Is the Le Creuset 5-Quart Braiser Worth It?
Based on tests by America's Test Kitchen (Nov 2025). How we score
Save $381Depends. Crock-Pot Artisan for most people.
Amazon prices as of Sep 30, 2:51 AM EDT (details)
Why
America's Test Kitchen's Best 5-Quart Braiser earned full marks: "Overall, this braiser performed flawlessly." Its looped handles were easy to grab in oven mitts, and "it didn't chip or crack when we whacked it with a metal spoon and slammed the lid down repeatedly." ATK's Best Buy at this size, the Crock-Pot Artisan 5-quart, matched it for performance at a fraction of the price: "A great large braiser for folks on a budget." But its enamel stained after short ribs and "chipped slightly when we clapped the lid on the base." Splurge if you want enamel that resists chips and stains; save if a few stains and chips won't bother you.
Cheaper alternatives, scored against the Le Creuset Braiser
Artisan Enameled Cast Iron Braiser with Lid, 5 qt, Pistachio
From 1 tester: America's Test Kitchen
From 1 tester: America's Test Kitchen
America's Test Kitchen's Best Buy 5-quart braiser, with the same full marks for performance as the Le Creuset: "this inexpensive model performed well, cooking meatballs, short ribs, and green beans perfectly." Its light interior makes browning easy to watch, but its straight walls are a touch harder to reach over. Durability scored 2 of 3 against the Le Creuset's 3: "The white enamel stained a bit after we cooked short ribs in it," and "The enamel also chipped slightly when we clapped the lid on the base."
| Criterion | Le Creuset Braiser | Crock-Pot Artisan |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3/3 | 3/3 |
| Durability | 3/3 | 2/3 |
| Ease of use | 3/3 | 2.5/3 |
From America's Test Kitchen: The Best Braisers (updated Nov. 19, 2025)
Sources: America's Test Kitchen: The Best Braisers (updated Nov. 19, 2025), Manufacturer specs via Amazon listing
Common questions
Is the Le Creuset braiser worth it?
It's America's Test Kitchen's favorite 5-quart braiser, and it survived abuse testing without a chip. The Crock-Pot Artisan 5-quart matched it for performance at a fraction of the price, but its enamel stained and chipped slightly in ATK's tests.
Sources: America's Test Kitchen: The Best Braisers (updated Nov. 19, 2025), Manufacturer specs via Amazon listing
