Le Creuset Dutch Ovens

Le Creuset Dutch Ovens: Très Chic

Unparalleled in both their practicality and eye-catching looks, Le Creuset Dutch ovens are a favorite of both seasoned chefs and kitchen design enthusiasts across the globe. Le Creuset produced its first cocotte nearly 100 years ago in 1925 and has continued to improve and expand their product line ever since. Made with a cast iron core, Le Creuset Dutch ovens, also called French ovens, retain and distribute heat evenly, making it ideal for slow-cooking and braising. A tight-fitting lid further circulates steam and traps moisture to yield the tenderest meats and veggies. What's more: not just for looks, the Le Creuset Dutch ovens' vibrant finish also prevents sticking and makes your Le Creuset cookware easy to clean. Use your Dutch oven on the stovetop, freezer or oven—just make sure the temperature is below 500°F. Ready to add one (or two) of these versatile cookware items to your kitchen? Be sure to consider enameled cast iron Le Creuset Dutch ovens in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors before selecting the one that's best for you.

How to Choose a Le Creuset Dutch Oven

Le Creuset Dutch Oven Shapes: Round and Oval

Le Creuset Dutch ovens come in two primary shapes: round and oval. While this difference may not seem especially notable, it does influence the types of food the pot can accommodate, so think about how you see yourself using it and for which recipes. A Le Creuset round Dutch oven, for example, is most compatible with soups, stews and one-pot meals cooked on the stovetop, as the circular shape mimics the shape of the burner so that all ingredients are heated evenly. Looking to use your Le Creuset Dutch oven in the conventional oven? With its oblong shape, a Le Creuset oval Dutch oven is best for roasting large cuts of meat, such as roasts, whole chickens or turkeys. Whether you opt for a round or oval Le Creuset oven, the brand's artisanal looks make for elegant stove- or oven-to- table serveware; make sure to place a coordinating trivet underneath to protect your tabletop.

Le Creuset Dutch Oven Sizes

Once you've selected a shape, you'll need to decide which of the many Le Creuset Dutch oven sizes you need. As with the different shapes, your preferred pot size largely depends on the dishes you want to cook with it.

• Le Creuset Small Dutch Ovens: 3-, 4- and 4.5-quart Le Creuset Dutch ovens are ideal for cooking one-pot meals for groups of two to four people or side dishes for larger crowds. Looking for an easy recipe that will wow your significant other at your next at-home date night? Use a Le Creuset 4.5-Qt. Dutch oven to whip up a batch of refreshing pasta primavera. Pair with a fresh loaf of Italian bread from your local grocery, and voilà—dinner is served.
• 5- and 6-Quart Le Creuset French Ovens: If you're not sure exactly what you'll be cooking in your Dutch oven, go with a 5-, 5.5- or 6-quart Le Creuset. Perfect for everything from one-pot meals to short ribs and fried chicken, a Le Creuset 6-qt. Dutch oven will quickly become your go-to cookware piece.
• 7- and 8-Quart Le Creuset Ovens: Busy schedules mean that, sometimes, it's easier to cook food in advance and save it for days when prep time is limited. That's where a Le Creuset 8-qt. Dutch oven comes in. Cook a big batch of savory chicken tagine for dinner on Sunday evening, then refrigerate or freeze the leftovers to enjoy throughout the week. Prefer homemade veggie or chicken stock to the store-bought versions? Always have some ready to go by making a few quarts of it at a time and freezing the rest as soup cubes to defrost whenever you're in the mood for a warming soup or stew.
• Le Creuset Large Dutch Ovens: Habitual hosts and holiday hostesses know what it takes to serve a crowd, and in this case, that's a Le Creuset large Dutch oven. With room to accommodate an entire 10- to fifteen-pound turkey, a Le Creuset 9-qt. Dutch oven improves upon the traditional roasting pan with its many functions; remove the lid to braise your show-stopping turkey or ham hock, or keep the lid on to use it for slow-cooking and simmering.

Le Creuset Dutch Oven Colors

With the practical decisions out of the way, it's time for the fun part: choosing from among the many colors of Le Creuset French ovens. This crack- and chip-resistant, food-safe enamel glaze gives the cocottes their signature vibrancy and eliminates the need for regular seasoning, unlike other cast iron cookware pieces. To achieve a cohesive look for your prep space, coordinate with the colors already present in your home. Blue Le Creuset Dutch ovens, for example, complement the serene vibe of a coastal-inspired space, while cream or white Le Creuset ovens give off a minimalist feel, especially when paired with other black and white kitchen accessories. Looking to go bold? Despite its modern feel, the Le Creuset Flame shade was actually the first color ever produced by the brand, making it at once a classic and contemporary pick. Red Le Creuset Dutch ovens, meanwhile, adds a spicy kick to your stovetop and makes show-stopping oven-to-table serveware during the holiday season. Newer colors such as artichaut green and fig purple are also great for making a statement. If your buying a dutch oven as a gift for a loved one and aren't quite sure what color they'd like, stick with something neutral such as a black or grey Le Creuset French oven. That way, your pick is sure to complement their kitchen no matter the style.

Dinner's been consumed, the guests have gone home and now all that's left to do is clean up the kitchen. To keep your Le Creuset Dutch oven in its best condition, hand-wash with a gentle sponge—or pop it in the dishwasher when you're in a pinch. Whether you're a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, a Le Creuset dutch oven is a valuable addition to your kitchen.