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.
Q: Is 28cm Le Creuset Too Big
A: It depends on what you plan to use the Dutch oven for. If you intend to cook large meals or entertain guests, a 28cm Le Creuset Dutch oven may be too small for your needs. This size is ideal for cooking for 4-6 people, depending on the dish. However, if you want a larger pot that can hold more food or liquids, there are other sizes available from this brand that range in capacity from 7 quarts up to 12 quarts. Ultimately, it will depend on your personal preferences and what types of dishes you typically make at home.
What’s The Difference Between Staub And Le Creuset
Note that there are more subtle differences between Staub and Le Creuset Dutch ovens, but these are the features that make the most difference while cooking.
Interior Color: the inside of the Le Creuset Dutch oven is creamy white, while the interior of the Staub Dutch oven is dark grey. The aesthetic difference is an important one, as seeing the level of browning on the food you’re cooking is essential to timing. The lighter color of the Le Creuset makes this simpler, and also makes cleaning marginally easier.
Weight: no matter what size vessel you’re shopping for, Le Creusets are lighter than Staubs. The difference can be felt, but isn’t so great that either suffer tremendously from it. The Staub’s heaviness means it holds temperature more evenly and for longer, while the Le Creuset’s lightness makes lifting a full pot of beef stew from the oven a little less daunting.
Lid Fit: the Staub’s lid fits more tightly than the Le Creuset’s. This means less liquid steams or boils off during longer cooks in a Staub than a Le Creuset. Whether you want moisture to escape a lidded pot or not is dependent on the dish you’re cooking many soups and stews aren’t meant to lose much moisture once assembled, while braising something like short ribs you plan to lose water to deepen flavor.
Don’t Miss: Easy Off Fume Free Oven Cleaner
Le Creuset 28 Dutch Oven Reviews Buying Guides
Contents
Are you considering purchasing a Le Creuset Dutch oven? If so, youre likely wondering what sets these pots apart from the competition. In this article, well review the features of Le Creuset Dutch ovens and provide an overview of the pros and cons of owning one. By the end of this post, you should have a good idea of whether or not a Le Creuset Dutch oven is the right investment for you.
What Is Le Creuset
Le Creuset is an iconic French cookware company that was founded by Armand Desaegher and Octave Aubecq in 1925. This is when Le Creusets first cocotte Dutch oven in its signature color Flame, similar to the glow of molten cast iron, also known as Volcano was released.
Le Creuset cookware is one of the most expensive types of cookware on the market. But, why? What makes it different from any other type of pot or pan that you might buy at your local kitchen store?
Le Creuset uses high-quality materials. Their cookware is designed for performance, durability, and reliability, withstand high heat and safety with large handles and knobs for easy use. Le Creusets almost 100 years of experience honing its proven innovative designs and manufacturing skills are backed by offering lifetime warranties.
Related read Why is Le Creuset so expensive and is Le Creuset worth the investment?
Recommended Reading: Roast Brussel Sprouts In Oven
Le Creuset Dutch Oven
-
$238.27
Add to Favorites -
FREE shipping
Add to Favorites -
$250.00 FREE shipping
Add to Favorites -
$17.99
Add to Favorites -
$127.50
Add to Favorites -
$225.00 FREE shipping
Add to Favorites -
$95.00
Add to Favorites -
$150.00
Add to Favorites -
FREE shipping
Add to Favorites -
$36.58
Add to Favorites -
$60.00
Add to Favorites -
$239.05
Add to Favorites -
$41.81
Add to Favorites -
$49.00
Add to Favorites -
$187.08
Add to Favorites -
$125.00
Add to Favorites -
$180.00 FREE shipping
Add to Favorites
How Do You Care For Enameled Cast Iron
No doubt, enameled cast iron cookware can be expensive. So you want that investment to last. To keep your cookware at its best, you should avoid using metal utensils. The metal can chip or scratch the enamel.
You should also clean your enameled cast iron soon after use. Prompt cleaning can help prevent stains on the enamel interior. It also means your cookware is easier to clean.
Check Out this video on cleaning your Dutch oven:
You should hand wash most enameled cast iron. Some manufacturers claim their cookware is dishwasher safe. I would still be cautious about putting it in the dishwasher. Hand washing is your safest option.
