Review: Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven
By Curated Experts
Dana Kaufman, Melissa Brunetti, Kate Wilson and Kylee Hazelgren
13 photos
The Curated Take
4.7/5
The Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven is a kitchen essential known for its durability, high-quality material, and versatile cooking capabilities. It's suitable for anyone seeking a long-lasting and multi-purpose cookware piece. This Dutch oven excels in even heat distribution, making it ideal for stews, soups, and meat dishes. While it can be a bit heavy, its ergonomic handles ensure ease of use. Cleaning can be effortless, and it retains its appearance well. Le Creuset's Dutch Oven is an investment that elevates cooking and lasts for years, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
Ideal for
- Sturdy, durable, and excellent quality
- Ideal for cooking soups, stews, stir fry, and meat
- Easy to clean and doesn't require a lot of maintenance
Not ideal for
- A bit heavy when handwashing
- Sometimes it needs soaking to get all of the food off
Quality
The quality of Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven is hard to match. Its material is very durable; whenever used, it feels like a high-quality dish. It also cleans easily, so...Read more
I expect this Dutch oven to last for the rest of my life. It is very easy to clean and maintain. It does not rust, warp, or dent, and the...Read more
The brand speaks for itself at this point. Le Creuset has been around for decades and continues to produce high-quality pieces that will last for generations. Both the interior and...Read more
Size
The Le Creuset signature round Dutch oven is ideal for cooking meat, soups, stews, and more. It can be used to cook for just a few people, but it's also deep...Read more
I have the 5.5qt, and it is ideal for my household. I usually cook for myself and my boyfriend, but we love to meal prep. So it's been nice to...Read more
If you are feeding a family larger than eight, I would consider buying a larger size or the oval version. I find this size gives me a nice batch of...Read more
I frequently use my 3.5qt Dutch oven for smaller batches of soups and casseroles, but if I have friends or family coming for a holiday meal, I break out the...Read more
Non-Stick Coating
Overall, the Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven has a great nonstick coating and is very easy to wash. Occasionally, when something is really seared onto it, it requires a bit...Read more
The interior enamel coating has held up and darkened slightly with use. I've had my Dutch oven for about a year, and it still cleans up fairly easily. Whenever I...Read more
I have never had an issue with the enamel coating chipping, cracking, or wearing down. It is really easy to clean and maintain. It has also become one of my...Read more
Enameled cast iron is not advertised as nonstick, however it does share the same elements if used correctly. Using oils and cooking on medium heat is suggested for best performance....Read more
Handle Quality
The Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven has two handles, which are very comfortable to hold and located in a great place. It's very ergonomic. The handles will get warm if...Read more
The handle shape is comfortable and easy to grab even when I have oven mitts on and am transferring my Dutch oven from stovetop to oven. I have a couple...Read more
While the handles are stunning, I wish they were larger. They can heat up quite fast, which makes handling them more of a challenge. Additionally, as the Dutch oven heats...Read more
The handles must be scientifically designed because they are perfectly sized and function very well. They are durable and sturdy enough to handle even the heaviest pot full of ingredients,...Read more
Heat Distribution
The Le Creuset signature round Dutch oven heats up evenly and very well. All of my food cooks well, regardless if it's in the center of the pan or on the...Read more
When I use my Dutch oven on the stovetop, I haven't noticed any hot spots. No matter what I cook, my food always turns out to be evenly cooked. The...Read more
This Le Creuset has excellent heat distribution, producing beautifully seared steaks, nicely browned poultry, and well-reduced sauces. The cooking is very even, with no hot spots. When I am cooking...Read more
There is no need for higher heat on this Dutch oven; in fact, it performs best on low to medium heat. When I brown meat or sautee veggies, I start...Read more
Weight
The Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven is a bit heavy due to the material it's made out of. It can sometimes be heavy to lift when draining water or moving...Read more
Before buying a Dutch oven, I knew it would be a bit heavier than other cookware I own, so I wasn't surprised by the weight. Obviously, when it is filled...Read more
I love the weight this Dutch oven provides; it is nice and heavy. I know that translates to even cooking, great heat retention and distribution, and producing flavorful sauces, soups,...Read more
I have not used a cast iron Dutch oven that is not heavy. It's just the nature of the materials used. The sturdy handles can handle the weight, but it's...Read more
Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
Melissa Brunetti
Kate Wilson
About the kitchen products
- Model: Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven
Test conditions
- When I bought this: 2020
- Where I’ve used it: I have used this specific one in my home kitchen but have also used other models in professional kitchens.
