Why You Need This Classic Dutch Oven, According to a Michelin-Starred Chef (2024)

FAQs

Why You Need This Classic Dutch Oven, According to a Michelin-Starred Chef? ›

One of the greatest benefits offered by a Dutch oven is heat retention. Cast iron Dutch ovens heat slowly and are prone to having hot spots, but also retain heat extremely well. This makes them well suited for browning meat or vegetables, as they won't lose temperature quite as fast as pans made of other materials.

What makes Dutch ovens (also sometimes called French ovens) so enduring is their versatility. The sturdy build helps store and maintain heat, the heavy lid traps condensation and allows for more efficient heating, and the single-piece construction means Dutch ovens move easily between the cooktop and the oven.

Le Creuset is a pioneer in color development and the leader in highly-durable, chip-resistant enameled cast iron. Although others now offer their own interpretations of our signature craft, our visionary enamel expertise spans nearly a century and gives our brand the edge in quality and innovation.

And while there are plenty of sizes to choose from, like oval Dutch ovens, or shallow Dutch ovens, Cimarusti prefers the classic Le Creuset 5.5-quart Dutch oven. “The attention to detail is just great,” he says. If a Michelin-starred chef uses one everyday, it's worth adding to your kitchen.

Like their Dutch ovens, Le Creuset coat their skillets in durable enamel, which enhances the flavor of your food and reduces the need for traditional seasoning. The only downside is that the skillets aren't dishwasher-safe, and you might have to give them a good scrub to get clean.

The Cast Iron Dutch Oven Is Actually From England. When Darby returned from The Netherlands, he set about working on his own version of the sand-molding technology. In 1707, he patented a design for a cast iron cooking pot that he named the “Dutch oven.” Soon, industrial-scale production began, and the rest is history.

High-quality enamel coatings are expensive, which is why enameled Dutch ovens cost more than their standard cast iron counterparts. And while traditional cast iron can get more nonstick with time and use, enameled cast iron can't.

Gold's favorite Le Creuset pieces are the 7-quart Dutch oven and the 9-inch classic skillet, which she says are all she needs to cook at home. “The given about Creuset is that it is durable, it doesn't rust, and it will pretty much last forever,” she said.

Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick pans are manufactured from premium materials that will provide the best in durability and cooking performance. Each pan is made from heavy gauge, forged aluminium that has been specially treated to provide a strong, toughened finish that will withstand the demands of everyday use.

1. Lodge Dutch Ovens. Lodge Dutch ovens are a popular and highly regarded alternative to Le Creuset. Made of cast iron, Lodge Dutch ovens are known for their excellent heat retention and even heat distribution.

What pans do Michelin chefs use? ›

I've come to rely on Hestan pans in much the same way Michelin three-starred chefs Thomas Keller and Corey Lee have. Many of Keller's restaurants rely on the brand's cookware and you'll also fine Hestan in Lee's legendary restaurant Benu.

The generous size and depth of the Signature Chef's Oven make this the ideal vessel for soups, pastas, braising and even baking. Sloped sides increase the efficiency and effectiveness of stirring by promoting continuous movement even with the lid in place, and the depth provides ample room for simmering.

The Le Creuset lifetime warranty does not cover damage to the nonstick surface caused by overheating or scratching. Overheating: Damage from overheating during cooking is instantly recognizable. The nonstick surface becomes discolored, and in severe cases will blister or peel away from the pan.

The company has manufacturing facilities in France, Thailand, and China, and its products are sold in more than 60 countries around the world. While some Le Creuset products are made in China, the company's enameled cast iron products are still made in its original foundry in France.

Is Le Creuset or Staub better? Neither is necessarily “better,” and both have reputations for quality and excellent cookware. Le Creuset's Dutch ovens have wider handles and light-colored interiors, which makes it easier to see fond development.

Because chef's ovens are often made from stainless steel or aluminum, they typically have multiple layers of metal, allowing for rapid and even heat distribution. Dutch ovens, made from cast iron or enameled cast iron, have a high thermal mass, meaning they retain heat well and provide a consistent cooking temperature.

Enamel has an extremely long life and is very easy to clean and maintain, making it the perfect coating for iron cookware. Lastly, it comes in endless colors and textures.

You can use a dutch oven on any kind of cooktop, including induction, as long as the dutch oven is cast-iron or another induction-compatible material. When you are using the dutch oven on a direct heat source, just make sure that the temperature does not get too hot and scorch it.

In a slow cooker, you select a high or low setting and let the machine do the work, while a Dutch oven braises on a stovetop or in an oven. Because the two methods are so similar, they're easily interchangeable.