Le Creuset Dutch Oven Too Pricey? These Affordable Alternatives Are Just As Good

In this video, I highlight the best Le Creuset Dutch oven alternatives that cost less. You’ll get an up-close look at each alternative and learn how they compare to Le Creuset.
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0:00 Intro
0:40 Made In
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****Related Videos/Articles****
High-Quality Alternatives to Le Creuset Dutch Ovens prudentreviews.com/le-creuset...
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Le Creuset vs. Lodge prudentreviews.com/lodge-vs-l...
Le Creuset vs. Staub prudentreviews.com/staub-vs-l...
Le Creuset vs. Great Jones prudentreviews.com/great-jone...
Lodge Dutch Oven In-Depth Review prudentreviews.com/lodge-dutc...
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Check out the full article for more details: prudentreviews.com/le-creuset-alternatives/ Want to know when brands like Le Creuset, All-Clad, Made In, HexClad, and KitchenAid go on sale? Join our free newsletter to get deal alerts, giveaways, and exclusive content: prudentreviews.com/newsletter/

[@maudithiver]

I had a Le Creuset Dutch orange pan for more than 30 years. Because of the long use, the interior finish became gradually dull. I called the distributor, send a picture of it, received an autorisation to sent it back, and received a new one completely free of charge because those pots have a time-life warranty! Way to go Le Creuset! So I got a nice new cherry one and am very happy. Who can do better than that?

[@PrudentReviews]

That’s amazing

[@TheHuggybear516]

Yeah Le Creuset’s warranties make them more worth it still feel I’d rather just buy a lower end one and replace it after awhile. But I prefer bare cast iron that’s my main cookware enameled is for acid foods for me personally.

[@paulineverriere8054]

So really worth the extra money

[@leslie5595]

Where did you find the number of the distributor? My Dutch oven also has discolored over decades of use. Thank you for your help

[@wingolden]

My 4.5 qt soup pot interior turned blackish (from underneath the enamel) after long use. Anyone knows of a way to restore it ?

[@pjschmid2251]

If you really have your heart set on Le Creuset don’t sleep on the outlet stores. All my Le Creuset comes from outlets and they are seconds. They only sell seconds with minor defects that don’t affect the performance of the pot at all but will give you significant savings.

[@catmom1322]

Back when I had a life, I had a multitude of Le Creuset. Lost everything & really missed my Le Creuset, but it's way too expensive now. This presentation gives me some good alternatives. Thanks!

[@Visitkarte]

Try flea markets and Trift stores.

[@kalinystazvoruna8702]

I bought my cast iron Lodge dutch oven in the local thrift store. Had it for decades and would never give it up for all those fancy-looking cookwear.

[@JohnPMiller]

Be sure to check the maximum temperature for your Dutch oven. I bake bread at 475°F in my Lodge Dutch oven. Some Dutch ovens have lid handles that will melt. Also, some manufacturers may change to cheaper materials over time, so I can't assure you that future Lodges will be the same.

[@ghw7192]

I have had good luck finding enameled cookware at flea markets. An oval 7qt Le Creuset Dutch oven set me back $13. The knob had a crack, so another $3 for an oven proof ceramic drawer pull. A 5qt Lodge was $10 and a 3qt Staub casserole was $5.. I also picked up a couple of very small msde in England enameled frying pans for $3. Not new, but I got all of the above for less than the cost of a Le Creuset lid.

[@lindabuck2777]

👏👏👏bravo!!! Guess where I’m headed next lol🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️

[@kayelle8005]

Congratulations on making the effort to find these long lasting, sustainable additions to your kitchen, may you enjoy many memorable meals for years to come.

[@nancyeaton731]

This is how it’s done.

[@rosastakofsky1538]

Wowey!!! Whoot Whoot!

[@Visitkarte]

Congratulations! Who cares if they are new or not, if they are in a decent condition. Every new pot gets old after the first cooking.

[@vickilindberg6336]

There was one year where Amazon shipped gifts for free. I bought about 60 lbs of cast iron cookware for family & friends.

[@TFPMadcow]

I went with Staub. I like the design better, and the long life expectancy helped make the price more acceptable.

