Le Creuset on a Budget: How to Get the Best Deals
My obsession with Le Creuset began many years ago when I was first exploring alternatives to the chemical non-stick linings in baking trays, frying pans and saucepans. My first ever Le Creuset purchase was the Signature Cast Iron Shallow Casserole… and I made the mistake of purchasing it directly from Le Creuset’s official website.
Nowadays, with the cost of living pinching my purse, I am far savvier when it comes to purchasing my favourite Le Creuset cookware. Whether you want ceramic-coated pans and dishes, a cute themed petit casserole pot, or matching cooking utensils, I have some tips to share with you.
Let’s get cooking.
Avoid Le Creuset’s Official Site
At the time of writing this article, Le Creuset’s homepage is bold and bright with an offer for 30% off when you spend £450 building your own set of cookware. But is this really a deal?
The prices at Le Creuset are markedly higher than other sites. In fact, these prices are as high as they go – from here, as stock is sent to other retailers, the prices start to drop. So, while 30% off looks like a good deal, it’s actually not!
The only time I recommend shopping at Le Creuset directly is when you have your eye on a very particular, limited-edition piece and it’s finally on sale. The chances of you finding that item elsewhere, especially if the line has been discontinued, are very slim.
Instead of shopping directly at Le Creuset, look at:
When one of these sites holds a sitewide sale, their Le Creuset stock is often included. Some of these sites also have other attractions – student discounts, lower free shipping thresholds, and discounts for signing up to their newsletter.
Shop In-Person
Le Creuset has outlets across the UK that always have lower prices compared to the online prices at Le Creuset’s official website. The stock in these outlets is a bit more limited, but if you are seeking to buy enough cookware to furnish a whole kitchen, you can do so at an outlet for a generous discount.
My nearest Le Creuset outlet is in Braintree’s Freeport Village (Essex), but there are other outlets scattered across the UK:
- Ashford Designer Outlet, Kent
- Swindon Designer Outlet, Wiltshire
- Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, Cheshire
- York Designer Outlet, Yorkshire
If you’re based in London, you are spoilt for choice with outlets in Islington, Hampstead, Muswell Hill, Marylebone, Notting Hill, Fulham Road, and Wimbledon.
Pop-Up Warehouse Sales
In addition to the permanent outlet stores, Le Creuset occasionally sets up with a warehouse or pop up sale. These usually emerge around Christmas so you can get your presents sorted. They often have discounts that are even lower than the outlet stores, so they are definitely worth a look-in if there’s one near you.
The best way to find out when Le Creuset pop-ups are coming is to follow them on Instagram. Keep an eye on their stories!
TK Maxx
Some of my favourite Le Creuset pieces, including a beautiful stoneware heritage rectangular dish and a fluted pie dish, were found at TK Maxx. Just head over to the kitchen aisle and have a look. You’ll sometimes find some Le Creuset items hiding among the cheaper brands.
And while we are on the topic, there is absolutely nothing wrong with shopping Le Creuset imitations. The quality means that they may not last so long, but they’ll still give you that luxury feel!
Colour Choices
My last tip is to forget about your colour coordination plans. Trying to shop a single colour or get all your cookware to match will push you to the limits of your budget very quickly. Obviously, the latest colour releases are always the most expensive – that’s how Le Creuset sucks you in!
I am in love with their new peche shade, but it’s notably more costly than the usual colours available. Take a look at their Enamelled Cast Iron Signature Round Sauteuse on Amazon. The cheapest colour is Cerise – 5% cheaper than all other colours at the time of writing.
Should You Buy Second Hand Le Creuset?
Le Creuset cookware items are built to last. Or at least, their cast iron, stoneware and enamelled ranges are. This means that a 15-year-old pot that you find at the charity shop could very well perform like new once you get it back home (and thoroughly clean it).
Buying second hand is also a better way to find discontinued shapes, designs and colours. This will help you create the perfect matching set.
In the UK, you can find second hand cookware items at:
- eBay
- Gumtree
- Etsy (vintage Le Creuset!)
- Vinted
- Preloved
Not Sure What to Buy? My Recommendations!
After greedily working my way through Rukmini Iyer’s The Roasting Tin Series, I am in love with using Le Creuset’s Stoneware Heritage Rectangular dishes. In my opinion, these are the most versatile items. The price is very reasonable given that you’re buying a set of three too.
I use these dishes (which can go in the oven, microwave, dishwasher, fridge and freezer) for roasting potatoes and other veggies, doing tray bakes, baking sheet cakes, saving leftovers, and even freezing homemade “ready meals”.
If your heart is set on a Le Creuset kitchen, this is where you should start your collection!