Martha Stewart Dutch Oven Review

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Martha Stewart is a popular brand name and many people simply love her products. But can the same be said for her Dutch oven? No doubt, the casserole looks beautiful that it seems like a collector’s item. However, the good looks have to be matched with quality construction to ensure superior performance and durability. The Martha Stewart Dutch oven review below will explore this cookware in greater detail with a brief comparison to the Le Creuset Signature line.

Martha Stewart Dutch Oven Review – Enameled Cast Iron

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The Martha Stewart Collector’s enameled cast iron Dutch oven comes in various colors such as teal, cranberry, and oyster. As for size, there is a choice of 2, 6 and 8-quart. It has a straight side design with heavy-duty construction to distribute heat evenly and lock in moisture.

The enameled interior is non-reactive to food and unlike bare cast iron cookware like the Finex skillet, it does not require seasoning with its enamel layer. The lid has condensation rings on the underside for moisture to drip back down onto the food. It works like a self-basting system to keep food juicy rather than dried out after cooking.

There are 2 large side handles to enable you to easily grip the pot securely as you transfer it from one spot to another. The lid also has a large stainless steel handle. The Martha Stewart Dutch oven can also be used on an induction stovetop and oven safe up to 500ºF. However, it is not dishwasher safe.

Is The Martha Stewart Dutch Oven Worth It?

Pros

Affordable – It is not as cheap as the Lodge Dutch oven but it is still far more affordable than the Le Creuset and Staub cocotte. It is a mid-priced item that is still within reach for many as it costs about a third to half the price of a Le Creuset Signature of comparable size.
Visually appealing – As is typical with enameled cast iron products, the Martha Stewart Dutch oven is a pretty piece for the kitchen. If you like a more vibrant color, there is strawberry red to choose from. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued tone, there is an oyster shade for a cooler look. Basically, you have more color options to brighten up your kitchen unlike stainless steel cookware such as an All Clad Tri-Ply or D5.
Seals in flavor – Food will turn out flavorful and juicy rather than dried out. You can use it to stew, braise, sear and even bake bread. The heat distribution is quite even and it retains heat well too with its thick construction.
Easy to clean – Not everybody will find an enameled interior easy to clean but as long as you keep the heat low to medium, the food is less likely to scorch and get stuck onto the cooking surface. Many users are happy with the clean-up after cooking as they find it simple to do with little elbow grease required.

Cons

Not dishwasher safe – Putting your Martha Stewart Dutch oven into the dishwasher is not recommended. In fact, the risk of using the dishwasher for any enameled cookware is that it may cause the color to become dull. So, you will need to handwash this piece to maintain its look and lengthen its lifespan.
Heavy – There will be users who will find it too heavy for everyday cooking. The pot itself is about 14 lbs for the 6-quart. This is before adding in food. So, you will need to take into account whether you can carry it from the stove to the oven or dinner table when it is filled to the brim before you buy.
Interior chips – While the praises outweigh the complaints, there is still a number of dissatisfied buyers who find that the Dutch oven does not last. This is mainly due to chips in the interior. Once the cooking surface begins to chip, bits of it will end up mixing with your food. Some buyers find that it happened after only a few uses when one would expect it to last a number of years.

Martha Stewart vs Le Creuset Dutch Ovens

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Now, let’s compare Martha Stewart vs Le Creuset Dutch ovens. There are a few notable differences and these include:

Price – Obviously, the Le Creuset Signature is the more expensive cookware. As mentioned, it is more than double the price of the Martha Stewart for a Dutch oven of comparable size.
Color – The Le Creuset has more colors to choose from. As far as we know, Martha Stewart also has a wide range of colors but not all are widely available. Hence, if you want a less common color, you might have better luck with a Le Creuset than a Martha Stewart Dutch oven.
Size – Le Creuset also has a wider range of sizes. Its size range goes from 2 to 13.25-quart. Thus, chances are Le Creuset will have a pot that fits your needs whether you are cooking for a small or large family. The Martha Stewart Dutch oven has a more limited range of sizes.
Lid – The Le Creuset lid has a smooth underside while the Martha Stewart lid has condensation rings visible which supposedly can help to condense and redistribute moisture. The Marthe Stewart lid also has a stainless steel handle while the Le Creuset uses a composite knob that is replaceable with a stainless steel option.
Weight – Le Creuset is the lightest Dutch oven per quart compared to any premium brands. So, if weight is a big worry for you, the Le Creuset would have an advantage over the Martha Stewart Dutch oven for its lighter construction.
Manufacturing location – The Martha Stewart Dutch oven is made in China while Le Creuset Signature is made in France. That also partly explains the higher price that you have to pay for the latter.

Which Dutch Oven Should You Buy?

Going through the various Martha Stewart Dutch oven reviews by buyers online, it is clear the cookware performs well but with a risk of chipping. The Le Creuset has fewer complaints about the same problem. Apart from the durability risk, you also fewer size options for the Martha Stewart Dutch oven. The heavier weight may also be a huge drawback.

However, it is an alternative if you just don’t have the money to spare for a French-made Le Creuset or Staub. If you really think this is worth the price, you just have to be more careful with the heat level and use the appropriate kitchen utensils when cooking to maintain the integrity of the enamel layer. Avoid putting it into the dishwasher and treat it more gently than how you would treat your stainless steel cookware.

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Our own conclusion from the Martha Stewart Dutch oven review is that it is not the best one to buy with Le Creuset and Staub being its competitors. It is heavier than Le Creuset and it doesn’t have a dark interior like the Staub. The chipping is a big risk while it is not exactly cheap to have it replaced after a short period of use. Due to this risk, the cheaper Lodge or Tramontina Dutch oven would be a safer choice if you are on a budget. And of course, if you can afford it, Le Creuset and Staub would be the gold standard of Dutch ovens which you should aim for.