Cast Iron Skillet vs Dutch Oven
A cast iron skillet vs an enamelled dutch oven as a gift
The short version
A bare cast iron skillet sears better than almost anything and needs seasoning and care. An enamelled dutch oven braises, bakes bread and makes stews, needs no seasoning and costs several times more. Buy the skillet as an affordable gift that lasts a lifetime; buy the dutch oven for someone who cooks slowly.
At a glance
| Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, 12 in | Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven, 7.25 qt | |
|---|---|---|
| Searing | Excellent | Good |
| Braising and stews | Adequate | Excellent |
| Maintenance | Season and dry | Wash normally |
| Acidic foods | Avoid long cooking | Fine |
| Weight | Heavy | Very heavy |
| Cost | Low | High |
Choose the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, 12 in if…
You want a gift that will still be used in thirty years for very little money. Cast iron is close to indestructible, and the seasoning care is genuinely simple once explained.
Choose the Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven, 7.25 qt if…
They braise, bake bread or cook for a household. Enamelled cast iron handles acidic ingredients and long wet cooking that bare iron does not, and it goes from hob to oven to table.
Common questions
Is cast iron hard to look after?
Less than its reputation suggests. Dry it after washing, wipe a little oil in, and avoid soaking. Modern advice permits soap, which contradicts a lot of folklore.
Can you ruin cast iron?
Almost only by leaving it wet to rust, and even that is recoverable by scrubbing and re-seasoning. It is one of the few things you can reasonably call unbreakable.
Is the premium dutch oven worth it?
The enamel quality and the fit of the lid are what you pay for, and far cheaper versions cook perfectly well. As a gift the brand carries meaning, which is a legitimate reason on its own.
Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and the general consensus of owner reports. We have not tested these products side by side. Confirm current prices and specifications before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Reviewed in depth
- Le Creuset 7.25 qt Dutch oven review, the single-product review.