Dutch Ovens
Dutch Ovens, according to home cooks
Only claims about dutch ovens made by people we have grounds to call home cooks. The unrestricted dutch ovens evidence is on the dutch ovens page.
5 people we have grounds to call home cooks make
178 quoted claims about dutch ovens across
11 sources.
Membership of the home cooks group is
recorded per person with its own evidence, and authority is scoped to dutch ovens rather
than to fame.
Which dutch ovens do home cooks recommend?
Endorsements and objections about dutch ovens from home cooks, together, strongest
evidence first.
4 voices 51 claims 12 objections
Along with Misen, Le Creuset handles have the widest openings.
handling tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites ease of cleaning, handle, heat resistance, lid, weight
Because of that and the lightweight design, it's by far the easiest Dutch oven to pick up, wash, and store.
The lid has ridges that prevent a spoon from slipping off
the knob has a wide top and a thick stem, which makes it easy to grip and control
In my test, both knobs stayed cooler than most other brands, but the plastic knob barely heated up at all.
the plastic knob barely heated up at all
I love Le Creuset's color options, lightweight design, and large handles.
I love Le Creuset's color options, lightweight design, and large handles.
After speaking with their customer service, I confirmed that they cover the enamel for life. So, if 10 years down from now under normal circumstances, you see a chip in the enamel they'll replace the Dutch oven for free.
repairability relaying someone else Don't Buy Le Creuset Until You Watch This (Test Results)
Cites warranty
After posting that video, dozens of people commented that Le Creuset does the same, and as the customer service rep confirmed, they were right.
Although the performance is great, the same could be said for much cheaper Dutch ovens, especially since they’re all made with the materials - cast iron with an enamel coating.
value tested it Don't Buy Le Creuset Until You Watch This (Test Results)
Cites price (against)
Le Creuset Dutch ovens are significantly more expensive than brands like Lodge, Tramontina, and many others. And based on my testing, you’re not getting any meaningful advantages in performance.
6:33 supports MQ Cookware Reviewer you get the same flawless enamel quality as Staub but over 20 color options and a beautiful two-toned gradient that the brand has become known for
appearance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites appearance, coating
a beautiful two-toned gradient that the brand has become known for
Unlike cheaper brands that outsource manufacturing to China and other countries to reduce labor costs, Le Creuset has been making their Dutch ovens in France in their own factories since 1925. By controlling their entire manufacturing process, they can maintain much higher quality standards
reliability tested it Don't Buy Le Creuset Until You Watch This (Test Results)
Cites build quality, surface finish
Le Creuset’s enamel, on the other hand, is incredibly smooth, with no visible imperfections. There could be exceptions, but the dozen pieces I looked at were all pristine.
As I mentioned earlier, it's significantly lighter than the other brands. This 5.5-quart Dutch oven weighs 11.4 pounds. The other two 5.5-quart Dutch ovens I tested weigh 12.6 and 12.8 pounds.
handling tested it Don't Buy Le Creuset Until You Watch This (Test Results)
Cites handle, lid, weight
It also has extremely wide handles. There’s an inch and a half of space between the handle and the pot, which gives you plenty of room to grip even with oven mitts.
The lighter weight and large handles make Le Creuset the easiest Dutch oven to pick up, transfer to the oven, and wash.
These knobs are wide and have a thick stem that makes it easy to grip and tilt the lid. It’s a much better design than Staub's thin knobs and Great Jones’ looped handle.
The key point here is that Le Creuset does a great job cooking, but nothing about its performance is truly different from the competition.
performance tested it Don't Buy Le Creuset Until You Watch This (Test Results)
Cites heat resistance, oven safe
The metal knobs look nice and have a slightly higher oven-safe temperature, but the plastic knob stays cooler when you’re cooking on the stove.
When I measured knob temperatures after boiling water for 10 minutes, Le Creuset's plastic knob stayed the coolest by far. The metal knob also stayed cool, coming in 3rd place.
Le Creuset was the third worst-performing brand. Although I was not surprised by this since it's the thinnest and lightest.
performance tested it Don't Buy Le Creuset Until You Watch This (Test Results)
Cites heat retention (against), lid (against), moisture retention (against), weight (against)
Some brands, like Staub, have dimples inside their lids to encourage a self-basting process, but Le Creuset doesn't.
