Interested in finding the best dutch oven? We’ve handpicked these just for you.
A Dutch oven is a versatile and essential kitchen tool that every home cook should have in their arsenal. This kitchen workhorse is a type of heavy-duty pot made of cast iron or enameled cast iron that can be used for a variety of cooking techniques. It’s a great pot because it distributes heat evenly and allows for slow and even cooking. It’s the perfect pot for slow cooking a stew or making your favorite soup. You can even make bread in it.
Dutch ovens come in a variety of sizes, colors and brands so finding the right one for your kitchen may feel a little daunting. Not to worry, this comprehensive list of some fan favs will ensure you find the best dutch oven to cook with for a long time.
What to look for in a dutch oven
A Dutch oven is a perfect pot for a wide range of cooking methods, including baking, roasting, stewing and frying. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a beginner cook, a Dutch oven is an essential piece of kitchen equipment that you’ll reach for time and time again. That’s why you need to know how to pick the right one.
When choosing a Dutch oven, there are several things to consider, including:
- Material: Dutch ovens can be made from a variety of materials, including cast iron, enameled cast iron, stainless steel and ceramic. Cast iron is the most traditional material and is known for its durability and heat retention. Enameled cast iron is a popular option because it’s easy to clean and comes in a variety of colors. Stainless steel is a lightweight and durable option that heats quickly, but it doesn’t retain heat as well as cast iron. Ceramic Dutch ovens are lightweight and easy to clean, but they don’t hold heat as well either.
- Size: Dutch ovens come in a range of sizes, from 1-13 quarts. The size you choose will depend on your cooking needs. If you’re cooking for a family, a 6- to 8-quart Dutch oven is a good choice. If you’re cooking for one or two people, a smaller size maybe more appropriate.
- Shape: Dutch ovens come in round and oval shapes. Round Dutch ovens are more traditional and are good for making stews and soups. Oval Dutch ovens are better for roasting meats and poultry.
- Lid: The lid is an important part of a Dutch oven because it helps to trap in heat and moisture. Look for a Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid that has a handle for easy removal. Some Dutch ovens have self-basting lids, which have small spikes on the underside of the lid that help to redistribute moisture back into the food.
- Handles: The handles on a Dutch oven should be sturdy and easy to grip. Look for handles that are large enough to accommodate oven mitts and that are securely attached to the pot.
- Price: Dutch ovens can range in price from under $50 to over $500. While a more expensive Dutch oven may have more features or be made from higher-quality materials, a less expensive option can still be a great choice. Consider your cooking needs and budget when making your selection.
All combined, these features will help you narrow down your options when you begin your Dutch oven shopping.
Best Dutch ovens: our recommendations
Choosing the best Dutch oven can be a daunting task, especially with the variety of options available on the market. Knowing what you want in a Dutch oven, and what you can afford will help, but you also want a brand with a good reputation. The best Dutch oven should last you a long time, so start with this list of top-performers to find your perfect fit.
Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Oven
Source: Amazon.com
The Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is an excellent investment for any kitchen enthusiast. This versatile kitchen tool is perfect for slow-cooking stews, soups and casseroles, thanks to its superior heat retention and even heat distribution. Its 6-quart capacity makes it ideal for cooking family meals or entertaining guests.
Available in 27 different colors including oyster white, lilac, cranberry and sandalwood, it’s easy to find a pot that matches your existing kitchen aesthetic.
The Dutch oven can be used on all stovetops, including induction, and can also be used in the oven or on the grill. With its exceptional cooking performance, durability and versatility, this Dutch oven is a worthwhile investment for any home cook.
Lodge Cast Iron Serving Pot Double Dutch Oven
Source: Amazon.com
This multifunctional cooking tool works as both a dutch oven and a skillet. With unparalleled heat retention and even heating, the Lodge Cast Iron Serving Pot Double Dutch Oven comes pre-seasoned with 100 percent vegetable oil. It’s perfect to sear, sauté, simmer, bake, broil, braise, roast, fry or grill. The lid fits on securely to help keep in the heat, but it also doubles as a 10.25 inch skillet.
The 5-quart capacity of this Dutch oven is perfect for cooking for a family or entertaining guests, and you can use this pot on all stovetops, the oven and the grill. Affordable, durable and multi-faceted, this is a great choice for anyone who loves to cook.
Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Pot with Lid
Source: Amazon.com
Pre-seasoned and oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, the Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven holds five quarts and can easily serve over six people. It’s perfect for stews and roasts with its event heat distribution and heat retention. This pot works on any stovetop and the dual, wide handles makes it easy to transfer into the oven for additional cooking.
With its exceptional cooking performance and durable construction, the Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven is a solid addition to any kitchen.
Crock-Pot Artisan Round Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Source: Amazon.com
The Crock-Pot Artisan Round Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is a versatile and stylish kitchen tool that any home cook will appreciate. The enameled cast iron construction ensures even heat distribution and excellent heat retention, making it perfect for slow-cooking dishes like stews and soups. Color options include nine different choices from slate gray to sapphire blue, pistachio green to blush pink.
