Breaking down the differences between two high quality choices for an heirloom dutch oven. Le Creuset vs. Made In.
Le Creuset and Made In both offer durable, attractive cookware that is PFAS-free and fun to use. There are some differences worth noting, though, including cost, transparency, and concerns over toxicity.
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of Le Creuset and Made In.
| Features | Le Creuset | Made In |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Enameled cast iron, with some use of recycled metals | Enameled cast iron, with recycled iron |
| PFAS and non-stick | No PFAS in classic enameled cast iron | PFAS-free and third-party tested |
| Heavy metals and pigments | Interior enamel of Dutch ovens typically tests lead- and cadmium-free; exterior colors have shown traces of lead and cadmium | Free from lead and cadmium, with third-party tests to support |
| Transparency and testing | No public test results for glazes; independent advocates report finding heavy metals in some items | Third-party test results available online for all to see |
| Sustainable practices | French foundry uses recycled metals, solar-powered offices, and aims for low waste; some items are made in countries with lower labor standards and company still uses some PFAS in other cookware lines | Entire cookware collection is now PFAS-free and ‘clean’; company aims to produce durable cookware to reduce replacement needs; packaging generally sustainable, though some improvements possible |
| Cost | Around $550 for a 5 quart model | Less than $270 for a 5 quart model |
| Sizes and shapes available | 2 qt up to c13 quart, with different shapes (oval, round, chef’s, shallow) | 3.5 to 7.5 quart (round and oval) |
| Color options | Wide range of 20+ colors for exterior | Around 5 color options for exterior – more muted, natural colors |
| Handle / lid | Classic wide loop handles and domed lid; phenolic resin (plastic) Bakelite handles (some may be stainless steel) | Wide flat handles and lid with tight seal; stainless or brass knob handles |
| Weight | Around 11.5 lbs for 5.5 qt | A bit heavier at c13.4 lbs for 5.5 qt |
Core materials and coatings
Le Creuset is best known for enameled cast iron and stoneware. The company has made its Dutch ovens in France since 1925 and still uses traditional sand molds and recycled iron.
The signature look of Le Creuset Dutch ovens comes from its enamel glazes, with the familiar orange glaze joined in recent years by a wide variety of other colors.
Made In’s range is much wider than Le Creuset’s, including cookware made with:
- Stainless steel
- Clad stainless steel
- Carbon steel
- Copper
- Enameled cast iron
- CeramiClad non-stick.
Made In’s Dutch ovens are similar in design to Le Creuset’s, using cast iron coated with enamel glazes. The color range is more limited but the ovens come in various sizes and shapes from 3.5 quarts to 7.5 quarts.
Toxicity and PFAS concerns
Neither Le Creuset nor Made In use PFAS in their Dutch ovens. The interior enamel of Le Creuset Dutch ovens typically tests lead-free and cadmium-free, per independent testing. However, some exterior colors have been reported as containing traces of cadmium and lead.
Unfortunately, Le Creuset does not offer any third-party test results of its own and hasn’t addressed customer concerns over heavy metals.
Made In used to make PTFE-coated non-stick pans but introduced its CeramiClad line a few years ago for customers wanting a PFAS-free non-stick option. Made In has now successfully transitioned away from selling any PTFE/PFAS products, and we hope reviews like ours helped encourage that shift.
We are now very happy to recommend all of Made In’s cookware, given that it is consistently high quality and comes with third-party testing confirming no traces of PFAS or heavy metals.
Sustainability
Le Creuset wins points with me for:
- Using recycled materials (though this is common with cast iron)
- Durability of the Dutch ovens
- Taking steps towards zero-waste manufacturing in its French foundry.
However, I am decidedly not a fan of the resin or Bakelite knobs on the lids of the Dutch ovens. Nor do I like the lack of transparency about materials, or the seeming continued use of cadmium-containing pigments in certain finishes.
In contrast, Made In has always been very responsive to enquiries about materials, sustainability, and testing. The company shared third-party test results with Leaf Score privately before the launch of its CeramiClad line and now publishes test results for everyone to see.
I am very appreciative that Made In has ditched its PTFE line of cookware and now promotes a “clean cookware” collection that is entirely PFAS-free, lead-free, and cadmium-free.
Made In also mostly uses recycled and recyclable packaging, though there are still some unnecessary single use plastics in some shipments.
Durability, repair, and waste
Both Le Creuset and Made In aim to make cookware that lasts. Overall, the Dutch ovens from both companies are a far better long-term investment than non-stick PTFE pots and pans.
However, any enamel can chip with thermal shocks, harsh cleaning, and use of metal utensils. Once it chips, it can’t be repaired at home. So, when chips get very bad the cookware tends to start developing bits of rust in the exposed cast iron and then falls out of favor.
Le Creuset has been making enameled cast iron Dutch ovens for a very long time and have a good reputation for longevity, with many professional cooks praising the strong enamel that holds up well against chips.
In contrast, Made In entered the Dutch oven game relatively recently, meaning there aren’t decades of use to back up claims to durability.
Reviews tend to be positive overall, praising Made In’s Dutch ovens for their solid feel and robust performance. However, there are some reports that the enamel develops hairline cracks, crazing, and some peel fairly quickly. Depending on how you’ve used and cared for the cookware and whether it’s within warranty, you may be able to get a replacement.
Le Creuset also has a good track record of addressing warranty issues in a timely manner.
The calculus, then, is whether to spend nearly twice as much on a Le Creuset Dutch oven, knowing the potential issues around heavy metals, in the hope that the cookware lasts at least twice as long as Made In’s Dutch oven.
Cost
For a Made In 5.5 quart round enameled cast iron Dutch oven, you’re looking at spending around $269 (US). If you’re savvy, you can likely get one on sale for closer to $180.
For a 7.5 quart oval Dutch oven, prices are closer to $299, though discounts are often available where you can snag one for just over $200.
In contrast, a genuine Le Creuset Dutch oven will cost you in the region of $550 for a 5.5 quart model. If you shop around, you may be able to find some colorways available for closer to $400, though beware any warranty issues if not buying from a certified retailer.
Final thoughts
Made In and Le Creuset are both excellent options for Dutch ovens, with Le Creuset promising better durability, albeit at a higher cost.
Personally, I like to use my dollars to support companies at least trying to be more sustainable and transparent. As someone on a limited budget, I also appreciate that Made In’s Dutch ovens cost about half as much as Le Creuset. Even better, most reviews do suggest good overall durability for Made In’s enamel.
As a final thought, whichever enameled Dutch oven you buy, avoid using metal utensils, clean cookware by hand, and try to minimize thermal shock. Companies can only go so far in making durable cookware; if we’re smart about our kitchen practices, we can do our part to keep that investment looking great and performing well for many years.