Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Staub.

I second Staub, certainly over Le Creuset.

It has a metal knob not plastic, a black cast iron interior which is better for browning and easier to keep clean, and the nubs/spikes in the lid to help condensate liquid to drip back in the pot.

Another vote for Staub. For the reasons the PP stated, I reach for this one more than all my LC pieces combined.

We love our all-clad one. We probably use it everyday and have for 4 years now. Love.

Le Creuset is my recommendation - http://www.lecreuset.com/cookware/french-ovens---braisers

I have one from Ikea, and I love it. I bought it two or three years ago and have been very happy with it.

Anonymous wrote:Staub.

I second Staub, certainly over Le Creuset.

It has a metal knob not plastic, a black cast iron interior which is better for browning and easier to keep clean, and the nubs/spikes in the lid to help condensate liquid to drip back in the pot.

Anonymous wrote:I bought a Lodge cast iron Dutch oven from Amazon and it's been great. .

I just ordered one myself. It's got over 2000 reviews and high ratings on Amazon.

Holy wow. Those got pricey. I got one as a wedding gift 12 years ago, and it was about $150.

I love the Le Creuset. My mother got one as a wedding gift FORTY years ago and is still using it. It's extremely versatile and will last for ever.

That said, I also have some lodge cast iron and I love that, too, and it holds up extremely well. I don't have any enameled cast iron from them. They do have a lifetime warranty, however. If I were buying today out of my own funds, I'd get the lodge. Unlike the cast iron, the Lodge enameled cast iron is not made in the USA (I don't know where Le Creuset is made, tho).

Goose Down Duvet.

I bought a Lodge cast iron Dutch oven from Amazon and it's been great. .

Staub.

I have a LC and one that I bought from Marshall's. They're really the same and I would buy another no-name one again, without hesitation.

My foodie SIL has a Martha Stewart enameled cast iron dutch oven that she loves.

I have a friend with LC who loves them.

I love the Emile Henry Flame dutch ovens, lighter than cast iron but performs the same.

I got a LC Dutch oven as a wedding gift 5 years ago and use it just about every day. It does have a small chip in the enamel on the cooking surface of the pot despite careful handling. I love it and think it's great, but I'll also throw out there that we bought my mom and MIL the Lodge 7.5 qt Dutch Oven. They both rave about it (and both have smaller LC pieces so a pretty direct comparison). It's usually about $80 on Amazon and has great reviews.

Le creuset without hesitation

You'll have it for a lifetime

I am looking into a Dutch oven for Christmas for myself, something that I've really been wanting to add to my kitchen for awhile. Is it worth it to get a Le Creuset or will I be satisfied with a middle of the line Dutch oven? I've only heard raves about Le Creusets but am weary of spending over $350 on a pot.