Your Ultimate Guide To Choosing Le Creuset — Including Sizes, Styles and Suitability

‘Le Creuset is a beloved choice for wedding gifts, known for its timeless appeal and durability,’ The Wedding Present Company Gift List Advisor Lucy Scudamore tells us. ‘Its iconic colours make it a staple that will elevate any kitchen. In our showroom, the go-to questions are always: what size do we go for, and what colours are available?’ If you want a pot that will work hard in your kitchen, then finding the right size and shape for you is essential, says Lucy. ‘Look at the dimensions of your favourite cookware and use that as a starting point — do you just want to upgrade it, or do you need something bigger or smaller on your wedding gift list? If you already own some Le Creuset, a little-known fact is that the size of the pot is indicated by the number in the lid — for example, 30 equals the 30cm model.’

The brand’s lifetime guarantee is a big draw for couples, says Lucy, as they know they’re getting a true investment piece. ‘Le Creuset casseroles are built to last a lifetime, showcasing exceptional durability and quality,’ she explains. ‘Their outstanding craftsmanship is backed by a lifetime warranty, a testament to their reliability and value.’ Le Creuset’s bestselling Dutch oven pots come in three shapes — the Round Casserole, Shallow Casserole, and Oval Casserole, and they each come in various sizes. Which one to go for depends on the recipient's habits; they might be new to cooking and want a starter pot, or fully-fledged hosts that need a larger dish. The cuisine they like to cook and the storage space they have available may also influence their choices. ‘If you’re only going to buy one Le Creuset pot, 100 percent make it the 30cm shallow casserole,’ says Lucy. ‘It’s so versatile, you’ll use it for everything!’ 

• Round Casserole: Perfect for soups, stews, curries and baking. 
• Shallow Casserole: Ideal for searing, braising and side dishes. The wide base and shallow depth make it easier to sear and brown without overcrowding.
• Oval Casserole: Designed for roasts of larger meats and poultry. The elongated shape means there’s space for longer cuts, leaving room in the oven for side dishes. 

• 18cm/1.8L - serves 1-2 people or can be used for side dishes.
• 22cm/3.3L - serves 3-4 people and can be used for entertaining another couple or a few friends or feeding a smaller family 
• 24cm/4.2L - serves 4-5 people and can be used for serving a bigger family or during a more intimate dinner party
• 26cm/5.3L - serves 6. It is a great size for family meals, an intimate dinner party or batch cooking. 
• 28cm/6.7L - serves 6-8 and is the perfect size for a dinner party serving extended family or for batch cooking. 
• 30cm/8.4L - serves 8-10 and is a handy pot for hosting bigger family occasions or batch cooking on a big scale.

If you're considering more than one casserole dish for your wedding list but are worried about storing them, Le Creuset round casseroles are ideal for stacking. Simply flip the lids to stack on top of each other. ⁠A handy tip from our Wedding List Advisors: the lids can be an excellent tool for cooking pizza bases in the oven.

• 22cm/1.4L - serves 1-2 people or works as a side serving dish
• 26cm/2.2L - serves around 2-4 people, so it’s perfect for a couple dining together or a dinner party with other dishes. 
• 30cm/3.5L - serves around 4-6 people. 

As versatile as the round casserole, the Le Creuset oval casserole pots are perfect for large dinner parties, or longer cuts of meat. The oval pots start at 27cm and are large enough to roast a whole leg of lamb, while the narrow shape means you can fit in other pots and trays on the oven shelf for sides and trimmings when cooking a roast. The pots in the Oval range - which come in six different sizes - can fit a whole chicken or a joint of pork, lamb, or beef.  For those who like to cook large meals for big groups, we recommend considering 29cm and 31cm. ‘The Oval Le Creuset Casserole is incredibly versatile for couples who love to cook together,’ Lucy explains. ‘Its shape is perfect for braising larger cuts of meat, making it ideal for hearty stews or casseroles. The generous capacity allows for batch cooking, so you can prepare meals for the week ahead or entertain guests effortlessly.’

