Shoppers Find This Dutch Oven “Just as Good” as Le Creuset’s

Here at Food & Wine, we love the French cookware company Le Creuset. I have a ton of gear from the brand and have written about it quite a bit. However, I also recognize that Le Creuset might not always be the right choice. For one, pieces can be very expensive, especially if you don’t catch them on sale. Also, some may not have the features you’re looking for based on the kind of cooking you like to do. There’s also the question of aesthetics — while Le Creuset’s reputation for cast iron cookware is certifiably excellent, its classic, vibrant look might not be for everyone. Whatever the reason, there are many great alternatives. And when it comes to Le Creuset’s famous Dutch ovens, shoppers have found a pretty compelling alternative. 

Many shoppers have turned to Lodge’s Dutch oven, which some say is “just as good,” and it’s almost $350 less.

Lodge 7-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Oval Dutch Oven

Both brands share some of the same qualities, such as having enameled cast iron, excellent heat distribution and retention, and they’re compatible with most traditional heat sources and are oven-safe up to 500°F. Both have an oval shape with a heavy lid and are available in a wide variety of colors as well. Both are perfect choices for braising, sauteing, frying, baking, roasting, and much more.

Lodge’s Dutch oven isn’t only formidable compared to Le Creuset; it’s beloved in its own right. One shopper said this cookware made “the best roasts, soups, tomato sauce, salsa, goulashes, and so much more!” They went on to list the reasons why they love it so much: “These pieces are heavy (duty), durable, easy to clean, and it sounds weird to say about a piece of cookware, but beautiful!” Another home cook decreed that this Dutch oven helped them master multiple Julia Child recipes, using it for searing meat, browning onions, baking, simmering, and roasting. “It would make a great gift that you could expect to have in your kitchen for a lifetime, with proper care,” they said. “I like this so much that I plan to purchase more pieces!”

According to shoppers, it seems that there is little one brand’s Dutch oven can do that the other cannot. “Great product. As functional as Le Creuset for a lot less money,” one shopper said in a review of Lodge’s Dutch oven. Others agree that the price is a major attraction. “There’s no way that I was going to spend the money for a glazed Dutch oven from Le Creuset or Staub. At a fraction of the price, you get a finely made and versatile cooking vessel from a company with more than 100 years of experience.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. 

Whatever your reason is, if you’re skeptical of throwing down the money for a Le Creuset Dutch oven (which is worth it, for the record), the humble Lodge fans of Amazon implore you to consider the 7-quart enameled cast iron oval Dutch oven. After spending only $100, you’ll have plenty of cash left over to revisit your sourdough starter practice.

At the time of publication, the price was $100. 

Shop More Lodge Cookware at Amazon

Lodge 10.25 Cast-Iron Skillet

Lodge Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle

Lodge Cast Iron Round Griddle

Lodge Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven