Dutch Oven vs a Slow Cooker
An enamelled dutch oven vs a slow cooker
The short version
A dutch oven browns properly on the hob then goes in the oven, which is where the flavour in a braise comes from, and it needs you to be at home. A slow cooker runs unattended all day and cannot brown. Buy the dutch oven for someone who cooks; buy the slow cooker for someone who is out all day.
At a glance
| Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven, 7.25 qt | Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, 12 in | |
|---|---|---|
| Browning | Excellent | Excellent |
| Unattended cooking | No | Not applicable |
| Hob to oven | Yes | Yes |
| Bread baking | Yes | No |
| Energy use | Oven | Not applicable |
| Cost | High | Low |
Choose the Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven, 7.25 qt if…
They cook at weekends and care how things taste. The sequence of browning hard then braising slowly in the same pot is what a dutch oven is for, and it also bakes excellent bread.
Choose the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, 12 in if…
If the budget is the constraint, a cast iron skillet browns just as well for a tenth of the price. The dutch oven's advantage is the lid and the depth rather than the searing.
Common questions
Is enamelled cast iron worth the premium?
The enamel finish, lid fit and warranty are what you pay for. Far cheaper enamelled pots cook well, and as a gift the brand carries meaning that a budget pot does not.
Can I put a dutch oven in the oven?
Yes, including for bread, which is one of its best uses. Check the knob's temperature rating, since some plastic knobs are limited and can be swapped for metal.
How do I look after enamel?
Avoid thermal shock, do not slide metal utensils across it aggressively, and soak rather than scour. Chipped enamel is the one damage that is not repairable.
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.
- Marcato Atlas 150 review, the single-product review.
- Instant Pot Duo Plus 6-Qt review, the single-product review.