I have 5 qt, 7 qt, 9 qt and 15 qt Le Creuset Dutch ovens, all handed down from MIL so they are decades old and still look and work great. The one I use most often is the 7-qt. The 9-qt gets used for larger gatherings. The 15-qt is just a showpiece. It is impossibly heavy to lift when full of food.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone recommend a brand other than le creuset for a Dutch oven? I’ve been wanting one for awhile but just don’t want to spend that much money.

As long as it is cast iron, you are good to go. I've had mine for 13 years, I think it was from Crate and Barrel. It's still in amazing shape. You do NOT need to spend $500 on it.

I agree up to a point. The enamel is what makes a difference. I commented above about my signature piece. I also have owned lodge and Cuisinart. Lodge enamel chipped for me. It’s not expensive so it’s not an investment piece and if it chips you can replace it but there is a quality difference. Just depends on how much you want to spend.

I got mine as a gift some years ago and absolutely love it. I cook and bake bread in it.

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone recommend a brand other than le creuset for a Dutch oven? I’ve been wanting one for awhile but just don’t want to spend that much money.

As long as it is cast iron, you are good to go. I've had mine for 13 years, I think it was from Crate and Barrel. It's still in amazing shape. You do NOT need to spend $500 on it.

Anonymous wrote:I’m obsessing over getting a le creuset Dutch oven. Is it worth it? What do you make in yours?

Yes, it's worth it. I make everything in it. It's great for braising and casseroles in the oven, and making soups and stews on the stovetop. It looks nice on the table, too. I've had mine for about 10 years, and used it heavily.

I am cheap/frugal about many, many things, but this is one item I think is well worth the money.

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone recommend a brand other than le creuset for a Dutch oven? I’ve been wanting one for awhile but just don’t want to spend that much money.

+1 I plan on getting one, but I'm not shelling out le creuset money for one.

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone recommend a brand other than le creuset for a Dutch oven? I’ve been wanting one for awhile but just don’t want to spend that much money.

TJ Maxx has a bunch of Cuisinart enameled Dutch ovens now. Lodge is also a good option. If you’re a Costco member they have tratamonia (sp) now.

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone recommend a brand other than le creuset for a Dutch oven? I’ve been wanting one for awhile but just don’t want to spend that much money.

This one is highly recommended as an alternative.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTGX3SLH/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_GJQN7TR6D5ENS69SG4GN?linkCode=ml1&tag=matthewbounds-20&th=1

Anonymous wrote:OP - thanks for the quick replies! Do I need new recipes? I suppose I can just google as opposed to getting a full dutchoven recipe book. Also, what size, is 5.5 quart good?

No you do not need recipes. Anything you cook on the stove or in the oven you can cook in a dutch oven.

Can anyone recommend a brand other than le creuset for a Dutch oven? I’ve been wanting one for awhile but just don’t want to spend that much money.

OP - thanks for the quick replies! Do I need new recipes? I suppose I can just google as opposed to getting a full dutchoven recipe book. Also, what size, is 5.5 quart good?

I love mine! I make everything in it. It’s my workhorse tool.

I suggest whatever size you get, get a signature series because the handles are wider, and I find it easier to handle.

I also make everything in it. I really want a pumpkin shaped one for the fall. But there is nothing wrong with the old one I have that was passed down to me.

Everything.

I’m obsessing over getting a le creuset Dutch oven. Is it worth it? What do you make in yours?