The 6 Best Le Creuset Dupes, Retail Experts Say

With endorsements from celebrities like Stanley Tucci and Adele, Le Creuset cookware is coveted by most home cooks. The French-Belgian brand is known best for its classic round Dutch oven, which has been an integral part of the company's collection since it debuted in 1925. But while Le Creuset's high quality, durability, and performance has made it one of the most trusted names over the last century, it's definitely not within everyone's budget. This expensive cookware can cost anywhere from $260 to $750 depending on the size, design, and color you choose. If that's not in your price range, don't worry: Retail experts have come across several Dutch oven alternatives that stand up pretty well against this chef-chosen brand. Read on to discover the six best Le Creuset dupes you can buy.

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Costco members can often score deals on the real Le Creuset, but they also have access to one of the best dupes out there, says Marie Clark, a retail expert and editor of the shopping site CostContessa.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb

While the Ballarini Bellamonte Cast Iron 5.75 Quart Dutch Oven is sold by many retailers, it costs just $99 at Costco. In comparison, Amazon and Wayfair charge around $140 for the same item.

For under $100, the Ballarini Bellamonte Dutch oven is a "great, substantially sized" alternative, according to Clark.

"Like the Le Creuset, it comes with a gorgeous enameled interior and exterior, doesn't require seasoning and it's oven safe to 500 degrees," she says. "The Ballarini Dutch ovens also feature an oven safe brass hued knob on top, so they look much more expensive than they are."

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While Amazon may charge more for the Ballarini Bellamonte Dutch oven, the online marketplace does sell a cheaper Le Creuset dupe that comes highly recommended as well.

Peter Varadi, a retail expert and co-founder of MarketGap LLC., says that the Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven is also a "great choice" for consumers concerned about their budget.

This alternative comes in several different colors and three different sizes: 4.3-quarts, 6-quarts, and 7.3-quarts. And starting at the low price of $39, the Amazon Basics Dutch oven "shows that high quality need not always be expensive," Varadi says.

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If it's the "aesthetic appeal" of the Le Creuset you're after, Clay Cary, a financial trends analyst and the lead analyst at CouponFollow, advises you to check out another affordable alternative on Amazon: Staub's Cast Iron Dutch Oven. At just 4-quarts, it is a bit smaller than some of the other dupes out there. But it's almost $300 cheaper than the 3.5-quart Le Creuset.

"I bought a Staub Cocotte a few years back during a Black Friday sale, and it's been a reliable addition to my kitchen ever since," Cary says. "Its design and color variety closely match Le Creuset's, and its enamel interior doesn't discolor or stain, which is a plus."

Cuisinart is also a well-known name in the cookware space, but its products tend to be more budget-friendly than Le Creuset's. The Cuisinart Chef's Classic Enameled Cast Iron "performs the closest to a Le Creuset Dutch Oven in its heat-retention results," according to Maria Kossman, a retail expert who creates content for Rank-It.ca.

"It even looks as attractive and stylish with a few colors to choose from," Kossman says. For instance, a blue version of the Cuisinart dupe costs just $79.99 on Target's website.

Andhi Ermawan, a tech expert, professional product tester, and the founder of MyProsAndCons.com, also recommends the Cuisinart Dutch oven if you're looking for an alternative that is not as heavy.

"Its lightweight and easy-to-handle design is a blessing for those who, like me, occasionally find Le Creuset's weight equivalent to an intense arm workout," Ermawan notes.

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If you like the idea of Le Creuset's Dutch oven but would rather have something with more of a "unique design," Varadi says Nutriups' Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is the way to go. This product is also available on Amazon for just $47.99, and it comes in either a gradient purple or vibrant blue color.

"This oven's eye-catching design adds an artistic touch to your kitchen," Varadi says.

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Any brand that is good enough for Ina Garten should be on your radar. The Barefoot Contessa has praised products from Lodge in the past, and the company actually makes a Dutch oven that could run you less than $50.

"Lodge is a champion of the people," Ermawan confirms. "What it lacks in Le Creuset's price tag, it makes up in exceptional heat retention and durability. It's like that reliable friend who's always there when you need them, without breaking your bank."

In fact, Kossman says that Lodge is probably the most affordable dupe you can find that performs as well as the Le Creuset Dutch oven.

"It also features a rounded interior, which means a spatula won't get stuck between the bottom and side when stirring," she adds.