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I test cookware for a living — and this Dutch oven is worth every penny
Here's my honest review of the iconic Le Creuset Dutch oven: It's deserving of its fame.
I can't think of a single piece of cookware I've purchased that I still use nearly 20 years later ... aside from my Le Creuset Dutch oven. I stalked this hot orange pot for a long time before finally buying it. At the time, I was writing about beauty and lifestyle products for Parenting magazine and often experimenting with new recipes and old favorites in my kitchen. This pot was a serious splurge for me, and I thought long and hard before I committed to it. Would it be one of those ultimately disappointing purchases from what I thought was a reputable and well-known brand? Keep reading for my Le Creuset Dutch oven review.
When you think of classic, durable cookware, a Le Creuset Dutch oven is probably one of the first things that comes to mind. Made from enameled cast iron, this is a true staple in the kitchen and should last for decades — but if you do encounter a problem, the brand will honor the lifetime warranty. And while this Dutch oven is fairly large and heavy, it will see you through many cooking tasks, including one-pot meals, braises, soups and even baking bread.
As a busy mom of two and a graduate of the French Culinary Institute with years of experience working in restaurants and writing about food and cooking, I truly appreciate that you can accomplish so much with this pot.
Lisa Schweitzer/Yahoo
Size: 6.75 quarts | Weight: 12.6 pounds | Material: Enameled cast iron | Max oven temperature: 500°F | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Warranty: Limited lifetime
I have done just about every cooking task in this pot — boiling, braising, searing and sautéing. I'm not much of a bread baker, so I've never used it for that, but Le Creuset has many fans who believe it's the best Dutch oven for sourdough bread baking (though that's better done in a 4- to 5-quart round Dutch oven and not the 6.75-quart oval one). I chose the oval style to gain more cooking surface area for searing larger cuts of meat, and I stand by that choice. I can brown six to eight chicken thighs in this baby, so it's perfect for cooking for a crowd!
- Extremely durable
- Roomy, easy-to-grip handles
- Light-colored enamel interior (so it's easier to see what you're doing)
- Not as heavy as other Dutch ovens of comparable size
- Expensive
Le Creuset Dutch oven: What I loved
After testing many of the top enameled cast iron Dutch ovens on the market (including pots from Staub, Lodge and Tramontina), I can confidently say that they are all able to perform the tasks you expect them to (braise, sauté, boil, sear and bake) and can be used on the stove and in the oven. The major differences come down to a pot's shape, size, weight and durability. This is where Le Creuset shines. The brand's classic cookware has been made in France since 1925 and comes in a virtual rainbow of colors. I have had the Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Oval Dutch Oven in Flame for nearly 20 years. The enamel on both the inside and outside is durable despite some shoddy maintenance on my part and it has withstood the inevitable bumping into things around the kitchen. After moving eight times within New York City, I find it's still in excellent shape.
It heats evenly and retains heat beautifully. The handles are roomy and easy to grip, even with oven mitts or dish towels. It's heavy (like all Dutch ovens) but not quite as heavy as others of comparable size.
And if all of those reasons aren't enough, there's the ease of cleaning. Guess what? There's no major elbow grease required here. The brand says its cast-iron pots are dishwasher-safe and I have run them through the dishwasher on occasion, but generally, I handwash them with a regular sponge and warm, soapy water. Sometimes if the pot has stuck-on food, it needs to be soaked for 15 to 20 minutes before I scrub it clean.
Le Creuset Dutch oven: What I didn't like
The cost! There's no sugarcoating the $445 sticker price, but the truth is that this pot is often on sale at big-name retailers like Amazon and Walmart for far less ($300 to $325). The brand also discounts some colors on its site around major holiday shopping events. Even then, it's a commitment, but one that you can be assured is a safe bet.
Le Creuset Dutch Oven: The final verdict
This pot comes by its icon status honestly. It will not let you down. You can use it in a variety of ways. It holds up for decades and comes with a lifetime warranty. It's a beauty. Yes, it will set you back $445 (when not on sale), but I think after nearly 20 years — and likely at least 20 more— it has proven its worth. Its icon status in the cookware world is well deserved.
Lisa Schweitzer/Yahoo
This Dutch oven comes with a booklet of instructions for care and use and a lifetime warranty. The brand's website boasts a huge collection of recipes developed specifically for its cookware.