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Le Creuset Pie Funnel Bunny
The Le Creuset Pie Funnel Bunny combines traditional baking wisdom with playful design. This stoneware funnel sits in the centre of your pie filling before you add the top crust, allowing steam to escape during baking through its hollow centre. This steam release prevents the filling from boiling over and stops the bottom crust from becoming soggy - common problems with fruit and meat pies that contain juicy fillings. The charming bunny shape adds decorative appeal, with the bunny's head protruding through the pastry to create an adorable centrepiece for Easter pies, children's treats, or simply to bring character to everyday baking.
Made from Le Creuset's specialist stoneware with chip-resistant glaze, this pie funnel withstands repeated use whilst maintaining its appearance. The durable construction means the funnel won't crack or chip during normal baking, unlike cheaper ceramic alternatives. The oven-safe properties (up to 260°C) suit all standard pie baking temperatures, whilst the dishwasher-safe design makes cleaning straightforward. Whether you're baking traditional apple pies, berry crumbles, chicken pies, or seasonal specials, this functional accessory improves results whilst adding a touch of whimsy to your finished pies.
Key features:
- Steam release function: Hollow centre allows steam to escape, preventing boil-overs and soggy bottom crusts
- Bunny shape design: Adds playful charm to pies - particularly appealing for Easter or children's baking
- Prevents boil-overs: Keeps juicy fillings contained within the pie rather than bubbling over onto oven floors
- Maintains crisp pastry: Steam release prevents moisture making bottom crusts soggy
- Specialist stoneware: Chip-resistant and durable construction outlasts ceramic alternatives
- Oven safe to 260°C: Withstands all standard pie baking temperatures
- Dishwasher safe: Easy cleaning after use
- Versatile use: Suits fruit pies, meat pies, any double-crust pie with moist filling
- Decorative element: Bunny head protrudes through pastry for visual appeal
- Le Creuset quality: Superior durability and finish compared to standard pie birds
- 10-year guarantee: Le Creuset's confidence in their craftsmanship
Whether you're an experienced baker seeking better pie results or someone who enjoys adding character to home baking, the Le Creuset Pie Funnel Bunny delivers practical functionality with the quality and aesthetic appeal that define Le Creuset kitchenware.
What Customers Ask About Le Creuset Pie Funnel Bunny
What does a pie funnel do?
A pie funnel sits in the centre of a pie filling before you add the top crust. During baking, steam from the hot filling rises and escapes through the funnel's hollow centre, preventing the filling from boiling over the edges and keeping the bottom pastry from becoming soggy. The bunny shape adds decorative appeal whilst serving this practical function - the bunny's head pokes through the top crust, creating a charming centrepiece.
How do I use a pie funnel?
Place the pie funnel in the centre of your pie dish before adding filling. Add your pie filling around the funnel, ensuring it reaches about halfway up the funnel's height - don't bury it completely. Drape the top pastry over the funnel, cutting a small hole or slit in the centre to allow the funnel (bunny's head) to poke through. Seal the pastry edges and bake as normal. The bunny will be visible above the pastry, releasing steam during baking.
What types of pies benefit from a pie funnel?
Fruit pies with juicy fillings benefit most - apple, cherry, berry, rhubarb, or plum pies where fruit releases juice during baking. Meat pies like chicken and mushroom or steak and ale also benefit from steam release to prevent gravy boiling over. Any double-crust pie with moist filling that risks boiling over or creating soggy bottom pastry will improve with a pie funnel. Single-crust tarts or pies with drier fillings don't typically need funnels.
Is this dishwasher safe?
Yes, the pie funnel is dishwasher safe for a full cycle. The chip-resistant glaze maintains its finish through repeated dishwasher use. You can also hand wash with warm, soapy water if preferred. The hollow centre may trap water after washing, so shake out excess water or allow it to air dry inverted.
Will the bunny shape poke through my pastry?
Yes, this is intentional and part of the charm. The bunny's head protrudes through a small hole or slit cut in the top pastry, creating a decorative element whilst allowing steam to escape effectively. The visible bunny adds character to your pie presentation, making it particularly appealing for Easter pies, spring celebrations, or children's treats. You control how much shows by adjusting the pastry around it.
Do I need a pie funnel for all pies?
No, pie funnels aren't essential for all pies. They're most beneficial for pies with very juicy fillings that risk boiling over or creating soggy bottom crusts through excess steam. Single-crust pies, tarts, galettes, or pies with drier fillings don't require funnels. Consider using one for fruit pies (especially berries, cherries, or rhubarb) or meat pies with gravy where steam release significantly improves results.
How do I clean inside the hollow funnel?
The hollow centre allows steam to escape but can trap small amounts of filling if it bubbles up during baking. Soak the funnel in warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes to loosen any filling that entered the cavity. Use a bottle brush, pipe cleaner, or similar tool to clean inside if needed. The dishwasher's water jets typically clean the hollow centre effectively. Rinse thoroughly and shake out excess water.