• 27cm/4.1L - serves 2/4 people. Will accommodate a medium joint of meat or roast chicken to feed a family. 
• 29cm/4.7L  - serves 4/6 people. Will accommodate a large joint of meat or roast chicken to feed an extended family. 
• 31cm/6.3L - serves 8-10 people. Will accommodate a large joint of meat or roast chicken to feed an extended family or a large casserole for a buffet.
• 33cm/7.5L - serves 10-12 people. Will accommodate a large joint of meat or roast chicken to feed an extended family or a large casserole for a buffet.
• 35cm/8.9L - serves 12 - 14 people. Will accommodate a large joint of meat or roast chicken to feed an extended family or a large casserole for a buffet.
• 40cm/13.9L - serves 14-16 people. Will accommodate a large joint of meat or roast chicken to feed an extended family or a large casserole for a buffet.

Le Creuset is one of the world's most highly regarded cookware brands and the epitome of French farmhouse style. An aspirational kitchen essential for chefs and serious cooks, Le Creuset’s glossy pots look stylish and are renowned for their versatility and durability. Because they’re built to last, Le Creuset cookware can be passed down as a family heirloom. ‘Le Creuset’s reputation for quality, beauty and longevity proceeds them,’ McKay tells us. ‘Plus, you know that it will last you a lifetime and beyond. We have Le Creuset in my family that is being handed down to the next generation and will carry the memories in the pot.’ 

Lucy, our Gift List Advisor and kitchenware specialist, agrees that Le Creuset products are synonymous with quality. ‘Le Creuset is a beloved choice for wedding gifts, known for its timeless appeal and durability,’ she explains. ‘With its iconic colours, their cookware range offers staple pieces that can elevate any kitchen and be cherished for years to come.’ It’s also an easily recognisable brand that makes an exciting addition to a cookware collection.

The market is flooded with copycat cast iron pots, but Le Creuset's heritage, signature branding, high-quality materials and French craftsmanship set its pieces apart. Founded in 1925 in Fresnoy-le-Grand in France by two Belgian industrialists working in casting and enamelling, Armand Desaegher and Octave Aubecq, the first Le Creuset product was their signature lidded pot in a vibrant orange shade. Pleasingly, a century later, their enamel cast iron pots retained their trademark looks and are still, to this day, crafted by hand at the original foundry in France. ‘It’s very special to unwrap a gift and see that iconic logo and design,’ Francesca adds.

Beyond Dutch ovens, the wider range of Le Creuset products is also worth considering as gifting options, says Lucy. ‘We offer an extensive variety of Le Creuset products, catering to the unique tastes of every couple. From classic casseroles to charming egg cups and kitchen utensils, there's something for everyone.’s. Le Creuset mugs are very popular because they come in four different sizes and a rainbow of colours. Francesca suggests considering their stoneware too, ‘their stoneware rectangular dishes are great for oven-to-table serving dishes — think roasties and veg for a Sunday roast. And their salt and pepper grinders, with adjustable grind sizes, make lovely gifts.’ 

Yes, part of the appeal of Le Creuset cookware is its versatility — you can use Le Creuset casserole dishes on an induction hob. Stoneware cookware can only be used in the oven and not on any type of hob. Le Creuset's enamelled cast iron casseroles are compatible with all heat sources, including gas, induction, solid hotplate, ceramic, halogen, and solid fuel. You can also use your Le Creuset cast iron pot outside on a barbeque or fire. 

Le Creuset’s cast iron pots and dishes are dishwasher safe, but you may want to consider handwashing the cookware to preserve its coating, though dishwashing won’t affect performance. Abrasive washing utensils could also scratch the enamel, so washing your pot with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth is recommended. If scrubbing is required, opt for a gently abrasive scourer or brush rather than a metallic scourer. Non-stick products are also dishwasher safe, but it’s recommended they are hand washed to protect their coating. 

Le Creuset’s lifetime guarantee applies to the brand’s enamelled cast iron cookware, three-ply stainless steel products, toughened non-stick products, professional hard anodised products, and non-stick bakeware products. There are a few considerations that must be met though. The products must be used in normal domestic settings and the guarantee doesn't cover scratches, stains, discoloration, corrosion, or damage from dishwasher use. 

Explore our full collection of Le Creuset cookware and bakeware in our online showroom, where every colour and pot size is available for your wedding list.