The Best Places To Buy A Le Creuset 35
QVC currently has three colors, including a Licorice black color similar to my own beloved Onyx about half off retail price for $218.
This size of Dutch oven tends to go on sale frequently, especially around the holidays, but it will depend on the color youre looking for. New seasonal colors are less likely to go on sale, but if youre looking for one of the classics, Wayfair has a similar pan in a wide array of colors for $240. Our best rec? Shop around.
Whats your favorite Dutch oven? Tell us all about it in the comments!
Le Creuset 55 Quart Dutch Oven
My trusty Lodge works just as well as one of those fancy Dutch ovens with the sexy-sounding French names, but it costs a third of the price. With a shiny, smooth, nonstick enamel finishwhich is just as practical as it is prettythis thing is all about functionality, baking, braising, sautéing, and roasting food perfectly. I appreciate its slightly curved base, which makes for easy stovetop stirring, and its wide loop handles, which allow me to maneuver confidently from oven to table. Could you splurge on one of those pricey Dutch ovens? Suuuuuuure. But do you need to? Absolutely not. Alex Beggs, senior staff writer
Competition: The Battle Of Budget Vs High
Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven: Another highly trusted cookware brand, Lodge makes its own quality Dutch oven at a fraction of the cost of Le Creuset. Ranging in price from about $70 for the 1.5-quart pot to $150 for the 7.5-quart pot, this porcelain-enameled cast iron pot can do most anything the Le Creuset can do. The Lodge also has a lifetime warranty, comes in a variety of colors, and has a creamy white interior. At 16 pounds, it is heavier and bulkier than the Le Creuset and its design lacks the same elegance. The Le Creuset also uses higher-quality enamel thats less likely to chip over time. That said, the Lodge is a wonderful option for people who prioritize performance over Le Creusets signature aesthetic.
Go for it
If youve fallen hard for Le Creuset but still have lingering qualms over the price, follow your heart, not your head. The brands iconic Dutch oven isnt only beautiful, but also highly functional and long-lasting, after all.
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Get Le Creusets Deep Dutch Oven For 45% Off At Sur La Table And Make All Your Favorite Hearty Soups And Stews This Winter
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People know Le Creuset for its durable, enameled cast iron kitchenware and bakeware, which come in a plethora of vibrant colors. The brand also has a reputation for being pretty pricey. Lucky for us, during Sur La Tables early Black Friday Sale, Le Creusets Signature Round Deep Dutch Oven is 45% off.
$380 at Sur La Table
Le Creuset launched in 1925 with its flame-colored, enameled, cast-iron cocotte . Since then, the company has been a favorite among amateur and professional chefs: It appeared listed on Oprahs Favorite Things several times over the years, and even ! Plus, all Le Creuset pieces come with a lifetime warranty, so you know they will last.
The Signature Round Deep Dutch Oven is one of the brands newest iterations of the classic cookware piece. Its everything fans love in the original Dutch oven, but a couple of inches deeper. The added depth can help contain splatters and reduce boilovers, and the tall sides help lock in flavor just a bit better.
The stovetop- and oven-friendly cast iron helps to cook meals evenly through. Its perfect for braising meats, making hearty stews, baking bread and more. Plus, its 5.25-quart size is ideal for making five to six servings.
Why You Should Trust Us
Weve been covering Dutch ovens at Wirecutter since 2015. Ray Aguilera, who wrote the original version of this guide, has professionally reviewed a wide range of products since 2006, in addition to being an avid cook and home brewer. Kevin Purdy, a former Wirecutter staff writer, previously updated this guide.
Anna Perling is a Wirecutter kitchen writer who has covered everything from hand mixers to small saucepans. To update this guide in 2020, she read new editorial reviews on Dutch ovens, including ones from Epicurious, The Kitchn, The Strategist, and Americas Test Kitchen. She also read up on the science of cookware, consulting Cooking For Engineers and Cooking Issues.
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Cleanup: Easy As Un Deux Trois
This Dutch oven is dishwasher safe, which we know will be a huge plus for some people. Because it is such a special and expensive piece, however, we opted to wash it by hand. Luckily, doing so was super easy. After gently scrubbing the Dutch oven with a warm, soapy sponge, it looked good as new in mere moments.
You Will Use It To Make Tender Gently Simmered Meaty Things
Like this kimchi bacon chicken braise, a personal favorite of mine. Or this rich pomegranate lamb shank stunner. Or pot roasthow you gonna make pot roast without a pot? An enameled cast-iron Dutch oven is perfect for braises because of its heft, which helps with heat retention and distribution. Its ideal for searing meat over high heat on the stovetop and then transferring it to the oven for low-and-slow cooking. Thats versatility. Youll wonder how you ever got through these miserable winter months without one.
Meaty.
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Price: On The High End But Worth Every Penny
Ranging in cost between about $150 for the 1-quart option to $560 for the 13 ¼-quart option, Le Creusets Dutch oven is much pricier than its competitors. The 5.5-quart pot we tested retails for $350 MSRPabout 6x the price of its main budget contender, the Lodge.