[@andre-stephanegrocholski6511]

being french, and having quite a lot of Dutch oven, I can give you a local point of view.Le creuset used to be a great brand made to last. However since it was bought over in 1988 (by a British)the quality had dropped significantly in the last 30 years while the price skyrocketed, i still use my grandmother's Dutch oven and it's really great, but the new ones are pieces of c***p in comparison. Staub is great and makes high quality Dutch oven but the price is stinging too, however they do have sales and you can get them cheaper. There are some great non enamelled alternatives, lodge being great in the us, and petromax in Germany, or lesser known french brands such as le chasseur. They do need to be taken care of differently of course, not having any kind of coating. PS, by the way guys, don't try to have an argument on how to pronounce le creuset properly, it has some of the french phonemes that native English speakers simply can't pronounce properly!

[@krysalia]

french here too: I'd say that the best way to buy a good staub is to find them in a garage sale, those things are not destructible and usually when the grandma dies people despise those truthworthy tools :). In france one can find a good staub for 10 or 20€ in a garage sale (as you know but I'm saying this for non-french readers ^^ )

[@sunrae7680]

Thank you. This helps with my decision.

[@LinA-it9vd]

Well that hasn’t been the case for me. I got three about twenty years ago and they are terrific. The light interior is in perfect condition. No chips, no discolouring.

[@d.a.tsun5104]

I was about to mention to stop saying "lay". 😆

[@mary-annebarnett654]

Yes I can and am British. I speak your language fluently. 🤣 🇬🇧

[@AgsBud]

Made in's dutch ovens come in multiple colors now. Green, Orange, White , Grey, Red, Blue and all of their dutch ovens also now come with an 'oat' interior with the exception of the Ash grey color.

[@dre32pitt]

I have both Le Creuset and Staub.. The Staub was a gift and the Le Creuset wasn't that pricey since I picked it up at their outlet store in Oregon, which also doesn't have sales tax.. They are both high quality and a joy to cook with! I've heard of Made In, but never tried any of their stuff, but this video is very intriguing.

[@oneworldawakening]

Outstanding reivew! In addition to the helpful info, I appreciated the consistent comparison points, the brisk pace, and the links.

[@saratakkoush6109]

Great content! i was hoping you would have a chart or table to compare the specs and i was happy to see it in the blog! Love the diligence! Thank you so much

[@jacksonfl]

I bought a 4 qt and 7qt Tramontina set at Costco a few years ago, at under $50 for the pair. Tramontina is Brazilian, but these were made in China. Use them all the time and couldn't be happier.

[@user-yp8nn8jy1i]

I bought them today from costco.

[@russbear31]

Several years ago I picked up a 5qt Tramontina. It was on close out at Walmart for only $25. How could I resist? 😅

[@QueenB572]

I have one also but it’s heavy!

[@GrandmaLM]

@@QueenB572they all are heavy

[@consuelobrennan703]

We've owned our Staub Dutch oven for 12 years and have been very happy with it

[@heliotropezzz333]

I found a Le Creuset casserole pot in a charity shop for £15 and it looked brand new. The shop assistant said I was lucky because it had just come into the shop.

[@zeljkafreslmicovic4825]

I'm the fan of Staub! I have an oval in aubergine colour and it is timeless. La cocotte system of cooking is the best for taste. J'adore🇫🇷! It has alsolife guarantee (my son will inherit the pot/pots).

[@judichristopher4604]

EXCELLENT VIDEO... Thank you so much for sharing this video

[@signespencer6887]

I got a couple of ZQBT C 3 quart dutch ovens for bread baking. They have black interiors, knob handles, and dimpled. lids. a taller and larger metal lid knob than my Le Creuset. the handles are a bit wider and easier to use. So far they have been great.

[@rebalspirit]

I just bought a Lodge 5.5 qt enameled Dutch oven. It was under $50. I've used it once and really liked how well it cooked my pot roast and the ease of the clean up. No regrets.

[@burfgiblet]

Same. I've had mine about a year. My wife says I only do rustic winter cooking in the Dutch oven ,year round. She loves it. Mine has held up fantastic. If it brakes maybe I will upgrade? For now very pleased

[@joyaustin6581]

My Le creuset was $100 from a discount department store about a decade ago. I also bought a small set at an estate sale years ago but sold it to reduce my cookware. I see them on Facebook marketplace often at great prices but color is random

[@sunrae7680]

THANK YOU. I'm getting a Lodge. I have 3 of their non enameled cast iron, and they are great.

