If we’re being honest, there are some things that are hands-down worth the splurge. A good retinol cream, for instance, is pretty high on that list. You might also pour your hard-earned cash into proper running shoes to give your stride more bounce. And, if you ask any reputable chef, you can’t be frugal when it comes to the tools you use in the kitchen. One of our all-time favorites? The Le Creuset Cast Iron Classic Oval Dutch Oven, which is 33 percent off right now (and will be until July 24). Now is your chance to splurge on an heirloom-quality kitchen must-have. If you love to cook, this is an incredibly good deal.
Le Creuset, 4.5-qt Cast Iron Classic Oval Dutch Oven — $184.00
Originally $279, now $184
The Le Creuset Cast Iron Dutch Oven is a top-of-the-line pot that allows you to make soups, chowders, stews, breads, and more. While it’s quite expensive, reviewers assert that it’s worth the splurge.
Size: 4.5 quarts (14.2 inches long by 11.7 wide by 6.9 inches high)
Available colors: 7
Care needs: Dishwasher-safe (but hand-washing recommended)
- Extremely multifunctional
- It’s a top-of-the-line Dutch oven
- Pro-grade
- Provides even temps for cooking
- Heirloom quality
- Oven-safe
- Gorgeous
- Not as large as the 8-quart classic Dutch Oven
Seriously, there’s a reason the Le Creuset is beloved by professional chefs and cooks alike—and lauded as the best tool anyone can invest in if they spend a lot of time in the kitchen. It’s incredibly functional—it can be used to bake, broil, make soups and stews, sear meats and veggies. Thanks to the Dutch Oven’s cast iron composition, it’s oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Sear your meat and then transfer the Dutch Oven to the oven without worrying about any damage (and the final result is the most delicious dinner you’ll ever serve).
The even heat distribution (and what makes Le Creuset’s cast iron Dutch oven stand out from all the others on the market) makes it ultra reliable (this means no matter what, all the food you’re cooking will receive uniform heat—super important if you cook a lot of meats). And thanks to its smooth interior enamel, it also doesn’t stain easily (and it’s easier to clean when you’re done). No more scraping at the end of the night.
Barry Tonkinson, director of culinary research and development at the Institute of Culinary Education, previously explained to W+G why Le Creuset is worth the investment, saying, “It’s extremely versatile, you can do anything from slow cooking in a Dutch-oven to baking bread, searing, braising, and frying,” adding that it’s “well worth the cost if you use it regularly.”
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While the Classic Oval Dutch Oven on sale is 4.5-quarts (Le Creuset has larger oval Dutch ovens on its site), it’s still large enough for about 4-5 servings (and certainly large enough to cook a full piece of meat for the family).
Whether you’re trying to up your game in the kitchen or gift this to your foodie bestie, you can’t go wrong—especially considering that you can save almost $100 if you buy it right now. So, run—don’t walk. And thank us later.
Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.