What We've Learned About Pie Funnels Since 1972
Over five decades of selling baking accessories, we've observed a renewed appreciation for traditional tools like pie funnels. Customers who try them report genuinely better results - particularly with fruit pies where preventing boil-overs saves oven cleaning time, and maintaining crisp bottom crusts significantly improves the eating experience. The visual cue of a pie funnel protruding through pastry also signals homemade quality that impresses guests.
The Le Creuset stoneware construction proves more durable than standard ceramic pie birds. Customers report their Le Creuset funnels lasting years without chips or cracks, whilst cheaper ceramic alternatives often chip on first or second use. The bunny shape adds charm that elevates pies from functional to special - particularly appreciated for Easter pies, spring celebrations, or when baking with children. The playful element transforms a practical tool into something that brings joy to baking, which matters more than customers initially expect.
Specifications
Why Buy From Art of Living?
Founded in Reigate in 1972, we've spent over five decades helping customers select quality baking accessories and kitchenware. We've been twice nominated for the Excellence in Housewares award for customer care.
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 or call us on +44 1737 222996
Care & Use Instructions
Before first use: Remove all labels and packaging. Wash the pie funnel in warm, soapy water, then rinse and dry thoroughly. This removes any manufacturing residue. Pay particular attention to the hollow centre - rinse thoroughly to ensure no soap residue remains inside. The funnel is now ready for use.
Using the pie funnel: Place the pie funnel in the centre of your pie dish before adding filling. Add your pie filling around the funnel - the filling should reach about halfway up the funnel's height, ensuring the funnel isn't completely buried. Roll out your top pastry and drape it over the pie, cutting a small hole or slit in the centre where the funnel sits. Gently pull the bunny's head through the hole so it protrudes above the pastry. Seal the pastry edges around the funnel and the dish rim, then bake as your recipe directs.
How the funnel works: During baking, steam from the hot filling rises and escapes through the hollow centre of the funnel and out through the bunny's head. This steam release prevents pressure building up inside the pie that would otherwise force filling to boil over the edges or make the bottom crust soggy. The visible bunny head allows you to see steam escaping, confirming the funnel is working properly.
After baking: Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving. The pie funnel will be hot - use oven gloves or a towel if you need to touch it. You can serve the pie with the funnel in place (it adds character), or carefully remove the funnel before serving if preferred. To remove, gently lift the funnel straight up - the pastry around it will have set during baking.
Cleaning: Wait for the funnel to cool down before cleaning. The hollow centre may have trapped small amounts of filling if it bubbled up during baking. Soak the funnel in warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes to loosen any stuck filling. Use a bottle brush or pipe cleaner to clean inside the hollow centre if needed. Alternatively, place in the dishwasher for a full cycle - the water jets typically clean the hollow effectively. Rinse thoroughly and shake out excess water. Allow to air dry inverted to ensure the hollow centre dries completely.
Storage: Store the pie funnel in a dry location between uses. Many customers keep pie funnels with their baking accessories or display them on open shelving - the bunny shape makes it decorative when not in use. Ensure the funnel is completely dry before storing to prevent moisture accumulation in the hollow centre.
Tips for best results: The pie funnel works best with pies that have generous amounts of filling - shallow pies or those with minimal filling won't benefit as much. For fruit pies, the funnel is particularly valuable when using juicy fruits like berries, cherries, or rhubarb. For meat pies, it prevents gravy from boiling over. Don't overfill your pie dish - leave space for steam to circulate around the funnel. The pastry hole around the bunny should be just large enough for the head to protrude - too large and steam will escape too quickly, potentially drying the filling.
What to avoid: Don't place a cold funnel into a very hot oven - allow it to come to room temperature first to avoid thermal shock. Don't bury the funnel completely in filling - it needs the hollow centre clear to allow steam to escape. Avoid using excessive force when removing the baked funnel from pies, as this might break the delicate pastry around it. Don't use abrasive scrubbers on the glaze that might damage the finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this work with different pie dish sizes?
Yes, the pie funnel suits various pie dish sizes. It's designed to stand in the centre of the filling, so it works with small individual pies through to large family-sized pies. The key is ensuring your filling reaches approximately halfway up the funnel's height - adjust your filling quantity rather than worrying about dish size.
What if I've used it and don't like it?
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 used it.
How does the Half-Price Replacement guarantee work?
Valid for 2 years from purchase date. If you accidentally break this item, we'll replace it at half price with proof of purchase and evidence of breakage. Photos of the damage are acceptable.
How long does delivery take?
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.
Can I collect this item instead of having it delivered?
Yes, you can collect from our Reigate shop (72 High Street, RH2 9AP), Cobham shop (16 Anyards Road, KT11 2JZ), or our warehouse in Redhill (40 Ormside Way, RH1 2LW). Select click and collect at checkout.
How should I register my Le Creuset product for warranty?
Visit Le Creuset's official website and complete their product registration form. You'll need your proof of purchase and product details. Registration activates your 10-year guarantee and ensures you receive any product updates or recalls.
