The Le Creuset Fait Tout and its sibling, the Braiser, are two exceptional pieces of enameled cast iron cookware, but they serve different primary purposes. The Fait Tout - French for "does everything" - is a versatile all-rounder with a wide, shallow shape designed for frying, roasting, and one-pot meals, while the Braiser is a specialist with taller sides engineered to lock in moisture for slow-cooking and braising tough cuts of meat to perfection.
Here’s everything you need to know about these iconic pieces from Le Creuset to choose the right one for your kitchen.
Le Creuset Fait Tout
The Fait Tout is Le Creuset's answer to the do-it-all pan, designed as a single, multifunctional vessel that can handle nearly any cooking task. Its wide base and relatively shallow-sloping sides make it excellent for searing meats, sautéing vegetables, frying, and even roasting a whole chicken. It's built for cooks who prize versatility and want a single high-quality pot that can replace several others.
- What it is: A versatile, all-in-one enameled cast iron pot designed for a wide range of cooking methods.
- Key features: Wide, flat cooking surface, sloped, relatively shallow sides, tight-fitting lid that circulates steam.
- Price: Ranges from $250 to $350, depending on the size and color.
- Sizes: Available in sizes from 3.5 quarts up to a large 7.25-quart capacity.
- Materials/Construction: Premium enameled cast iron that provides exceptional heat distribution and retention, with a sand-colored interior enamel that resists staining and makes it easy to monitor food.
- Style: Features Le Creuset's signature timeless design and is available in a wide spectrum of vibrant colors to go from stove to tabletop.
- Pros: Extremely versatile for searing, frying, roasting, and sautéing. Large surface area prevents crowding. Works well for one-pot pasta dishes and casseroles. Can function as a skillet, roasting pan, and shallow pot in one.
- Cons: Taller than a skillet but shallower than a Dutch oven, so it may not be ideal for deep frying or large batches of soup. Its "jack-of-all-trades" design means it isn't as specialized for braising as the Braiser.
This pot is perfect for anyone seeking a kitchen workhorse that consolidates several pans into one, making it ideal for smaller kitchens or for those building a minimalist cookware collection.
Shop this product: lecreuset.com/collections/cast-iron-cookware/products/fait-tout
Le Creuset Braiser
The Le Creuset Braiser is a specialized piece of cookware crafted specifically for braising - the process of searing food at a high temperature, then slow-cooking it in a liquid. Its wide base allows for browning meat without steaming, while its taller, straighter sides and heavy, tight-fitting lid trap moisture and heat to tenderize tough cuts and create flavorful sauces.
- What it is: A specialized enameled cast iron pot designed for braising, slow-cooking, and stewing.
- Key features: Wide base for searing, taller straight sides to hold liquids, and a heavy dome-shaped lid that promotes continuous moisture circulation.
- Price: Generally costs between $200 and $300.
- Sizes: Typically available in 3.5-quart to 5.5-quart sizes, perfect for family-sized meals.
- Materials/Construction: The same durable enameled cast iron as other Le Creuset pieces, ensuring it will last for generations and cook food evenly without hotspots.
- Style: A classic and elegant silhouette that makes a beautiful serving dish for dishes like pot roasts, short ribs, and coq au vin.
- Pros: Unbeatable performance for braising and slow-cooking. Locks in moisture for exceptionally tender and flavorful results. The wide base is great for browning multiple ingredients. Doubles as an excellent pan for casseroles or gratins.
- Cons: A more specialized piece, so it's less versatile for everyday tasks like quick sautés or frying. The shape is not as well-suited for stirring as a traditional Dutch oven.
The Braiser is built for the home cook who loves making hearty, flavor-rich dishes and wants the perfect vessel for achieving fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
Shop this product: lecreuset.com/collections/cast-iron-cookware/products/braiser
Le Creuset Fait Tout vs. Le Creuset Braiser Comparison
Design & Versatility
The most significant difference lies in their design, which dictates their function. The Fait Tout has a profile that's somewhere between a skillet and a shallow pot. Its wider cooking surface is fantastic for achieving a good sear on steaks or chicken without crowding the pan. Its versatility is its greatest strength - you can fry in it, make a risotto, or roast vegetables with equal success.
The Braiser, however, is a master of one trade. Its taller, straighter sides are designed specifically to hold braising liquid without it evaporating too quickly, and the tighter-fitting lid is engineered to create a self-basting effect, circulating moisture to keep food juicy during long cooking times. While you can sauté in it, its design is truly optimized for slow-cooking.
