Costco’s 157-Piece, $4,500 Le Creuset Collection Is Taking Over the Internet—Here Are the Pieces from It We Think Are Actually Worth Buying

Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or longtime cook, chances are you’ve heard of Le Creuset. The heritage cookware brand is famous for its colorful enamel cast iron and stoneware accessories that stand the test of time. The brand is so popular, in fact, that superstore Costco is selling a 157-piece collection for a whopping $4,500. Featuring everything from classic Dutch ovens to gravy boats, the massive collection comes in the brand’s bright red Cerise hue and has gained plenty of online traction. 

While the price is actually pretty (cough, cough—don’t come for us) reasonable at less than $30 per item, we suggest thinking twice before adding to cart. While the set contains some worthwhile pieces, others have fallen flat during our testing. Plus, do you really want to commit to an all-red kitchen? 

Below, we share the Le Creuset items worth adding to your collection and those that aren’t worth the spend.

Worth Buying:

Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven with Lid, 5.5 Quart

Le Creuset reinvented the Dutch oven after its 1925 launch and continues to be the gold standard for the category. The enamel-coated Dutch oven is one of the most versatile items in our kitchen—we use it almost daily for everything from stews to sourdough loaves. There’s a reason why we’ve been recommending the brand’s round, 5.5-quart pot for years: While it’s pricier than some competitors, it has proven to stand the test of time.

San Francisco Coupe 16-Piece Dinnerware Set

When you use something every day, you need it to be durable. That’s why we love the Le Creuset dinnerware set, featuring dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs. Between washing, scraping, stacking, and sipping, most dinnerware is prone to chips and cracks. But this set is guaranteed to last a lifetime, meaning it’ll look as good as new even after years of use. (Senior editor Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm’s been using her Le Creuset mugs for several years and they look practically new.) 

Stoneware Oval Serving Platter

This sleek platter makes any meal feel like an occasion. Large enough for family-style dinners, the enamel platter comes in an array of hues that fit into nearly any kitchen color scheme. Plus, its convenient handles and raised edges allow for mess-free transport. There’s a reason it topped our testing of 10 platters.

Classic Cast Iron Handle Skillet

Every household needs a high-quality skillet, and this one is the creme de la creme. It heats food evenly and is tough enough to last generations. We love that it’s naturally nonstick, so cleaning up is a breeze every time. Plus, there’s no need to season enameled cast iron. 

Enameled Cast Iron Signature Braiser

As we enter roast season, a braiser is a worthy investment. Similar to the Dutch oven, this enamel pot is a kitchen workhorse. Use it to bake casseroles, shallow-fry fish, or braise short ribs. We love Le Creuset’s braiser for its relatively large cooking surface and wide, looped handles. Coming in dozens of color options and two sizes, it’s visually appealing enough to place atop a trivet for elevated family-style service. 

Enameled Cast Iron Bread Oven

If you’re an avid bread maker, this is the pan of your dreams. It’s easy to use and makes beautiful rustic loaves every time. If you’re tight on funds or space, though, we suggest investing in the more versatile Dutch oven.

Worth Skipping:

Stoneware Heritage Covered Rectangular Casserole

With its heavy base and tiny handles, this casserole dish is awkward to handle and cooks food unevenly. In our tests, it fell flat against the competition. Instead, we recommend the casserole dish from Staub (gasp!).

Enameled Cast Iron Signature Rectangular Roaster

We’ve never been fans of roasting pans—they’re bulky and unnecessary. Instead, just use a regular sheet pan on a wire rack (which you probably already have on hand).

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Crepe Pan

While crepe pans are a fun tool, this one isn’t worth the investment—especially since you can use the nonstick skillet for the very same purpose! Because nonstick cookware never lasts for more than a few years, we never, ever recommend splurging on it.

Enameled Cast Iron Signature Square Skillet Grill

During testing, we found that this grill pan’s nonstick capabilities weren’t up to par. Plus, with relatively shallow divots, it failed to elevate meat from its juices while cooking, leading to poor grill marks. Instead, buy the Lodge Chef Collection 11-Inch Cast Iron Square Grill Pan—it’s a fraction of the price, cooks food evenly, and provides identifiable grill marks.

Nesting Bowls, Set of 3

Some kitchen products are worth balling out on. Fancy mixing bowls aren’t one of them. Instead, we suggest opting for inexpensive metal ones that’ll last just as long. 

Olive Branch Collection Stoneware Embossed Oil Cruet

While this olive oil bottle is gorgeous, it’s extremely prone to clogging. It was built with an air intake valve below the rim of the spout that gets easily stopped up when pouring. Instead, opt for this cheaper one from OXO that passed our leak tests and drizzles evenly.

Silicone Craft Series Utensil Set

These silicone utensils are way overpriced and work just as well as most silicone spatulas you already own. Plus, we recommend buying utensils a la carte anyway (brands don’t make the best of every single thing, after all).