Le Creuset is a French brand that is the object of desire for anyone who spends long hours in the kitchen. Practically indestructible enamelled cookware in vibrant colours is the hallmark of this fascinating brand. Let's get to know it better!
How did it all begin?
Well, you could say it was a story of two people destined to meet. And we're not talking about a Romeo and Juliet-esque romance here. But let's cut to the chase.
Somewhere at the ends of the earth (all right, at a trade fair in Brussels), two Belgian industrialists met – Armand Desaegher and Octave Aubecq. Each specialised in something different; one was an expert in enamelling, while the other was a master of foundry work. At some point, lightbulbs went off above their heads (at least that's how we imagine it), and they decided to combine their expertise to create a new quality on the market.
In 1925, they created a working prototype of the enamelled, cast-iron casserole dish we know to this day. And so, Le Creuset was born.
Le Creuset: A look inside
In the small village of Fresnoy-le-Grand, two hours from Paris, a foundry and factory were established. It was strategically located at a crossroads of transport routes to facilitate the delivery of iron, sand, and coke, which were essential raw materials for production.
In line with the brand's motto "From our furnace to your oven," let's trace the production process of these magical cookware pieces.
- Iron and steel used for production are largely recycled, which increases the durability of the cookware and is more environmentally friendly – always a big plus.
- The raw material is melted in a hot furnace.
- The molten mass is poured into a crucible called a "creuset" – yes, that's where the famous brand name came from!
- Once the metal cools, skilled artisans carefully break open the sand moulds, revealing a new, beautiful casserole dish. Each has a unique shape. The broken sand is then reused for subsequent castings.
- The cookware is coated with at least two layers of enamel to give it its characteristic colour and to protect the dish both externally and internally.
- Small elements such as knobs and handles are added in the final stage by the delicate hands of the artisans.
- Finally, a quality examination! Each piece of cookware is manually inspected and tested by 40 artisans. After all, Le Creuset cannot afford any shoddy workmanship!
Fiery colours that will turn heads
When we think of this brand, the fiery, orange colour immediately springs to mind. And no wonder, as the very first enamel colour was inspired by the intense hue of molten cast iron from the foundry moulds! To this day, it remains the most classic colour for their cookware.
But the brand goes much further with its colours; after all, these unique shades are their unmistakable hallmark!
From monochromatic, neutral tones to those that would make any exotic bird green with envy!
Design curiosities
As with every brand steeped in tradition, many interesting things have happened here. So let's play a little game of...
... did you know that?
The famous round Coquelle casserole dish from 1958 was designed by none other than Raymond Loewy, often called the father of industrial design. The minimalist shape of the casserole was the designer's response to post-war trends. And it proved to be truly timeless!
Meanwhile, the Le Creuset Elysee Yellow collection completely captivated Marilyn Monroe herself, who used it in her own kitchen. Later, the cookware in which the famous artist cooked was sold in 1999 in New York for the staggering sum of 25,000 dollars. One wonders whether anyone will cook in them or simply revel in owning something in which Marilyn Monroe once made a potato gratin?
Let's admire and appreciate!
Now that we know the brand and understand what it's all about, it's high time to be utterly charmed by its products. At FormAdore, we have Le Creuset's biggest hits in unforgettable colours, so we're eager to show them off. We hope you'll fall head over heels for them too!
Ah, Le Creuset, where to find you?
Limited collection available only with us!
Le Creuset never rests on its laurels and loves to surprise us. This time, with a little help from... marble! The most iconic and well-known products have received a new design resembling exquisitely elegant marble. This is a limited series, available exclusively at FormAdore. It's a real treat for all lovers of this brand, or simply for those with a penchant for sophisticated, trendy design.
