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Few brands are as well recognized as All Clad and Le Creuset. Whether you are a professional chef or hate cooking, chances are you are familiar with these two names. It isn’t just the name that gives these brands their top tier status – they have been proving year after year that they deserve their spot at the top.
When you’re buying your first set of cookware or replacing an old set, it can be extremely hard to know what the best option is. Luckily, this isn’t a debate on which one is better, because both brands are equally good in their own ways. The important factors will relate to your personal cooking style and preferences.
Let’s find the brand that suits you best!
Breaking Down All Clad Cookware
OPTIONS
All Clad is the crème de la crème of steel-based cookwares. If you love the look of shiny stainless steel or simply love the cooking process of steel, you likely know about All Clad.
All Clad has various lines within its brand to choose from. Each line comes with a different appealing option such as Tri-Ply or Copper Cores. Depending on your cooking style and the type of cookware you are looking for, All Clad has a bunch of different options for you.
MATERIALS
All Clad is typically made out of steel with an aluminum or copper core. The heat distribution and retention abilities of these materials are arguably the best available. With All Clad, you know you won’t be eating any overcooked or undercooked food. These materials also come with other benefits such as weight.
SIZES
When it comes to picking a size of pot or pan, the options are pretty much endless – except when looking for a dutch oven. This is one department that All Clad lacks in, because they only have a handful of dutch oven options to choose from.
There aren’t many people who love to heavy lift while they are in the kitchen, which is why many steer away from Le Creuset and lean more towards All Clad. All Clad is made out of lightweight yet durable materials for those who are looking for lighter cookware. Additionally, certain lines of their cookware are made to be lighter than others for a more personal approach.
FINISHES
Each line might be different internally, but on the exterior, they are pretty much identical. While the copper core has a visible copper line wrapping around the cookware, the rest of the pots and pans look the same. All Clad cookware typically features a brushed or polished stainless steel exterior that wraps around a copper or aluminum heating core.
COMPATIBILITY
All Clad has a line for every kitchen. They offer options that can be used on all types of cooking surfaces such as induction, gas, and electric.
Be sure to check each and every piece of cookware to make sure it is compatible before using it at home.
Breaking Down Le Creuset Cookware
Le Creuset is the brand of cookware that might have been passed down to you from your grandparents. Many parents plan on passing Le Creuset pieces down to their kids when they first move out.
For others, Let Creuset is just the brand they remember watching their favorite chefs use. Are ready to take the plunge and look into what Le Creuset offers? Whatever you’re looking for, Le Creuset likely has it. It’s the timeless and durable piece of cookware that every kitchen needs.
Materials
Le Creuset is known for its ability to last generations. This is based on the materials used. Made in France, Le Creuset uses the best cast iron available to create their cookware. They wrap that cast iron in a durable and yet beautiful cream enamel finish. This enamel coating makes the cookware slightly non-stick, easy to clean, and aesthetically pleasing to cook with.
Additionally, the enamel coating makes the cast iron last longer and is unlikely to chip or peel after use. Outside of their iconic cast iron range, they do offer stainless steel and non-stick coated cookware too.
Sizes
The dutch oven is arguably one of the most iconic pieces of Le Creuset to exist. You can get it as small as 1 quart and as large as 15 quarts! With this range of options you are sure to find a dutch oven (or maybe two) that suites your needs. The frying pan and grill pans come in options ranging from 10 inches in diameter to 12 inches which is fairly standard for frying pans.
Finishes
Beyond the durability, the finish is one of the main things that gave Le Creuset its fame. The cream enamel interior is not only beautiful to look at, but it helps you see the contents inside, especially compared to dark or black enamel some competitors use.
Additionally, it is really easy to clean and see when it is truly clean. The exterior of Le Creuset comes in various different colors from a simple white to a bright yellow or pale blue. Whatever you are looking for, they are sure to have it!
Compatibility
Just like All Clad, Le Creuset can be used on all types of cooktops. Whether you have gas, electric, or induction, their enamel cast iron series can be used on them all. As for their stainless steel and non-stick options, you would need to check each individual piece before trying them on your cooktop.
Conclusion
We hope this article shone some light on the benefits and downsides of both All Clad and Le Creuset cookware. While it might seem like you are choosing between two top of the line brands, you’re really just choosing between certain cooking methods and materials.
If you like a lightweight cookware set, go for All Clad. If you do a ton of searing and stewing, you might benefit more from Le Creuset! Each brand has its high points and low points. It’s almost better to choose piece by piece from each brand.
If you have the money, the best option is to get an All Clad cookware set with a Le Creuset dutch oven on the side!