- How many times I've used it: 100
Expert Reviews of the Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven
Dana Kaufman The Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven is a kitchen essential. First, it looks great on exposed shelving or in a cabinet since it comes in various colors. It is very durable, and it is made of high-quality material. It is excellent for making stews and soups since it retains heat well and is large enough to make food for a medium-sized group. It's also ideal for cooking meat (think chicken thighs or searing a cut of beef). It heats up spices very well and holds onto the flavor to radiate throughout the meal. It can sometimes be a bit difficult to clean if food is really stuck onto it; however, boiling some water in it for about five minutes and then giving it a good scrub removes the food with ease. It cleans up well and is easy to maintain to ensure it looks new. The Le Creuset Dutch Oven is one pot that does it all.
Kylee Hazelgren I purchased this Dutch oven last year and haven't looked back. I was a little nervous that it would become another thing in my kitchen that I only use occasionally, but that is not the case.
I've used my Dutch oven to slow-cook brisket for brisket tacos. I made countless curries this last winter, and my favorite meal was a beef stew I repeatedly made for months. Recipes that I have made before in a crockpot have tasted so much better when cooked in the Dutch oven with its ability to sear meat and develop flavor as it cooks in the oven. The size is ideal for cooking just for two or hosting a small dinner party.
It's very durable and has held up to any challenge I've thrown at it. The only downside is it can be a bit heavy and awkward to clean, especially if someone has a small sink. Nevertheless, the Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven will elevate the flavor profile of one's meals.
Melissa Brunetti I have always wanted one of these Dutch ovens, and it does not disappoint. It is so versatile, one can use it on the stovetop, in the oven, on top of the grill, or in a camping situation. It is my go-to pan for soups, sauces, stews, and roasts. It produces beautiful caramelization on meat and poultry. The ceramic coating works well as a nonstick surface and is prone to scratching. It comes in a variety of colors and sizes. The whole pan, including the handles, can get very hot and stay hot long after it is taken off of the fire, so be careful when handling and use a towel or potholder.
Kate Wilson The Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven is a good fit for home chefs looking for cookware pieces that last. They come in a variety of colors that will definitely suit any aesthetic, and the finish does not wear off with use. My decades-old pieces look just as good as my brand-new ones, with only slight modifications in some cases (like lid handles). I have cooked soups like broccoli cheddar, chili, Tom Yum Gai, and many more. And somehow, cooking in this Dutch oven makes them even more fun to make. I've also boiled pasta, baked breads, and perfected scalloped potatoes in this wonderful oven. It performs consistently, no matter the recipe!
Product Specs
| Features | Induction safe, Oven safe, Broiler safe |
| Material | Enameled Cast Iron |
| Manufacturer warranty | Limited Lifetime |
| Collection name | Le Creuset Signature Series |
Review Ratings
Averaged between reviewers, view below how all experts voted.
Quality
5/5
Dana Kaufman gave 5 of 5 stars. The quality of Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven is hard to match. Its material is very durable; whenever used, it feels like a high-quality dish. It also cleans easily, so it looks fairly new every time I wash it thoroughly. It can be a dish that lasts for years if cared for well.
Melissa Brunetti gave 5 of 5 stars. I expect this Dutch oven to last for the rest of my life. It is very easy to clean and maintain. It does not rust, warp, or dent, and the enamel coating holds up very well. As long as I stay on top of cleaning it, it will continue to look brand new.
Kate Wilson gave 5 of 5 stars. The brand speaks for itself at this point. Le Creuset has been around for decades and continues to produce high-quality pieces that will last for generations. Both the interior and exterior finish remain beautiful no matter how many times I use a piece, the lid and pot handles are exceptionally well made and placed, and the Lifetime Warranty backs up the brand's promise of a well-made product.
Size
5/5
Dana Kaufman gave 4 of 5 stars. The Le Creuset signature round Dutch oven is ideal for cooking meat, soups, stews, and more. It can be used to cook for just a few people, but it's also deep enough that it can be used to cook a larger meal. In terms of storage, if someone has smaller cabinets or shelves, it can be a bit difficult to store, but they can store other items in it if needed. If they have exposed shelving, it's also a great piece of decor since it comes in many colors.
