Any foodie will tell you that there is a rare and singular pleasure in owning a quality item of cookware. Whether it’s a handcrafted chef’s knife you picked up in Kappabashi on your last trip to Japan, or a precious piece of vintage Corningware that’s been passed down by your nan, every time you use it, it never fails to stir a little frisson of joy within you.

This is no doubt one reason why Le Creuset remains so enduringly popular. Its range of cast-iron casseroles, pots, pans, dishes and accessories are as beautiful as they are practical, and their timeless design is a fitting tribute to the products’ durability. 

Yes, it’s expensive, although anyone who owns a piece of Le Creuset cookware knows that the investment is worth it. But what if you could score yourself a quality piece without the hefty price tag?

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Where can I find discounted Le Creuset?

Waiting for Black Friday is one way to score a bargain. Or you could always get married and add a casserole or two to your wedding registry. But what if we told you that there are dedicated Le Creuset outlets, where you can nab yourself a quality piece at a huge discount? 

There are now three bricks-and-mortar Le Creuset outlet stores in Australia, after the St Leonards outlet opened in November of last year, right by the company’s Australian head office in Sydney. The first opened in Brisbane Airport four years ago, followed by another in Melbourne’s South Wharf. A fourth outlet is scheduled to be opened in Perth this May. 

If you head to the Le Creuset website and look under ‘Offers’, you’ll also find an online outlet store.

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What can you find in a Le Creuset outlet store?

You’ll find a wide range that’s different to the brand’s signature boutique stores – including cast-iron cookware, dinnerware and kitchen accessories. You’ll find products in different colours and with different knobs and handles, as well as end-of-line products on clearance. If a product’s box is damaged in a way that is not up to standard for the boutique stores, it will also end up at an outlet store.

Credit: Le Creuset

How much can you save at a Le Creuset outlet store?

You can save yourself anywhere from 20 percent up to 70 percent on a huge range of items. The brand also holds outlet sales from time to time, so it’s always worth keeping an eye out for these, as they can offer even bigger discounts on already discounted items. 

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How to clean a Le Creuset pan

Le Creuset’s cast-iron casseroles are dishwasher safe, but the company recommends handwashing if you want to keep your cookware in peak condition. Make sure you let your casserole cool down before you wash it, then wash in warm, soapy water using a soft sponge – no harsh wire brushes or steel pads. If you have any particularly tough stains or residual food scraps, leave your casserole to soak for a while first before cleaning. 

You can find Le Creuset outlets at Atchison St, St Leonards; DFO Brisbane, Shop G/101 18th Ave, Brisbane Airport; and Shop FB007 DFO, 20 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne. You can find the online outlet store at lecreuset.com.au.