Le Creuset is known for its high-quality, aesthetically pleasing stoneware, but one thing the brand certainly isn't known for is low-cost prices. Take its best-selling Dutch oven casserole pot, for example. This typically retails for between £129 and £415, depending on the size and colour you choose. The shallow casserole dish starts at £149, with prices stretching to £319. So, I was pleasantly surprised when browsing the brand's new Easter collection to see there's a good mix of prices, with some items in the collection starting at under £20.
Of course, the biggest and most high-end items still bear that Le Creuset price tag, but if you've ever cooked with one of its pans or dishes, you'll understand why. These are heavy, durable investment pieces, designed in France and often hand-crafted with the aim of standing the test of time. They're cookware items you will reach for again and again - whether you're slow-cooking a stew, baking a loaf of bread or trying your hand at a cake. And they're so pretty you don't feel the need to tuck them away; they sit happily on the hob or countertop, doubling up as part of your kitchen's look, or even as a centrepiece when serving.
The Easter collection, in particular, feels like a lovely way to welcome the season into your kitchen, with soft pastels and playful shapes you won't easily find elsewhere. Even when high street names like Habitat or Aldi release pieces that feel inspired by Le Creuset's designs, they rarely capture that same sense of longevity and craftsmanship that makes the original so appealing.
The standout item from the new range has to be the petal-shaped cast-iron shallow casserole. It's a seasonal update on Le Creuset's classic pan, reimagined in the shape of a springtime blossom and finished in colours that feel right at home this time of year - shell pink, garnet, bluebell purple and sea salt blue. The pan is 26cm in diameter with a 2.2-litre capacity, and while it's an investment at £309.00, previous shoppers say it's worth it.
In a review, one customer said: "So beautiful. I always smile when I see this in my kitchen - and it's brilliant to cook with. Perfect size for two or three meal portions."
Another added: "Such a beautiful product. Very likely put on display for a while before using it."
Perhaps the only downside is its shallow capacity, with some shoppers saying they wish it were bigger. The good news is that if you're willing to spend a little more, Le Creuset has the same design in a 5.2-litre size, which is more akin to its classic Cast Iron Round Casserole. This also comes in a range of spring colours, including pastel blue, peach, pink and white, and retails for £389.
Whichever size you go for, both pans feature the same flower-inspired lid, complete with the brand's signature silver knob at the centre of the petals, plus two handles for easy lifting. They're oven safe up to 260C and can also be used on the hob, while the enamel interior is designed to make cleaning up that bit easier. The pans also come with a lifetime guarantee - just make sure to register them.
One of the pieces that caught my eye for its more accessible price and playful design is the Pie Bunny. It's a stoneware pie topper shaped like a sweet Easter bunny, designed to help you achieve the perfect pie - ideal if you're planning an Easter roast.
According to Le Creuset, the Pie Bunny releases steam while baking, helping to prevent boil-overs and soggy crusts. Like all of the brand's stoneware, it's built to handle both hot and cold temperatures, from as low as -23C to as high as 260C.
It comes in a range of spring-ready shades, including cream, sea salt blue, vibrant teal, coral and soft pink. And at £17, it won't break the bank, especially when so many of the brand's pieces sit well above the £100 mark. If you're buying for a cooking enthusiast this Easter and fancy something a little different from the usual chocolate egg, it's an easy win.
And, if the bunny isn't for you, it also comes in a fun duck shape too!
Another affordable find that would work just as well as a gift as it would on your own breakfast table is the set of garden-inspired egg cups. At £23, they're still a treat, but not an overindulgent one. Made from the same durable stoneware Le Creuset is known for, they can withstand temperatures from -23C to 260C and are designed to last for years.
The glazed finish is scratch-resistant and easy to clean, according to the brand, and the tulip shape feels perfectly in step with the season. Available in soft pinks, pale blue and cream, they're a simple way to bring a little spring to the table.
Perhaps the only downside is that they only come in a set of two (which is admittedly pretty standard for egg cups), so if you're hosting a big breakfast, you might need to invest in a few.
READ NEXT