[@faylinameir]

I've had and used my lodge dutch ovens for years now. Other than a few tiny chips from my husband using them I've had zero issues. It's a workhouse for me :)

[@krysalia]

you forgot to talk about the lid system of staub. the walls of the lid are raised to be used with water on the lid. it's heavy and closes the pot very well. also it helps to create a difference of temperature and to condense water on the lid inside, so it will moisten the meat. it's an important feature for those pots, that lecreuser do not offer :)

[@kathyteschner8586]

I got mine as a house warming gift, its from Aldi's, its huge, I love it!

[@mbl5783]

Can you speak about Tramontina's enameled cast iron?

[@ethelryan257]

This was an excellent review. I've had Le Creuset for decades, was given a Cuisinart several years back. They perform identically in my kitchen. It's refreshing to listen to your reviews - unlike some otherwise great channels, you don't knee-jerk crown the most expensive brand automatically the best.

[@PrudentReviews]

Appreciate that!

[@Camellia303]

Love Staub for performance and shape is incredible, very sturdy. May be some day they will have white interior. Will wait.

[@lindabuck2777]

Ooo I LOVE that your site popped into my feed! Awesome work👏👏👏🙏🏻❤️subbed!!! Merry Christmas Happy holidays!🎄🎄🎄

[@ArtemisSilverBow]

Why I prefer Staub: thicker, lid qualities are better, and best for baking bread. I have several Staubs from grill pans to Dutch ovens to tomato, pumpkin shape, to personal size skillet. So what if it's dark inside. If you need a light interior to tell you that something is browned, I don't know what to say; it's not difficult whatsoever to tell what is browned in a Staub. I've had LeCreuset, Lodge, and heck, I even tried Chip and Joanna Gaines's enamelware. All work fine for a number of purposes but if you're baking bread, searing meat, braising and making cassoulet, Coq au Vin, Beef Bourguignon - anything requiring a perfect sear, braise, bake, gotta getta Staub.

[@annedwyer797]

Why no mention of Tramonina enameled Dutch ovens? They're quite well made and similar in price to Lodge, which is also a great Dutch oven. 4:40 "Four Lodge Dutch ovens for the price of one Le Creuset"; sorry, it's more like 8!! Walmart's price on Lodge's 5.5 qt. Dutch oven is $40, which is literally abt 1/8 the cost of the same size Le Creuset. I can't imagine why anyone would buy the overpriced version.

[@michelleyoung914]

Great reviews! I have a Dutch oven from Artisinal Kitchen Supply at Bed Bath and Beyond and am genuinely happy with its performance. Got it on clearance so paid a fraction of the price!

[@dm9078]

I just got a Cuisanart Dutch oven. Love it so far.

[@annedwyer797]

The Cult of Le Creuset is so insane that I once saw a LC dutch oven at Marshall's with a major crack in the lid and it was priced at abt $300. WTF?!!

[@kevinlight8162]

Hmmm, I bought an oval Dutch oven years ago at Ikea for an embarrassingly low price (I think it was $39) that has worked very well for me. There is a small chip in the glazing at the rim. Other than that, no issues whatsoever.

[@wardrobelion]

That’s why I have changed to bamboo utensils😊…the metal one can chip them when we hit our utensils on the side to clean it. Great deal! I’d’ve loved to found that one myself…🎃

[@sonniew7616]

I bought a green oval one at Ikea when they changed the colour from green to white. I paid €20. I love it!

[@kevinlight8162]

@@sonniew7616 I have a green one as well - love that 50s/60s vibe....

[@RumbleFish69]

My Lodge, which I've had for years, still looks brand new and performs daily. It's an awesome piece of cookware. It wasn't reviewed here, but I'm looking at possibly getting a Babish Dutch oven. I don't need it, but I hear this brand is good.

[@MJ-we9vu]

Le Costco. Bought it more than 20 years ago and it's still going strong. If you're a pro chef Le Crueset is probably worth the price but if you're a home cook who will only use the pot10-12 times a year save your money.

