Le Creuset and Le Creuset NOT

Just in case any of you are thinking of investing in some Le Creuset cookware, I will pass on to you what I have learned.

We think of Le Creuset as enameled cast iron, right? Top of the line, right? Made in France, right? --NOT ALWAYS.

It seems Le C also makes what they call an accessory line, and it looks just like the real cast iron stuff, but it is actually enameled steel, and it is made in Thailand, not in France. I got a French Oven that I thought was the real thing, and there was no indication anywhere on the tag to indicate otherwise--EXCEPT on the use and care instructions, there was a hint in fine print. It said not to use this cookware on direct heat sources (such as a cook top)! I didn't read this until too late. I learned it the hard way. I put my 4-qt French Oven on the cooktop, added some water to make some stock and turned the heat on. A short while later it EXPLODED--loud boom, shards and hot water all over the cook top and floor! I had my back turned to it when it happened, or I could have been seriously injured.

OK, here's what I've learned since. You don't know you are not buying the cast iron unless the seller tells you. The only visual diff is that the cast iron pieces are marked Made in France, and the steel Thailand products are not marked Made in France. They are only marked Le Creuset. That's it. That's the only diff. Not even the product tag tells you. SO......absent the France mark, you are buying enameled steel. It's just as pretty, and it is just as heavy, but you cannot use it on a cook top or it will explode. I think this is a serious consumer issue. I bought my piece online and didn't even know to ask which kind of Le C I was buying, because I didn't know there was more than one line. Technically I broke the terms of the warranty by using a direct heat source, but seller has agreed to refund the purchase price. I haven't received the refund yet.

So, buyers out there beware. Make sure your Le C is marked Made in France!

--pen