Since Le Creuset has a domed lid with a smooth interior, the evaporated water collected and ran down the sides of the lid rather than evenly dripping back over the food.
both Brands offer a variety of exterior colors but la Creuset is the clear winner in this category while stove has around a dozen colors la Creuset has nearly 20 and they are constantly adding new ones
best in class tested it Does Staub Outperform Le Creuset? My Tests Reveal the Truth
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Cites appearance
If budget is not a concern, I'm buying Le Creuset, Staub, or Made In.
recommendation tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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you get the same flawless enamel quality as Staub but over 20 color options and a beautiful two-toned gradient that the brand has become known for
use-case fit tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites availability
I love Le Creuset's color options, lightweight design, and large handles.
Since chipped enamel is one of the most common issues with Dutch ovens - knowing you're covered even a decade down the line makes the high price tag easier to justify.
value tested it Don't Buy Le Creuset Until You Watch This (Test Results)
Cites availability, price, warranty
If price is the one thing holding you back, check out Le Creuset's outlet stores. They have over 60 locations across the US where you can find factory seconds, discontinued colors, and overstocked items at significant discounts.
Each piece transitions from dark to light, giving it character you don't see with solid colors from other brands. This might seem like a small detail, but it's part of what makes Le Creuset instantly recognizable.
appearance tested it Don't Buy Le Creuset Until You Watch This (Test Results)
Cites appearance
The metal knobs look nice and have a slightly higher oven-safe temperature, but the plastic knob stays cooler when you’re cooking on the stove.
ultimately you can't go wrong with either they're both High performing durable and elegantly designed and they're both made in France by expert Craftsmen
recommendation tested it Does Staub Outperform Le Creuset? My Tests Reveal the Truth
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Cites durability
both brands have a long history and a reputation for producing some of the best enameled cast iron cookware in the world
mention tested it Does Staub Outperform Le Creuset? My Tests Reveal the Truth
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Cites reputation
many of their colors are bright and distinct like their iconic orange flame color and their Caribbean Blue during the enameling process two separate colors are applied to create a beautiful two-toned gradient that you'll see on most pieces
appearance tested it Does Staub Outperform Le Creuset? My Tests Reveal the Truth
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Cites appearance
there are pros and cons to each Brand's approach La crusade's sand colored interior allows you to clearly see and monitor the Browning and doneness of your food stove is dark interior hide stains better but makes it more difficult to monitor Browning and fond development
performance tested it Does Staub Outperform Le Creuset? My Tests Reveal the Truth
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Cites browning visibility
these results confirm that the design of stove Lids traps and distributes moisture better than Le Creuset so yes the bumps on the lid really do make a difference
performance tested it Does Staub Outperform Le Creuset? My Tests Reveal the Truth
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Cites moisture retention (against)
stove retained 56 ounces and Le Creuset retained only 52 ounces although both dutch ovens retained most of the moisture stove is superior to Le Creuset in this category
if you look closely at the knobs you'll notice that stoves is smaller with a thinner stem La Crusade knobs are thicker and give you more to grab onto and squeeze
handling tested it Does Staub Outperform Le Creuset? My Tests Reveal the Truth
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Cites handle, lid, safety, weight
Dutch oven Lids are heavy so having a bigger knob makes handling lockers say easier and safer especially when you're wearing a bulky oven mitt
La crochet handles are much wider and roomier than stobe La Creuset handles have a 1.25 inch opening for you to get a sturdy grip the opening on stove handles is less than an inch
as you can see I can easily fit an oven mitt around the luxury handles you can fit your hands around the stob handles but it's much more snug
the key advantages of La Crusade dutch ovens are that they're light and easier to maneuver the handles are larger the sand colored interior makes it easier to monitor Browning and the exterior colors are nearly Limitless
For comparison, Le Creuset Dutch ovens come with handles that have a generous 1.25-inch opening. That extra space can significantly improve your grip, especially when wearing an oven mitt.
handling tested it Staub Dutch Oven Review: Is It Better Than Le Creuset? (Test Results)
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Cites handle
the lid locked in moisture better than most
performance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites moisture retention
Le Creuset had the third-worst heat retention, likely due to the thinner walls
performance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites heat retention (against)
High-end brands like Le Creuset and Staub make quality Dutch ovens, but you don't need to spend $400 to get one that performs great and lasts long.
performance 10 Dutch Oven Buying Mistakes to Avoid
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Cites build quality, durability
except for the rim of the pot every exterior inch of La Crusade dutch ovens is coated in enamel including the handles at a glance it appears that's the case with stove too however if you look closer you'll notice that the inside of the side handles is bare cast iron
reliability tested it Does Staub Outperform Le Creuset? My Tests Reveal the Truth
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Cites build quality, coating
unlike many other brands both operate their own production facilities which helps maintain strict quality standards
I repeated this test with Tramontina, Lodge, Le Creuset, and Great Jones Dutch ovens and, as you can see, Staub retains heat better than all of them.
performance tested it Staub Dutch Oven Review: Is It Better Than Le Creuset? (Test Results)
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Cites heat retention (against), lid (against), moisture retention (against)
The paper towel under the Le Creuset lid had fewer droplets, and they weren't as evenly distributed.