Enameled cast iron does not like extreme temperature changes. If you plunge your hot cast iron pan into cold water, you might crack the enamel. Yikes.
A good rule of thumb is to heat and cool slowly. Slow and steady will keep your cookware in tip-top shape.
Don’t Miss: How To Cook Tilapia Oven
Q: What Size Is Le Creuset 28
A: The Le Creuset 28 Dutch oven is one of the larger sizes available from this brand. Measuring 14 inches in diameter and 7.25 quarts incapacity, it is ideal for large family meals or cooking for a crowd. The enameled cast iron construction ensures even heat distribution, while the stainless steel knob is safe at any oven temperature. Additionally, the pot is dishwasher-safe and can be used with metal utensils. However, some users have reported that the enamel coating may chip easily over time.
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.
Don’t Miss: Sweet Potatoes In Oven Recipe
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.
Round Or Oval Dutch Oven 5 Or 7
What is the most popular size round Le Creuset Dutch oven? Well after a ton of research it appears that the most popular Dutch oven size goes to the Le Creuset Dutch oven 7.25 qt. It is practical for most people to use as it is large enough to prepare meals for 4 to 6 people.
The round Dutch oven fits snugly on most cooktops which allows for lovely even and consistent heat. The Dutch oven is also not too heavy for most people to carry when full of food.
So from the cooktop to the oven and the oven to the table for serving the 7.25-quart size seems to be the most popular Dutch oven.
If you would like to check out an extremely large variety of Dutch ovens and accessories click here to head over to Amazon.
Recommended Reading: Enamel Coated Cast Iron Dutch Oven
What Can You Make In A Le Creuset Dutch Oven
Think of a Dutch oven as the original multi-cooker. It can go from stovetop to oven to table and does virtually everything a home cook needs: baking, slow cooking, braising, roasting, stewing, poaching, shallow frying and deep frying. You can easily make casseroles and one-pot meals in your Le Creuset Dutch oven and, because of its versatility, it’s ideal for batch cooking and meal prep. Plus, since you don’t need to use other cookware, it really cuts down on clean-up time.
Depending on what you like to cook, how many people you plan to serve and whether you want leftovers, you can use just one or two Le Creuset products as your everyday cookware. Le Creuset Dutch ovens specifically have several useful features that contribute to their superior multipurpose function.
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.
Don’t Miss: Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven
Where Is It Made
Now this is slightly tricky. Where its made shouldnt affect the quality, necessarily. Yet many people feel it does.
People like to buy made in USA, or made in Britain. In the case of enameled cast iron in particular, made in France is a great choice.
But some brands make the raw cast iron in one country then ship it to another country to enamel . Consumers might not realize their enameled cast iron Dutch oven has been on a round the world trip before arriving at the shop !
Ready to see the details? Lets jump in right in.
Test : Care And Storage
Winner: Le Creuset. Due to its white interior, the Le Creuset makes it easier to see what youre doing , and I didnt have any issues with staining or discoloration. Folks who do have this problem have likely left the food in the pot overnight or more and let it set too long. Its also dishwasher-safe, which is hugely convenient if youre just not in the mood to scrub.
The Staub, whose black interior hides leftover food bits, should not be dish-washed, as its interior enamel is porous and can be degraded by the chemicals in dishwashing detergent .
As far as storage and maneuverability go, neither are particularly comfortable to pick up or put down. Theyre big and bulky and you probably dont need more than one per kitchen. That said, the Le Creuset is slightly lighter.
Id advise against giving either the Matryoshka doll treatment by stacking all manner of other cookware inside the enamel coating is very strong, but coming into contact with another heavy metal object is asking for a chip. And these pots are already heavy enough without the rest of your cookware nesting in them.
Read Also: Microwave Oven Over The Range
Can Dutch Ovens Be Made Out Of Other Materials Besides Cast Iron And Enamel
What makes a Dutch oven a Dutch oven these days is a little bit up to interpretation. There are plenty of pots dubbed Dutch ovens that aren’t made of cast iron, and we’ve seen some made of aluminum, stainless steel, and even ceramic.
