Le Creuset Care and Use
Each piece from our extensive range of high-quality cookware is designed for versatility and ease of use. Please read these care and use guidelines before using your cookware for the first time. The information here will help you achieve the best possible cooking results.
Getting Started
All items in the Le Creuset stoneware range are original ceramic designs and have been hand-crafted, making each piece unique. Due to this uniqueness, there may be slight variations from piece to piece.
Le Creuset Stoneware is safe for use in the microwave, freezer, refrigerator, dishwasher, oven and under the grill (at a minimum distance of 6.5cm/2 ½ inches from the heating element). The maximum oven-safe temperature is 260°C/500°F.
The glazed surface is easy to clean, scratch-resistant and does not absorb colours or flavours. Le Creuset Stoneware is extremely strong and durable, and resists staining, chipping and cracking. The handles, knobs and rims have been designed for a secure, easy-to-hold grip.
Cleaning and care
DO NOT use any Stoneware piece on the stove/hob top or any other direct heat source such as a flame or BBQ.
USE oven gloves for lifting at all times.
OVEN: Maximum oven-safe temperature is 260°C/500°F.
GRILL: When using under the grill allow a gap of no less than 6.5cm/2 ½ inches between the top of the dish and the heat source/element.
MICROWAVE: Handles may become hot during prolonged microwave use, especially if the handles are enclosed with plastic wrap. Cover just the open top of the dish, leaving the handles exposed.
FREEZER-TO-OVEN USE: DO NOT place a frozen dish of food in a pre-heated oven. Place the frozen dish in a cold oven and set the temperature, allowing the dish and oven to heat up together. Before serving always check that the centre of the food is completely and uniformly hot.
CLEANING: Before the first use, remove labels, wash the dish in hot, soapy water, and rinse and dry thoroughly. For most day-to-day cleaning, cool the empty dish for a few minutes before washing and drying, or wash in the dishwasher, allowing the full cycle to complete. Never leave a dish fully immersed in water. For removal of stubborn residues allow the dish to cool, fill with warm, soapy water and allow it to soak for 10 to 20 minutes. Wash in the usual way using a plastic brush or sponge scouring pad if necessary.
Before first use
Before first use remove packaging, hand wash in warm soapy water and dry thoroughly.
Grease the inside of the tin sparingly before each use for best results.
Oven safe to 240°C/Gas Mark 9.
Metal kitchen utensils may be used, with care.
Knives, or utensils with sharp edges, should not be used.
Cool the tin for a few minutes before cleaning. Do not plunge into, or fill with, cold water when hot.
Hand wash after each use and dry thoroughly before storing.
If washing up water becomes trapped inside the rim, this may cause slight rusting in this area. This is a natural trait of carbon steel, not a fault, and will not affect the performance of the product.
If desired, leave to dry in a warm oven for a few minutes to remove moisture from inside the rim.
Do not use metal or harsh washing up pads/brushes or abrasive cleaning agents on any surface.
Always use protective oven gloves when handling a hot tin during and after cooking.
Not suitable for microwave ovens, dishwasher, grill or use on direct heat.
Lifetime guarantee
Le Creuset offers a Lifetime Guarantee on its non-stick bakeware products.
The guarantee applies from the date of purchase of the original owner, whether a self-purchase or received as a gift
The guarantee covers faulty workmanship and/or materials when the product is used in normal domestic conditions and in accordance with the care and use instructions provided.
The following are excluded from the guarantee:
- Damage caused by normal wear and tear, accident, misuse, abuse or commercial use.
- Scratches, stains, discolouration, corrosion or damage to the interior or exterior of the product from overheating, dishwasher use, or other misuse.
- Rusting of the rim area as described in the Care and Use information
- Consequential damage is expressly excluded from this guarantee.
To claim under the guarantee please return the product, with proof of purchase, to the place of purchase or contact the free Le Creuset Helpline - see details below.
The guarantee does not affect you statutory rights.
Silicone Tools and Accessories
Le Creuset silicone is an ideal material for kitchen utensils. It is smooth and flexible, and cleanly scrapes both flat and curved surfaces with ease. Silicone will not scratch or damage cookware.
Before first use
Remove all packaging and labels. Wash the utensil or accessory in hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Heat recommendations
Le Creuset silicone utensils and accessories are heat-resistant to 482°F/ 250°C, so they are ideal for stovetop cooking. Utensils should not be left in pans while cooking, and handles should not overhang the sides. Heat from the stove can damage the wooden handle.
Cleaning and care
Silicone is dishwasher-safe, so accessories made entirely from silicone can be placed directly in the dishwasher.