For comparison, every imperfection is clearly visible on this Le Creuset sand colored interior.
appearance tested it Staub Dutch Oven Review: Is It Better Than Le Creuset? (Test Results)
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Cites appearance (against)
while the price is steep, you get the same flawless enamel quality as Staub but over 20 color options and a beautiful two-toned gradient that the brand has become known for
value tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites price (against)
Now, as far as the enamel, I think all of these Dutch ovens are goodlooking.
appearance tested it NEW: Lodge USA Enamel Review with cooking & Staub/Le Creuset comparison!
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Cites appearance, surface finish
The stoves and the L Crusades may be a scoch smoother, and I can't tell if that's actually true or if that's just what I expect. And um it's reinforcing my expectations.
both brands are expensive but stove dutch ovens are slightly more affordable the price varies by size and color but expect to save between 20 and 50 dollars with stove
value tested it Does Staub Outperform Le Creuset? My Tests Reveal the Truth
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Cites price (against)
While their official warranty sounds limiting, only covering "defects in materials and workmanship at the time of purchase," the reality is much better.
repairability tested it Don't Buy Le Creuset Until You Watch This (Test Results)
Cites warranty (against)
The warranty only comes into play if the chip is deep enough that you can see the bare cast iron under the enamel or at least feel a difference in texture.
11:05 notes Zoe Carter Home Cooks 1:30 notes Zoe Carter Home Cooks 2 voices 50 claims 15 objections
I also appreciate the flat lid design, which lets you rest a spoon on top or add ice to make the lid cold and quickly turn steam back into liquid before it can escape.
use-case fit tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites availability, lid
Staub offers 10 different sizes and 15 colors - only one other brand, which I'll talk about next, offers more colors.
Staub's flat self-basting lid is fantastic
The enamel finish is flawless, and the whole pot has a truly high-end look and feel, as it should at this price point.
appearance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites appearance, coating
The enamel finish is flawless, and the whole pot has a truly high-end look and feel, as it should at this price point.
with Staub, the construction quality is outstanding
reliability tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites build quality
In my controlled experiments, Staub had the best heat retention score of all brands
performance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites heat retention, moisture retention
the flat lid and self-basting dimples resulted in excellent moisture distribution
stobe's lid knobs are made out of steel with nickel or brass exterior they are oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and get extremely hot whether you're cooking on the stove or in the oven
performance tested it Does Staub Outperform Le Creuset? My Tests Reveal the Truth
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Cites heat resistance, heat retention, lid, moisture retention
stove Lids have small bumps that capture evaporated liquid and drip it evenly across the center of the pot luxurusa lids are smooth
not only did the stove lid distribute the water droplets more evenly but the lid also captured significantly more water
these results confirm that the design of stove Lids traps and distributes moisture better than Le Creuset so yes the bumps on the lid really do make a difference
stove retained 56 ounces and Le Creuset retained only 52 ounces although both dutch ovens retained most of the moisture stove is superior to Le Creuset in this category
but there's a lot to like about stove dutch ovens too they're thicker and heavier which allows them to retain heat and moisture better
So, if you’re looking for a thoughtfully designed, high-performing Dutch oven for soups, stews, braises, and other slow-cooked meals, Staub is one of the best brands.
best in class tested it Staub Dutch Oven Review: Is It Better Than Le Creuset? (Test Results)
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Cites build quality
So should you buy a Staub Dutch oven? Is it worth the high price? In my opinion, yes. As my testing proved, its thick walls and tight fitting lid retains heat better than the competition, and its self-basting lid distributes moisture back over the pot much more evenly than a domed lid with no bumps.
recommendation tested it Staub Dutch Oven Review: Is It Better Than Le Creuset? (Test Results)
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Cites heat retention, moisture retention
One of my favorite features is their flat lid. Since the lid isn’t sloped like most Dutch ovens, you can place ice on top without it sliding off. When the hot steam from inside the pot makes contact with the cold surface of the lid, it quickly condenses back into liquid, dripping back into the pot. This design ensures…
performance tested it Staub Dutch Oven Review: Is It Better Than Le Creuset? (Test Results)
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Cites build quality, heat retention, lid, moisture retention
Staub Dutch ovens are thicker and heavier than most. The 5.5-quart Dutch oven has 4 mm walls and weighs 12.8 pounds. For comparison, the Le Creuset 5.5-quart Dutch oven has 3.6 mm walls and weighs 11.5 pounds. The added thickness and weight allow these pots to retain heat exceptionally well.
