Le Creuset LS2532-3067 Signature Chip Resistant Braiser, 3.5-Quart

Last updated: January 26, 2023


The Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 3 1/2 Qt. braiser is the best. all-around braising pan you can buy. It has easy-to-grip handles that were designed with oven mitts in mind and comes in a myriad of fun color options. So not only will this braiser look good in your kitchen, but it will also allow you to create countless delicious meals.

We looked at the top Braisers and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Braiser you should buy.

Product Details

Key Takeaway: Great color options and the highest quality construction make this Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron a braiser that will last generations.

In our analysis of 49 expert reviews, the Le Creuset Signature Chip Resistant Braiser, 3.5-Quart placed 7th when we looked at the top 13 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

Enameled cast iron is a remarkable and robust material that performs well with modern requirements for food preparation and cooking. Whether you choose to stir-fry, slow-cook a casserole, sear a steak or bake a cake, there is a shape that is suitable. Cast iron performs well for either slow cooking or high-temperature searing. Cast iron can be used reliably on any heat source, including induction, and with any oven or grill. It has the ability to retain heat efficiently, which allows for use of lower heat settings in stovetop and oven cooking. On the table, a hot covered dish will keep food hot for second servings. Cast iron can also be used to keep foods cold. A chilled dish becomes an ideal cold food server on a hot summer day. It can also be placed in the freezer for food storage or advanced food preparation. High heat temperatures should only be used for boiling water for vegetables or pasta, or for reducing the consistency of stocks or sauces. High heats should never be used to preheat a pan before lowering the heat for cooking. Cast iron retains heat so efficiently that overheating will cause food to burn or stick. The vitreous enamel surface is impermeable and therefore ideal for raw or cooked food storage, and for marinating with acidic ingredients such as wine. For frying and sauteing, the fat should be hot before adding food. Bring the pan and fat or oil to the correct temperature together. Oil is hot enough when there is a gentle ripple in its surface. For butter and other fats, bubbling or foaming indicates the correct temperature. If either begins smoking, or if butter begins browning, it is too hot and should be cooled slightly before proceeding. The quickest way to do this is to remove the pan from the heat source for a few moments. For longer shallow frying a mixture of oil and butter gives excellent results.

Our Expert Consultant

Julie Chernoff
Culinary Expert

Julie Chernoff is a long-time member of Les Dames d’Escoffier (past president of the Chicago Chapter, and current co-chair of the LDEI Legacy Awards Committee), the Association of Food Journalists (AFJ) and the International Association of Culinary Professionals.

Chernoff is the dining editor of Better, a lifestyle website and print magazine. Her journalism started in the test kitchens of Weight Watchers Magazine. She holds a BA in English from Yale University and is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy. She has spent the last few decades styling, photographing, teaching, developing recipes, editing, thinking and writing about food.

Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

Beautiful enough to transition easily from oven to table. Good size – holding 5 quarts. Large handles. Comes in 9 bold color options. Can be used on all types of stove tops or ovens. Can also be used as a skillet. Cleans easily. The company makes this braiser in its own foundry in France.
I've loved using the product. Great addition to our kitchen.
- ABT
I had an old Le Creuset braiser with a glass lid that was smaller and I have wanted to replace it. I hesitated to make the purchase until I saw the beautiful Sea Glass color and couldn’t resist. The braiser is a perfect size and I really prefer that the lid is not glass. I haven’t used it yet, but I’m sure it’ll be as wonderful as the old Le Creuset braiser andmore functional because of its larger size. The color is fabulous. I would love to see Le Creuset make their dinnerware set in sea glass!
I have had this pan almost a year and I love it more every day I have it...really! It is so versatile for frying, browning, roasting, stewing...you name it. Best of all, it is absolutely gorgeous and goes so beautifully from the stove to the center of the table. The meal is so appetizing and the food stays hot throughout the meal which is a plus I had not anticipated. I have made roast beef/potatoes/carrots, spaghetti sauce with meat balls for a large crowd, a large meatloaf, boiled shrimp/corn/potatoes (cooked in a stock pot but served in my gorgeous braiser), roasted chicken and veggies, and the list goes on. Everything looks extra yummy in the center of the table in the brasier and clean-up is a breeze....just add water and let it soak a bit. The only con is that the larger braiser is pretty heavy. I am older and use it to keep in shape but I can see that if someone had weaker arms it could be a problem...especially if filled with roast and veggies, etc.
Easy to clean, even burn-ons, so just soak, or boil with vinegar if really bad or use Bar Keeper's Friend. Usually just wipe clean or use a "safe for non-stick" scrub pad. Dishwasher safe.
Nice big size and versatile for many types of dishes
The 3 1/2 quart Braiser is great for cooking up many dinner dishes. It’s perfect for one-pot meals, slow braised meats, such as Apple Cider Braised Brisket, to beautiful pan sauces or Three Cheese Chicken Penne Bake!
One of the aspects of braisers is the consistent heat they provide, which eliminates hot spots. This results in more even cooking.
One thing to mention about Le Creuset cookware is that it is very easy to clean. The chip-resistant enameled coating over the cast iron creates a nonstick surface that is also stain resistant. Even after burning my bratwurst, I was able to wipe the inside with a sponge and remove all of the mess.

What reviewers didn't like

Since this is cast iron, it is a heavy pot to use.
We are not impressed with this braiser. After reading reviews about how easy it is to clean, we thought this would be amazing. It's not. Everything seems to burn, even on the low heat, making it a pain to clean. We have to let it soak overnight and then leave a cleaner on the remaining residue over another night to get everything off. We've only used a handful of times because of the inconvenience factor. When we do use it, it's only to get our "use" out of the item because it was so expensive.
Expensive. Again, just another case of you get what you pay for. Each piece is made by hand, then the mold is broken...one-of-a-kind.
Expensive and can’t go in the microwave or dishwasher
One of the drawbacks of cast iron is the weight. They can be heavy…much heavier than you think.
View our Braiser buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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