Cuisinart Cast Iron Dutch Ovens vs Le Creuset Dutch Ovens
I could find nowhere on the internet that could deliver a concise comparison of these two great brands of Dutch ovens. So I have completed one for you. Cuisinart cast-iron Dutch oven vs Le Creuset Dutch ovens. I use both these brands of Dutch ovens along with many other brands.
The main difference between Cuisinart and Le Creuset is the price. The difference between a 7-quart Cuisinart and its Le Creuset counterpart a 7-25-quart is approximately $270.00. Secondly is the quality of the material. Le Creuset uses high-quality materials that are actually lighter than those in the Cuisinart oven.
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Cuisinart Dutch Ovens vs Le Creuset Dutch Ovens
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast Iron Round Covered Casserole, 7-Qt, Light Blue
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Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Classic Round Dutch Oven, 7.25 Qt, Flame
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What Brand of Dutch Oven Is Best?
Le Creuset is cast iron Dutch oven royalty that has been used by chefs and home cooks around the world for decades. Cuisinart’s Dutch ovens are comparable-looking that are mass-produced in China.
I used my grandson’s new favorite dish for this comparison, “Porcupine Meat Balls.” It is easy and quick to prepare a no-fuss dish that turns out perfectly in both Dutch ovens. I usually use another Dutch oven to prepare my Dutch oven rice every time.
Read on to find out if a Dutch oven is best for you…
Le Creuset vs Cuisinart: Quick Comparison Chart
| Features | Le Creuset | Cuisinart |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Awareness | At least three layers of enamel coating over bare cast iron | A widely known brand for cookware and appliances |
| Where is it Made | Made in France from a brand that has honed its cast-iron pouring and finishing skills for almost 100 years from the highest quality materials | China |
| Materials | At least 3 layers of enamel coating over bare cast iron | Enameled cast iron |
| Design | Thick walls and base, integrated cast iron side handles, interchangeable oven-safe knob | Looks similar to Le Creuset but with thicker walls and base, integrated cast iron side handles oven-safe knob |
| Exterior Colors | 20+ | Looks similar to Le Creuset but with thicker walls and base, integrated cast iron side handles, oven-safe knob |
| Interior Colors | Sand | Off white |
| Loop Handles | Larger handles in length and width | Smaller handles |
| Lid | Domed | Domed |
| Knob | Stainless, gold plated, including personalized and themed or black phenolic knob | Enamel |
| Shapes | Round, oval, various themed novelty shapes | Round and oval |
| Sizes | 1.5 to 15.5 quarts | 3 to 7 quarts |
| Weight | 11.2 pounds for 5.5-quart | 13 pounds for 5-quart |
| Iron Thickness | Thinner | Thicker |
| Heat Source | Hob-to-oven versatility from the grill, electric hob, ceramic glass cooktop, gas hob, and induction hob to the oven. | Broiler, electric hob, ceramic glass cooktop, gas hob, and induction hob to the oven. |
| Induction Ready | Yes | Yes |
| Temperatures | Can withstand high temperatures | Can withstand high temperatures |
| Oven Safe | Oven safe up to 500°F, with stainless steel knob | Oven safe up to 500°F, with enamel knob |
| Nonstick Coating | No oil or liquid required | No, oil or liquid required |
| Performance | Excellent heat retention. Retained moister better than Cuisinart, over 5%, this is because of the tighter fitting lid | High heat retention. Retained heat for longer than Le Creuset. Thicker walls contributed to this outcome |
| Durability | The high quality enamel lasts longer than any other. But over time depending on the types of dishes you cook the light interior may discolor. Avoiding tomato sauce and acidic foods will help retain the clean light surface enamel | Less durable as enamel is prone to chipping and discoloration. |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher but hand washing recommended | Dishwasher safe |
| Product Complaints | Expensive, heavy, can discolor over time, slower to heat up than bare cast iron | Made in China, enamel chips |
| Warranty | Lifetime Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
In addition to my own experience with my inherited heirloom Le Creuset, I own many different brands of Dutch ovens, including Cuisinart, Staub, Lodge, Camp Chef, and even my trusty little Aldi Crofton.
I also have a no-name one purchased from a thrift shop, which I use for jam-making and sauces with a tomato base. Lastly, one is a traditional cast iron Lodge Dutch oven, which I also inherited.
I am more than happy with both brands of Dutch ovens. Cuisinart and Le Creuset will prepare the same dish perfectly every time.