To clean wooden-handled utensils simply remove the silicone blade by pulling it from the handle and place in the dishwasher. Wash the wooden handles by hand and dry well before replacing the clean utensil blade.
Mineral oil can be used on the wooden handle after drying to preserve its good looks.
Stainless Steel Tools
Before first use
Remove all packaging and labels. Wash the utensil in hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Stainless steel tools may also be washed in the dishwasher.
Heat recommendations
Stainless steel tools are safe at any cooking temperature.
Cleaning and care
Stainless steel tools are safe for use in the dishwasher.
Knives
Before first use
Remove all packaging and labels. Wash the utensil or accessory in hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Sharpening your knife
A knife with a sharp blade is both easier and safer to use. To sharpen knives with Damascus/damask steel blades we recommend a ceramic pull-through sharpener or ceramic sharpening steel. Knives with regular stainless steel blades can be sharpened with a traditional sharpening steel. We recommend sharpening regularly to maintain the edge. We recommend that knives with a scalloped or serrated edge be sharpened by a professional knife sharpening service.
Cutting surfaces
We recommend cutting on wooden or plastic surfaces only and avoid cutting on hard surfaces like stone, slate, ceramic, marbles or glass as they can damage the cutting edge.
Cleaning your knife
For optimal care we recommend hand-washing your knife in hot soapy water, rinsing and drying thoroughly immediately after use. This will help to maintain its sharpness and avoid damage to the edge. Always keep the sharp cutting edge away from your hand. Not suitable for the dishwasher.
Storing your knife
We recommend using a knife block or magnetic rack for storage. Kitchen knives should never be stored loose in a draw as the blades may get damaged. Correct storage also helps to prevent injury.
Further Advice
DO NOT use your knife for any purpose other than the preparation of food.
Ensure the knife is always visible. Do not cover with kitchen towels or leave a knife immersed in soapy water.
Always use the appropriate knife for the cutting task.
Never try to catch a knife if dropped.
Always keep knives safely out of reach of children.
Never test the sharpness of a knife by running your finger along the edge.
Salt and Pepper Mills
Cleaning and care
Le Creuset salt and pepper mills should not be immersed in water or put in a dishwasher. If the outside of the mill requires cleaning, wipe with a damp cloth. Let dry completely before refilling. Be careful not to overtighten the knob, as this can damage the shaft and grinding mechanisms.
Lever Model Corkscrews
Before using any corkscrew, always read the appropriate instructions for your model. Remove any foil covering the cork, and check that the neck and rim of the bottle are free from chips and cracks that could weaken the bottle. When opening, hold the bottle on a solid, level surface. Handle the corkscrew with care, as the tip of the screw is sharp. Ensure that the corkscrew is seated squarely on the neck of the bottle before using.
Lever model corkscrews are not suitable for opening sparkling wines, and are not designed to replace corks in opened bottles. For old, fragile, brittle or broken corks we suggest using a two-prong Butler’s Friend.
Synthetic Corks
Most Le Creuset lever model corkscrews are designed to work well with modern synthetic corks. However, with older lever corkscrews, synthetic corks may become stuck on the screw and jam the mechanism. If the cork becomes stuck on the corkscrew it can be removed by carefully twisting it off with your fingers. Use caution when doing this, as even the tip of a worn corkscrew will be sharp.
Replacing the Screw
Lever model corkscrews are finished with a special coating designed to make cork removal easy. If the coated screw starts to show signs of wear or becomes difficult to use, consider replacing the screw. To find the right replacement screw and instructions on how to change it, please refer to the instruction guide for that model.
Generally a worn screw is replaced by unscrewing the protective chrome cap above the worn screw, removing the screw, and inserting the new screw and replacing the protective cap.
Cleaning and care
The point of the screw is very sharp—handle it with care.
Lever model corkscrews are not dishwashwer-safe. We recommend cleaning corkscrews occasionally using a damp cloth or warm, soapy water to remove wine deposits and any particles of cork that may accumulate. Dry well after washing and store in a dry place to avoid corrosion on metal components. Do not use lubricants on your lever model corkscrew.
Le Creuset Textiles (with the exception of the apron) feature a quilted cotton lining for maximum protection and comfort, as well as a nylon steam and grease barrier that prevents the penetration of hot steam, water and grease. The durable terry cloth and canvas exterior are machine washable.
The apron is constructed of canvas, and is also machine washable.
Occasional cleaning in the top rack of the dishwasher is safe for Le Creuset glassware. The glasses will not smoke or discolor. However, hand washing is recommended. Wash with warm, soapy water, and allow to dry completely before storing.