Kylee Hazelgren gave 5 of 5 stars. I have the 5.5qt, and it is ideal for my household. I usually cook for myself and my boyfriend, but we love to meal prep. So it's been nice to have a larger size for making big batches of meals we can eat all week. It's also handy when I cook for guests.
Melissa Brunetti gave 4 of 5 stars. If you are feeding a family larger than eight, I would consider buying a larger size or the oval version. I find this size gives me a nice batch of soup or stew for a meal plus leftovers. It is also large enough to sear a nice-sized roast or fit a whole chicken.
Kate Wilson gave 5 of 5 stars. I frequently use my 3.5qt Dutch oven for smaller batches of soups and casseroles, but if I have friends or family coming for a holiday meal, I break out the larger size, and it accommodates perfectly. I recommend having a few on hand as one can afford the pieces because it's nice to have one suited to the size of meal needed.
Non-Stick Coating
4/5
Dana Kaufman gave 4 of 5 stars. Overall, the Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven has a great nonstick coating and is very easy to wash. Occasionally, when something is really seared onto it, it requires a bit of scrubbing and hot water. One great way to clean it is to boil hot water for a few minutes, and it will come off very easily. The coating also feels a lot safer to use than Teflon.
Kylee Hazelgren gave 4 of 5 stars. The interior enamel coating has held up and darkened slightly with use. I've had my Dutch oven for about a year, and it still cleans up fairly easily. Whenever I have had anything somewhat stuck on the surface, it comes off after soaking for a few minutes in hot, soapy water.
Melissa Brunetti gave 5 of 5 stars. I have never had an issue with the enamel coating chipping, cracking, or wearing down. It is really easy to clean and maintain. It has also become one of my favorite nonstick, nontoxic coatings out there. Food does not stick easily to it, and it wipes clean.
Kate Wilson gave 4 of 5 stars. Enameled cast iron is not advertised as nonstick, however it does share the same elements if used correctly. Using oils and cooking on medium heat is suggested for best performance. If food does stick to the pan, as it can when browning meats, simply add a dash of liquid (water, wine, stock) to deglaze, and voila! It's almost as though it was designed to be a nonstick pan.
Handle Quality
5/5
Dana Kaufman gave 5 of 5 stars. The Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven has two handles, which are very comfortable to hold and located in a great place. It's very ergonomic. The handles will get warm if the dish sits on the heat for a while, so it's important to use oven mitts or a towel when lifting it. Since it's so heavy, having two handles is great and makes moving it very easy.
Kylee Hazelgren gave 5 of 5 stars. The handle shape is comfortable and easy to grab even when I have oven mitts on and am transferring my Dutch oven from stovetop to oven. I have a couple of chips in my handles, but that is more related to user error rather than the quality of the product.
Melissa Brunetti gave 4 of 5 stars. While the handles are stunning, I wish they were larger. They can heat up quite fast, which makes handling them more of a challenge. Additionally, as the Dutch oven heats up, so do the handles. I always make sure to have a pot holder or towel handy when handling the lid or the handles.
Kate Wilson gave 5 of 5 stars. The handles must be scientifically designed because they are perfectly sized and function very well. They are durable and sturdy enough to handle even the heaviest pot full of ingredients, and I've never felt nervous transferring from stove to oven to table. This Dutch oven is highly well-made and has a trustworthy construction.
Heat Distribution
5/5
Dana Kaufman gave 5 of 5 stars. The Le Creuset signature round Dutch oven heats up evenly and very well. All of my food cooks well, regardless if it's in the center of the pan or on the edge. It can get quite hot, though. Because of its weight, the Dutch oven rests well on a burner and doesn't slide around.
Kylee Hazelgren gave 5 of 5 stars. When I use my Dutch oven on the stovetop, I haven't noticed any hot spots. No matter what I cook, my food always turns out to be evenly cooked. The Dutch oven heats up relatively fast, and the heat is distributed and retained well. So, it has remained one of my favorite pieces of cookware I own.
Melissa Brunetti gave 5 of 5 stars. This Le Creuset has excellent heat distribution, producing beautifully seared steaks, nicely browned poultry, and well-reduced sauces. The cooking is very even, with no hot spots. When I am cooking a soup or sauce I make sure to constantly stir the contents so that it does not stick.
Kate Wilson gave 5 of 5 stars. There is no need for higher heat on this Dutch oven; in fact, it performs best on low to medium heat. When I brown meat or sautee veggies, I start out on medium and lower as needed. Heat up quickly and evenly over time. This is especially true in the round versus the oval oven.
