Quick Overview: Two stoneware cruets with stainless steel nozzles protect oil and vinegar from light whilst enabling precise pouring for everyday use.
Le Creuset Oil & Vinegar Set
The Le Creuset Oil & Vinegar Set addresses a practical issue that clear glass bottles ignore: light degrades oil quality over time. Stoneware's opaque walls protect contents from light exposure, helping preserve the flavour compounds and beneficial properties in quality olive oils and aged vinegars. This matters if you invest in premium ingredients that deserve protection.
The set includes two 300ml cruets - one featuring Le Creuset's embossed branding, the other plain. This intentional design difference lets you identify which bottle contains oil and which holds vinegar at a glance. Stainless steel nozzles provide controlled pouring for salad dressing or drizzling over finished dishes. The iconic three-ring design coordinates visually with Le Creuset cast iron whilst the thick stoneware walls provide the same thermal stability and durability you expect from their cookware range.
Key features:
- Light protection: Opaque stoneware walls prevent light degradation of oils and vinegars
- Two-bottle identification system: One branded, one plain for easy visual distinction
- Stainless steel nozzles: Precise pouring control for dressing and drizzling
- Practical 300ml capacity: Holds approximately half a standard oil bottle per cruet
- Non-porous glazed surface: Won't absorb odours or stain from repeated use
- Thermoresistant construction: Withstands -23°C to 260°C for varied storage conditions
- Dishwasher-safe: Easy cleaning for both stoneware and nozzles
- Iconic three-ring design: Matches Le Creuset cast iron cookware collection
- 10 year manufacturer guarantee: Exceptional warranty reflects build quality
This set is designed for cooks who appreciate quality ingredients and want storage that preserves rather than compromises their flavour investment.
What Customers Ask About the Oil & Vinegar Set
Why use stoneware for oil and vinegar storage?
Stoneware provides superior protection from light and temperature fluctuations compared to clear glass bottles. Light exposure degrades oil quality over time, breaking down beneficial compounds and causing rancidity. The thick stoneware walls insulate contents from temperature changes, helping preserve freshness. The non-porous glazed surface won't absorb odours or stain, unlike some plastics, and it's completely inert so there's no flavour transfer.
How do the two bottles differ?
One cruet features Le Creuset branding embossed on the body, whilst the other is plain. This intentional design difference helps you identify which bottle contains oil and which contains vinegar at a glance. You can assign either bottle to either liquid based on your preference - there's no functional difference between them.
What capacity does each bottle hold?
Each cruet holds 300ml (0.3 litres). This capacity is practical for everyday table use - large enough to avoid constant refilling but compact enough for comfortable handling and table placement. For reference, a standard olive oil bottle is 500ml-750ml, so these cruets hold roughly half a standard bottle.
Do the stainless steel nozzles prevent drips?
The stainless steel nozzles are designed for precise pouring control, which minimises drips when pouring at a moderate, steady pace. However, no pourer eliminates drips entirely - effectiveness depends on pouring technique. Hold the bottle at approximately 45 degrees, pour steadily, and return to upright position promptly. Very slow drizzling or hesitant pouring increases drip likelihood with any pourer design.
Can I put these in the dishwasher with oil residue inside?
Yes, the stoneware is dishwasher-safe for a full cycle. However, oil can be stubborn in dishwashers. For best results, add a small amount of washing-up liquid inside the bottle, fill with hot water, shake vigorously, then empty before placing in the dishwasher. This pre-treatment helps the dishwasher remove oil residue more effectively from the interior.
Should I refrigerate oil and vinegar in these bottles?
Most oils and vinegars are best stored at cool room temperature away from direct heat and light. The stoneware protects from light naturally. Refrigeration isn't typically necessary for standard olive oil or balsamic vinegar. However, the bottles are freezer-compatible (-23°C to 260°C), so you can refrigerate infused oils or specialty vinegars if desired. Note that some oils may solidify when cold.
How do I clean the stainless steel nozzles?
Remove the nozzles from the bottles and wash separately under warm running water. Oil can accumulate inside the narrow pouring spout. Use a small bottle brush or pipe cleaner to clean the interior channel if oil builds up. The nozzles are dishwasher-safe, but hand washing with a brush is often more effective for removing oil from narrow openings.
Specifications
Brand: Le Creuset
Set Contents: 2 cruets with stainless steel nozzles
Bottle Design: 1 with Le Creuset branding, 1 plain
Dimensions (per bottle): 8cm W x 23.1cm H x 8cm L
Capacity (per bottle): 0.3L (300ml)
Total Weight (set): 0.98kg
Material: Stoneware with scratch-resistant glaze
Nozzle Material: Stainless steel
Temperature Range: -23°C to 260°C
Design Feature: Three-ring Le Creuset signature pattern
Manufacturer Guarantee: 10 Years
Country of Manufacture: Thailand
Dishwasher Safe: Yes, full cycle
Freezer Safe: Yes
Why Buy From Art of Living?
Founded in Reigate in 1972, we've spent over five decades helping customers select quality 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
Care & Use Instructions
Before first use: Remove all labels and packaging. Wash both cruets and stainless steel nozzles in warm, soapy water, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
Filling the cruets: Remove the stainless steel nozzle from the bottle opening. Use a funnel if necessary to avoid spillage. Fill with your choice of oil or vinegar, leaving approximately 1-2cm space at the top to accommodate the nozzle. Replace the nozzle and press firmly to ensure a secure fit.
Pouring technique: Hold the bottle at approximately 45 degrees. Pour at a moderate, steady pace for best drip control. Return the bottle to upright position promptly after pouring to minimise drips from the nozzle.
Daily cleaning: Wash the cruets and nozzles by hand in warm, soapy water, or place in the dishwasher for a full cycle. For stubborn oil residue, add washing-up liquid and hot water inside the bottle, shake vigorously, then wash as normal. Use a bottle brush or pipe cleaner to clean oil from inside the stainless steel nozzles.
Storage: Store at cool room temperature away from direct heat sources. The stoneware protects contents from light exposure naturally. Refrigeration isn't necessary for most oils and vinegars, though the bottles are freezer-compatible if desired.
Refilling: Clean thoroughly between different oils or vinegars to avoid flavour mixing. Ensure the bottle is completely dry before refilling to prevent water diluting your oil or vinegar.
Avoid: Whilst the stoneware is thermoresistant to 260°C, there's no reason to heat oil or vinegar to extreme temperatures in these cruets. They're designed for storage and pouring, not cooking. Don't place empty cruets in hot ovens.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 filled and used the cruets.
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 claim on the manufacturer's 10 year guarantee if I bought from you?
Yes. We're an authorised Le Creuset retailer, so the full manufacturer guarantee applies. You can claim through us or directly with Le Creuset. Keep your receipt or order confirmation as proof of purchase.
