I Compared the $60 IKEA Dutch Against Heritage Le Creuset – And Was Seriously Surprised by the Result

When I first noticed that IKEA had introduced a $60 Dutch oven, I’ll admit I was sceptical. After months of near-nightly cooking with my Le Creuset Modern Heritage Dutch Oven, I’ve grown accustomed to the brand’s signature hallmarks: Low-stick enamel that releases with ease, even heat retention, and a construction that makes cleaning a breeze.

Yet, after putting the IKEA VARDAGEN Dutch Oven through its paces with my go-to chicken and dumpling casserole, I was seriously shocked. In fact, for those shopping for a workhorse on a budget, IKEA’s offering makes a remarkably strong case for performance without the high investment, even against some of the best Dutch ovens.

My Le Creuset won’t slip from its top spot easily – a handful of finer details still place the IKEA Dutch Oven just a step behind. Even so, the experience proved surprisingly persuasive. Here’s how it performed in my kitchen.

How the $60 IKEA VARDAGEN Dutch Oven Compares to $400 Le Creuset

The Design

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It goes without saying that there are some clear aesthetic differences between the IKEA VARDAGEN and the Le Creuset Modern Heritage Dutch Oven I reviewed previously. The IKEA pot is not only oval, opposed to round, but it is matte black, and while still enameled, has a much rougher texture in comparison to the silky smooth Le Creuset.

For those shoppers who value the elegant heritage look that comes with the premium offering, the more affordable buy probably won’t scratch that itch, but I cannot fault how solid the pot feels. The handles are easy to hold, the lid is sleek, albeit a little wobbly and not as snug as the premium pot, and the overall profile still looks great on my countertop. If you want a pop of color, there is a limited edition blue version, but it is a far cry from the palette that the French manufacturers produce.

The biggest design fault of note is that the rougher texture of the IKEA pot means that towel drying it is a nightmare. As with the best cast iron cookware, the instructions urge that, to correctly maintain the cast iron pan, you need to dry it as soon as it has been washed to prevent rust. However, the rough surface clung to my dish towel and collected hundreds of tiny fibres. This is a big problem in my household with a partner with OCD, but it should be a concern for any cook who doesn’t want to consume microfibers.

Cooking Performance

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I will admit, my biggest fear about the IKEA VARDAGEN was that the rougher texture would damage my glass stovetop, or that food would stick and burn. This is where I was left seriously impressed. I heated the pot as I would my Le Creuset, low and slow, allowing the metal to heat through slowly. With a splash of oil, my skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs fried beautifully and did not stick. The skin crisped and turned golden, released seamlessly, and developed a beautiful fond for my vegetables to cook off in. I was astounded, and felt a little bit silly for ever doubting it, given the several five-star reviews from other satisfied customers. There were no scratches left behind on the stove, either.

The vegetables softened and took on a rich, golden colour, and when I added the flour and tomato paste, there was no sticking to speak of. Pouring in the stock did reveal one limitation: It didn’t quite bubble to the edges. The oval shape doesn’t align perfectly with a circular hob ring, so the heat distribution isn’t as even as what I’m used to with Le Creuset – though at this price point, it’s an almost understandable compromise.

Transferring it to the oven was straightforward, though I did reach for my Le Creuset oven mitts, as the handles were a little hot to the touch. It’s also worth noting the weight: At around 14 lbs, it’s noticeably heavier than the Modern Heritage (10.6 lbs), which may be a consideration if you prefer lighter cookware.

The casserole baked for 40 minutes with the lid on, followed by another 40 minutes uncovered after adding the dumplings. The result was difficult to distinguish from what you’d expect from a far more expensive pot, with a crisp, golden top, chicken that fell effortlessly from the bone, and vegetables that were soft and buttery. In terms of outcome, it’s hard to find fault.

What It's Like to Clean

Cleaning, again, proved less straightforward than with my Le Creuset. As usual, I allowed the pot to cool before washing with a standard sponge, warm water, and a non-toxic dish soap (available at Walmart). While the food did release, it required noticeably more effort than the smoother enameled surface I’m accustomed to. The fact that it isn’t dishwasher safe only adds to the inconvenience. It isn’t enough to put me off, but it should certainly be kept in mind.

My Verdict

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If you’re not looking to spend more than $100 on a dependable weeknight Dutch oven, the IKEA VARDAGEN stands out. It’s a touch heavier, the lid isn’t quite as tight-fitting, and the interior has a slightly grippier texture that takes a bit more effort to clean, but these are small trade-offs. In practice, 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.

That said, for those who place a premium on heritage, heirloom quality, and cookware that doubles as a design object, Le Creuset remains my top choice. But the VARDAGEN delivers where it matters most, and it’s a smart choice I can’t not recommend.

What Else to Shop

The Dutch oven is just one of many options available at IKEA, alongside a broader selection of non-toxic cookware. I’ve curated a range of my favourite cast-iron picks and accessories from IKEA and beyond to help you outfit your kitchen, no matter your budget.

Looking for more of a middle ground? Check out my Made In Dutch Oven review for a near-perfect pot at a more middling price point.

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