I brought 32 ounces of water to a boil then removed the pot from the heat and let it cool on the counter. After ten minutes, the water was 136°F. And after 20 minutes, the water was 111°F. I repeated this test with Tramontina, Lodge, Le Creuset, and Great Jones Dutch ovens and, as you can see, Staub retains heat…
When I lifted the lids, the paper towel under the Staub lid was dotted with water droplets, evenly spread out. The paper towel under the Le Creuset lid had fewer droplets, and they weren't as evenly distributed. This simple test proved that the small dimples on the Staub lid do, in fact, work.
When I finally lifted the lid and measured the remaining water, Staub retained almost the full 32 ounces. I ran the same test with Lodge, Tramontina, Le Creuset, and Great Jones and Staub outperformed them all.
they have the smallest overall depth and length of all Dutch ovens I tested
handling tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites handle (against), heat resistance (against)
the knob diameter is also the smallest in the group
One downside is that the lid knob got extremely hot during testing, with the second-highest temperature of all brands.
spending more for top performance is a smart investment
value tested it Staub Dutch Oven Review: Is It Better Than Le Creuset? (Test Results)
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Cites price
I’ve used this Dutch oven for years and you can barely see any staining or scratches.
durability tested it Staub Dutch Oven Review: Is It Better Than Le Creuset? (Test Results)
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Cites coating durability, durability, surface finish
When you consider the fact that the enameled coating doesn’t degrade and these pots can last for decades, spending more for top performance is a smart investment.
If budget is not a concern, I'm buying Le Creuset, Staub, or Made In.
recommendation tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Many brands, like Made In and Staub, have tiny bumps that capture evaporating liquid and evenly redistribute it back into the pot. Based on my tests, this feature actually does work. The lid with the self-basting dimples collected and distributed moisture more evenly than the lid without any texture.
performance tested it 10 Dutch Oven Buying Mistakes to Avoid
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Cites build quality, durability, moisture retention
High-end brands like Le Creuset and Staub make quality Dutch ovens, but you don't need to spend $400 to get one that performs great and lasts long.
While I’m a fan of Staub Dutch ovens overall, their small lid knobs are one of the few downsides.
recommendation 10 Dutch Oven Buying Mistakes to Avoid
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I got to say, I like the rim around the stove. I like the um the distinctive look to it.
handling tested it NEW: Lodge USA Enamel Review with cooking & Staub/Le Creuset comparison!
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Cites lid, shape and form
That stove also has the baking spike basting spikes under its lid. And as I've shown in a different uh video, those basting spikes actually do work.
Comparing lids, I think the stove has the best lid of the bunch.
best in class tested it NEW: Lodge USA Enamel Review with cooking & Staub/Le Creuset comparison!
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Cites lid
ultimately you can't go wrong with either they're both High performing durable and elegantly designed and they're both made in France by expert Craftsmen
recommendation tested it Does Staub Outperform Le Creuset? My Tests Reveal the Truth
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Cites durability
both brands have a long history and a reputation for producing some of the best enameled cast iron cookware in the world
mention tested it Does Staub Outperform Le Creuset? My Tests Reveal the Truth
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Cites reputation
there are pros and cons to each Brand's approach La crusade's sand colored interior allows you to clearly see and monitor the Browning and doneness of your food stove is dark interior hide stains better but makes it more difficult to monitor Browning and fond development
durability tested it Does Staub Outperform Le Creuset? My Tests Reveal the Truth
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Stated in the source: “those are affiliate links so I'll earn a commission if you click and buy but at no extra cost to you” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still
evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.
there are pros and cons to each Brand's approach La crusade's sand colored interior allows you to clearly see and monitor the Browning and doneness of your food stove is dark interior hide stains better but makes it more difficult to monitor Browning and fond development
performance tested it Does Staub Outperform Le Creuset? My Tests Reveal the Truth
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Stated in the source: “those are affiliate links so I'll earn a commission if you click and buy but at no extra cost to you” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still
evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.
