Care & Use Instructions

Before first use: Remove all labels and packaging from your new set. 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 versatile plates work throughout the meal progression—starters, salads, sides, cheese courses, or desserts. The coupe design provides a sophisticated presentation surface that elevates even simple foods. The rainbow colours create natural place settings, with each guest receiving a different hue for visual interest and easy identification.

Oven use—warming and baking: The plates are oven safe to 260°C, perfect for warming individual appetisers or baking small gratins. Always use oven gloves when handling hot plates—the stoneware retains heat exceptionally well. 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 warming 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 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 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 food warm during serving.

Serving cold foods: The plates can be chilled in the fridge or freezer before serving cold desserts, salads, or cheese courses. This helps keep foods cold longer during serving. When moving from freezer to table, allow plates to warm naturally rather than adding hot foods immediately—gradual temperature changes extend longevity.

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. Place 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. They'll maintain their vibrant appearance through years of 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 use can eventually mark any plate surface. The non-porous glazed surface prevents staining from foods and won't absorb odours, even from strongly flavoured dishes.

Stacking for storage: When storing the set, ensure all plates are clean and completely dry. The coupe design stacks reasonably well—the gently sloping rim allows nesting whilst preventing plates from sitting completely flush (which would make separation difficult). For long-term storage, consider placing paper towels, cloth napkins, or felt protectors between plates to prevent any potential scratching if grit or dust settles between them.

Entertaining with rainbow colours: The six different colours create instant visual interest at the table. You can assign colours to regular dinner guests (creating "their" special colour), mix colours for eclectic charm, or arrange them in rainbow order around the table for coordinated presentation. The colours work beautifully with both white tablecloths for formal occasions and patterned linens for casual gatherings.

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), and don't move directly from freezer to hot oven without using the cold-oven method. Gradual temperature changes extend longevity and prevent potential thermal shock damage.

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.

For entertaining: The set of six provides enough plates for intimate dinner parties or family meals. For larger gatherings, consider purchasing multiple sets to ensure all guests receive the rainbow presentation. The gift-boxed nature makes it easy to give matching sets to multiple households, creating continuity when families dine together.

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.