideal multi-purpose size, and then add on a smaller (like an 8-inch) or larger (like a 12-inch) sized pan to fit your cooking needs.
Stockpots
From soups to stocks, cooking pasta and even boiling seafood, a stockpot is a cookware must-have. The tall straight sides and large capacity provide plenty of room, and come in a variety of materials to tackle any recipe. Le Creuset enamel on steelStockpotsdeliver our fastest-heating performance to quickly bring liquids to a boil. Or if you prefer non-stick pans, try ourToughened Non-stick PRO Stockpot, or ourStainless Steel Stockpot with the Colander Insertfor easy draining of pasta and steamed vegetables. As for what size, an 8-9 quart stockpot is a good all-purpose size to start with.
Saucepans
A saucepan is another great kitchen staple. As the name implies, it’s perfect for making sauces but also great for cooking side dishes, grains, poaching, simmering and reheating. Whether you choose the enameled cast ironSignature Saucepan,Toughened Non-stick PROorStainless Steel Saucepan, an ideal size to start with is something around 2-3 quarts. Another similar option in this category is aSaucier, which combines the best features of a saucepan with sloping sides and a rounded bottom to make stirring and whisking even easier.
Braisers, Grill Pans and Stir-fry Pans
With at least one pan from each of the categories above, you will be well-equipped to tackle anything in the kitchen. And once you have the basics covered, it’s time to add on some other fun cookware shapes and sizes. One of our most popular shapes is aBraiser, its wide base and domed lid are ideal for braising, slow cooking and roasting. If you like to grill, Le CreusetGrill Pansbring the delicious flavors of grilling indoors. Or try something like a non-stickStir-Fry Panfor quick and healthy meals in no time.