My heart says 'Le Creuset', but my accountant says I should check out this $79 American-made Dutch oven first
Your bank account can thank me later
If the rising cost of European cookware has you hesitating at checkout, you’re not alone. When your heart says Le Creuset but your budget begs to differ, that $309 price tag on a classic Dutch oven starts to feel less like an investment and more like an indulgence.
But there’s a Le Creuset alternative – solid, beautifully made, and no less capable – that I think deserves your attention. A Lodge Dutch Oven.
Lodge vs Le Creuset
If your heart says Le Creuset but your head says Lodge, here's my comparison for your decision-making ease.
This iconic Le Creuset is a real kitchen statement. It has smooth, beautifully constructed curves and premium touches. It comes in a huge range of colors, from rich reds and beautiful blues to natural, neutral shades in gray and cream. I know many people who have owned theirs for 20-30 years and passed it down to the grandkids.
The Lodge Dutch Oven isn't quite as aesthetic, but it's functional and well-made. The five-star reviews on Amazon praise the evenly-heating cast iron and easy-to-clean enamel. It is great for braising meat and baking homemade bread. I like the bold colors (though they're not as 'designer chic' as Le Creuset) and I think this piece is excellent value for money.
To be clear, I believe Le Creuset has well and truly earned its 'cult-cookware' status, with a century's worth of cookware heritage and its charming colorways that have become coveted around the globe. Our style editor, Charlotte, even went as far as designing her kitchen around a vintage Le Creuset collection, which belonged to her grandfather.
But when it comes to cooking – slow-braising, simmering, baking – I think the Lodge Dutch Oven performs on par. It's sturdy, heat-retentive, vibrant, and almost $350 cheaper.
Lodge Dutch Oven in red and a braiser in white
Still wondering should you buy Le Creuset? I think the answer depends on your priorities. Are you going for iconic branding and a design legacy? Or good value for money? For many cooks, the Lodge Dutch Oven offers a more balanced equation. It’s one of the most affordable cookware brands on Amazon that doesn’t ask you to compromise.
Le Creuset remains a beloved classic – and scoring a savvy Le Creuset clearance deal during their sales can be incredibly satisfying (it mostly includes griddle pans and accessories). But if you’re specifically looking for a casserole dish, a Lodge Dutch Oven is a smart, budget-friendly alternative.