Cites browning visibility (against)
except for the rim of the pot every exterior inch of La Crusade dutch ovens is coated in enamel including the handles at a glance it appears that's the case with stove too however if you look closer you'll notice that the inside of the side handles is bare cast iron
reliability tested it Does Staub Outperform Le Creuset? My Tests Reveal the Truth
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Cites build quality (against), coating (against)
Aside from Le Creuset, Staub is one of the most expensive enameled cast iron brands on the market. In fact, you could buy multiple Lodge or Great Jones Dutch ovens for the cost of one Staub.
value tested it Staub Dutch Oven Review: Is It Better Than Le Creuset? (Test Results)
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Cites price (against)
Earlier in this review, I mentioned the dark interior as a positive since it hides stains and scratches, but it’s also a negative. Compared to lighter interiors, the darker hue makes it trickier to spot fond development or see if your food is sticking or burning.
performance tested it Staub Dutch Oven Review: Is It Better Than Le Creuset? (Test Results)
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Cites appearance (against)
First, you’ll notice that Staub Dutch oven handles are on the smaller side. There’s less than an inch of space between the handle and the pot.
handling tested it Staub Dutch Oven Review: Is It Better Than Le Creuset? (Test Results)
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Cites handle (against), lid (against), weight (against)
At three quarters of an inch in diameter, Staub’s knobs are smaller than competitors like Le Creuset and Made In. Since there's not much to grap onto, it's difficult to pick up the lift and tilt it.
But at 12.8 pounds empty, Staub is heavier than many other alternatives. If you want a lightweight Dutch oven that’s easier to maneuver, you might want to consider other brands like Le Creuset.
Staub Dutch ovens have a matte black interior. Unlike lighter finishes, the black doesn't show discoloration or scratches as easily.
appearance tested it Staub Dutch Oven Review: Is It Better Than Le Creuset? (Test Results)
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Cites appearance, scratch resistance
Now, as far as the enamel, I think all of these Dutch ovens are goodlooking.
appearance tested it NEW: Lodge USA Enamel Review with cooking & Staub/Le Creuset comparison!
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Cites appearance, appearance, surface finish
The stoves and the L Crusades may be a scoch smoother, and I can't tell if that's actually true or if that's just what I expect. And um it's reinforcing my expectations.
The stove of course has a darker interior. It will not show stains, but they may be there even if you can't see them.
unlike many other brands both operate their own production facilities which helps maintain strict quality standards
reliability tested it Does Staub Outperform Le Creuset? My Tests Reveal the Truth
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Cites build quality
both brands are expensive but stove dutch ovens are slightly more affordable the price varies by size and color but expect to save between 20 and 50 dollars with stove
value tested it Does Staub Outperform Le Creuset? My Tests Reveal the Truth
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Cites price
if you're cooking a meal that benefits from continuous stealth basting like a roasted chicken then yes
use-case fit tested it Does Staub Outperform Le Creuset? My Tests Reveal the Truth
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Cites moisture retention
stobe's lid knobs are made out of steel with nickel or brass exterior they are oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and get extremely hot whether you're cooking on the stove or in the oven
handling tested it Does Staub Outperform Le Creuset? My Tests Reveal the Truth
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Cites handle (against), lid (against), safety (against), surface finish (against), weight (against)
if you look closely at the knobs you'll notice that stoves is smaller with a thinner stem La Crusade knobs are thicker and give you more to grab onto and squeeze
La crochet handles are much wider and roomier than stobe La Creuset handles have a 1.25 inch opening for you to get a sturdy grip the opening on stove handles is less than an inch
as you can see I can easily fit an oven mitt around the luxury handles you can fit your hands around the stob handles but it's much more snug
you can't see the bear cast iron at most angles but you can feel its rough texture when you pick up the Dutch ovens without gloves
stove dutch ovens are made with a noticeably thicker walls the top part of stobe's walls are 4.6 millimeters and la Creuset walls are 3.8 millimeters because of their thickness stove dutch ovens are heavier
for example this stove around 5.5 quart dutch oven weighs 12.8 pounds while this la Creuset 5.5 quart dutch oven weighs 11.5 pounds
Although they’re heavy and the lid knobs and side handles are smaller than other brands, you can still get a secure grip.
