Care & Use Instructions

Before first use: Enjoy unboxing your new set and remove all labels and packaging. Wash each plate in warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely. This removes manufacturing residue and prepares the glazed surface for food contact.

Everyday use: These dinner plates are designed for casual lunches, weeknight dinners, and special celebrations alike. The graceful coupe shape and rainbow colours bring effortless style to every meal—elevating even simple foods into attractive presentations. The three-ring design adds subtle visual interest whilst coordinating with Le Creuset cast iron cookware for a cohesive look when cooking and serving with matching pieces.

Warming plates before serving: For restaurant-quality dining at home, warm plates in the oven before plating food. Place plates in a cold or low-temperature oven (around 70-90°C) for 10-15 minutes. The specialist clay retains heat effectively, keeping your carefully prepared meals at ideal temperature throughout dining. Use oven gloves when handling warmed plates—the heat retention that benefits serving requires careful handling.

Oven use—general: The plates are oven safe to 260°C, suitable for warming plates before service or baking individual dishes. Always use oven gloves when handling hot plates. When using under the grill, maintain at least 6.5cm (2½ inches) between the heat source and the plate surface.

Oven use—from room temperature: If heating food on plates currently at room temperature, don't preheat your oven above 205°C (400°F). Place plates in the oven as it heats to allow gradual warming, preventing thermal shock from sudden extreme temperature changes.

Oven use—from frozen: Never place frozen plates into a preheated oven. Instead, place frozen plates in a cold oven, set your desired temperature, and allow both to heat gradually together. This prevents cracking from thermal shock. Always verify food is piping hot throughout before serving when cooking from frozen.

Adding liquid during cooking: If you need to add sauce or liquid to food whilst plates are in the oven, remove the plates first and allow them to cool for a few minutes before adding liquid. This prevents thermal shock from cold liquid hitting very hot stoneware.

Microwave use: The plates are completely microwave safe. Reheat individual portions of leftovers conveniently. The plate will become warm along with the food, so use caution when removing—oven gloves or a towel may be necessary after longer heating times. The heat retention helps keep reheated meals warm during eating.

Everyday cleaning: Allow plates to cool completely before cleaning. Wipe away food residue. For dried or stuck-on food, soak plates in warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes to soften before washing. Hand wash and dry, or place in the dishwasher for a full cycle.

Dishwasher cleaning: The plates are completely dishwasher safe. Load plates securely in the dishwasher, typically on the bottom rack. The rainbow colours are permanent—fired at high temperatures during manufacturing—and won't fade, dull, or wash away through repeated dishwasher cycles. The three-ring design is moulded into the stoneware rather than applied, so it won't wear away. The plates will maintain their vibrant appearance and distinctive pattern through years of daily use.

Maintaining the glaze: The scratch-resistant glaze requires no special treatment. Avoid cutting directly on the plates with knives when possible—whilst the glaze is quite robust, repeated knife cutting can eventually mark any plate surface. Use cutting boards for slicing meat or cutting food before plating. The non-porous glazed surface prevents staining from foods and won't absorb odours.

Caring for the three-ring design: The raised rings are part of the stoneware itself—moulded during manufacturing rather than applied afterwards. They require no special care beyond normal plate cleaning. Food doesn't typically lodge in the rings due to their shallow depth, but if needed, wipe along the rings during washing to ensure cleanliness. The pattern maintains its definition through years of use and washing.

Stacking for storage: When storing the set, ensure all plates are clean and completely dry. The coupe design with three-ring pattern stacks efficiently—the gently sloping rim allows nesting whilst the rings add slight spacing between plates (which actually makes separation easier). For long-term storage, consider placing paper towels, cloth napkins, or felt protectors between plates to prevent any potential scratching.

Building a coordinated Le Creuset collection: These dinner plates integrate seamlessly with Le Creuset cast iron cookware. Serve directly from a Cerise casserole onto a Cerise dinner plate, or create eclectic rainbow presentations using different coloured cookware and plates. The three-ring design creates visual continuity that makes mixing and matching different Le Creuset pieces feel intentional rather than random.

Entertaining with bold design: The rainbow colours and three-ring pattern make these plates conversation starters at dinner parties. Guests often comment on the vibrant colours and the connection to Le Creuset's iconic cast iron. You can assign regular dinner guests "their" colour (creating personal tradition), arrange colours in rainbow order for coordinated presentation, or mix randomly for eclectic charm. The bold design works beautifully with both casual and formal table settings.

Temperature transitions: Whilst the stoneware handles extreme temperatures, avoid sudden changes. Don't plunge hot plates into cold water, don't place very hot plates directly onto very cold surfaces (use trivets or cloths), and don't move directly from freezer to hot oven without using the cold-oven gradual heating method. Gentle temperature transitions extend longevity.

What to avoid: Don't expose plates to direct heat sources like stovetops, hobs, or open flames—they're designed for oven use only. Don't use harsh abrasive cleaners or steel wool (though the scratch-resistant glaze is quite robust). Don't leave strongly acidic foods sitting on plates for extended periods, though normal meal use presents no issues.

Long-term value: With proper care, these dinner plates should provide decades of daily use. The specialist clays and premium glaze are engineered for longevity, whilst the three-ring design is permanent—moulded into the stoneware itself. Clean promptly after meals, avoid thermal shock and direct heat, handle carefully to prevent chips, and store thoughtfully. Follow these practices and your Rainbow Set becomes foundational tableware you'll use daily for years.

Maintaining warranty coverage: Le Creuset's 10-year guarantee covers manufacturing defects but not damage from misuse or accidents. Follow these care instructions to maintain coverage. Don't expose to thermal shock, don't use on direct heat, don't drop or impact plates. Normal wear from regular use is expected—minor glaze crazing from thermal cycling over many years doesn't constitute a defect.