It Was Popular In The '70s — Now It's A Valuable Le Creuset Pot That We Want In Our Homes

Anything Le Creuset is a valuable kitchen essential due to its notoriety, and handcrafted, quality cookware. While it's exciting to search for recently retired colors at discounted retailers or to browse through thrift stores in case someone donated a brand-new dutch oven, you can't forget the vintage pieces. In fact, a certain '70s Le Creuset pot is so iconic that the one Julia Child used is now part of a collection at the National Museum of American History! Yes, the Le Creuset "La Mama" cocotte has entered the chat.

Launched in the early 1970s as part of a collaboration with Italian artist and designer Enzo Mari, the La Mama featured a different handle configuration designed for comfort and function. The fact that it was created by a renowned artist, was used by Julia Child, and is no longer in production makes it a treasured cookware item that you'd be lucky to have in your kitchen.

During its production it was made in a variety of colors, which is great for matching one to your aesthetic. This vintage kitchen item can start at around $100, but the majority are in the $300 to $500 range. It ultimately comes down to the item's condition and if it has chips or imperfections — but that just adds to its vintage charm.

Luckily, there are a ton of Le Creuset La Mama cocottes available on sites like eBay and Etsy; but you never know what you might find at an estate sale, thrift store, or antique shop. Regardless of where you start your search, there are a few helpful tips to determine the authenticity of a piece you suspect is a La Mama.

In addition to the distinct La Mama handles, the pot should also have an engraving on the bottom that reads "Le Creuset, Made in France" with a number in the center that refers to the pot's diameter in centimeters. This size should also be stamped on the inside of the lid (for example, "20"). If you're browsing online, sellers should have pictures of the maker's mark. Also, make sure to check the spelling, as it can distinguish between the real thing and knock-offs that look like Le Creuset. 

This next tip is geared more toward searching for a La Mama through online marketplaces: If a product online looks like the La Mama cocotte but is labeled as being a dutch oven, don't worry, it means the same thing. Also, since Enzo Mari designed other La Mama pieces for Le Creuset like casserole dishes, it's key to know the difference. 

If you're unsure, you can typically tell if it's a cocotte by the lidded top, round or oval shape, and the deep sides — perfect for soups, stews, braises, and your first try at sourdough bread. Actual Mari casserole cookware is more shallow in depth and may or may not come with lids. (Learn about the ancient origins of dutch ovens.)