In a world where the only constant is change, one cookware brand has remained timeless for a century. Le Creuset is instantly recognizable. The Dutch oven appears everywhere – from chic country kitchens of home cooks to glossy film sets and celebrity homes.
That's why it's a huge surprise to see the brand totally switch up their design, unveiling the new Modern Heritage Collection today. The new look features stainless steel handles, domed lids, wide side handles, and soft, round edges. It has a totally fresh, modern feel – and, as a long-time fan of the traditional pieces, I'm not sure how I feel about the new look.
I got a first peek at the new Modern Heritage Collection, so I've handpicked the crown jewels in the collection below, and hopefully, answered all your burning questions on the updates Le Creuset has made to their best non-toxic cookware.
All the products have now landed on Le Creuset's website, but not every colorway was selected for the refreshed look. It's worth a scroll to see if your favorite color is there.
I've already spotted my personal favorite – Sea Salt – as well as neutrals like Brioche and White, and warm, statement colors like Flame and Cerise.
Shop the new Modern Heritage Collection by Le Creuset
This new collection promises to be the next generation of heirlooms, and I expect it will sell out quickly.
This iconic Dutch oven remains the same as the original in terms of materials, but it has been improved practically. The looped handle should make it easy to lift the lid when it's hot, in contrast to the classic knob, which can be a little tricky to grasp. Of course, the shape and enamel cast iron will always excel at slow-cooking meat, simmering soups, and baking loaves of bread.
In my opinion, a braiser is a thoroughly underrated piece of cookware. It provides plenty of space for browning and simmering one-pot dishes, and serving them straight to the table. Again, Le Creuset has done away with the classic knob and ridged lid, creating a smooth, modern design.
A perfect piece for fall, the Modern Heritage Oval Gratin is designed for baking savory pies or fruit cobblers, making casseroles, and roasting meat. It has low edges, allowing heat to circulate and crisp your food. The wide handles look comfortable and spacious, ideal for when you're wearing bulky oven gloves.
If you're wondering, 'is Le Creuset worth it?', I can assure you that the brand's cast iron craftsmanship is exceptional, no matter what shape it takes.
Each Dutch oven is cast in sand, then coated with porcelain enamel for durability and fired for heat resistance. Le Creuset has been making them since 1925, so it's no wonder they know what they're doing.
I’ve cooked just about everything in my Le Creuset Dutch oven – slow-simmered casseroles on the stovetop, crusty loaves of bread in the oven, and all the braised classics like beef bourguignon, pot roast, and short ribs. The enamel surface delivers beautifully crisp edges on the meat, while the heavy lid locks in moisture for melt-in-your-mouth results.
One welcome upgrade in the new Modern Heritage design is the enlarged stainless steel handles. They should make lifting the lid or carrying a hot, heavy pot in and out of the oven far more secure – a small detail that helps prevent the biggest Dutch oven mistake, having a mishap in transport.
Shop the classic Le Creuset designs on sale
As the new collection pops up on the Le Creuset homepage and dominates your Instagram feeds, never fear. The classic Le Creuset design isn't going anywhere. In fact, it's a good time to shop the sale, with end-of-season discounts on my favorite originals.
White is arguably the most timeless collection anyone could pick from Le Creuset. In a classic yet modern white colorway, this set includes a small saucepan for sauces and sides, a fry pan, and Dutch oven for all your one-pot recipes.
This is the most iconic piece in Le Creuset's collection, praised by home chefs and professionals alike (myself included). The bold blue, 'Caribbean' shade is getting discontinued, which means this Dutch oven is currently on sale in the Le Creuset outlet.
If you want to pick up a small piece of culinary history, this saucier is colored with Le Creuset's limited edition 100-year anniversary hue. Flamme Dorée is an homage to the very first Le Creuset color created in the 1920s, finished with a gorgeous, shimmering enamel sheen.
The Le Creuset new Modern Heritage Collection may be divisive, especially for the best cast iron cookware purists or design traditionalists.
In any case, I expect the most popular pieces will sell out shortly, as this really is a historic moment for a brand that recently celebrated their 100-year anniversary. I'd be interested to hear what you think, so do share your thoughts in the comments.
