IKEA’s New Dutch Ovens Have the Look of Iconic Cookware Without the Premium Price – Every Piece Is Under $40
It's perfect for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, and with it comes a need for quality cookware that does more than just perform on the stove.
The best cast-iron cookware can do it all − sear, bake, and bubble, and transition straight to the table for serving, without the need to juggle extra dishes. However, it often comes with a heavy price tag, especially if you are looking at Le Creuset.
Now, however, IKEA has extended its enamelled VARDAGEN cast iron range to pigmented round Dutch ovens that mimic the look of the big name without the premium price tag. At over $200 cheaper and with similar performance on test, it is an easy decision when hosting on a more modest budget.
I have previously reviewed the 5.3qt oval VARDAGEN Dutch oven from IKEA and loved it. It was incredibly easy to use, offering fantastically golden results and perfect heat retention. It proves that quality cookware does not need to come with a premium price tag.
Ensuring you have a reliable arsenal of quality cookware should be at the top of your checklist for Thanksgiving. Without it, your Thanksgiving menu risks being more overwhelming than it ought to be, with food sticking or burning, or with extra serving dishes to juggle, making it impossible to keep kitchen counters clear.
Investing in beautiful cookware that performs as well on the table as it does in the kitchen is one of the simplest ways to cut stress, with the bonus of family-style serving subtly taking another task off your to-do list.
Pieces from brands such as Le Creuset and STAUB are certainly show stoppers, and their pieces have always been the best on test. However, the IKEA VARDAGEN collection is a remarkably close second. I personally found that the metal heats evenly, the lid traps moisture, and the enameled coating prevents sticking while ensuring a golden sear. For $40, it is one of the most affordable Dutch ovens I have used, and I have been incredibly impressed.
The new launch more closely replicates the iconic look of the Le Creuset pieces, with round Dutch ovens and a Braiser with the circular ridged lids and flared side handles. The color selection isn't as varied as the big names: the round pot comes in dark gray-green and light yellow, the shallow round pot in light pink, and the original oval Dutch oven in a chic duck-egg blue. However, it still features some classic colors that would work as well with your Thanksgiving table decor as they would with summer tablescaping trends, making them a worthy, lifelong investment.
What Else to Shop
To help upgrade your kitchen ahead of the hosting season, I have rounded up other contenders for the best Dutch oven and the utensils I rely on to simplify cast iron cooking.
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
Steam collects on the inside of the lid and drips down from the knobs. In this way, the food bastes itself, which gives a succulent and tasty result. It also comes with an impressive 15-year Limited Warranty.
If you’re not looking to spend more than $100 on a dependable weeknight Dutch oven, the IKEA VARDAGEN stands out. It performs well beyond what its price suggests, and it’s approachable for everyday cooking, and for those looking to start exploring anything from braises to bread.
This smaller pot is ideal for slower cooking such as roasts and casseroles. Steam collects on the inside of the lid and drips down from the knobs. In this way the food bastes itself, which gives a succulent and tasty result.
I will always recommend the Le Creuset Dutch ovens to anyone with the budget. They are a cult classic for a reason, delivering premium results and a stellar cooking experience.
Cast iron gets hot and stays hot, so to avoid damaging your counter while serving, I suggest some trivets. These wooden trivets help air circulate, allowing the pot to cool more quickly after use for easy cleaning.
Wooden utensils are my go-to for avoiding damage to my cookware. They do not scratch delicate enamel and look great in a utensil crock on a countertop.
If you want your cast iron cookware to last, it pays to work out how to clean and care for cookware to prevent rust and cracked enamel.
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