handling tested it Staub Dutch Oven Review: Is It Better Than Le Creuset? (Test Results)
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Cites handle, weight (against)
But, does this feature translate to better tasting food? It depends on what you're cooking. For dishes that are enhanced by continuous self-basting, then yes. But for recipes like soups, chilis, or sauces, the even distribution of condensation won’t give you a significantly different outcome.
use-case fit tested it Staub Dutch Oven Review: Is It Better Than Le Creuset? (Test Results)
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Cites moisture retention
the handle openings are bigger than Caraway
handling tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites handle
While I’m a fan of Staub Dutch ovens overall, their small lid knobs are one of the few downsides.
handling 10 Dutch Oven Buying Mistakes to Avoid
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Cites lid (against)
both Brands offer a variety of exterior colors but la Creuset is the clear winner in this category while stove has around a dozen colors la Creuset has nearly 20 and they are constantly adding new ones
appearance tested it Does Staub Outperform Le Creuset? My Tests Reveal the Truth
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Cites appearance (against)
you can buy replacement handles in the shape of different animals like a cow a rooster and a pig which is a fun way to label what's inside if you have multiple dutch ovens going at once
appearance tested it Does Staub Outperform Le Creuset? My Tests Reveal the Truth
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Cites appearance, versatility
You can also rest a spoon, spatula, or tongs on the lid without it sliding off.
handling tested it Staub Dutch Oven Review: Is It Better Than Le Creuset? (Test Results)
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Cites lid
If you plan to use multiple Dutch ovens at the same time, these handles can help you quickly identify what’s inside each pot.
Staub is one of the most popular Dutch oven brands in the world.
mention relaying someone else Staub Dutch Oven Review: Is It Better Than Le Creuset? (Test Results)
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Cites reputation
Lodge Essential Enamel
1 voice 12 claims 6 objections
If you're looking for the best value, I recommend the Lodge Essential Enamel Dutch oven.
value tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites price
It has a large knob and handles, a warranty that covers chips and cracks, and a reasonable price.
If you're looking for the best value, I recommend the Lodge Essential Enamel Dutch oven.
recommendation tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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It has a large knob and handles, a warranty that covers chips and cracks, and a reasonable price.
repairability tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites warranty
On the negative side, this was the only Dutch oven that slightly chipped when I dropped the spatula on it. It left a mark on the others, but it made a tiny chip on this one.
durability tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites coating durability (against)
this Dutch oven has large handles, a big lid knob, and a beautiful gradient exterior
appearance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites appearance
the flat cooking surface is smaller, so you have less room to brown meats
use-case fit tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites size and capacity (against)
I also noticed some inconsistencies and imperfections in the enamel inside the lid.
reliability tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites build quality (against)
It performed well in my heat retention test, and the knobs stayed cooler than most brands.
performance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites heat retention
this Dutch oven has large handles, a big lid knob, and a beautiful gradient exterior
handling tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites handle, heat resistance, shape and form
It performed well in my heat retention test, and the knobs stayed cooler than most brands.
The rounder sides make it easier to get in the corners and stir
It has a large knob and handles, a warranty that covers chips and cracks, and a reasonable price.
Made In dutch oven
1 voice 12 claims 3 objections
In my controlled experiments, Made In had the second-best heat retention, the second-best moisture retention, and the lowest knob temperature, and it didn't chip from my durability test.
performance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites heat retention, moisture retention
In my controlled experiments, Made In had the second-best heat retention, the second-best moisture retention, and the lowest knob temperature, and it didn't chip from my durability test.
On top of that, it performs excellently in real-world testing.
in the $200 to $300 price range, Made In has a more functional knob and performed better in my tests
the handles stick out further than any Dutch oven I tested, giving you plenty of room to grip
handling tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites handle, heat resistance
I also love the lid knob, which has the widest diameter of the group.
In my controlled experiments, Made In had the second-best heat retention, the second-best moisture retention, and the lowest knob temperature, and it didn't chip from my durability test.
I really like Made In's large knob, big handles, and wide cooking surface.
in the $200 to $300 price range, Made In has a more functional knob and performed better in my tests
If budget is not a concern, I'm buying Le Creuset, Staub, or Made In.
recommendation tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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The flat cooking surface is 9 inches, making it the largest of the several 5 1/2 and 6qt Dutch ovens I tested.
use-case fit tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites size and capacity
I really like Made In's large knob, big handles, and wide cooking surface.