[@joyaustin6581]

I use mine often but I laughed at the Le Costco. First time I’ve heard that 😂

[@sahej6939]

I use mine daily

[@suzannetaylor6285]

Buying quality once saves toy many over time. Le Crueset and Staub are the only enameled cast iron pots I will invest in, knowing that they will last generations when cared for properly

[@GaryT1952]

I have the Misen enameled CI Dutch oven and braiser...use each of them several times a week and thought each was a tremendous value and of high quality

[@HeronCoyote1234]

I still have, and use, my mom’s Dansk Dutch ovens from the ‘60s-‘70s. My best friend’s choice of enamel cookware is Emile Henry. Beautiful, much lighter than LC, clean up is a breeze! I just bought a gorgeous EH tagine in Fig (aubergine) to use as a Dutch oven, and for bread baking, Dutch oven style.

[@Kate-qq3ez]

Émile Henry is enameled earthenware and Le Creuset is enameled cast iron

[@nadzienka696]

Great Info.! Thanks.

[@NoZenith]

I saw Great Jones products when I was at William Sonoma a week ago! They had cookware stacked up just inside the entrance on a display.

[@budmatto9205]

We have used a Fontenac enameled Dutch Oven heavily for approximately 15 years for a variety of applications. Unfortunately, we experienced the failure of the enamel finish on the inside - not really sure why. In any event, we needed to replace it quickly. We like the Le Creuset product quality but not the price and looked for alternatives. There are a plethora of Chinese made options out there which I don't want for a variety of reasons including international politics. We liked the Staub (Fontenac is no longer available) as a slightly lower cost option. We did discover another new option that we selected. Lodge has built a new plant in South Pittsburg, TN that produces enameled cast iron products. They are the only domestic producer of this type of product according to their corporate information. We purchased one yesterday at our local Dillard's and the quality and design are impressive. I would suggest that you consider this Lodge option - yes, it is more expensive (comparable to Staub) but it is American made which swayed our decision to buy.

[@MetaView7]

You can put cold water in Staub's lid, which will help the steam inside the pot to condense and return to the stew.

[@hermeshemp6271]

Didn't know about Made In and Staub, thank you.

[@armandot9731]

Great Jones is pretty great and very aesthetically pleasing. They also have a small version, Dutch Baby.

[@TheAllMightyGodofCod]

I have a Staub grill pan. It is a excellent. For a Dutch oven, 9 years ago I got a used IKEA Dutch oven, it must be about 12 years old by now, maybe more.... Good as new, works perfectly and cost ....nothing. About 5 years ago my mother bought an off brand Auchan One, works perfectly. Both Auchan and IKEA say they are made in France

[@williamjc7195]

I have a "Crock-pot" dutch oven. Just bought it for $67. 5 qt. Works x-cellent!! Only draw back is it's a bit heavy. Works well on stove top or oven.

[@Palanibert]

Great content! One problem, the "Le" in "Le Creuset" is not pronounced "lay."

[@warped2875]

I had to stop watching because of that.

[@suzismith9681]

I have L C , because of $$ and size(huge) I purchased Denby. Yes they do cast iron enamel. Its a beauty, cooks the same, cleans the same, half the price. Love! Its the prize in my lifetime collection of beautiful cookware. Yes I would buy more if needed

[@userbosco]

Great video, thanks! One mistake, however, Cuisinart actually comes in a number of colors, green red, yellow, blue, and white, all solid. They also make oval dutch ovens, and as I just purchased, a square enameled cast iron pan.

[@erikjonassen8473]

Fun little (bonus)info about Staub, you can put cold water or even ice in the recessed lid to increase the self basting from the dimples inside - and it works;-)

[@heartshapedbox1315]

I didn't know that! Thank you for sharing. I just got one as a wedding gift

[@seanferguson5460]

I've had the large Cuisinart Dutch oven for ten years. It's never let me down and I expect I'll pass it down to my grand-children one day. I'd rather that it had a dimpled lid but for the money I've saved I'll make do. I'm shopping for a small Dutch oven for daily use so I appreciate your overview.

[@dewilew2137]

Thank you for saying this. Unfortunately, the amazon reviews for the cuisinart Dutch ovens are not great, and it scared me away from the brand. So many pictures of cracked enamel, broken handles, staining, etc. I now get the feeling that they just didn’t know how to take care of their enamel-coated cookware.

