The original
Le Creuset 5.5 qt Dutch Oven
$455
Search on Amazon ↗Both are enameled cast iron pots that go into a 500°F oven, so the gap is in how they handle rather than what they cook. The Le Creuset 5.5 qt Dutch Oven ($455) is lighter, has a wider base for searing and scored far higher in TechGearLab's tests. The Lodge 6 qt Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven ($80) holds a bit more, didn't chip in testing and saves $375.
The original
$455
Search on Amazon ↗Close match
Lodge
$80Save $375 (82%)
Search on Amazon ↗| Spec | Le Creuset Dutch Oven | Lodge Dutch Oven |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $455 | $80 |
| Capacity | 5.5 qt | 6 qt |
| Weight with lid (TechGearLab) | 11 lb 8 oz | 13 lb 9 oz |
| Searing surface (TechGearLab) | 8.75 in | 7.75 in |
| Max oven temperature | 500°F | 500°F |
| Dishwasher | Dishwasher-safe, hand wash recommended | Rated dishwasher-safe, hand wash recommended |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime (covers chips during cooking) |
| Made in | France | Not listed |
| TechGearLab overall score | 94 | 60 |
Enamel can chip sooner with heavy use.
Le Creuset Dutch Oven: You cook in a Dutch oven every week, sear a lot of meat, or find a heavy pot hard to lift out of the oven.
Lodge Dutch Oven: You braise, make soup or bake bread now and then and would rather keep $375 than save 2 pounds.
It tested better. TechGearLab gave the Le Creuset an overall score of 94 and the Lodge 60, and the Le Creuset was lighter with a bigger searing surface. TechGearLab still named the Lodge its pick for a tight budget and found it solid and durable.
Yes. TechGearLab lists a 500°F maximum oven temperature for both the Lodge 6 qt and the Le Creuset.
Lodge says it will replace enameled cast iron that chips, cracks or is otherwise damaged during cooking. It excludes drops, accidents, overheating and misuse, and says not to stack enameled pieces without pot protectors.
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