Dimensions & Capacity
The Fait Tout is offered in a broader range of sizes, reaching up to 7.25 quarts, making it an excellent option for cooking larger quantities or for bigger families. Its shallow, expansive profile makes its capacity feel very accessible and easy to work with.
The Braiser typically caps out around 5.5 quarts. This sizing is ideally suited for common braising recipes like a 4-5 pound pot roast or a whole cut-up chicken along with vegetables, making it perfectly functional for most households without being excessively large.
Materials & Construction
There is no difference in quality here. Both the Fait Tout and Braiser are forged from Le Creuset's legendary enameled cast iron in France. This material is prized for distributing heat slowly and evenly, which prevents scorching and is essential for both searing and simmering. Both pieces are incredibly durable, resist chipping and staining, and are intended to be heirloom cookware passed down through generations. You can expect the same exceptional performance and longevity from either product.
Price & Value
The Fait Tout often comes with a slightly higher price tag, which reflects its broader utility. The value it provides comes from its multifunctionality - it can stand in for a cast iron skillet, a roasting pan, and a casserole dish, potentially saving you money and storage space on other pieces. The Braiser is slightly less expensive, and its value lies in its specialized performance. For a cooking enthusiast who frequently makes slow-cooked meals, having the perfect tool to deliver consistent, delicious results is well worth the investment.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both cookware pieces are excellent investments from a top-tier brand, but they cater to different cooking styles and kitchen needs.
Choose the Le Creuset Fait Tout if:
- You want a single, versatile pot that excels at sautéing, searing, frying, and roasting.
- You are short on kitchen space and need a multi-purpose workhorse.
- Your cooking style involves lots of one-pot meals, pastas, or stir-fries.
- You are just beginning your Le Creuset collection and want the most flexible piece first.
Choose the Le Creuset Braiser if:
- You frequently cook pot roasts, short ribs, stews, and other slow-cooked dishes.
- You value cookware designed to perfect a specific technique.
- You already own a Dutch oven for soups and stocks and want to expand your capabilities.
- Achieving fork-tender meat and deeply flavorful sauces is a top priority for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Fait Tout and Braiser?
The primary difference is their shape and intended function. The Fait Tout is a versatile all-rounder with a wide, shallow design perfect for searing, frying, and roasting. The Braiser is a specialized pot with straighter, taller sides and a moisture-locking lid designed specifically for the slow-cooking technique of braising.
Can you braise in a Fait Tout?
Yes, you absolutely can braise in a Fait Tout. However, the Braiser's design will provide superior results due to its side height and lid, which do a better job of trapping moisture and creating the ideal environment for tenderizing meat over hours.
Which one is better for searing meat?
Both are excellent for searing thanks to the even heat of cast iron. The Fait Tout's wide surface area and sloped sides can make it slightly easier to get in and flip ingredients without them steaming. Its shape is more like an oversized skillet, lending itself well to this task.
Is the Fait Tout a replacement for a Dutch oven?
Not entirely. While very versatile, the Fait Tout's shallow sides make it less ideal for deep-frying or making large batches of soup, stock, or boiling pasta, which are all tasks where a traditional, deep-sided Dutch oven excels.
I can only afford one. Which should I get?
If you're buying your very first Le Creuset piece and want maximum versatility for everyday cooking, the Fait Tout is a fantastic choice. If your heart is set on mastering slow-cooked comfort food, the Braiser will bring you more joy and better results for those specific dishes.
Can both of these go in the oven?
Yes, both the Fait Tout and the Braiser are oven-safe. The cast iron pan and the lid (with its standard black phenolic knob) are safe up to 500°F, making them an excellent choice for recipes that start on the stovetop and finish in the oven.
How do I clean my Le Creuset cookware?
For both pieces, it's best to hand wash with warm, soapy water and a nylon sponge. Avoid abrasive cleaners or metal scouring pads, as they can damage the enamel. To remove tough food residue, you can soak the pan or simmer a bit of water in it for a few minutes to loosen the bits.
Is a Braiser the same as a casserole dish?
While a braiser can certainly be used to bake a casserole, they are not a one-to-one replacement. A traditional casserole dish is often ceramic or glass and not suitable for stovetop use. A braiser's cast iron construction gives it the added benefit of being able to go from stovetop browning directly to the oven.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