[@seanferguson5460]

@@dewilew2137 You're welcom, Dewi. One thing that bothers people is discoloration of the interior. I think I remember a piece from Cook's Illustrated on that. Was it bleach they recommended? Not sure, but it was something non-abrasive. I picked up my Cuisinart for $40 on sale. It may not be the quality of Le Creuset but I can live with the shame knowing that I saved hundreds of dollars. And it does the job.

[@seanferguson5460]

@@dewilew2137 I can't explain the damage others have experienced but I've had mine, maybe, 15 years: no chips, no cracks, nothing broken. But I take good care of it.

[@baylaurel2017]

Nice alternatives for people to consider. Personally, I still love my Le Creuset. I have three enameled cast iron pots of different sizes, and they have held up for many years so far. I love that they will last a long, long time and I can pass them down to my daughters.

[@bonniekuhn1366]

You mentioned that some companies sell exclusively online as a way to keep prices low and quality high. As a consumer, I'm more likely to buy something online once I've had had an opportunity to see and hold it - especially anything as expensive as good-quality cookware. I would really like to see "showrooming" become a thing (again): Brick-and-mortar retailers with display-only models and some means of placing an order on the spot (directly online or with a sales rep's assistance).

[@TheMissPoovey]

Screw on handles come off over time or melt in high heat. Get a handle that is formed with the lid. They’re harder to find, but worth it when you have a nice pot with no handle.

[@activistgranny2.066]

I have 2 French Ovens from Costco both made in France. Both on clearance less than a total of $60. I also have adapter Lodge.

[@maureenmckenna5220]

Just bought a Le Creuset Dutch oven on sale at their outlet store. Even at that, it was very expensive. I have used it three times and love it. Am about to cook a whole chicken in the oven in it.

[@cathyg6811]

I bought one on a whim from QVC, and I have never loved a piece of cookware more. They had a 2.75 quart model that's perfect for a single or couple without being prohibitively heavy or hard to store. I rarely use my everyday set of pots and pans anymore, I can do anything between my Le Creuset, carbon steel wok, regular cast iron skillet and Instant Pot. Along with the toaster oven/air fryer. I'm thinking of getting rid of everything else aside from a couple of sauce pans just in case.

[@sahej6939]

I just bought my first GreatJones products!

[@gabrielvazquez7147]

Made In has expanded their options. I just bought a 7.5 quart oval dutch oven in green.

[@ReadGameCraftCook]

I just got a Cuisinart 7qt to replace the 5 qt food network gift I never really liked. It’s perfect because it has a larger flavor cooking surface than most other round Dutch ovens which is great for searing more meat at once. The sides don’t taper down as much which allows for the larger cooking surface. I don’t care for the matching enamel knob so replaced with a Staub animal knob. It took ordering twice, my first had like six imperfections and was obviously a return. The second had not a single noticeable.

[@charlescresap4451]

I have several different Dutch ovens, both enamel and clear. All were pricey. All have been used to bake bread. I now bake several 1 pound sourdough loaves every week. Each loaf bakes with 2 Dollar Tree 8 " stainless steel dog water bowls. They cost $1 25. A regular 4 loaf batch = 8 bowls - $10.00 + $.20 flour per loaf. That was about 5 years ago. Now $.20 a loaf is all. And stainless steel bowls aren't fragile and don't need to be preheated, fridge rest directly into the oven and bake. They store nested in one 8" diameter by 4" tall stack.

[@kchortu]

If you put ice into the lid divot of the staub you will reduce your evap loss even more

[@PrudentReviews]

Great tip, thanks for sharing!

[@dmb3428]

I purchased a staub 5.5 cocette in gray and it works well, very little sticking if any...I got it with a small discount but the price was still high imo, I baby it however I still question if it was a wise investment for a single pan

[@FlexibleFlyer50]

It's great it you can lift these pans/pots/ovens. For those of us crippled by arthritis and have balance problems, Le Creuset becomes a pricey candidate for a boat anchor.

[@billystpaul8907]

I went with a Made In Dutch oven. Same quality and build. Have had for 3 months now and I enjoy it very much. Made In was also a $140 dollars cheaper the Le Creuset. They also have more colors as well. Thanks for the video and your channel.. Will see how it holds up over use and time.

[@PrudentReviews]

Great choice 👍🏼

[@kellir.747]

I bought an Amazon Basics 4.3 quart Dutch oven that looks a lot like the Lodge brand. I’m pretty sure it was under $50. Been very happy with it. Lots of colors to choose from, too!