Many brands, like Made In and Staub, have tiny bumps that capture evaporating liquid and evenly redistribute it back into the pot. Based on my tests, this feature actually does work. The lid with the self-basting dimples collected and distributed moisture more evenly than the lid without any texture.
performance tested it 10 Dutch Oven Buying Mistakes to Avoid
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Cites moisture retention
At 13.6 lbs, it's the heaviest 5 1/2 qt Dutch oven I tested.
handling tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites lid (against), weight (against)
Another minor downside is that the top of the lid is completely smooth, which looks nice but since there are no ridges or design, you can't rest a spoon without it sliding off.
And finally, despite having self-basting dimples on the inside of the lid, moisture still collects around the edges and doesn't drip back over the pot evenly.
performance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites moisture retention (against)
In my controlled experiments, Made In had the second-best heat retention, the second-best moisture retention, and the lowest knob temperature, and it didn't chip from my durability test.
durability tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites coating durability
At three quarters of an inch in diameter, Staub’s knobs are smaller than competitors like Le Creuset and Made In.
handling tested it Staub Dutch Oven Review: Is It Better Than Le Creuset? (Test Results)
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Cites lid
Another minor downside is that the top of the lid is completely smooth, which looks nice but since there are no ridges or design, you can't rest a spoon without it sliding off.
appearance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites appearance
Tramontina 5 1/2 qt Dutch oven
1 voice 10 claims 6 objections
It had the worst heat retention score
performance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites heat retention (against), moisture retention (against)
the ridges under the lid that are supposed to redistribute moisture evenly over the pot don't really do anything
This Dutch oven arrived with a chip on the rim of its lid.
reliability tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites build quality (against)
the chipped damage right out of the box makes me question their quality control
Tramontina and Great Jones are the two brands at the bottom of my list.
comparison tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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the knob got hotter than all but one other brand
handling tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites handle (against), heat resistance (against)
The performance is fine and the price is fair, but the design is basic and the handles are too small to fit four fingers.
Tramontina's handles are too small, and the chipped damage right out of the box makes me question their quality control
Unless affordability is your top priority, this isn't the best option.
recommendation tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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the heavy lid was the third best at locking in moisture
performance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites moisture retention
The enamel didn't chip when I dropped a metal spatula on it
durability tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites coating durability
The performance is fine and the price is fair, but the design is basic and the handles are too small to fit four fingers.
appearance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites appearance (against)
The performance is fine and the price is fair, but the design is basic and the handles are too small to fit four fingers.
value tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites price
The performance is fine and the price is fair, but the design is basic and the handles are too small to fit four fingers.
performance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Lodge USA Enamel 6qt Dutch oven
1 voice 8 claims 1 objection
I prefer the rounded knob because there's more to grab, which makes it easier to lift and tilt the lid
handling tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites ease of cleaning (against), handle (against), maintenance (against)
The one feature that annoys me about this Dutch oven is the metal accents on the handles - they look nice, but they're not completely flush with the cast iron part of the handle, so food can get trapped and be a pain to clean.
You can unscrew these metal pieces to clean them, but it's an extra unnecessary step.
it's made in America and has a unique retro look inspired by cars, guitars, and other mid-century American designs
appearance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites appearance
This knob aligns with the retro design
The one feature that annoys me about this Dutch oven is the metal accents on the handles - they look nice, but they're not completely flush with the cast iron part of the handle, so food can get trapped and be a pain to clean.
I'm a fan of Lodge's USA Enamel collection
recommendation tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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This Dutch oven performed well in my cooking tests, average in my heat and moisture retention tests, and the enamel survived my durability test.
durability tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites coating durability
Compared to the cheaper Lodge collection, this Dutch oven has even larger handles, a much wider cooking surface, and a slightly lighter interior color that makes it easier to see your food and make sure it isn't sticking or overcooking.
performance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.
Cites appearance
This Dutch oven performed well in my cooking tests, average in my heat and moisture retention tests, and the enamel survived my durability test.
Compared to the cheaper Lodge collection, this Dutch oven has even larger handles, a much wider cooking surface, and a slightly lighter interior color that makes it easier to see your food and make sure it isn't sticking or overcooking.
use-case fit tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites size and capacity
Compared to the cheaper Lodge collection, this Dutch oven has even larger handles, a much wider cooking surface, and a slightly lighter interior color that makes it easier to see your food and make sure it isn't sticking or overcooking.
handling tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites handle
This Dutch oven performed well in my cooking tests, average in my heat and moisture retention tests, and the enamel survived my durability test.
performance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission if you click and buy, but at no extra cost to you.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still
evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.