I will admit that I do use the Cuisinart oven for regular meal preparation over the Le Creuset.
My Le Creuset is a precious heirloom and I never want to be without it so I do tend to take care of it. In saying that I do use it to serve meals at the table for guests.
Along with my own use regular use of Cuisinart and Le Creuset brands of Dutch ovens. I have spent hours researching forum posts and reviews collating experiences that people like me have had with both brands.
All that information is here in one place! So you can make your own decision as to which is the best brand for you Cuisinart or Le Creuset.
Cuisinart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Ovens
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast Iron Round Covered Casserole, 7-Qt, Light Blue
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My Test
My test dish turned out perfectly in this Dutch oven. When searing the meatballs, there was no sticking.
After adding all ingredients to simmer the lid fit snugly with no evaporation between the rim of the oven and the seal of the lid.
I did have to reduce the heat as the tomato-based sauce did bubble a little too vigorously. {I did not want any burning or sticking to occur}
The dish cooked in the recipes required time, and upon serving, there was no sauce burnt or food stuck to the inside of the oven.
Due to the dish being a tomato-based sauce, I cleaned the Dutch oven immediately {as I always do}. There was no added discoloration to the inside of the oven.
The Features
- Interior and exterior porcelain enamel
- Surfaces do not impart flavors or absorb odors
- Durable finish in rich colors that will complement any kitchen decor
- Perfect for cooking, serving, and entertaining
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cuisinart Overview
As with other cooking appliances made from cast iron, this Dutch oven retains heat as well as provides even heat distribution.
It can be used on induction and electric stovetops and is oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also broiler-safe. The knob on the lid is oven safe and is easy to grip for easy removal.
The cast iron handles are not as wide as I would like, which, unless optimum care is taken, could impede a secure and safe grip. These handles allow you to safely transport the oven from the cooking area to the table for serving if care is taken.
The two rich colors available are Cardinal Red and Provençal Blue.
The manufacturer advises that you can clean this oven in the dishwasher. The soap used in a dishwasher will fade the outside enamel over time as it does will any other enamel-coated product.
I personally never clean any cast iron in a dishwasher. I prefer to hand wash in soapy water and dry immediately to eliminate any chance of rust developing on my cookware.
Where is Cuisinart made? Cuisinart is made in France and China.
Cuisinart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven Sizes
I have listed the dimensions and weights of the enameled Dutch ovens available for your quick reference.
The Round Dutch Ovens
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast Iron Round Covered Casserole 3-Quart
3-quart dimensions 9.8 inches x 9.8 inches x 6 inches and weighs approx 8 pounds
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast Iron Round Covered Casserole 5-Quart
5-quart dimensions 11.6 inches x 11.6 inches x 6.2 inches and weighs approx 13 pounds
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast Iron Round Covered Casserole 7-Quart
7-quart dimensions 13 inches x 13 inches x 6.2 inches and weighs approx 17 pounds
The Oval Dutch Ovens
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast Iron Oval Covered Casserole 5.5-Quart
5.5-quart dimensions 15.6 inches x 10.9 inches x 6.2 inches and weighs approx 14 pounds
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast Iron Oval Covered Casserole 7-Quart
7-quart dimensions 16.5 inches x 13.9 inches x 6.8 inches and weighs approx 17 pounds
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Ovens
My Test
As my Porcupine meatball test dish turned out so well with the Cuisinart oven I fully expected that I would have the same experience with the Le Creuset oven.
Well, as expected, the dish turned out perfectly in this Dutch oven.
The only glaring difference was the fact that I did not have to reduce the heat during the simmering process.
I believe it attests to the quality of the material in the Le Creuset brand.
There was no sticking, and as with the Cuisinart oven, the lid fits snugly with little evaporation between the rim of the oven and the seal of the lid.
There was no sauce burnt or stuck to the inside of the oven.
As with the Cuisinart oven, I cleaned my Le Creuset immediately. Learn how to clean Le Creuset enamel cookware.
The Features
- 45% larger handles that provide a sure grip, even with oven mitts
- The superior heat distribution and retention of Le Creuset enameled cast iron
- An advanced sand-colored interior enamel with even more resistance to wear
- A larger metal or composite knob that withstands temperatures up to 500ºF
- Colorful, long-lasting exterior enamel that resists chipping and cracking
Le Creuset Overview
The lightest weight per quart of any premium cast iron cookware available.