The seven-quart capacity is ideal for cooking for large families or entertaining guests, and the tight-fitting lid ensures moisture stays locked in for added flavor.
This Dutch oven is suitable for use on all stovetops, but can also be used in the oven and on the grill, and oversized handles make it easy to move the pot from stovetop to oven or table. Stylish and durable, this is another great Dutch oven option to consider.
Best Choice Products Ceramic Non-Stick Heavy-Duty Cast Iron
Source: Amazon.com
Budget-friendly and large, the six quart Best Choice Products Ceramic Non-Stick Heavy-Duty Cast Iron Dutch Oven feels like you’re buying high-end cookware. The ceramic non-stick coating ensures easy food release and makes cleaning a breeze., while the heavy-duty cast iron construction ensures even heat distribution and superior heat retention. The six-quart capacity is perfect for cooking for a family, roommates or entertaining guests.
Two side handles make it easy to move the Dutch oven from stovetop to oven to your table, and the lid helps trap moisture and flavor. With its exceptional cooking performance, durable construction, and easy-to-clean non-stick coating, this cast iron is a value add to any cook’s kitchen.
Mueller DuraCast Enameled Cast Iron Pot with Lid
Source: Amazon.com
An ultimate cookware piece that’s ready to enhance any meal, the Mueller DuraCast Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven naturally retains heat for the perfect fry, sauté, sear, slow cook, stew, braise, boil, deep dry, roast, broil or bake. You can do it all with this one pot, extremely versatile pot.
The enamel coating adds to the durability of this cast iron pot, while the stainless steel knob on the lid adds a stylish touch. Oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, heat stays trapped in thanks to the tight-fitting lid. The high gloss finish prevents rusting, and the non-stick interior just gets better over time.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting in the kitchen, this Dutch oven is a great investment to showcase your cooking skills.
Tramontina Covered Round Dutch Oven
Source: Amazon.com
The Tramontina Covered Round Dutch Oven is the perfect pot for baking, slow cooking and simmering to perfection. The 5.5 quart enameled cast iron pot ensures food gets cooked evenly, whether you’re cooking on a gas, electric, ceramic glass or induction cooktop. The pot is also oven-safe to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Available in an elegant array of colors from graded red to matte black and majolica red, this stylish Dutch oven will serve as a standout piece in any kitchen. At an affordable price, this is a great investment to enhance your cooking skills.
Goodful All-In-One Pot, Multilayer Nonstick, High-Performance Cast
Source: Amazon.com
The Goodful All-In-One Pot is there to help you cut down the clutter in your kitchen. Use it as a Dutch oven, stock pot, deep fryer, sauce pot, steamer, braiser, sauté pan and more. The high-performance cast construction ensures even heating and excellent heat retention, while the included roasting rack and turner make it easy to cook a variety of dishes. The multilayer non-stick coating adds to the pot’s durability and makes it easy to clean.
With its 4.7-quart capacity, the Goodful All-In-One Pot is ideal for cooking for a small family or a few guests, and the included matching lid helps to seal in moisture and flavor. This pot is also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning and lightweight for moving around the kitchen.
Color options include a soft and classic linen, a bold crimson red and a few additional options that sit somewhere in between. Its style and functionality combined make this a top contender for the best Dutch oven.
Tramontina Covered Tall Round Dutch Oven
Source: Amazon.com
With a seven-quart capacity, the Tramontina Covered Tall Round Dutch Oven is made from durable cast iron and features an enameled finish that is both attractive and easy to clean. It’s the perfect size for preparing large meals and can be used on any stovetop, including induction cooktops. The included lid helps to trap in moisture and heat, resulting in perfectly cooked meals every time. The gold knob design, and classic color options add a touch of elegance to any kitchen.
This Dutch oven is perfect for slow-cooking stews, soups and braises, as well as roasting meats and vegetables. Its tall and round shape makes it ideal for cooking larger cuts of meat, adding to the pot’s versatility. A perfect addition to any kitchen the Tramontina Covered Tall Round Dutch Oven will last a long time and maintain its beautiful appearance for years to come.
Uno Casa 2in1 Cast Iron
Source: Amazon.com
The Uno Casa 2-in-1 Cast Iron Dutch Oven is more than just a single pot. The five-quart Dutch oven pot with frying pan lid are both made from high-quality pre-seasoned cast iron. You essentially get two pieces of cookware for the price of one, and that price is pretty affordable.
With its durable and sturdy construction, this Dutch oven can last for generations, and its stylish design makes it a great addition to any kitchen, both for cooking and for serving. Both pieces have a set of sturdy and comfortable handles so you can safely transport the cookware any place it needs to be.
The Dutch oven comes with a few extra accessories as well, including a silicone trivet mat and two potholders. There’s also a downloadable recipe book for added inspiration.
Ready to take home the best Dutch oven?
Selecting the best Dutch oven for your cooking needs can make a significant difference in the quality of your meals. While ultimately, the best Dutch oven for you will depend on your specific preferences and cooking style, this list should help get you started on your search. You may even find the perfect pick right here, making it that much easier to invest in a useful kitchen tool that will last for years to come.
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Source: rent.com