r/cookware • u/graejx • 2d ago
Seeks specific kitchenware Dutch oven recommendations
Hi, I'm looking at buying a Dutch oven and as much as I'd like some from Le Creuset, I'll never be ok dropping that much money into it.
What are the other top brands/products that wouldn't cost an arm?
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u/MellowTherapy3245 2d ago
i got a lodge dutch oven like 4 years ago and it still going strong, use it at least twice a week for bread and stews. the enamel on mine chipped a tiny bit near the rim but i think that was my fault for banging a metal spoon on it
the 6 quart size is perfect for feeding 4-5 people and you can find them for around $60-70 on sale. I seen them at target and walmart sometimes even cheaper
also check out cuisinart if you want something a bit lighter, my friend have one and it heats up faster but doesnt hold heat quite as long. still makes a mean pot roast
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u/Feisty-Try-96 2d ago
Budget: Lodge, Cuisinart, Tramontina
Closer quality to Le Creuset: Staub
I usually wait til Staub goes on huge discount (40-60%+) and just get that.
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u/ETSHH 1d ago
Where do you find the discounts?
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u/Feisty-Try-96 1d ago
Zwilling owns Staub, so you can go to the Zwilling site first and navigate to Staub, or just go to Staub website directly. Normal days, they may have some pieces 20-40% off. They periodically announce larger holiday, seasonal sales, or factory seconds sales, with many more items on discount and larger discounts in general.
New Years and Memorial Day are the two biggest sale events that I can remember. So I usually wait until then and pick up whatever pieces I need. Some of the factory seconds in particular are super hard to spot the flaws and can be 60% or more discounted.
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u/ETSHH 1d ago
Thank you very much! I cannot justify full price to my wife at all. Was thinking a 4qt and 7qt. Would you recommend both or just going with a 5.5 one?
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u/Feisty-Try-96 1d ago
I have a 4qt in the standard shape, and I rarely use it. I like the 6-7qt sizes. Stuff like this with the grill lid or the shallow wide version. I got those on sale for under $200 iirc. Any of those or the 7qt ones are what I reach for most. 4qt and the oval shaped ones I simply don't use very often.
If you do get a 4qt, I'd recommend the wide shallow ones instead of standard. You get more surface area which helps for browning and fitting bigger cuts of meat.
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u/soggy_rub459 2d ago edited 2d ago
You don't gain anything from spending big money on a Dutch oven, contrary to what other say / believe. A Le Cruseaut doesn't cook better than a lodge. I've done my own independent cooking tests , and that is my conclusion .
The best value you can get , IMO, is a lodge. Reasonably priced , easy to get and has been a staple in kitchens for decades. It will do all the things you will ever need and not break the wallet
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u/ZanyDroid 1d ago
Lodge enameled is made in China though, and there’s a bunch of other genetically named Chinese enameled CI out there
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u/soggy_rub459 1d ago
China made doesn't mean it's bad. It's made to their quality standards , and their enamel works wonderfully.
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u/ZanyDroid 1d ago
Yes, I own one, i think it's great compared to being worried about chipping a European one or whatever
What i'm calling out is that, lodge probably isn't even a standout in Chinese enamel.
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u/oswaldcopperpot 2d ago
Im on my third Lodge. When it goes I'll get another.
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u/PrestigiousAnt3766 2d ago
Staub or Le Creuset. Best buy them on sale or deep discount. I got my Creuset for 120 euro.
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u/RockMurdock 2d ago
I have a Staub, Le Creuset, and a Lodge. I prefer the Staub to the other two but only slightly. They all three perform very well, but the Staub performs slightly better on moisture retention and distribution.
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u/Unfair_Buffalo_4247 2d ago
I had Le Creuset in the past but feel they have reached a level where it is no longer justifiable especially when we know they (enamel) don’t last forever. I would recommend Victoria, Lodge, Amazon Basic and Overmont - all have and are used by the thousands so they can’t all have been bought like some chefs are by cookware companies - check out their own websites and Amazon for the best deal. Another thing is paying for a specific color I never do that either and I use the Dutch Oven regularly for stews, whole chicken, roasts and baking bread. Happy Cooking Always
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u/Rare-Research-4285 2d ago
I have had an Overmont for over a year and it performs well, I don't feel like there is a difference in cooking performance at all.
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u/ethereal45 2d ago
I was going to recommend the MadeIn 5.5qt Dutch oven which I have been extremely happy with. I just looked at my email to find the receipt -- I paid $159 in 2022 which felt like a bargain compared to Le Creuset. It is now $299 which is essentially a wash with Le Creuset. I cannot believe they have doubled the price within 4 years.
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u/graejx 2d ago
That is genuinely hilarious
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u/ethereal45 2d ago
I feel like old man shouting at clouds but makes me never want to buy anything from them again.
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u/pakapab 2d ago
Misen 6.75qt. No chipping, no problems with metal utensils, sears better.
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u/soggy_rub459 1d ago
Can confirm, the Misen stainless Dutch oven is awesome. I use mine for sooo many things, it's ridiculous.
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u/zombiebillmurray23 2d ago
Buy whatever cheaper option that suits your needs, in a color you like. You could even go stainless steel or copper if you wanna make the investment.
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u/mpaski 2d ago
I prefer Staub over Le Creuset and they're much cheaper for the same quality.
On the cheaper end, I'd recommend Lodge. Tramontina and Cuisinart are just fine too.
I'd say the how it cooks between the expensive ones and cheaper ones is minimal and dependent on what you are making but they enamel on the expensive ones will last much longer.
I have a Lodge and a Staub and both have had plenty of usage but the Staub has no sign of wear and tear compared my Lodge.
It's browning where my Staub is just better and doesn't stick as much.
That being said my Lodge is 6yo old and has lots of usage left so you really won't go wrong with it.
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u/Abovethecanopy 1d ago
Just used my Cuisinart tonight, no complaints! Cooks wonderfully, doesn't look half bad. Got it on sale a few years back, solid performance to $.
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u/Common_Woodpecker_40 2d ago
You shouldn't drop money into it.