Le Creuset is a famous French cookware company that makes high-quality dishes such as cookware, bakeware, and tableware. The company’s products are often lauded for their durability and heat retention properties, but can they be microwaved?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the safety of microwaving Le Creuset products and review several of their popular products.
Are Le Creuset Products Microwave Safe?
Le Creuset products come in various materials, including enameled steel, stainless steel, and cast iron. Many of their products are oven-safe, but not all are microwave safe.
The only Le Creuset products that are microwave-safe are those made from stonewares, such as the Heritage Lasagna Deep Baker and square dish. Products made from enameled cast iron should not be microwaved, as they can damage the microwave and may even cause a fire.
The company does warn that in some of their products, the handles can become hot more than usual if they’re microwaved for too long. This is particularly true for products that have been enclosed in plastic wrap, such as Le Creuset Stoneware Mug.
Therefore, as a precaution, it is a good practice to always check your product’s manual for proper heating instructions before microwaving if you have never used that product before.
You can also check the company’s official website for more details on microwaving particular stoneware bakeware or tableware.
Nonetheless, rest assured that in my years of microwaving Le Creuset products, I have never had a problem with the handles becoming too hot after microwaving. So, don’t worry too much about it.
Le Creuset Stoneware Vs. Le Creuset Enamelled Cast Iron
For years, Le Creuset has been known for their two distinctive lines of product— one enameled cast iron, the other stoneware.
Le Creuset introduced their first enameled cast iron product in 1934, and since then, their enameled cast iron dishes have been their most popular signature product.
Many factors contribute to the Le Creuset enameled cast iron’s popularity, but some are better known than others. The most time-tested observation about cast iron is its durability and versatility.
The expression “built to last” is certainly true for enameled cast iron. Thanks to their secret recipe of metal ingredients, it’s not uncommon for Le Creuset cast iron products to be passed down from generation to generation.
In fact, Le Creuset is so confident of their products’ durability that they offer a lifetime guarantee.
The second factor that makes Le Creuset’s enameled cast-iron products popular is their versatility. They can be used on the hob, under the grill, in the oven, and they are also suitable for use on a variety of stovetops, including induction.
This flexibility means that you can use your Le Creuset cast iron pot or skillet for everything from simmering a delicate sauce to searing a thick steak.
One drawback of enameled cast iron, however, is that it can’t be used in the microwave for the obvious reason that the metal reacts with microwaves.
But that’s where Le Creuset’s stoneware products come in.
Introduced in 1995, Le Creuset stoneware is made of premium stoneware clay that ensures excellent heat distribution for even browning and cooking. The stoneware is also superior at heat retention, so your food will stay warm or cold while serving.
It has unmatched thermal resistance, making it useful not only for baking but also for marinating and storing leftovers in the fridge and freezer.
Unlike the enameled cast iron, Le Creuset stoneware can be used safely in the microwave.
Which One Is Better?
So, which is better among Le Creuset’s stoneware and enameled cast iron?
Well, it depends on what you need as there are pros and cons to both types of cookware.
Cast iron and stoneware are both great choices for cookware, but each has its own benefits. Cast iron is great for high heat recipes, such as searing stakes or frying foods, while stoneware is suitable for baking or recipes like quiches or casseroles.
Where are Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron and Stoneware Made?
France is home to Le Creuset, and their enameled cast iron is still manufactured there. But Le Creuset stoneware products are now made in China.
Although their stoneware products are made in China, this doesn’t mean that they’re inferior to their enameled cast iron counterparts.
Some people might be worried since China has acquired a bad reputation for manufacturing stoneware products that contain lead. This is because there is no regulation in place for this industry.
For Le Creuset, however, they have taken multiple steps to ensure the safety and quality of their stoneware.
The first and foremost of these is Le Creuset’s own stringent testing, which exceeds French and European standards for stoneware production.
Le Creuset has also taken care to fully monitor the manufacturing process from start to finish so as not to miss any critical steps. These steps include not only comprehensive inspections from Le Creuset staff but also third-party testing.
With all of these in mind, you can be assured that Le Creuset’s stoneware products won’t leach lead or any other harmful chemicals into your food.
How Can You Tell If Your Le Creuset Stoneware is Microwave Safe?
It’s good practice to always do a double check to make sure that your Le Creuset stoneware product is microwave safe, especially if you’re using it for the first time.
Here’s how you can determine if your stoneware is microwave safe:
1. Look for Microwave Safe Label or Statement
The first thing you want to do is look for a microwave-safe label or statement. This will tell you if the product is safe to use in the microwave.
If there is no label or statement on the package or at the bottom of the product, you can check Le Creuset’s website to confirm if the product is microwave safe.
2. Perform a Heat Test
The next thing you may want to do is perform a touch test. To do so, simply take your Le Creuset stoneware glass or bowl and fill it with water. Then, place the product in the microwave and heat for 1 minute.
After heating, take out the Le Creuset glass or bowl and touch the dish. If you notice that it’s hot, do not use it in the microwave. If the dish is cool, but the water is warm, then the stoneware is microwave safe.
My Favorites Le Creuset Stoneware Bakeware and Tableware
For those who are curious to see which of Le Creuset’s stoneware dishes I like the most, here are my top 3 picks:
1. Le Creuset stoneware Shallow Rectangular Dish
Are you tired of using low-quality bakeware and cookware that breaks easily?
Imagine having a dish you can use on the stovetop, in the oven, or even in the microwave! Now you can cook almost anything without worrying about scratching or cracking using this cherry red stoneware dish.
Le Creuset stoneware is made from high-quality materials that are both durable and beautiful. It’s covered with an enamel layer which makes it non-stick, so food slides right off when you’re done cooking!
2. Le Creuset Stoneware Tapas Dish
You love to cook, and you want your food to look as good as it tastes. But when you try to bake or roast, the results are never quite what you expected.
Now imagine having a baking dish perfectly suited for preparing all of your favorite dishes.
The Le Creuset stoneware shallow rectangular dish will give your baked goods an even golden brown color every time!
And since it’s made from durable stoneware material, this baking dish can be used over and over again without losing its shape or quality!
3. Le Creuset Stoneware Mug
You’re tired of using boring, plain mugs every day. You want to use a mug that’s beautiful and makes you feel special when you drink from it.
Imagine drinking your morning coffee in a stunning Le Creuset stoneware mug that is as beautiful as it is functional.
The smooth glaze feels great in your hand, and the sturdy handle will never break or slip out of your fingers like those cheap plastic mugs do.
Conclusion
Le Creuset has a wide variety of products, some of which are safe to microwave and some that are not. Be sure to check the product description before microwaving anything, as damage may occur if you do not follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
In general, stoneware is microwave-safe, while enameled cast iron should not be used in the microwave.