Cites heat retention, moisture retention
This Dutch oven performed well in my cooking tests, average in my heat and moisture retention tests, and the enamel survived my durability test.
Caraway 6.5qt Dutch oven
1 voice 7 claims 4 objections
This Dutch oven performs fine in cooking tests but poorly in my controlled experiments.
performance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites heat retention (against), moisture retention (against)
It had the second-worst heat retention and the worst moisture retention
It had the second-worst heat retention and the worst moisture retention
despite the flat lid and self-basting dimples, evaporation runs to the edges and doesn't drip over the middle of the pot
I appreciate the modern look, but I don't like that the handles have small openings that don't provide enough room to wrap your fingers.
handling tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites handle (against)
Most of the pot has a shiny smooth finish, but the top of the handles, the knob, and the bottom of the pot have a rough texture - it almost feels like they're not enameled.
reliability tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites coating (against)
This limits splatter, but the narrower design means the flat cooking surface is smaller.
use-case fit tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites base and rim (against), size and capacity (against)
I don't like the rough bottom because it can scuff delicate surfaces like wood if you slide the pot
This limits splatter, but the narrower design means the flat cooking surface is smaller.
performance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites ease of cleaning
This Dutch oven performs fine in cooking tests but poorly in my controlled experiments.
It has a sleek modern design with smooth rounded side handles and a pill-shaped lid knob.
appearance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.
Cites appearance, surface finish
Most of the pot has a shiny smooth finish, but the top of the handles, the knob, and the bottom of the pot have a rough texture - it almost feels like they're not enameled.
I appreciate the modern look, but I don't like that the handles have small openings that don't provide enough room to wrap your fingers.
This texture provides a slightly better grip
handling tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.
Cites ergonomics
Great Jones oval Dutch oven
1 voice 6 claims 3 objections
While it looks nice, it's not nearly as functional as a traditional circular knob. You can only fit two fingers, which makes it difficult to lift and control the heavy lid.
handling tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.
Cites handle (against)
Similarly, I'm not a fan of the looped side handles. Compared to the other Dutch ovens, the design is very basic, and they're not long enough to comfortably fit four fingers.
the Great Jones lid handle is a deal-breaker for me
Tramontina and Great Jones are the two brands at the bottom of my list.
comparison tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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It's functional, but in my opinion, it looks a bit dull and ugly.
appearance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.
Cites appearance (against)
They chose gray because it hid stains better than white but allows you to monitor browning better than black.
performance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites appearance
Although this Dutch oven performed well in my tests, there are two things I don't like about it.
They chose gray because it hid stains better than white but allows you to monitor browning better than black.
handling tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites ease of cleaning
While it looks nice, it's not nearly as functional as a traditional circular knob.
appearance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.
Cites appearance
Misen 7qt Dutch oven with grill pan lid
1 voice 3 claims 2 objections
The grill pan lid retained the most liquid of all nine Dutch ovens I tested
performance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites moisture retention
the ridges on the grill pan lid collect and redistribute moisture evenly over the pot
when you use the grill pan lid, the entire Dutch oven weighs close to 17 lbs, which makes it the heaviest by far
handling tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission if you click and buy, but at no extra cost to you.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still
evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.
Cites handle (against), weight (against)
the grill pan doesn't have a knob, so it can be tricky to lift
if you cook with the grill pan, the bottom will stain and discolor over time just like any other pan, so if you don't scrub it thoroughly, those stains will be visible when you use it as a lid
durability tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More
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Cites ease of cleaning (against)
Le Creuset Signature Dutch oven
1 voice 2 claims no objections from home cooks
Lodge Dutch oven
1 voice 2 claims 1 objection
I repeated this test with Tramontina, Lodge, Le Creuset, and Great Jones Dutch ovens and, as you can see, Staub retains heat better than all of them.
performance tested it Staub Dutch Oven Review: Is It Better Than Le Creuset? (Test Results)
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Cites heat retention (against)
Great Jones Dutch oven
1 voice 2 claims 2 objections
I repeated this test with Tramontina, Lodge, Le Creuset, and Great Jones Dutch ovens and, as you can see, Staub retains heat better than all of them.
performance tested it Staub Dutch Oven Review: Is It Better Than Le Creuset? (Test Results)
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Cites heat retention (against)