Best Cast Iron Braisers

Updated October 2019
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Le Creuset
Signature Enameled Cast Iron 5-Quart Round Braiser
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Bottom Line

Beautiful and practical, this cast iron braiser is your top of the line choice.

Pros

Beautiful enough to transition easily from oven to table. Good size – holding 5 quarts. Large handles. Comes in 9 bold color options. Can be used on all types of stove tops or ovens. Can also be used as a skillet. Cleans easily. The company makes this braiser in its own foundry in France.

Cons

Since this is cast iron, it is a heavy pot to use.

Staub
Cast Iron 3.5-qt Braiser
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Bottom Line

Nicely designed to provide all the benefits of cast iron cooking without the drawbacks.

Pros

Can make a great meal. Looks good on the shelf. Durable and easy to clean. 5 color options available. Enameled cast iron finish does not require seasoning. Cooks just like a regular cast iron skillet. Domed lid helps you cook bigger cuts of meat.

Cons

At 3.5 quart capacity, this braiser is not as large as others available.

Best Bang for the Buck
Anolon
Vesta Cast Iron Cookware Round Covered Braiser
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Bottom Line

The beauty and aesthetics of enamel cast iron braisers at a lower price point.

Pros

Nice large handle on the top is easy to use. Also comes in cobalt or red. Porcelain enamel exterior is beautiful on and off the table. Large 5-quart capacity. Does a good job of searing. Wider and shallower than some pots. Keeps food very moist. A very versatile pot.

Cons

The side handles on this model are a little small.

Lodge
Enameled Cast Iron Covered Casserole
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Bottom Line

Lodge provides an inexpensive line of cast iron that is reliable and does not fail with this enameled braiser.

Pros

Comes in red or blue. Enameled cookware. Nice, wide and shallow shape. Light enameled interior is easy to clean. Very good looking. Very heavy. Retains the heat well. simple design. Does not need to be seasoned.

Cons

There tend to be some quality issues with chipping on arrival.

AmazonBasics
Enameled Cast Iron Covered Casserole Skillet
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Bottom Line

A lower-cost cast iron braiser of decent quality.

Pros

Available in four highly saturated hues. Enameled nonstick surface and easy-grip handles. Cooks evenly and is easy to clean. Attractive design looks great on display.

Cons

Not as durable as higher-end braisers.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

14 Models Considered
6 Hours Researched
1 Experts Interviewed
182 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

Especially during the colder weather months, everyone loves cooking a hearty meal that warms us up from the inside out as we enjoy the indoors – perhaps in front of the fire – with loved ones. Cast iron braisers make it easier to cook these hearty and delicious meals. These cookware items are typically used to cook stews, steaks, vegetables, pot roasts, or other delicious meals on the stove. Equipped with tight-fitting lids, braisers keep moisture in, allowing food to cook with an abundance of flavor and preventing cuts of meat from becoming dried out. Enjoy delicious braised food all year long, particularly in the depth of winter, by purchasing your own cast iron braiser.

The team that worked on this review
  • Enid
    Enid
    Editor
  • Karen
    Karen
    Writer
  • Melinda
    Melinda
    Web Producer
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Le Creuset

Signature Enameled Cast Iron 5-Quart Round Braiser

Le Creuset

Signature Enameled Cast Iron 5-Quart Round Braiser

Beautiful and practical, this cast iron braiser is your top of the line choice.
$349
×

Staub

Cast Iron 3.5-qt Braiser

Staub

Cast Iron 3.5-qt Braiser

Nicely designed to provide all the benefits of cast iron cooking without the drawbacks.
$329
×

Anolon

Vesta Cast Iron Cookware Round Covered Braiser

Anolon

Vesta Cast Iron Cookware Round Covered Braiser

The beauty and aesthetics of enamel cast iron braisers at a lower price point.
$118
×

Lodge

Enameled Cast Iron Covered Casserole

Lodge

Enameled Cast Iron Covered Casserole

Lodge provides an inexpensive line of cast iron that is reliable and does not fail with this enameled braiser.
$59
×

AmazonBasics

Enameled Cast Iron Covered Casserole Skillet

AmazonBasics

Enameled Cast Iron Covered Casserole Skillet

A lower-cost cast iron braiser of decent quality.

$45

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