“Dutch ovens”, is that not primitive kitchenware? Why do we need such a cooking utensil even at this modern time when we have the access to an electric oven, microwaves, non-stick pans, and whatnot! The reason behind this is that this thick cooking pot which is generally made of cast iron (also made out of aluminum and ceramic) comes with a lid that does not break the flavors and helps keep the moisture inside, making your cooking highly enriched.
As you make sure your food fits in your oven, we bake our ideas in search for some of the best dutch ovens to ensure an amazing baking and braising experience. We turned both sides of the coin to find the most convenient dutch ovens for you since everything has its pros and cons. As you move on, you will have a closer insight on the kitchenware and find out which one blends with your kitchen perfectly.
Best Pick
Our best pick goes to Lodge EC6D43 Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven because of its overall design and functionality. With its 6-quart capacity which is sufficient enough for you and your family and the porcelain enamel matte finishing, this product gives us a superior vibe. Not only does it look attractive but it does not break the flavor of your food and helps keep them warm and delicious.
View on Amazon Budget Pick
AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is our budget pick as it is a champion in its field offering all the features of a high-end product but all in your budget. Together with featuring a sleek outlook and being able to withstand high temperatures, this is our favorite. The tight-fitting lid and side handle and the dutch oven altogether gives a bang for your money.
View on Amazon Quick Comparison: Top 13 Best Dutch Ovens Product Name Holding Capacity Dishwasher Grade Lodge EC6D43 Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven 6 quarts Yes A+ AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven 6 quarts No A+ Lodge L8DOL3 Cast Iron Dutch Oven 5 quarts No B+ Lodge L8DD3 Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven 5 quarts No B+ Calphalon 1932450 Classic Dutch Oven 5 quarts Yes A+ Crock-Pot 69146.02 Artisan Dutch Oven 7 quarts No B+ IMUSACHI-00071R Ceramic Dutch Oven 3.2 quarts A Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven 8 quarts No A Tramontina 80131/037DS Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven 5.5 quarts No B+ Cuisinel Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 2-In-1 Multi Dutch Oven 3 quarts No A+ Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven 5.5 quarts Yes A Cuisinart CI670-30CR Dutch Oven 7 quarts Yes A Utopia Kitchen Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven 5 quarts No A 1. Lodge EC6D43 Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven View on Amazon The pioneer name when it comes to dutch ovens is undoubtedly Lodge. The lodge dutch oven with model number EC6D43 features a cast iron body but what is different is that both the exterior and interior of the pot are coated with a chip-resistant porcelain enamel which makes it durable. Not only that but the porcelain-enamel finish ensures that it is scratch and crack proof.
The pot has versatile use and can be used to roast, braise, and even as a storing pot. It is safe to be used in a refrigerator as well. The pot is capable of withstanding a temperature as high as 500 degrees Fahrenheit without showing any visible damage. In addition to this, the handles and the lid knob can also support high temperatures and are extremely durable.
The feature that we found the most unique in this product is that the rim and the lid of the pot are coated with a black matte enamel but on the other hand, the inside of the oven, i.e. the cooking surface comes with an off-white enamel finish. This contrast in the color tones gives a superior vibe to the dutch oven.
Furthermore, the dutch oven is very effective in maintaining an even heat distribution which helps you prepare your recipe to perfection. Also, the compatibility of this one is commendable as you can use it on any cooktop starting from a gas stove to an electric to an induction one.
Lastly, the product is dishwasher safe so you really do not have to waste your valuable time or your energy on washing this with your hands. However, hand washing is recommended for this one by the manufacturers for prolonged use.
Pros It offers extreme durability due to the porcelain enamel being chip-resistant The two-tone enamel finishing to the bottom and the lid gives off a prestigious vibe The smooth glass surface is unreactive to the ingredients used, making it safe for use It features a stainless steel knob and loop handles for better control The tight-fitting lid helps keep the moisture intact Cons The glass coating may crack if it is used aggressively or not taken care of properly Check Latest Price on Amazon 2. AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven View on Amazon
The dutch oven from AmazonBasics is known for giving the best value of money as it has all the premium features but will also take care of your pocket. The 6-quart Dutch oven comes in two different colors- red and blue.
The enamel coating gives it a sleek and shiny look and will also not distort the flavor of the food that you are cooking. The cast iron body makes it oven-proof and can withstand a temperature as high as 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
It further features a fitted lid that helps retain the moisture in the food and the side handles facilitate handling and transportation. Moreover, it can retain and distribute heat evenly and precisely which allows you to cook your food to perfection. Unfortunately, though this Dutch oven is not dishwasher safe, so you do need to clean it with your own hands.