The main things you’ll want to look for in a Dutch oven is a tight-fitting lid, even heating, and a moderately low-walled design so that it’s easy to turn, stir, and flip food. It’s also important to note the interior color if you’re going to be doing a lot of searing and browning, a darker interior color is best since lighter colors tend to stain.
- Type: Enamel coated cast iron
- Interior color: Light
- Available sizes: 1.5 quart, 3 quart, 4.5 quart, 6 quart, 7.5 quart
- Temperature limit: Stove and oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
The Best Le Creuset Dutch Oven Deal Around
Le Creuset is one of the best known names in cookware. They’re best known for their enameled cast iron Dutch ovens that come in a huge array of colors. Their Dutch ovens have been hand made in France since 1925 and are still made the old artisan way today.
Le Creuset Dutch ovens are beautiful, durable–and expensive. But we recently found an interesting option that sells for less. If you’re willing to think just a little bit outside of the box, you can get one of the world’s best deals on a Le Creuset Dutch oven.
Keep reading to learn about this fantastic piece–and find out if it’s the right choice for you.
You May Like: Outdoor Fireplace Kits With Pizza Oven
Le Creuset 28 Dutch Oven Reviews
The Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven is the perfect size for everyday meals. The cast iron distributes heat evenly, so your food can simmer and stew gently without scorching. The enameled surface resists dulling, staining and chipping, making it easy to clean. Plus, the colorful exterior makes this Dutch oven a beautiful addition to your kitchen decor.
This top-of-the-line product has a light-colored interior enamel, which makes it easy to monitor your cooking progress, and tight-fitting lids that circulate steam and return moisture back to your food. Plus, the ergonomic knobs and handles make it easy to lift even when its full perfect for busy chefs or novice cooks.
Le Creusets Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven is the perfect addition to your kitchen. With its 7.25 qt capacity, it is perfect for large family meals or entertaining guests. The Marseille color is sure to add a pop of color to your kitchen décor. The enameled cast iron construction ensures even heat distribution and retention, while the stainless steel knob is safe at any oven temperature. The Dutch oven is also compatible with all cooktops and oven-safe up to 500°F. For added convenience, it is also safe for the dishwasher and can be used with metal utensils.
PROS and CONS of Le Creuset 28 Dutch Oven
Cons Of Owning A Le Creuset Dutch Oven
There are a few potential downsides to owning a Le Creuset Dutch oven. First, the pots are quite expensive, with prices starting at around $200. Second, the pots are heavy, which can make them difficult to maneuver. Third, the enamel coating can chip if the pot is dropped or banged against something hard. If this happens, the pot will need to be replaced.
Overall, Le Creuset Dutch ovens are high-quality pots that come with a number of benefits. However, they are also quite expensive and may not be right for everyone. If youre looking for a durable and easy-to-clean pot, a Le Creuset Dutch oven may be a good option for you. But if youre looking for a budget-friendly option or want something that is easier to move around, you may want to consider other brands of Dutch ovens instead.
Read Also: Convection Microwave Over The Range Oven
Do I Need To Get A Dutch Oven That Was Made In France
Not really. The reason why Dutch ovens made in France are marketed as the best is because of the quality control standards that companies like Le Creuset follow. It’s also part of the reason why pots made in France are so expensive. Companies that are not manufacturing their cookware in France also have quality control standards, so what really matters is the actual quality of the cookware, not necessarily where it’s made.
Best Enameled Cast Iron Set: Whats The Verdict
If you want the best quality and reputation, I would go with the Le Creuset Signature enameled cast iron cookware set. You just cant beat the performance and durability.
I know its expensive, but heres the thing: quality enamel cookware is pricey. If Im spending the money I may as well go all the way and get something that will last.
If its too pricey for you, then one option is to get it a piece at a time. But the piece you need the most first.
If you are specifically interested in enameled cast iron Dutch ovens, check out my Le Creuset vs. Staub guide.
If you are only looking at enameled cast iron skillets then check out my enameled skillet guide. Guess who makes the best enameled cast iron pans?
Recommended Reading: Ge Wall Oven Microwave Combo