There is an extensive Le Creuset color range, including Chambray, Artichaut, Olive, White, Black, Caribbean, Cherry, Dune, Flame, Hibiscus, Indigo, Orange Blossom, Marine, Marseille, Oyster, Palm, Soleil, and Truffle.
The colorful, long-lasting exterior enamel resists chipping and cracking; the interior enamel is engineered to resist staining and dulling.
Sand-colored interior enamel makes it easy to monitor food as it cooks, preventing burning, sticking, and interior discoloration.
The large handles provide even weight distribution and an extremely secure grip with mitted hands.
Ergonomic composite knobs are heat resistant to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Built-in lid stabilizers provide a secure, no-slide, tight-fitting lid.
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Classic Round Dutch Oven, 7.25 Qt, Flame
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The Range – Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven Sizes
Along with the Le Creuset Dutch oven sizes available, I have also listed the dimensions and weight of the ovens for your quick reference. See in-depth details about Le Creuset Dutch oven sizes.
Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven Sizes
Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 1-Quart Round French (Dutch) Oven
1-quart dimensions 4.5 inches x 4.5 inches x 2.8 inches and weighs 3.9 pounds
Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 2-Quart Round French Dutch Oven
2-quart dimensions 7.4 inches x 9.8 inches x 5.1 inches and weighs 5.6 pounds
Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 2.75 Quart Le Creuset Shallow Dutch French Oven
2.75-quart dimensions 10.8 inches x 9.1 inches x 4.7 inches and weighs 7.4 pounds
Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Round Wide 3.5 Quart Dutch oven
3.5-quart dimensions 10 inches x 12.5 inches x 5.5 inches and weighs 9 pounds
Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 4.5-Quart Round French Dutch Oven
4.5-quart dimensions 10.1 inches x 12.7 inches x 6.5 inches and weighs 9.9 pounds
Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 5.5-Quart Round French Dutch Oven
5.5-quart dimensions 10 inches x 10.8 inches x 4 inches and weighs 11.2 pounds
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature 6.75-Quart Round Wide Dutch Oven
6.75-quart dimensions 12 inches x 16 inches x 6.5 inches and weighs 14.3 pounds
Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 7.25-Quart Round French Dutch Oven
7.25-quart dimensions 11.6 inches x 14.1 inches x 7 inches and weighs 12.8 pounds
Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 9-Quart Round French Dutch Oven
9-quart dimensions 14.9 inches x 12.3 inches x 7.8 inches and weighs 16.5 pounds
Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 13.25 Quart Round French Dutch Oven
13.25-quart dimensions 14 inches x 16.5 inches x 8.2 inches and weighs 22.7 pounds
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Oval Dutch Oven, 8 Qt, Cerise
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Le Creuset Oval Dutch Oven Sizes
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Oval Dutch French Oven 1-Quart
1-quart dimensions 5.5 inches x 4 inches x 4 inches and weighs 3.5 pounds
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Oval Dutch French Oven 2.75-Quart
2-75 quart dimensions 8.5 inches x 12 inches x 5 inches and weighs 6.2 pounds
Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Oval Dutch Oven 5-Quart
5-quart dimensions 9.5 inches x 14 inches x 6.5 inches and weighs 11.1 pounds
Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Oval Dutch Oven 6.75-Quart
6-75 quart dimensions 10.2 inches x 15.3 inches x 7 inches and weighs 13.2 pounds
Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron Oval French Oven 8-Quart
8-quart dimensions 10 inches x 12.9 inches x 5 inches and weighs 10.5 pounds
Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron Oval French (Dutch) Oven 9.5 Quart
9.5-quart dimensions 11.3 inches x 16.8 inches x 7.6 inches and weighs 17 pounds
Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron Oval French (Dutch) Oven 15.5 Quart
15.5-quart dimensions 12.8 inches x 19 inches x 9 inches and weighs 24.8 pounds
Pros and Cons: Le Creuset and Cuisinart
Pros
| Le Creuset | Cuisinart |
|---|---|
| Superior materials and construction | Affordable Dutch oven |
| All stovetops, including induction | All stovetops including induction |
| Oven safe up to 500 degrees F | Oven safe up to 500 degrees F |
| Longer and wider handles | Dishwasher safe |
| The lid fits to retain moisture by 5% over Cuisinart | |
| Several layers of high-quality enamel contribute to better nonstick capabilities and durability |
Cons
| Le Creuset | Cuisinart |
|---|---|
| Expensive | Handles smaller |
| Heavy like all enamel cast iron | Heavier than Le Creuset |
| Heats slowly like all enamel cast iron | Limited to 2 decor colors |
| Enamel chips easily – avoid metal utensils |
What Is the Difference Between Le Creuset and Cuisinart?