Pros The dutch oven is ideal for many uses including marinating, storing, and slow cooking It can be used in any cooktop - gas, electric, or an oven You have the freedom to choose from the two colors of the dutch oven to match with your other utensils Cons The enamel does feature a non-stick function which means there is a risk of your food stuck on the walls of the dutch oven You will need to allocate extra time for washing it as it is not dishwasher-proof Check Latest Price on Amazon 3. Lodge L8DOL3 Cast Iron Dutch Oven View on Amazon The next product that we have chosen to review is another great choice from Lodge which features a large holding capacity of 5 quarts. This one is quite different from the former two as it does not come with any ceramic enamel coating. The body is simply made with full cast iron.
The major difference between a cast iron coated and uncoated pot is that with an uncoated one, you have the luxury to deep fry your food. There are some more advantages to owning a cast iron pot without enamel such as usually enamel ones cannot withstand high temperatures and will crack when subjected to extreme temperatures. Full cast iron pots are more fit for rough and tough use and are perfect for camping.
However, there is one issue with full cast iron pots and that is since there is no enamel coating, you are required to season it before you start cooking in them. You can do it by brushing vegetable or mustard oil in it. This will prevent your food from sticking to the pot and somewhat a non-stick nature will be seen.
Even though it is the only downside of full cast iron pots, fortunate enough for you, this dutch oven from Lodge comes pre-seasoned. This means they are ready to be used right out of the box. Moreover, this product is compatible with all types of stoves and is oven safe.
Moreover, the loop handles help you carry it with more ease and comfort. The material used in its body is responsible for even heat conduction which is a significant feature in any cookware as the absence of this will result in overcooked-undercooked areas.
Last but not least, you need to be careful not to wash it in a dishwasher or with harsh detergent or soap as it may damage the in-built features. You should hand wash it with a nylon brush and in order to maintain its service life, you should dry it with a towel and apply natural oil on its surface while it is still warm.
Pros The dutch oven is ideal for rough and tough use due to its sturdy build It offers lifetime durability due to its high-quality design The product is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use It is a good utensil to fry food easily as it does not feature any enamel It does not require any seasoning as it already comes pre-seasoned and can be a trusted product especially when you are in a hurry Cons The dutch oven is not dishwasher safe which means you need to wash it by hand with a mild soap or none at all The carbonized seasoning released by the dutch oven darkens the food that you are cooking making it look unappetizing Check Latest Price on Amazon 4. Lodge L8DD3 Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven View on Amazon
A great pot with versatility! Immediately you can see that it doesn't have a knob on the lid and that is because the lid can also be used as a skillet.
Another Full Cast Iron Dutch oven that is of 5 quarts size and really doubles down when it comes to cooking. Because of the lid's weight and design, it ensures that no moisture or flavor leaves the pot when used as a cover.
Because of the domed shape cover, you have enough space to roast your meat with ease.
With this Dutch oven, you can take full control of your cooking as the heat spread evenly from the bottom whether you are baking, frying, searing or even roasting. It comes pre-seasoned, so you don’t have to worry about preparing your pot right after buying it.
Pros It comes with a multi-use lid that can be used as a skillet which effectively increases the number of your kitchen utensils The lid features a dome shape which provides a larger area for cooking The dutch oven has versatile use as you can use it for a variety of recipes starting from searing to roasting It is ideal for both indoor as well as outdoor use Cons The surface may sometimes flake and release brownish seasoning that caramelizes and can distort the color of your food It is not dishwasher safe Check Latest Price on Amazon 5. Calphalon 1932450 Classic Dutch Oven View on Amazon Made from hard-anodized aluminum, the dutch oven from Calphalon outlasts most of its competitors. The double-layer non-stick surface prevents the food from sticking to the walls and helps with a quick release of food. Not only that, but the layer also facilitates easy clean-up as no residues are left behind that might require aggressive cleaning.
Moreover, the ceramic coating is PFOA-free which means that it does not pose any health risk as it will not contaminate your food with any harmful toxins. The dutch oven also comes with a tempered glass lid that allows you to monitor the doneness of the food and helps retain the moisture and heat inside. The pot, on the other hand, has a pour spout that helps you drain excess liquids.
The product is compatible with almost all cooktops including gas, electric, glass, and halogen. Even though it is dishwasher-safe, you are advised to hand wash it to extend its lifetime.