[@tonysopranosduck416]

I was hoping someone would do a comparison of the Amazon Dutch oven because they sure are beautiful and the price is phenomenal. All these review/comparison videos still include quite expensive brands which is not a big difference in price to the Le Creuset. Like, something under $100 please for us real people who like to cook without breaking the bank.

[@kellir.747]

@@tonysopranosduck416 I think you would be very happy with the Amazon Basics brand. I’ve had mine for two years, and I love it.

[@billmorash3322]

@@tonysopranosduck416 I have a 6qt Amazon basic that I paid about $50 last year. I use it two or three times a month and it is holding up fine other than a few chips on the exterior due to less than optimal handling on my part. I just checked and it is selling for $28 dollars currently.

[@freedomfighter4990]

I know I'm 'm very late to the party but there's a brand you didn't include in this review: Tramontina. They make very good stainless steel cookware & also enameled Dutch ovens. I've had mine for 30 yrs with no cracks or flaking. It was about 1/4 the price of a Le Creuset back in the day -- which allowed me to also buy 2 Tramontina saucepans when I was buying my 1st set of cookware. 😎

[@joeseeking3572]

The part of me that watches cooking shows and thinks I should have what they use in order to qualify as a 'serious' cook, wants a Le Creuset, but the practical part of me has gotten years of use from both Lodge and Cuisinart, and really, I think it's just a matter of styling and $200.

[@biggianthead17]

Have you had any experience with the Dutch ovens sold at Costco? I bought one about 8 years ago and it's a phenomenal performer... my wife and I love it.

[@thornbird6768]

Le Creuset crock pots are top notch 👍🏻 very expensive but made to last .

[@robynlydick8126]

Staub has really worked for me. Small hands, so handles are fine. Wait for a sale. Theirs, cookware stores, etc. I paid $100 for mine.

[@gypsybelle4757]

Thank you for the great reviews. I’ve been searching for a more economical alternative to Le Creuset but really do not want cookware made in China. I thought Lodge would be my go to, as I adore my cast iron! Sad to hear they don’t manufacture their enamel cast iron in the US but am motivated to write the company now.

[@bagus853]

Ernesto from Lidl also excellent : I tried with Staub/LC too. Not much different only cheaper.

[@HS-wp5vb]

I own both Staub, Le Creuset and cheaper brand dutch ovens in various sizes. Generally, I find that my cheaper dutch ovens simply do not deliver the same cooking quality as Le Creuset and Staub. Amongst the two, I personally prefer Staub over Le Creuset because of the black enamel. The food doesn't get burned. Nothing sticks to the surface. It is simply a delight to work with Staub. Staub and Le Creuset are very expensive. But they last a lifetime and are worth their money. And you really don't need more than one or two. It's money well spent.

[@jonathansturm4163]

I've been using my Pyrolux triple-enamelled Dutch oven almost daily for over 10 years. I love it and so do my friends who've followed my advice to purchase that brand rather than Le Creuset. Much less expensive. One thing to watch for with the cheaper alternatives is lid-seal. You can fix it by using aluminium foil, but better to not need it.

[@lovelylovelyoohlala]

I have many Le Creuset and use them daily. The warranty is worth the buy. I wouldn't buy any of the others except for the Staub.

[@morrismonet3554]

I got a blue Lodge on clearance for 25 bucks, and it will do everything the Le Creuset will.

[@pierrex3226]

FWIW, i bought the Lidl version (oval) to bake bread. I can't remember how much I paid, probably a bit less than 40 eur (new). The enamel has chipped a tiny bit in 1 or 2 places, but I torch that thing dry and empty every time I bake bread (I heat it in a gas oven on max for 30min, with heat only from the bottom, empty), so i'm not sure the enamel of a fancier version would perform better. Perect otherwise. I would recommend it. I'm in Europe. I make amazing bread with it, allows to have very sloppy sourdough bread technique and flow.

[@papocristo]

For those of you wathcing this right now, Staub is having a GREAT sale on a 5 quart Tall Cocotte for $149. Bought mine today!

[@marckydasaint8730]

Marquette Casting Co., Smithey and Finex (only slightly more, but built for a lifetime), are other alternatives.

