Le Creuset Cast Iron Deep Skillet 26cm
This 26cm deep skillet combines Le Creuset's legendary cast iron construction with practical design features for everyday cooking. The cast iron retains and distributes heat evenly across the cooking surface, making it effective for searing, frying, and one-pan meals that move from hob to oven. With a 1.72-litre capacity, it's sized for cooking for 2-4 people.
Whether you're starting your collection with a pair for intimate dining or equipping a full dinner party with a set of 8, these glasses offer the same exceptional quality and varietal-specific design that made Vinum a benchmark in wine service.
Key features:
- Hob-to-oven versatility: Suitable for all hob types including induction, plus oven and grill use up to 260°C
- Helper handle: Ergonomic main handle plus helper handle for safe two-handed lifting when full
- Dual pouring spouts: Pour off excess fat or sauce without drips
- Enamelled interior: Develops a natural patina over time that improves food release with minimal seasoning required
- Made in France: Crafted in Le Creuset's French facilities with their lifetime guarantee
- Colour range: Available in multiple Le Creuset signature colours to suit your kitchen
This skillet suits cooks who want a single pan that can handle high-heat searing on the hob, then finish dishes in the oven, and look presentable enough to serve directly at the table.
What Customers Ask About Le Creuset Cast Iron Deep Skillet 26cm
This deep skillet has higher sides (4.6cm depth) compared to typical frying pans, providing extra capacity for dishes with sauce or liquid. The cast iron construction also means you can move it from hob to oven, unlike many frying pans with plastic handles. The 1.72-litre capacity gives you room for one-pan meals that a shallow frying pan couldn't accommodate.
Metal utensils may be used with care, but Le Creuset recommends silicone, wooden, or heat-resistant plastic tools to protect the enamel interior. If you do use metal, avoid scraping or harsh contact with the cooking surface. Over time, careful use of metal won't damage the pan, but gentler utensils will preserve the enamel finish for longer.
Cast iron retains heat exceptionally well, so medium heat produces sufficient temperature for most cooking, including searing. Starting with medium heat and allowing gradual warm-up prevents thermal shock to the enamel and achieves more even cooking. High heat isn't necessary and may damage the enamel or cause food to burn on the exterior whilst remaining undercooked inside.
The 26cm diameter refers to the top rim measurement, whilst the base diameter is approximately 22cm. Measure your hob rings to confirm fit — the base should match your ring size as closely as possible for even heating and to prevent handle damage, particularly important on induction hobs. If your base is significantly smaller than the pan, heat distribution won't be optimal.
The empty pan weighs 2.60kg. When filled to capacity (1.72 litres), you're adding roughly another 1.7kg of liquid or food, bringing the total to approximately 4.3kg. This is where the helper handle proves valuable — use both handles when lifting a full pan, especially when moving between hob and oven.
Specifications
Care & Use Instructions
Before first use: Remove all labels and packaging. Wash in warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before first use.
During cooking: Use medium or low heat for best results. Allow the pan to heat gradually — cast iron retains heat exceptionally well, so high temperatures aren't necessary even for searing. Use appropriately sized hob rings to ensure even heating and prevent handle damage. On glass or ceramic hobs, always lift the pan rather than sliding it to prevent scratching.
Utensils: Le Creuset recommends silicone, wooden, or heat-resistant plastic tools. Metal utensils may be used with care but should not be scraped harshly across the cooking surface as this may damage the enamel.
Daily cleaning: Allow the pan to cool before cleaning — never plunge hot cast iron into cold water as thermal shock can crack the enamel. For stuck-on food, fill with warm, soapy water and soak for 15-20 minutes before washing. Whilst dishwasher safe, handwashing with hot soapy water preserves the developing patina. Dry thoroughly after washing and store in a dry place.
Developing patina: The enamelled interior naturally develops a patina with use that improves food release properties. To encourage this, clean the product only with water (no soap) so the patina can develop. This patina behaves similarly to a non-stick surface over time.
Avoid: Never use abrasive cleaning agents, metal scourers, or very stiff brushes on any surface. Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaning pads. Never slide the pan on glass-topped hobs. Do not subject to sudden temperature changes (thermal shock).
Storage: Store in a dry place. The pan is freezer compatible (-23°C to 260°C range), allowing you to freeze prepared dishes directly in the skillet if needed.
Why Buy From Art of Living?
Founded in Reigate in 1972, we've spent over five decades helping customers select quality cookware. We've been twice nominated for the Excellence in Housewares award for customer care. We stock Le Creuset because their cast iron pieces represent the kind of lifetime investment that aligns with our belief in quality over disposability.
Our Expertise with Cast Iron
In 52 years of selling cast iron cookware, we've learned that the most common mistake customers make is using too much heat. Cast iron's exceptional heat retention means medium heat produces results that would require high heat in other materials. We guide customers through the transition to cast iron cooking because the learning curve pays dividends in cooking performance and pan longevity.
Our Guarantees to You
- ✓ No Quibble Returns - Even Used Items
- ✓ Half-Price Accidental Damage Replacement (2 Years)
- ✓ Price Match Guarantee
Read our full guarantee policy →
Questions? Visit our contact page
Frequently Asked Questions
Return it anyway. Our no quibble guarantee covers used items - if it doesn't do what you wanted, we'll refund you. This applies even after you've cooked with it. We've offered this guarantee since 1972.
Valid for 2 years from purchase date. If you accidentally damage this skillet (chips, cracks, or breaks), we'll replace it at half price with proof of purchase and evidence of damage. Photos are acceptable. This covers accidental damage beyond Le Creuset's lifetime warranty.
Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses can take up to 7 working days, but is usually 3-4, and is free for orders over £49. Next day delivery may be available for £9.95 on orders placed before 1pm Monday to Thursday, depending on your location and our stock levels. You can also collect from our shops in Cobham or Reigate, or our warehouse in Redhill.
Le Creuset's lifetime guarantee covers manufacturing defects but not accidental damage, normal wear and tear, or damage from misuse (such as thermal shock or overheating). For accidental damage, our Half-Price Replacement guarantee provides coverage for 2 years from purchase. Register your Le Creuset product on their website to activate the manufacturer's warranty.
Yes, the temperature range of -23°C to 260°C means you can freeze prepared dishes directly in the skillet. However, never move a frozen pan directly to a hot hob — allow it to come to room temperature first to avoid thermal shock, which can crack the enamel.
Unlike raw cast iron, Le Creuset's enamelled cast iron doesn't require traditional seasoning. However, the interior develops a natural patina with use that improves food release. To encourage this, Le Creuset recommends cleaning with water only (no soap) so the patina can build up over time. This patina behaves like a non-stick surface and is a desirable feature, not a defect.
Yes, cast iron is fully compatible with induction hobs. The magnetic base diameter is approximately 22cm, so ensure your induction ring can accommodate this size. Use the appropriately sized ring on your hob to ensure the induction system recognises the pan and heats evenly.
Le Creuset offers this deep skillet in their full colour range. Availability varies by colour — check the variant selector on the product page to see currently available colours. Popular colours like Cerise, Volcanic, and Marseille Blue are typically stocked, whilst seasonal colours may have limited availability.