Pros The anodized aluminum body makes it extremely durable The pot features measuring marks that help you figure out the quantities very easily It is oven-proof can withstand a temperature as high as 450 degrees Fahrenheit It is lightweight compared to other regular cast iron cookwares which helps in more convenient handling Cons No major downsides of this product were observed Check Latest Price on Amazon 6. Crock-Pot 69146.02 Artisan Dutch Oven View on Amazon
This stylish slate gray Dutch oven has a large 7 quart capacity, making it ideal for those larger cooking sessions. Made from Cast Iron with a non-stick surface for easy hand washing, this also has a self-basting lid to keep your recipes tender.
Suitable for searing, frying, basting, roasting, stewing and more, this traditional Cast Iron Dutch oven will work on any cooktop including induction and is suitable for oven cooking up to 500°F.
The oversized handles on this will make it easier for you to grip this larger Dutch oven, especially if you have your oven mitts on. In addition to these amazing features, the dutch oven also ensures even heat distribution which will not result in hot-cold spots and help you cook your food to perfection.
Pros The oversized handles make it easier for you to hold and carry by offering a comfortable grip The non-stick surface of the dutch oven makes it easier for hand washing It is rust-proof so it will always look as good as new The material facilitates precise and event heat conduction throughout the bottom of the pot Cons It is not dishwasher safe so you need to allocate extra time to hand wash it The ceramic coating is reported to chip-off and can hamper the ceramic glaze as a result Check Latest Price on Amazon 7. IMUSACHI-00071R Ceramic Dutch Oven View on Amazon
Made from aluminum with a white ceramic non-stick interior and a bold red exterior, this ceramic Dutch oven has a 3.2 quart capacity. In the style of a ‘caldero’ (or cauldron), this is ideal for braising meats or cooking rice, beans, soups and stews.
The vented glass lid on this means you can keep an eye on your cooking without needing to remove the lid and the red silicon rim of the lid provides a tight seal to keep flavors in. The Bakelite knob is red to match the ceramic exterior and will also stay cool during cooking.
The benefit of the non-stick interior surface is that you can prepare your food with minimum use of oil which makes this a super-healthy option. It moreover can be used as a kitchen-to-table utensil as its attractive outlook makes it ideal to be used as a serving dish as well.
Pros The vibrant red color exterior of the pot makes your kitchen bright and will be eye candy for your stovetop The pot features a non-stick cooking surface that prevents your food from sticking to the wall of the pan It features a silicone rim that provides a tight seal to lock in flavor It facilitates monitoring food as it features a see-through glass lid Cons You will require pot holders to hold the handles as they can get very hot while cooking due to not being coated with an insulating material Check Latest Price on Amazon 8. Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven View on Amazon
Are you heading to the lodge this weekend? Perhaps thinking of camping with the family and friends? Well, then this Cast Iron deep camp Dutch Oven is just right for you. The name really gives away the purpose, but what you don’t realize is the other benefits of having it.
This 8 quarts big black Dutch oven was meant for heavy duty. It comes with legs at the bottom making it possible to place the oven over firewood or charcoal. The lid is also flanged, so you can put coal if your dish requires it.
The bail handle can be used with a tripod for your stability when cooking. And the lid can also be used as a griddle. It’s made of full Cast Iron so it can endure high heat. And it also comes as pre-seasoned so that just when you buy it, you can take it straight to your campsite for use. With the Lodge Cast Iron deep camp Dutch oven, you also get a cooking book to ensure you a head start if you are confused as to what to cook in it.
Moreover, the dutch oven offers precise heat conduction that helps your food to be cooked perfectly and evenly. The material used also helps to retain the heat which helps keep the food warm for a long time. It also features a super-tough body and is virtually non-stick, making it super long-lasting.
In order to properly maintain and use it for several years, you are suggested to rub oil on its surface after you are done washing them by hand.
Pros It is an ideal utensil for feeding a large number of people as it has a larger capacity Since the dutch oven comes with legs it is ideal for camping where you can use this on firewood as it ensures greater stability The lid is crafted with a flange design which allows you to put coal on top of it so that you can heat the pot from the top and the bottom As the pot comes pre-seasoned with some soy-based vegetable oil, you do not have to worry about it causing any harm to your health which synthetic-based oil would do The product is accompanied by a cookbook as a bonus so you can try out amazing recipes with this dutch oven Cons The product requires hand washing Check Latest Price on Amazon 9. Tramontina 80131/037DS Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven View on Amazon This dutch oven from Tramontina is made up of cast iron which features a rich enameled finish that is suitable for both cooking and serving purposes. The very build of the product makes it long-lasting and oven-proof up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, the knob on the lid is made up of stainless steel which makes them rust-free.