That said, in terms of longevity, versatility, and ease of use, theres no doubt youll get a substantial return on your investment. Can you make equally delicious meals in a less-expensive Dutch oven? Perhaps, yes. But if you look at this as an heirloom piece that could stay in your family for generations, it might be worth paying up.
The Spruce Eats / Tierney McAfee
Le Creuset Dutch Ovens: Trs Chic
Unparalleled in both their practicality and eye-catching looks, Le Creuset Dutch ovens are a favorite of both seasoned chefs and kitchen design enthusiasts across the globe. Le Creuset produced its first cocotte nearly 100 years ago in 1925 and has continued to improve and expand their product line ever since. Made with a cast iron core, Le Creuset Dutch ovens, also called French ovens, retain and distribute heat evenly, making it ideal for slow-cooking and braising. A tight-fitting lid further circulates steam and traps moisture to yield the tenderest meats and veggies. What’s more: not just for looks, the Le Creuset Dutch ovens’ vibrant finish also prevents sticking and makes your easy to clean. Use your on the stovetop, freezer or ovenjust make sure the temperature is below 500°F. Ready to add one of these versatile cookware items to your kitchen? Be sure to consider enameled cast iron Le Creuset Dutch ovens in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors before selecting the one that’s best for you.
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Le Creuset Dutch Oven Shapes: Round And Oval
Le Creuset Dutch ovens come in two primary shapes: round and oval. While this difference may not seem especially notable, it does influence the types of food the pot can accommodate, so think about how you see yourself using it and for which recipes. A Le Creuset round Dutch oven, for example, is most compatible with soups, stews and one-pot meals cooked on the stovetop, as the circular shape mimics the shape of the burner so that all ingredients are heated evenly. Looking to use your Le Creuset Dutch oven in the conventional oven? With its oblong shape, a Le Creuset oval Dutch oven is best for roasting large cuts of meat, such as roasts, whole chickens or turkeys. Whether you opt for a round or oval Le Creuset oven, the brand’s artisanal looks make for elegant stove- or oven-to- table serveware make sure to place a coordinating underneath to protect your tabletop.
Maybe The Best Part You Will Cook Things In It And Then Serve Those Things In It Straight From The Oven To The Table Because Its Pretty
Classically pretty, like puffy sleeves and brooches. Why get a separate platter dirty? Are you obsessed with doing dishes or something? I mayOR MAY NOTown a very specific pumpkin-shaped cocotte that I use approximately once a year, but for the entire months of October and November it decorates my mantle and doesnt rot into mush like real gourds. Put a kitten in it! Make a photoshoot of it.
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Misen 7 Quart Dutch Oven
The chic, modern Milo by Kana Classic Dutch oven is not your grannys cookwarebut it performs just as well. With a minimalist feel, this simple enameled cast-iron Dutch oven comes in rich hues like navy and emerald. Both of those colorways, plus the matte black, sport a dark enamel interior like Staub pots opt for the white Milo if you want light-colored enamel coating like a Le Creuset. Heavier than a Le Creuset but lighter than the Misen, the Milo Dutch oven is made of 40% recycled cast iron. This is the type of cookware you store on open shelving for everyone to see. T.H.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
The bottom of the Lodge has a slightly curved surface compared with Le Creusets oven. Thats an asset when sautéing vegetables or caramelizing onions, but the Lodge required a few extra minutes to achieve the same level of sear on large cuts of meat, compared with other ovens with flatter surface areas. The base is an inch smaller than that on Le Creusets oven, so you have a little less room to brown meat if youre cooking in large batches.
Weve seen complaints from Amazon reviewers, our readers, and a few Wirecutter staff members that the Lodges enamel chips easily. We havent experienced any chipping ourselves, and Lodge told us that its warranty covers cracked or chipped enamel. But one Wirecutter writer with a damaged pot did not hear back from Lodges customer service. The Lodge is much more affordable than our upgrade pick, but it may also have a shorter lifespan. Price isnt always a tradeoff for quality, but in the case of Dutch ovens, it may be something to consider.
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How To Clean A Dutch Oven
Most Dutch ovens are covered in an enamel coating that eliminates the need for seasoning, a necessary chore for other cast-iron cookware, like many cast-iron skillets. However, just because you have an enameled Dutch oven doesn’t mean you’ll want to throw it in the dishwasher . These pieces still require gentle care, especially after they’ve spent hours on the stovetop or in an oven.
Basically, all you have to do is let it cool, soak it and then give it a good scrub, avoiding steel wool or any other tool that could scratch the enameling. For tougher spots you can use some baking soda and water, and don’t forget to clean both the inside and outside of the pot. Pay attention to what the manufacturer’s care instructions are, and your Dutch oven will surely last a long time.
Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven
The Spruce Eats / Tierney McAfee
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Easy to use and care for
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Retains and distributes heat well
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Inimitable design adds flair to your kitchen
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Excellent lifetime warranty
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Resin knob is only oven-safe up to 500°F
Le Creusets Signature Cast Iron Dutch Oven may be a splurge, but its best-in-class quality ensures it will last lifetimes. And if it doesnt? Well, theres always the lifetime warranty.
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Heating Capacity: Lives Up To The Hype
Le Creusets enameled cast iron pot is known for its superior heat distribution and retention and the cookware didnt disappoint in this category. The pots high sides and heat-conducting properties made evenly browning a whole chicken a cinch. The lid is also made of cast iron and sits tightly on the pot locking in heat, moisture, and flavor.
Le Creuset Dutch Oven Colors
With the practical decisions out of the way, it’s time for the fun part: choosing from among the many colors of Le Creuset French ovens. This crack- and chip-resistant, food-safe enamel glaze gives the cocottes their signature vibrancy and eliminates the need for regular seasoning, unlike other pieces. To achieve a cohesive look for your prep space, coordinate with the colors already present in your home. Dutch ovens, for example, complement the serene vibe of a coastal-inspired space, while cream or ovens give off a minimalist feel, especially when paired with other black and white kitchen accessories. Looking to go bold? Despite its modern feel, the shade was actually the first color ever produced by the brand, making it at once a classic and contemporary pick. Dutch ovens, meanwhile, adds a spicy kick to your stovetop and makes show-stopping oven-to-table serveware during the holiday season. Newer colors such as artichaut green and are also great for making a statement. If your buying a dutch oven as a gift for a loved one and aren’t quite sure what color they’d like, stick with something neutral such as a black or French oven. That way, your pick is sure to complement their kitchen no matter the style.
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Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven
- Standard sizes are hundreds of dollars
- Available Sizes: 2-quart to 13.25-quart
The brand that brought about the modern Dutch oven remains one of the best producers in the market. Its round Dutch ovens are slightly lighter than standard, which makes them easier to lug around the kitchen especially when carrying dinner and handle in the sink when cleaning. Like the Lodge pot, Le Creuset is wider than most Dutch ovens, and its edges are rounded so getting an angle on stuck-on pieces of food isn’t an issue. Also like the Lodge, its side handles are big enough to grip with an oven mitt on, as is the knob on the lid. Its lid also fits perfectly, as it releases just enough moisture so that stews and braises become richer without evaporating the base liquids too quickly, resulting in richer flavors across the board.
Why pay three- to four-times the price of the Lodge? The Le Creuset brand is certainly more romantic. It remains one of the most-requested items on wedding registries and retains its Made-in-France status to this day. But it’s the brand’s long history of making this specific Dutch oven that earns it the most cred. There are many vintage Le Creuset pots from the ’60s on eBay and Craigslist to this day, and that kind of realized longevity can’t be argued with.
Upgrade Pick: Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast
Le Creusets Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 5½-Quart Round French Oven is the best Dutch oven you can buy. Its the most durable oven weve tested, and we think its the best option for cooks who want a heritage piece of cookware. Le Creusets oven turns out great food every time, and its the most enjoyable to use of any we tested. Le Creusets oven is one of the lightest we tested and has the largest handles, which makes it the easiest oven to cook with and to clean. Le Creusets pots have a durable enamel coatingwith a smooth finish for even cookingthats backed by a lifetime warranty. Le Creusets oven is expensive, and if you get it, youll be investing in longevity. In our tests we didnt find that it cooked that much better than the Lodge, but in our experience its enamel has far more staying power.
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The Crockpot Dutch Oven Shoppers Prefer To Pricey Le Creuset Is On Major Sale Up To 62% Off
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Amazon
Even if you aren’t a professional chef, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t treat yourself to high-quality cookware. And with the holidays right around the corner, there are ahead of Black Friday, including on a popular cast-iron dutch oven.
Right now, home cooks can save big on the Crockpot Artisan Round Enameled 7-Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven, as select colors are on sale, up to 62 percent off.
Made from durable cast iron, this pot is ideal for slow-cooking, simmering, braising, and baking in the oven up to 500 degrees, as it works its magic by retaining and distributing heat evenly throughout, ensuring that every bite is as flavorful as the last. It pulls double duty too, as you can use it to whip up a meal on top of a gas, electric, ceramic, or induction cooktop.
The dutch oven, which has racked up more than 6,400 perfect ratings from shoppers, features a self-basting lid and has generous oversized handles that allow for a sturdy grip, making it easier for you to maneuver the dish from the oven or stovetop to the counter or dining table. Its porcelain enamel finish provides a naturally non-stick surface, so the pot is an ideal option for baking bread, cooking casseroles, and everything in between.
Amazon
Buy It! Crockpot Artisan Round Enameled 7-Quart Cast-Iron Dutch Oven in Slate Gray, $52.99
Amazon