Serious Eats Staff Picks for Best Le Creuset Colors
Serious Eats staffers list their favorite current and discontinued Le Creuset enameled cast iron colors, including classic red and rare Fig.
The editorial team at Serious Eats has compiled a subjective ranking of the best Le Creuset colors. The guide is based entirely on staff opinions about the brand's enameled cast iron cookware, which is built to last for generations.
Staffers debated the merits of various hues, from vibrant blues to deep greens. They also lamented several discontinued colors they hope the company will bring back.
Top Picks From Current Lineup
Associate editorial director Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm adores the bright blue of Marseille. She owns a 5.5-quart Dutch oven in the color, which she says has an "oceany vibe." She thinks it would look particularly striking with a brass knob.
Editorial director Daniel Gritzer was torn between several colors but leaned toward the cheerier Marseille over more serious options. He also offered a design critique, suggesting the gradient effect on recent lids has become "a little over-exaggerated."
Senior culinary editor Genevieve Yam chose Cerise, the classic bright red. She explained that in Chinese culture, red is the color of happiness, and she has taken it upon herself to buy red kitchen tools.
While not everyone's absolute favorite, staffers acknowledged the iconic status of Flame. Gemperlein-Schirm noted it was Le Creuset's first-ever color, introduced in 1925. "Its orange hue and black knob will forever be burned into my brain as iconic," she said.
Staff Favorites for Style and Versatility
Senior editor Grace Kelly gravitates toward cooler, more serious colors like the rich blue Agave. She described it as "serious and luxe but still trying to have a little fun." Kelly also praised the green Artichaut, calling it a shade between ocean grass and pine needle green.
Editor Rochelle Bilow is a superfan of Sea Salt, a gray-blue. She stated it has looked good in every kitchen she's brought her pots to and receives many compliments.
Writer Ashlee Redger declared her love for the mustardy yellow Nectar. She said it sparks automatic delight and reminds her of spring sunshine.
The Color Graveyard: Discontinued Hues
The staff also shared their favorite discontinued colors, pleading for their return. Gemperlein-Schirm mourned the loss of Fig, a deep purple ombre hue with a brass knob. Her husband gifted her a 7 1/4-quart Dutch oven in Fig back in 2020.
Bilow highlighted the rare tropical green Kiwi and the rich royal purple Cassis. Associate director of visuals Amanda Suarez described her discovery of the pale yellow Mimosa, a cooler shade than Nectar without the gradient of Soleil.
Gemperlein-Schirm expressed sadness over the discontinued Orange Blossom, an ombre orange she found at an outlet store. She owns a 3 1/2-quart braiser in the color, which she likened to a creamsicle.
The team has extensive experience reviewing kitchen equipment. Gemperlein-Schirm has been reviewing gear for over half a decade. Bilow has been reviewing kitchen gear since 2020. The entire staff uses and has strong opinions on enameled cast iron.
