Lodge vs. Le Creuset Cast Iron for Burgers: Which to Choose

For cooking burgers, a classic Lodge seasoned cast iron skillet is usually the better pick: bare cast iron handles high heat, builds a great crust, works on the grill, and tolerates the hard scraping that smash burgers need. Le Creuset's enameled cast iron is easier to clean and doesn't need seasoning, but enamel is best cooked at moderate heat and can be damaged by metal tools, so it's better suited to sauces, braises and gentler searing than to ripping-hot smash burgers.

The real comparison here is between two types of cast iron, bare seasoned iron and enameled iron, as much as two brands. Here's how they differ for burgers.

Bare seasoned cast iron vs. enameled cast iron

Bare (seasoned) cast iron

Bare cast iron is raw iron coated with layers of baked-on oil, called seasoning. The seasoning creates a naturally slick surface that improves with use. It's tough, handles very high heat and can go from stovetop to oven to grill. The trade-offs are that it needs regular care, can rust if left wet, and isn't ideal for long-simmered acidic sauces.

Enameled cast iron

Enameled cast iron has a glass-like porcelain enamel coating fused to the iron. It doesn't need seasoning, won't rust, and is fine with acidic ingredients. The trade-offs are that the enamel can chip or craze, and manufacturers generally recommend moderate heat and non-metal utensils.

About Lodge

Lodge says on its official site that it has made cast iron cookware in Tennessee since 1896. Its lineup includes seasoned cast iron (the Classic, Chef Collection and Blacklock lines), enameled cast iron, and carbon steel. Lodge's seasoned skillets come pre-seasoned, so you can cook in them right away.

Lodge also makes an enameled cast iron skillet, and its official product page is a useful look at how enamel behaves: it lists a matte black porcelain interior, stovetop and oven use up to 500°F, a recommendation against metal utensils, advice to keep the burner at or below medium, and a note that it isn't meant for grills or open fires. Lodge's page also notes that this enameled skillet is made in China, while the brand's heritage is its Tennessee-made seasoned iron.

About Le Creuset

Le Creuset is best known for colorful enameled cast iron, especially its Dutch ovens. Its cast iron skillets are enameled too, so they share the strengths and limits of enameled iron described above. Before cooking burgers at high heat in one, check Le Creuset's care instructions for its recommended heat levels and utensils, since enamel care guidance differs from bare cast iron.

Lodge vs. Le Creuset for burgers: head to head

Searing and crust

Both hold heat well because they're thick cast iron. Bare cast iron is better suited to the high, sustained heat that gives burgers a dark crust, and its seasoning releases a well-seared patty cleanly. Enameled iron can sear, but the usual guidance to stay at medium heat makes it harder to get a smash-burger crust.

Smash burgers

Smash burgers need a very hot pan, hard pressing and aggressive scraping with a metal spatula to keep the crust intact. That's exactly what bare cast iron handles well and what enamel care instructions tend to warn against. For smash burgers, choose bare cast iron, carbon steel or a flat-top griddle. Read our smash burger vs. regular burger guide for more on the technique.

Grilling

A bare cast iron skillet can go right on a gas or charcoal grill, which is a great way to cook burgers outdoors without losing fat to the flames. Lodge's enameled skillet page says it isn't meant for grills or open fires, so check before putting any enameled pan over a live fire.

Cleanup

Enameled cast iron wins here. You can soak it and wash it with soap without worrying about seasoning. Bare cast iron needs to be cleaned, dried and lightly oiled after each use, though it's quick once it's a habit. See how to clean cast iron after burgers.

Durability

Bare cast iron is nearly indestructible. If it rusts, you can scrub and re-season it. Enamel that chips can't be repaired the same way.

Cost

Le Creuset is positioned as a premium brand, while basic seasoned cast iron is one of the more affordable kinds of cookware. If burgers are your main goal, you don't need to spend more for enamel. Compare current prices on each brand's site.

Which should you buy for burgers?

• Buy Lodge seasoned cast iron if burgers, smash burgers and high-heat searing are your priority, or you want to cook on the grill.
• Buy Le Creuset enameled cast iron if you want an easy-care pan for everyday cooking, tomato sauces and braises, and burgers are an occasional dinner.
• Consider both if you cook a lot: a bare skillet for searing and an enameled pan or Dutch oven for everything else.

Our cast iron skillet pick is a good place to start, and you can find a cast iron skillet here. For another option, read carbon steel vs. cast iron for burgers.

How to cook burgers in a cast iron skillet

1. Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat for several minutes until very hot.
2. Add a thin film of high smoke point oil.
3. Add patties with space between them and don't press thick ones.
4. Cook about 4-5 minutes per side for 3/4-inch patties, adjusting heat as needed.
5. Check with a thermometer: ground beef should reach 160°F, the USDA safe minimum.

For the full method, see how to cook burgers on the stove, or try our ultimate smash burger in cast iron.

FAQ

Can you cook burgers in Le Creuset?

Yes, especially thicker burgers at moderate heat. Follow Le Creuset's care guidance on heat levels and use wooden or silicone tools to protect the enamel.

Is Lodge cast iron good for smash burgers?

Yes. Bare seasoned cast iron gets very hot and stands up to hard pressing and metal spatulas.

Do enameled cast iron pans need seasoning?

No. The enamel coating replaces seasoning, so you can wash it with soap and water.

Can I use a metal spatula on enameled cast iron?

It's generally not recommended. Lodge, for example, advises against metal utensils on its enameled skillet.