The main difference between Le Creuset and Cuisinart is the price. Le Creuset is still produced with high-quality cast iron in France. Cuisinart is made in China. Cheaper manufacturing dictates that the price of Cuisinart will be cheaper.
Cuisinart Brand
- Cuisinart Dutch oven looks similar to the Le Creuset brand
- Both have straight sides, giving more cooking surface area at the bottom of the oven
- Cuisinart cast-iron Dutch ovens are over 75% cheaper than a similar size Le Creuset cast-iron Dutch oven
- Cuisinart made in China
- Product and brand awareness with enameled cast iron cookware, clad stainless steel cookware, ceramic non-stick cookware, hard-anodized aluminum PTFE non-stick cookware, aluminum PTFE non-stick cookware, copper cookware, cutlery, kitchen tools, appliances, air purifiers.
Le Creuset Brand
- Le Creuset is made in France with high-quality materials
- Lighter than other cast-iron Dutch ovens
- 75% more expensive than Cuisinart
- Will last you a lifetime and beyond
- Handmade in France
- Product and brand awareness with enameled cast iron cookware, stainless steel cookware, clad stainless steel cookware, hard anodized aluminum cookware with PTFE non-stick coating, tea kettles, bakeware, dinnerware, serve ware, kitchen utensils, and cookware accessories.
Is Le Creuset Better Than Other Brands?
I believe that the material and manufacturing process speaks volumes about the quality of Le Creuset’s cast-iron products.
If these processes slip and cheaper quality materials start to creep into their manufacturing processes, loyal customers will walk away in droves from the prices they are faced with.
Deep dive with me to find out why Le Creuset is so different from other brands:
The Verdict – Cuisinart Cast Iron Dutch Oven vs Le Creuset
Both of these brands of Dutch ovens carry out the tasks they are required to undertake. The only real differences are the material quality and price.
If you are new to cast iron Dutch oven cooking Cuisinart is the perfect entry-level oven.
If you are a true cast-iron Dutch oven user and you want an oven to love and last and pass down as an heirloom life is too short to live without a Le Creuset.
Cuisinart
The Cuisinart cast iron Dutch ovens look like a Le Creuset with the straight sides giving plenty of room inside the bottom of the oven. Which is perfect for dishes in which the food needs searing or radiant heat from below.
Unfortunately, there are only three round options and two oval options available. So five sizes compared to the seventeen available in Le Creuset’s standard range.
Prices vary greatly between Cuisinart and Le Creuset, depending on the size you require. Around 75% as a general rule of thumb.
Check out the prices of these Dutch ovens as well as the fantastic customer reviews for yourself click here for Cuisinart.
Le Creuset
For almost a century, Le Creuset has been producing Dutch ovens in their Fresnoy-Le-Grand foundry in France. Each individual piece is lovingly handcrafted and stamped for easy identification. Le Creuset round French Ovens has been revered in restaurants around the world for generations.
These workhorse Dutch ovens are made from high-quality materials, so they retain their like-new good looks no matter how many times they are used.
Ten round and seven oval choices are available in the standard range. There are many more shapes, sizes, and limited-edition options also available. This brand really does have its customers in mind when evolving its range.
So if you want to buy the best of the best or just purchase one Dutch oven that will last you a lifetime this is the one for you.
Check out the prices, sizes, and purchaser reviews of these Dutch ovens for yourself click here for Le Creuset.
Want More Dutch Oven Information?
Recommended Reading
My in-depth article is on the signature round 5.5 quart Le Creuset Dutch oven.
I have an in-depth article all about the signature oval 6.75 quart Le Creuset
Need some help with choosing the right size Le Creuset Dutch oven for my article about the various Le Creuset size options.
One-Pot Cooking Rocks!
Michelle
Hi, I’m Michelle, the founder, owner, author, and editor of OvenSpot. My passion for one-pot cooking commenced when I was working to prepare cafeteria lunches for school students. I am now on a mission to assist you in choosing the cooking pot or appliance you will use daily. As well as in-depth information to assist you in using and caring for your cookware and appliances.
Questions? Reach out to Michelle at [email protected]