The 5 Best Le Creuset Braisers

published Jun 17, 2024
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A light-filled kitchen in an older apartment with lots of plants and large gold frames on the walls.
Credit: Erin Derby

If you’re a cook, you understand the importance of having versatile cookware that tackles everything from stir-fries to stews. But with countless options on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide what’s truly essential. However, if braising — slow cooking in flavorful liquids — is your thing, then a dedicated braiser (not just a Dutch oven) is a must-have item. Luckily, Le Creuset offers a wide selection, and we’ve picked out the top five we recommend.

What Makes a Braiser Special?

As the name suggests, braisers are used for, well, braising. But their talents extend far beyond that — they are great for searing meats, simmering soups and stews, and even baking. Their design typically features two handles, a wide base for even heat distribution, and relatively straight sides. Built to last, braisers are typically crafted from cast iron or other durable materials. When it comes to a Dutch oven versus a braiser, we recommend a braiser for browning meats and veggies — its wide base makes all the difference! 

Do you have a Le Creuset braiser that you love? We want to hear all about it! Let us know in the comments below

1 / 5
Le Creuset
$368.00

This braiser slow-cooks and locks in moisture and flavor for your thicker meats and heartier vegetables. Former editor Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm owns this one and says, “Its cast-iron construction makes it excellent for browning meatballs and then simmering them in tomato sauce, searing steak, making pan-roasted chicken thighs … you get the idea.” Available in 24 stunning colors, it adds a touch of style to your kitchen.

2 / 5
Le Creuset
$168.00
was $210.00

At 11 inches in diameter, this covered braiser offers plenty of space for creating large-batch braises and slow-cooked meals. The domed glass lid adds another benefit: extra headroom for bulky ingredients. It also lets the braiser double as a large steamer for preparing bunches of kale and other leafy greens.

3 / 5
Le Creuset
$228.00
was $285.00

Braising is all about slow cooking for maximum flavor. Cast iron is king for heat retention, but this stainless steel pan can still braise like a champ. Why? It's got three layers of metal (triply construction) that heat evenly, plus a tight lid to lock in moisture and heat. Bonus: Stainless steel cleans up like a dream!

4 / 5
Le Creuset
$300.00

We can't get enough of the beautiful embossed petal design on this braiser! It will add a touch of unique style to your kitchen. Crafted from cast iron, just like the Signature Braiser, it's perfect for all your braising needs.

5 / 5
Le Creuset
$368.00

This traditional braiser cooks just like Le Creuset's Signature Braiser, but it only comes in a 3.5-quart size. The Signature Braiser offers more size options (2.5, 3.5, and 5 quarts) and has some slight design differences. But for braising, this traditional braiser gets the job done!