Compare best-enameled crock cast iron pot vs. generic cheaper alternative
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron
Le Creuset is top of mind when it comes to enameled French Dutch ovens or cast iron pots. The brand celebrates its 100th year in 2025. It’s usually the top choice as a gift because of its pricey elegance. But does it fare when compared to cheaper brands?
The answer is a simple no
If you are comparing enameled cast iron vs. classic and plain cast iron, both have clear advantages and disadvantages. If you compare Le Creuset with cheaper enameled crock pots, the quality is different, but the outcome is the same.
| LE CREUSET ENAMELED DUTCH OVEN (5 Quartz) | AMAZON BASIC ENAMELED DUTCH OVEN (6-Quart) |
| $344.95 | $46.49 |
| Rating on April 2021 – 205 | Rating on April 2021 – 18,508 |
| 5.0 out of 5 stars: Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2020 Well worth the money just to see her expression. | 5.0 out of 5 stars: Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2021 My wife and I use this for a lot of cooking. My wife uses it in the oven to bake bread too! It’s fantastic |
| 1.0 out of 5 stars: Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2016 My Dutch oven developed a crack at the lip after only 4 uses (less than 1 year). Le Creuset would not replace it, saying it was due to “accidental” damage via high-temperature impact. Stay away from Le Creuset products. | 2.0 out of 5 stars: Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2021 The enamel in the bottom is showing cracks. The dimples on the top have lost the ceramic after 5-6 uses. I should have bought lodge or Le Creuset. |
| LODGE ENAMELED DUTCH OVEN (6 Quartz) | CUISINART ENAMELED DUTCH OVEN (7-Quart) |
| $69.90 | $129.29 |
| Rating on April 2021 – 23,836 | Rating on April 2021 – 1,118 |
| 5.0 out of 5 stars: Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2021 An outstanding value. I could not say enough about it. Buy it; you will not be sorry. | 5.0 out of 5 stars: Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2021 This is a great Dutch Oven. Rated #2 best by America’s test kitchen. Excellent price for such a superior product. Bake bread like a master baker. |
| 3.0 out of 5 stars: Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2021 This pan is nice, but very heavy and chips easily and scratches easily. I have had to return two that were purchased and chipped so far. | 2.0 out of 5 stars: Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2021 I don’t write reviews often. This thing got great reviews, but I must have gotten a bad one. You put it on a flat granite surface, and it wobbles… it doesn’t seal. So you lose liquid. Not good for long cooking. Really disappointed with this. Expected better. |
A practical alternative for enameled casserole crock pots
There are much cheaper brands like Aldi’s Crofton that are also enameled. It almost seems like a disposable pot at $15. Therefore, if you’re buying for the first time and unsure if you really like it—Aldi’s brand might be a good fit.
For all you know, you don’t really need a Le Creuset or any other pots because it’s heavy to use. Besides, other casserole pots can get the job done. Consider getting an Instant Pot crock or a digital pressure cooker.
