Do you have a Le Creuset in your kitchen? If you don’t, are you at least tempted by their iconic flame-colored cookware?

I have to admit, my Le Creuset is one of my most prized possessions. I even have the matching Dutch oven. 

So when I heard about fake Le Creuset pots and pans hitting the market, I was concerned. How can you tell if your Le Creuset is real or not? Keep reading for tips on how to spot a fake Le Creuset pot or pan.

How to Identify a Fake Le Creuset Pot or Pan (5-signs to Check)

Le Creuset is a French cookware manufacturer that makes excellent pots and pans today. Le Creuset knows how to make quality cookware and has been doing it for over 120 years!

Le Creuset makes cookware, bakeware, kitchen products, dinner plates, and cookware items. 

Fake le Creuset Cookware and Bake Ware are sold today under many different names. Le Creuset offers many types of cookware and bakeware, but some brands sell knock-off versions of these items.

Several factors make them look different from authentic Le Creuset:

• Look at the bottom of the pot or pan. If it’s smooth and shiny, it’s probably real.
• Look at the seams. If there are any breaks in the seam area, you can bet this is a cheap knockoff.
• Check out the lugs. They should be thick and sturdy. Also, look at the handles; they should have a good grip and feel nice in your hand.
• Now, look at the color. A genuine Le Creuset will usually come in several different colors. But it will always be either red, blue, black, gray, silver, or white. Any other colors are fake.
• Lastly, check out the logo. You’ll notice that the logo will be centered in the middle of the lid. And it will also have a nice big circle around it. If the logo isn’t centered or has less of a circle surrounding it, it’s counterfeit.

Qualities of a Real Le Creuset

The quality of La Creuset’s cookware is unmatched. The cookware comes with three layers: glaze, core, and body.

The glaze gives the pot its durability and allows the heat to penetrate evenly throughout the product. This layer should not crack, chip, flake, peel, or discolor. 

The next layer is the body, which holds the product’s shape while allowing heat to pass through properly.

Lastly, the core makes up the product’s structure and provides stability. When selecting a piece of La Creuset cookware, choose the right size for your needs. Choose from sizes ranging from 1 quart to 8 gallons.

Although La Creuset cookwares come at a higher price than other brands, you will receive what you pay for.

You will get a high-quality product that will last your lifetime if cared for well. As long as you use proper care, the cookware will never rust, scratch, or develop any blemishes. 

Additionally, since cookware is a porous material, it does not require much maintenance. Use soap and water to clean your product regularly. If soap and water do not work, you may need to replace your ware with a different type of cookware.

How Do I Know if My Le Creuset Cookware Is Signature, Classic, or Vintage?

Le Creuset has been making cast iron cookware since 1946. Their signature red color and bold shapes are unmistakable.

There are several styles of pots, pans, and accessories from the brand. You want to make sure you choose the right one before purchasing.

To determine whether your Le Creuset is a vintage or classic style, you need to look at the following characteristics:

Lid: Vintages have a flat top lid, while classics use a domed lid. If you have a lid like this, you have a vintage Le Creuset.

Handles: Classic handles are straight and curved. Vintage handles tend to have a bend.

Shape: This is easy one-vintage pieces have solid sides while classics come in thinner designs.

Your best bet would be to visit your local antique store or check out eBay to find a set of vintage pots. Otherwise, you can always invest in a set of classic pots instead!

What Does the Number Mean on the Bottom of Le Creuset Cookware?

The numbers that appear on the bottom of every cookware of Le Creuset are the cook’s temperature ratings. Cooking temperatures range between 400F (or 205C) and 500F (260C).

When the label says “400 F”, this means that you should use your oven at about 400 degrees Fahrenheit (205Celsius). This is a safe range for almost any kind of food to be cooked at. 

If the label reads “500 F”, then you can safely assume that the maximum temperature your pot will reach is about 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260Celsius), and if the label reads “600 F”, then you know that the best way to heat your pot is with gas.

If you have no idea what these numbers mean, just treat them like a cooking thermometer!

Conclusion

So, as you know, how can you tell a fake le Creuset? You can easily tell the difference between a real le Creuset cookware and a fake one.

You have to follow all the five steps mentioned above, and you’ll never be conned out while choosing a le Creuset.

Le Creuset is known worldwide for its cast-iron cookware. They are famous for their durability, but they do come at a hefty price. However, if you need something that can last forever, this is the way.

If you enjoy baking and cooking, these things are perfect for you. You can use them for pancakes, cookies also for cakes and pies. They give your baked goods a nice texture and hold heat well. La Creuset has great ones!