Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven, 4.5 qt., Flame
By Le Creuset · Cookware · Kitchen & Cooking · More from Le Creuset
- 4.5 qt capacity
- Enameled cast iron construction
- Interior dimensions 9.4 x 9.4 x 4.1 in
- Exterior dimensions 12.8 x 9.9 x 6.5 in
- Oven-safe to 500°F
Price not listed
- Le CreusetView at Le Creuset
- eBay (used) eBay: used, open-box, refurbishedView at eBay (used)
- eBayView at eBay
- Macy'sView at Macy's
- AmazonView at Amazon
Prices are snapshots. Check the current price with the store.
Summary
An enameled cast iron Dutch oven made in France that serves 4–5 people, oven-safe to 500°F and covered by a limited lifetime warranty. Check two things before you buy: which knob your SKU carries, and whether you accept that chipped-enamel warranty claims are sometimes denied.
Strengths
- Made in France and backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
- Oven-safe to 500°F and induction-compatible, so it works on the stovetop, in the oven and on induction cooktops.
- Wirecutter’s long-term testing of the 5.5 qt. sibling found it the most durable and most even-cooking Dutch oven they tested.
- The large handles were rated the most comfortable to grip with mitts or towels.
- The heavy bottom makes food harder to scorch, per Wirecutter’s staff.
Weaknesses
- No lab has instrument-tested this exact 4.5 qt. size; published results cover the larger 5.5 qt. sibling.
- Enamel chipping is the most commonly reported owner problem across Reddit, Trustpilot and Tasting Table.
- Chipped-enamel warranty claims are sometimes denied as cosmetic or misuse, and the claims process can take weeks.
- The owner may pay two-way shipping for heavy items; one customer reported returning a 40 lb pan.
- The 5.5 qt. sibling did not cook significantly better than the Lodge 6 qt. that Wirecutter made its top pick, which lists at $73–$100.
Verified specifications
| Capacity | 4.5 qt. (4.2 L). |
|---|---|
| Material | enameled cast iron. |
| Servings | 4–5 per Le Creuset’s size guide. |
| Oven-safe | up to 500°F. |
| Induction-compatible | yes. |
| Dishwasher-safe | yes; hand wash recommended. |
| Country of origin | France. |
| Warranty | limited lifetime, defects in material and workmanship. |
| Color | Flame. |
| Knob | stainless steel on SKU 21177024090041; the phenolic-knob version is a separate SKU. |
| Dimensions | 9.5 in diameter × 6.5 in height × 12.75 in width (Costco listing). |
| Weight | 9 lb. 10 oz. with lid (Costco listing). |
| Pieces | two — the Dutch oven body and its lid. |
Full research notes and sources
Cooking performance
No instrumented test of the exact 4.5 qt. model has been published. Wirecutter’s Dutch-oven guide (updated 2026-01-28) tests the 5.5 qt. Signature round French oven and found it the most durable they have tested, with food cooking the most evenly. It was also one of the lightest (11.9 lbs for the 5.5 qt.) and had the largest, most comfortable handles. The enamel held up over years of testing, though one staff owner developed interior chips over 16 years, which she links to thermal shock and aggressive cleaning.
Consumer Reports tested the 5.5 qt. Traditional Round, scoring it Excellent in speed of heating, bread baking and ease of cleaning, Very Good in evenness, Fair in simmering and Good in handle temperature; it did not beat all competitors in lab tests. Treat these as sibling results, not 4.5 qt. measurements.
Enamel, warranty and repairs
Owner reports center on chipping: a crack after two weeks of light use, enamel flaking off after the metal expanded, ovens arriving damaged with smashed-in side pieces and broken handles. Le Creuset’s warranty excludes overheating, abuse, neglect, abnormal wear, accidental breakage and misuse not in accordance with printed instructions. Owners report claims denied with reasons like “cosmetic imperfections are normal”, and a Tasting Table-cited customer paid two-way shipping to return a 40 lb pan. The warranty page aims to respond within one week, replacement color cannot be guaranteed, and the warranty ends if the pan is resold.
Care
Hand wash even though it is dishwasher-safe; dishwashing can wear down enamel. Let the pot cool before washing and never add cold water or cold ingredients to a hot pot. Use wooden or silicone utensils, not metal tools or steel wool. Baking soda paste or Bar Keeper’s Friend handles stubborn marks. There are no consumables and no running costs — the only real ownership risk is enamel damage and a denied claim.
Is it worth it?
The 4.5 qt. sells at a steep premium over comparable enameled cast iron. Sur La Table lists this size at $419.95; Wirecutter (2026-01-28) puts the 5.5 qt. at $455 and the Lodge 6 qt. top pick at $73–$100. Below about $200 the 4.5 qt. is strong value for a buyer who wants the Le Creuset name, the color range and heirloom construction. From $200 to $300 it is fair. Above $300 it is weak for performance-first buyers, and at the Sur La Table level the premium buys the brand and the warranty, not better cooking.
Which model this is
This page covers the Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven in 4.5 qt., Flame color, enameled cast iron. SKU 21177024090041 is the stainless-steel-knob Flame variant on Le Creuset’s site; a phenolic-knob 4.5 qt. is sold under a different SKU. The Amazon listing is ASIN B00VA5H8AY. Do not confuse it with the 5.5 qt., 7.25 qt. or oval Dutch ovens, which have different dimensions and weights.
Sources
Manufacturer:
Independent reviews:
Owner reports:
- Buyer beware: Le Creuset (r/Sourdough)
- I think I came to Le Creuset too late (r/LeCreuset)
- Warranty Claim Denied - Chip or Imperfection (r/LeCreuset)
- Le Creuset’s Buyers Face This Disappointingly Common Problem With The Enamel Coating — Tasting Table
Stores:
