But the question still remains: Why spend so much on a singular item when others can do the same? They can’t, to say the least. Le Creuset is timeless in a sea full of “fast kitchenware.” Like clothes these days, the cookware industry is becoming more filled with pieces meant for a shorter period of aesthetics rather than a long-lasting item to pass on. Unfortunately, I can attest to falling into this trap, purchasing a bright pink non-stick pan for everyday use only for the non-stick coating to wear off just two short years later with lots of wear and tear.
“It’s not as easily disposable [as fast fashion, per se], but people purchase new kitchenware things, throw it in the back of their cabinet, and buy something else,” Romilly says. As she further explains, on top of a lifetime warranty, Le Creuset is the cookware you think of when you’re ready to intentionally invest. “These other brands are very much focused on, ‘Here’s a pink pot to display on your countertop,’ whereas Le Creuset is popular because it bridges the gap between aesthetics, quality, and durability,” she adds. “And I’m actually proud of my [Le Creuset] collection.”
This blue Dutch oven from Le Creuset adds a pop of color in Seth Meyers's moody kitchen painted in Farrow & Ball’s off-black with Soapstone counters, Waterworks sink fittings, and a Lacanche range.
Christopher Scinto, Le Creuset’s SVP of sales and marketing, fully attests to this. “We know that when consumers purchase Le Creuset cookware, they are investing in an item that will stand the test of time and express something about their style and design choices,” he says in an email. “Zillennials are not different from other consumers when evaluating quality, investment, and elevating their home aesthetic.”
The reality of Le Creuset’s success among Zillennials ultimately led to its becoming a status symbol and a sign of generational wealth for many, which evokes a sense of accomplishment. Quality is undoubtedly a factor, but much of what you’re paying for is the ability to hint at your financial status. With its high-range prices and rare, sought-after collaborations and capsule lines, Le Creuset embraces exclusivity, and owning one of its Dutch ovens feels almost as elusive as a Hermès Birkin bag. Bonus points go to anyone who is able to acquire matching sets of the brand’s plates, mugs, stoneware, teakettles, and other assorted kitchenware.