Weight
4/5
Dana Kaufman gave 3 of 5 stars. The Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven is a bit heavy due to the material it's made out of. It can sometimes be heavy to lift when draining water or moving it from surface to surface. However, this also lets me know that it is good quality.
Kylee Hazelgren gave 4 of 5 stars. Before buying a Dutch oven, I knew it would be a bit heavier than other cookware I own, so I wasn't surprised by the weight. Obviously, when it is filled with food, it is a bit heavier, so keep that in mind when purchasing. The only time the weight feels awkward is during cleaning.
Melissa Brunetti gave 5 of 5 stars. I love the weight this Dutch oven provides; it is nice and heavy. I know that translates to even cooking, great heat retention and distribution, and producing flavorful sauces, soups, and roasts. It also makes it great for high-heat cooking, resulting in beautiful caramelization on meat and poultry.
Kate Wilson gave 4 of 5 stars. I have not used a cast iron Dutch oven that is not heavy. It's just the nature of the materials used. The sturdy handles can handle the weight, but it's something to keep in mind if one has weak or injured wrists. If this is the case, I recommend getting a smaller size, if possible, that will still accommodate the types of recipes.
FAQs
What was your favorite moment with this gear?
Dana Kaufman My favorite moment using the Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven was cooking a braised short rib. I mixed and cooked vegetables as a marinade and then kept it in the oven for hours while the short rib was cooking. When it came out, it looked so picturesque and delicious.
Melissa Brunetti My favorite moment with this Dutch oven was cooking boeuf bourguignon for my family on Christmas.
Kate Wilson My favorite experience with this piece was presenting a huge holiday meal, mainly using pieces from the Signature line. My kids even commented on how beautiful it was, and they are excited to inherit the collection someday. I cook with care and take my time handwashing and drying to ensure it lasts for generations.
Why did you choose this product?
Dana Kaufman I chose this product because I knew it would last me a long time. I had heard great things about it, and I realized that it could open up endless possibilities with cooking. There are a lot of Dutch ovens out there, but nothing quite compares to Le Creuset.
Kylee Hazelgren There are many Dutch ovens on the market. I decided to go with Le Creuset as they are a well-known reputable company. I went with the 5.5qt as it is a great size for my household and the number of people I usually serve.
Melissa Brunetti I chose this product because of the quality and craftsmanship that Le Creuset represents.
Kate Wilson I chose the Le Creuset Dutch oven over other brands because of the reputation the brand has. I had experimented with used pieces from eBay just to test them out without spending a lot of money and saw that even ones that were several years old had held up. They looked like new and performed consistently across the different pieces. After a few of these, I knew this was a product worth investing in.
What is the value for the money versus other options?
Dana Kaufman The Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven is worth the money due to its quality. It will last a long time. Le Creuset is known for being durable and can withstand a lot of use. In addition, this Dutch oven can be used for many different cooking purposes. Some other options may be less expensive, will only hold up a short time, and will need to be replaced more often.
Kylee Hazelgren No doubt, buying a quality Dutch oven is an investment. There are a lot of other Dutch ovens on the market at a lower price. I lean more towards saving up and investing in something that will have a long lifespan and is quality-made, like the Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven. I can rely on this piece of cookware to last me for years to come.
Melissa Brunetti Purchasing this Dutch oven should be seen as a long-term investment. There are other, less expensive options out there, but they won't compare to the quality that Le Creuset offers.
Kate Wilson Dutch ovens of this caliber are expensive, and for good reason. The enamel does not chip or crack (unless misused, as with any enamel product), and the handles are sturdy and durable. The Lifetime Warranty makes this worth the extra money.
What do you love about this product?
Dana Kaufman There are so many things to love about Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven. I especially love its durability and versatility. It can be used for so many different meals, and it's a staple that I can't imagine not owning.
Kylee Hazelgren The Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven has played an essential role in my kitchen over the last year I owned it. I love how durable and versatile this piece of cookware is. I've used it for a large variety of cooking tasks that I never thought of making before purchasing.
Melissa Brunetti I love that it comes in a variety of fun colors to match my kitchen perfectly.
Kate Wilson I love how versatile this Dutch oven is. Soups, scalloped potatoes, and even bread are fantastic in this oven. Cooking with it is truly a joy, knowing it will always perform.
Dana Kaufman
Kitchen ExpertMelissa Brunetti
Kitchen ExpertKate Wilson
Kitchen ExpertKylee Hazelgren
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