Sur La Table's making it possible for us mere peasants to cook like we're culinary royalty. We're not worthy! (Talaya Centeno/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images)(Talaya Centeno/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images)More
One of the many, many pleasures of watching The Barefoot Contessa is beholding how Ina Garten manages to be both a consummate culinary professional and completely, utterly relatable to the masses of at-home cooks that devour her every word. Which makes Sur La Table's Labor Day sale all the more welcome, as it's offering deep discounts on Le Creuset, one of Ina's favorite cookware brands.
Le Creuset is known for its sturdy construction, classic good looks ... and hefty price tag. So we're thrilled to see an end-of-summer sales event put this elite brand within reach of everyday chefs just in time for fall-feasting season.
For a limited time only, you can save up to $150 on the brand's iconic pieces, including Dutch ovens, skillets and casseroles. And while you're envisioning your next fall feast, check out our roundup of the best Labor Day deals in every category across the 'net.
Though Le Creuset is most famous for its enameled cast iron cookware, it also makes stoneware that’s ideal for baking and casseroles. These square dishes have a lovely finish that's resistant to chips and cracks; and since the surface is nonporous, it won’t absorb odors or flavors. The handles make them easy to take out of the oven, and they’re so pretty, they can go straight to the table, filled with lasagna, roasted veggies or desserts. This set of two bakers is available in eight colors, from neutrals like white and beige to bolds like red and this pretty blue. Snag this duo while it's just $55 — you can split them up as gifts, or give the set.
"I bring these out for the holidays," wrote a festive fan. "Great pieces if you're going for a certain look at the dinner table. I've never had any issues with these dishes baking my foods unevenly, either."
Of course, if you're cooking for a crowd, you can't go wrong with this 6.75-quart Le Creuset beauty, which was designed to be more lightweight per quart than other premium cast iron cookware on the market. This one is a bit more shallow than standard Dutch ovens, but it has a large surface area that makes it ideal for browning meat and reducing liquids. It comes in 13 colors, so good luck choosing!
"I use it daily, it's the workhorse of my kitchen," shared a satisfied shopper. "Had it three or four years, and it's clearly going to last me decades. Wasn't sure if I wanted a braising pan or another Dutch oven and then this solved my needs for both."
This pretty pan's lid is clear, allowing you to keep tabs on your food while it cooks, and without letting any steam out. It's also oven-safe up to 425 degrees and works on any kind of stovetop. Choose from eight colors.
"A very attractive and practical pan," declared an impressed buyer. "I needed a large skillet and was planning to get a cast iron one. This is so much prettier for serving, and it's easier to clean. ... I've used it multiple times already for many meals, including stir-fry, pasta dishes, shrimp scampi and cornbread."
Who says grilling's only for summertime?
Dinner prep is absolutely transformed when you're working with top-notch cookware.
How adorable is this solo-serving pot?
This classic round Dutch oven is what you might think of when you hear the name Le Creuset. It's a staple of the collection, a lifetime piece made of enameled cast iron, polished and finished by hand; the colorful exterior is designed to resist chipping. It retains heat brilliantly. At 6.75 quarts, it's perfect for soups and one-pot meals, like chili. This one also has a wider, shallower profile with more surface area that makes it ideal for browning and searing meats.
"I use it daily, it's the workhorse of my kitchen," shared a Le Creuset lover. "Had it three or four years and it's clearly going to last me decades. Wasn't sure if I wanted a braising pan or another Dutch oven, and then this solved my needs for both."
If you already own a Dutch oven, but want to take advantage of the Le Creuset deals at Sur La Table, consider this buffet casserole. It's shallower than the dutch oven, which makes it perfect for searing meats, steaming vegetables and sautéing just about anything. The dimensions (and sleek lines) make it a perfect stove-to-table piece.
"A very attractive and practical pan," one shopper wrote. "I needed a large skillet and was planning to get a cast iron one. This is so much prettier for serving, and it's easier to clean. I've used it multiple times for many meals including stir fry, pasta dishes, shrimp scampi and cornbread!"
Give those burgers, fajitas and shrimp the serious sear they deserve, then lay them out on the table in this gorgeous pan. Just don't expect them to last very long. At $80 off and in 8 eye-delighting colors, this pan will immediately class up your dinner presentation at some very down-to-earth prices.
"I love, love, love this grill," gushed one customer. "It fits on one burner (my old one took two burners and still didn't heat equally) and it distributes the heat across its surface. It also cleans up so easily! It makes me giddy! I love the Sage color, too."
Though Le Creuset is famous for its enameled cast iron cookware, it also makes wonderful stoneware, great for baking and casseroles. These square bakers have a lovely finish that resists chips and cracks; since the surface is non-porous, it won’t absorb odors or flavors. Well-designed handles make them easy to remove from the oven. And they're so pretty, they can go straight to the table, filled with lasagna, roasted veggies or brownies.
"A beautiful addition to my bakeware," raved a five-star fan. "It cleans up easily and the smaller size is perfect for the leftovers!"
Everyone needs a good skillet (or two) for frying up grilled cheese sandwiches, making omelets and more. These 8- and 10-inch beauties are especially sturdy and long-lasting, thanks to their triple-reinforced coatings. They also have stay-cool handles and a magnetic stainless steel disc that allows for cooking on any type of cooktop. Plus, their textured surfaces help with browning and searing.
"Excellent heat distribution," gushed a reviewer. "Easy cleanup. Sides curve perfectly for stirring. Cool handles. I looked at ceramic, and my research found that their surface has a limited lifespan. These pans look like they will last a lifetime."
If you're looking for a more affordable item with the Le Creuset label, consider this darling 8-ounce cocotte, on sale for less than $25. It has a premium enamel-glazed interior and is ideal for heating up individual servings of cozy favorites like baked ziti, oatmeal, stew and more. A little luxury goes a long way.
"Cute," wrote a happy home cook. "I am using [it] as a butter dish."
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.