[@dcchiasson5991]

Another difference is that the Staub brand is the only one with a concave lid. If you're cooking on an open fire (eg fireplace, cook fire) you can put hot coals on the lid to have more even cooking.

[@alexandra4334]

Great Jones made in China it appears. The loop lid handle is a non starter for me. How would you securely grip it with an oven mitt? That said, i have done cheaper dutch ovens, its worth it to spend the extra money on 1 piece it will last. I have 1 Staub and its my favorite thing to cook in its so versatile. I do wish it was light colored in the inside. The best cheaper option made in China appears to be Lodge. Otherwise if not Staub, i would buy the Made In piece. But my next cast iron purchase is probably a Staub braiser with the cast iron lid, and you can buy the glass lid separately for a highly versatile piece.

[@zonacrs]

Thank you.

[@pheart2381]

I bought a second hand one off ebay.£17. it is an older model with a moulded lid handle,as I noticed the knobs tend to get damaged first.

[@mencken8]

Buying a Le Creuset is a cooking cachet. My old motley collection of cast iron will cook food just as well. Unless one requires a status symbol on the stove, browse the local garage sales and find your dutch oven for $10.

[@schreiber6220]

Staub all day long. The black interiors are made for higher skilled chefs and their performance is superior. A heat heirloom kitchen tool 👍👍

[@81Garret]

For those of you unaware there are dangers that come with enameled cast iron. These gorgeous colors you're only able to get them because the pigments that are used are high in heavy metals such as lead cadmium arsenic and antimony what's even crazier is that because it's common with this cookware that heavy metals are used for the pigments they actually have acceptable amounts via the FDA in enameled cast iron cookware. Scary right? Le Creuset has actually tested the highest in heavy metals lodge comes in as a close second.

[@nishia_brownie988]

Aldi brand has one too

[@danam.8709]

Just wondering why you did not mention that the raised rim of the Staub allows it to hold coals or charcoal for fireplace or pit cooking. ?

[@AwaitingTheBlessedHope]

Just FYI, Made In's Dutch oven interior is now also light colored. Their launch line had the black interior.

[@SEOshogun]

I ❤️ my beautiful Cuisinart enameled cast iron 😍

[@DavincisMind]

good comparison but I wish you mention what coating each brand use. Are those coated pots health safe same as none coated cast iron ? Or is it ceramic coating ?

[@shawnhampton8503]

Made in's versions for sale now are white. The black interior was only for available in the Limited Edition which sold out. New colors coming soon.

[@PrudentReviews]

Good call - you're right!

[@raecrothers1420]

I live in Mexico so my options were limited. I ended up with a Lodge Dutch oven with the matching braiser pan. I am quite picky about my kitchen implements and I don’t feel like I settled. I just wish they had more pieces! I use the braiser pan more than any other pan.

[@tlembro]

Just ordered a Staub………they are pretty darn expensive…..great though!

[@cristianionascu]

STAUB FTW!

[@2Bluzin]

Le Creuset actually does have a matte finish dutch oven. I'ts sold exclusively at William-Sanoma or online direct from Le Creuset. I have a matte white one, looks great. I only wish the interiors were not always beige.

[@astiningsihdwiwahyu8877]

Made in's, cuisinart, Lodge, Staub, Great Jones

[@markwpatterson]

Appreciate your reviews. And just FYI...it's not pronounced, "LAY" Creuset, it's pronounced, "LUH" Creuset. In French, "LAY" is written, "Les", as in, "Les Miserables". "Le" is always pronounced, "Luh". Cheers

[@Mrs.Patriot]

Thank you. I was "premiere eleve" in my French classes in high school and it's such a beautiful language.

[@emrysfevre8087]

Thanks, it was driving me crazy every time I heard it. Great review but, my brain would lock up for a few seconds each time.

[@Lizzy514]

Merci

[@Dani-dg4ut]

@@Lizzy514 merci beaucoup

[@lindabuck2777]

Thanks so much!!! You’re a good teacher and I LOVE learning, even at 67!!! Merci Mon ami!!!🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️7 years of French by a white who mispronounced it with a heavy southern accent! Gawd!🙄😳🙄😳🤣🤣🤣ps I’m white too so I can talk lol AND I’m a good mimic!!! I have ALWAYS pronounced other languages perfectly and said ‘Lu’ 🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️