How to Pick the Best Le Creuset Dutch Oven for You

If I had to pick my favorite kitchen brand, Le Creuset would be high on the list — the brand’s Dutch ovens have lasted in my family’s collection for over 20 years, and only the best recipes come from them. If I could collect every enameled cast iron piece in every color I love, I really would. I’m not the only one. In fact, there’s a whole community of folks who collect pieces from the brand (like the lucky woman who scored the 157-piece Costco set).

But, if you’re looking to dip your toes into Le Creuset cookware, I’d be remiss if I didn’t admit that there’s almost an overwhelming amount of options, especially with Dutch ovens. This sparked some conversation on Reddit, with people wondering what the differences are between the round Dutch oven and the wide Dutch oven. It’s a great question because the options don’t even end there. That’s why we decided to break it down for you. Below are some of the most common Le Creuset Dutch ovens, including their design hallmarks and who they might be good for. That way, you can outfit your own kitchen with my favorite piece of cookware. 

Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven 

This editor-loved Dutch oven might be the most synonymous with the brand. It’s exactly as it sounds — a perfectly rounded Dutch oven with a balanced height. It’s made with the brand’s coveted enameled cast iron, which features a cream-colored interior and a colorful exterior of your choosing. This is a classic shape, with straight walls and a flat bottom. We ranked it as our favorite splurge-worthy Dutch oven because it delivers in every way, from its durability to heat retention. The lid fits snugly onto the base, and the base has two helper handles to make the heavy pot easy to move. You can shop this Dutch oven in various sizes, from 2 to 13.75 quarts, though the 5.5 and 7.25 quarts are the most common. This is a versatile kitchen powerhouse option because it works for a wide range of recipes. As with all enameled cast iron Dutch ovens from the brand, it is oven-safe up to 500℉ and is compatible with all stovetops. 

Le Creuset Round Wide Dutch Oven 

So, how does the wide oven differ? It has a more shallow wall and larger diameter, giving it a wider opening. For example, compared to the 5.5-quart round Dutch oven, the walls are just shy of a full inch shorter despite its size. It’s available in a 6.25-quart option, so you have fewer options to pick from. The bigger diameter of the enameled cast iron pot provides more surface area for browning. It also means that liquids evaporate faster, according to the brand, so it’s great if you want to expedite the reduction process, whether you’re making sauces, soups, or stocks. This is an excellent all-purpose option, though it’s particularly useful for folks who want more surface area for cooking. 

Le Creuset Oval Dutch Oven 

The oval Dutch oven is another unique and popular pick, and I’ve found that the smaller version I own is surprisingly versatile. Its compact size makes it easier to maneuver on the stove — I can angle it to create space for other pots and pans to fit on their burners more evenly. Unlike the classic round, wide shape, this Dutch oven has an oblong shape and is available in sizes ranging from 2.75 to 15.5 quarts. The oval shape is particularly useful when cooking longer cuts of protein like poultry or larger roasts to get a more even cook. It’s also great for braising awkwardly shaped produce, like napa cabbage, or baking oblong loaves of crusty bread. While the smaller size doesn’t necessarily translate to larger sizes, this shape is an excellent choice for anyone who loves to roast or braise different types of proteins. 

Le Creuset Sauteuse Oven 

Sauteuse translates to saute pan, giving you a little insight into what this Dutch oven was intended for. It’s smaller, coming in at 3.5 quarts, and has a much more rounded bottom, meaning the walls taper into the base significantly more than a standard Dutch oven, with no tight corners at the bottom. This makes it ideal for stirring and the perfect pan for sauteing, including stir fry and cooking sauces, soups, and stews. It’s also great for shallow frying and works beautifully for side dishes like risotto or mashed potatoes. What sets this apart is its smaller size and lack of straight walls, so it’s the one to pick if you’re making something that requires a lot of stirring. 

Le Creuset Chef’s Oven 

This pot is essentially a larger sauteuse pan with a tapered base. Like other Dutch ovens, it features two helper handles and a snug-fitting lid. With a 6.75-quart capacity and a wide opening, it’s excellent for big-batch sauces, soups, and sides, and there’s plenty of space to stir or toss ingredients together. It’s versatile enough to mix pasta dishes, stir-fry, and more. The high walls make it ideal for simmering and slow cooking. This pot is for anyone who loves meal-prepping soups, stews, and other dishes or cooking for a crowd. 

The Verdict 

So, which one do you buy? And do you need all of them? It boils down to how much you cook, what you cook, and what your budget is since these range in price. If you only want one pot to get you through most recipes, a round Dutch oven will do the trick. If you love caramelizing your ingredients well, the wide Dutch oven might be a better buy. For recipes with lots of stirring, opt for a more tapered Dutch oven, like the smaller sauteuse oven or the larger chef’s oven. And if you just want to braise or roast meat until it’s tender, go for the oval oven.  Whatever piece you choose, it will quickly become a favorite you turn to every time. Who knows, maybe you’ll add to your collection.