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Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Holly Soup Pot 26cm
Part of Le Creuset's Limited Edition Holly Collection, this 26cm soup pot combines French enamelled cast iron craftsmanship with festive design details. The body features embossed holly foliage, whilst the lid is crowned with a distinctive gold knob rather than the standard phenolic finish. Available in cerise and thyme, this piece is designed to be both a functional cooking vessel and a table centrepiece for festive gatherings.
The 4.1-litre capacity suits family meals and small gatherings, typically serving 4-6 people for soups, stews, and one-pot dishes. Cast iron construction provides excellent heat retention and even cooking, with the curved interior walls making stirring particularly effective. The enamelled interior won't react with acidic ingredients and helps prevent food from sticking during browning.
Key features include:
- Embossed Holly Design: Decorative foliage pattern on cast iron body with gold knob
- Heat-Resistant Knob: Gold knob safe to 260°C with ergonomic grip design
- Multi-Hob Compatibility: Suitable for gas, electric, ceramic, induction, halogen, and oven use
- Tight-Fitting Lid: Helps retain moisture and concentrate flavours during cooking
- French Manufacturing: Made in France with Le Creuset's lifetime guarantee
- Freezer Compatible: Temperature range from -23°C to 260°C allows freezer-to-oven use
This soup pot is designed for cooks who value both cooking performance and presentation, particularly suitable for serving dishes directly at the table during festive occasions.
What Customers Ask About the Holly Soup Pot
What makes this different from the standard Le Creuset casserole?
This is part of Le Creuset's Limited Edition Holly Collection. It features embossed holly foliage on the cast iron body and a distinctive gold knob on the lid, rather than the standard phenolic knob. These decorative elements make it particularly suited to festive table presentation whilst maintaining all the cooking performance of Le Creuset's signature enamelled cast iron.
Can I use this pot on induction hobs?
Yes, this soup pot is compatible with all hob types including induction, gas, electric, ceramic, and halogen. The cast iron base provides excellent magnetic properties for induction cooking. Ensure you match the pot size to an appropriately sized induction ring for the hob to recognise it properly.
Is the gold knob oven-safe?
Yes, the gold knob is heat resistant up to 260°C, making it safe for oven use at standard cooking temperatures. The knob is designed with an ergonomic shape for easier gripping, even when wearing oven gloves.
How do I care for the gold knob?
Le Creuset recommends hand-washing lids with gold knobs to maintain their finish. Whilst the cast iron body is dishwasher-safe, the decorative gold finish on the knob should be washed by hand with warm, soapy water to preserve its appearance over time.
What size portions does the 4.1L capacity serve?
The 4.1-litre capacity typically serves 4-6 people for soups, stews, and one-pot meals. This makes it ideal for family dinners or small gatherings. The 26cm diameter provides ample surface area for browning ingredients before adding liquids.
Can I use metal utensils in this pot?
Metal utensils may be used with care in Le Creuset enamelled cast iron, but Le Creuset recommends their silicone tools or wooden/heat-resistant plastic utensils instead. If using metal, avoid harsh scraping over the cooking surface as this may damage the enamel finish over time.
About Le Creuset's Limited Editions
Le Creuset's limited edition collections typically feature distinctive design elements whilst maintaining the cooking performance of their core range. The Holly Collection's embossed pattern is applied to the cast iron before enamelling, making it a permanent part of the cookware rather than surface decoration. These pieces are manufactured in the same French foundries as Le Creuset's standard range, following the same sand-casting process that's been refined over decades.
Limited edition pieces often become collectible over time, particularly when featuring seasonal designs. The gold knob requires hand-washing to maintain its finish, which is the main care difference from standard Le Creuset pieces with phenolic knobs. The enamelled cast iron body itself maintains the same durability and cooking properties customers expect from Le Creuset, with the lifetime guarantee covering manufacturing defects regardless of decorative elements.
Specifications
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.
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- ✓ 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 01737 222996
Care & Use Instructions
Before first use: Remove all labels and packaging. Wash your Le Creuset pot in warm, soapy water; then rinse and dry thoroughly.
During cooking: Always use oven gloves when handling anything hot. Le Creuset recommends their silicone tools or wooden/heat-resistant plastic utensils. Metal utensils may be used with care but should not be scraped harshly over the cooking surface. Use the pot on an appropriately sized hob ring to ensure even cooking and prevent handle damage. On induction hobs, matching ring size to pot size is particularly important for proper recognition.
Heat management: Cook on medium or low heat for best results, even for frying and searing. Allow the pot to heat up gradually. Cast iron retains heat efficiently, so high heat is rarely necessary. Never slide the pot on glass-topped hobs; always lift it to prevent damage to both the pot base and the hob surface.
Cleaning: Allow the pot to cool before cleaning. Wipe away food residue, or soak in warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes if food is stuck. The cast iron body is dishwasher-safe, though constant dishwashing may dull the enamel finish. Important: Hand-wash the lid with the gold knob to maintain its decorative finish. Avoid abrasive cleaning agents or stiff brushes on any surfaces. Dry thoroughly and store in a dry place.
Freezer-to-oven use: This pot is freezer-compatible down to -23°C. When using food straight from the freezer, allow it to thaw slightly before heating to avoid thermal shock.
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 cooked with 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.
Is the gold knob dishwasher safe?
Le Creuset recommends hand-washing lids with gold, iridescent, copper, and black nickel knobs to maintain their decorative finish. The casserole body itself is dishwasher-safe, though hand-washing helps preserve the enamel's lustre over time.
Does this come with Le Creuset's lifetime guarantee?
Yes, this soup pot is covered by Le Creuset's lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects. This covers issues with materials and workmanship but does not cover damage from misuse, accidents, or normal wear over time. Register your product with Le Creuset to activate the guarantee.
Can I freeze food in this pot?
Yes, Le Creuset enamelled cast iron is freezer-compatible down to -23°C. You can store prepared dishes in the pot in the freezer, then transfer to the oven or hob for reheating. Make sure not to put this pot straight from the freezer into a preheated oven as this will cause thermal shock. Leave your food to defrost a bit first or add the pot into the oven before it starts heating up, this gentle rise in heat will ensure your pot stays in one piece.
Will the embossed holly pattern wear off over time?
No, the holly pattern is embossed into the cast iron before the enamel coating is applied, making it a permanent part of the cookware structure. It won't wear off with normal use and cleaning.
Can I use this pot under the grill?
Yes, this soup pot is suitable for use under the grill with the lid removed. The gold knob is heat resistant to 260°C, but for prolonged grill use, Le Creuset generally recommends removing lids. Always use oven gloves when handling.