Yes, Le Creuset pots and Dutch ovens are notably heavy because they are made of enameled cast iron. While this weight can make them feel cumbersome to lift or clean, it is exactly what allows them to absorb, retain, and distribute heat incredibly evenly for superior cooking.
Sure it would be nice to see a big heavy well-seasoned black skillet up in there. But did anyone expect that? So Yes, Le Creuset is beautiful but it is not merely performative cookware." According to The New York Times, Meghan is frustrated by accusations that she is unrelatable and out of touch.
Cons of enameled cast iron
Heavier than most cookware: These pans are solid. Great for heat retention, not so great if you're lifting a 7-quart Dutch Oven full of stew.
Staub Dutch ovens (or cocottes, as the brand prefers to call them) are slightly heavier than Le Creusets—the 5.5-quart Staub had about a pound on the Le Creuset—but are still lighter than most other similarly sized Dutch ovens.
Yes, Le Creuset is widely considered a premium luxury brand in kitchenware. Famous for its enameled cast-iron cookware, it operates as both a high-end culinary tool and an aesthetic status symbol.
A "poor man's Dutch oven" is a budget-friendly DIY hack that emulates a traditional cast-iron Dutch oven. For baking bread, it involves taking two identical metal bread pans, placing one on top of the other (inverted) to trap steam, and securing the edges with Heavy Duty Metal Binder Clips.
Enameled cast iron offers the fantastic heat retention of bare cast iron without the tedious maintenance of seasoning. However, it carries notable drawbacks:
The most popular and highly recommended budget alternatives to Le Creuset are Lodge, Crockpot, and Tramontina. These brands offer durable enameled cast iron that handles braising, baking, and stewing beautifully, but at a fraction of the cost.
Le Creuset’s most popular and iconic color is Cerise (cherry red). It is widely regarded as the definitive brand signature and a staple in kitchens.
Le Creuset Shallow Casserole size guide
22cm/1.4L - serves 1-2 people or works as a side serving dish. 26cm/2.2L - serves around 2-4 people, so it's perfect for a couple dining together or a dinner party with other dishes.
Ceramic-coated cookware is generally considered non-toxic. It is typically made from a base material (like aluminum or stainless steel) that is coated with a layer of ceramic.
Enameled cast iron is not universally better than regular cast iron; rather, they serve different purposes. The best choice depends on what and how you cook.
Cooking Utensils
The delicate spring kitchenware normally runs for $315, but now you can get a pretty convincing dupe at Aldi for just $19.99! Aldi is selling a Crofton Dutch Oven in four gorgeous spring colors: burgundy, lilac, mint, and pink. The top lid has a similar floral design as the Le Creuset, and it holds 20-quarts.
Le Creuset’s most popular item is the Signature Round Dutch Oven, universally considered the brand's iconic kitchen staple. Crafted in France from enameled cast iron, it is revered for its even heat retention and requires no seasoning.
Le Creuset cookware is technically dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing is highly recommended. Constant dishwasher use and harsh detergents can cause the glossy enamel to dull over time.
The "best" Dutch oven depends on your budget and cooking style, but Le Creuset and Staub are universally considered the top premium choices.
A month ago, Le Creuset released a brand-new color for 2026: Forêt, a gorgeous matte deep green.
Perfect for long braises, they were obviously well-suited to America's favorite stews and roasts. The original Le Creuset pots were all flame-red; this true red one, with its odd handles, belonged to Julia Child.
Well, it is no secret that our 5 1/2 quart Round Dutch Oven and 6 3/4 quart Oval Dutch Oven are Le Creuset's most popular sizes for a reason. These two sizes offer the most flexibility for most people, with the ability to scale up or down to accommodate whatever you are cooking.
Tramontina's cast-iron Dutch ovens are now available at Costco in a budget-friendly bundle—two sizes for just $70. With enameled interiors, oven-safe construction, and rave reviews, they offer a great alternative to pricier brands like Le Creuset.
Avoid traditional non-stick pans with worn coatings or synthetic "forever chemicals" (PFAS), as well as unlined copper and reactive aluminum. Scratched or overheated pans release toxic fumes or leach heavy metals into your food.
The verdict: Le Creuset vs Aldi cast iron casserole dish
There's little difference in the performance of these pots. Both are easy to use on a variety of hobs and in the oven, too. They're easy to clean, and we found both fared well upon being bunged in the dishwasher.