The dutch oven is said to offer kitchen-to-table serving as it comes with a very attractive and elegant outlook. It also has a multipurpose use as it comes in a variety of sizes and shapes. It is ideal for modern baking as well as traditional slow simmering of your favorite recipes to perfection.
Pros The product is backed by a lifetime warranty which means you do not have to look for replacements for any inconvenience you face with it It offers super compatibility as it can be used with gas, electric, ceramic glass, and induction cooktops It is safe to be used in a refrigerator which helps pasta salads cool during serving Cons The dutch oven is not dishwasher-safe and only requires you to wash it by hand The enamel wears off after few times of use and can contaminate the food that you are cooking Check Latest Price on Amazon 10. Cuisinel Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 2-In-1 Multi Dutch Oven View on Amazon Why buy one when you can get two? Cuisinel offers a great value deal that includes 2 dutch ovens in 1 pack. The dutch ovens each have a capacity of 3 quarts and can be used for a variety of uses starting from frying to baking to broiling to braising to what not! The versatility with this is amazing as this is compatible to be used on grills, stoves, and induction cooktops.
The dutch oven also features a smooth finish that facilitates even and precise heat distribution that does not leave you with hot-cold spots that can cause uneven cooking or frying. Moreover, this cast iron cookware comes seasoned so you do not have to go through the hassle of seasoning it.
You are required to hand wash the product with warm water and in order to extend its service life, you are advised to restore it with natural oil. Also, be careful not to use harsh soaps for cleaning purposes.
Pros The product is backed by Amazon’s seamless 30-day money-back guarantee in addition to a lifetime warranty so you can make a worry-free purchase The long-term reliability and durability of the product do not require you to look for alternatives even after years of use It does not require additional seasoning so you can use it readily right after the purchase Cons The dutch oven is not dishwasher safe so you have to go hand wash it Check Latest Price on Amazon 11. Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven View on Amazon
Since 1925, Le Creuset has been a reputable brand for making cast iron kitchenware for its strength and durability.
If you want a good-looking dutch oven that will not break the flavors of the food you are cooking and cook them to perfection, then this one from Le Creuset should be at the top of your priority list. Offering you the luxury to choose from a variety of color options including Marseille, Flame, and Oyster, the dutch oven features a sand-colored enamel on the interior cooking surface which gives an amazing color contrast to the pot. The enamel helps prevent burning and sticking to the surface of it. The handles are 45 percent larger making it easier to hold the Dutch oven while giving you the space to hold it with a strong grip. With that much space, you can also use an oven mitt, which means that this Dutch oven can be used on any type of stove and even an oven. The Dutch oven is also dishwashing safe, so you can easily clean it with no hassle.
Pros Each color of the wide range of colors it offers is exquisite and gives off a unique vibe and texture The dutch oven features large handles (45 percent bigger compared to other competitors) which gives you enough room to hold them and handle the pot with greater convenience The pot can also be held with oven mitts as it has enough space which comes in handy while you use the oven Since it is dishwasher safe, you do not have to take the extra pain of cleaning it by hand which can become annoying over time Cons This might not be an ideal option if you are on a budget as it is one of the high-end products The quality may not be up to the mark compared to its price Check Latest Price on Amazon 12. Cuisinart CI670-30CR View on Amazon
The 7-quart Dutch oven from Cuisinart is constructed from Cast Iron. And both the exterior and interior are made from porcelain enamel giving it a smooth and stylish look. The porcelain enamel finishes off with a durable look with deep rich colors which is a good addition to your already great kitchen.
Cuisinart dutch oven comes with a porcelain finish on the inside that helps prevent the flavors of your food from breaking. Moreover, the interior cooking surface will not absorb the flavors from the food, keeping it undistorted in terms of both the flavor and the texture. The wide grip handles of the pot make it easier and convenient for you to handle as there is enough room for your fingers to get a good grip.
The multipurpose nature of the dutch oven makes it suitable to be used on any type of stove including an induction stove or an oven. In addition to these amazing features, the pot is also dishwasher safe. This means that you can now clean them without any trouble if you have used them to cook greasy food.
Pros The dutch oven is quite spacious and features a capacity of 7-quarts which makes it fit for cooking fluids like stews and soups and grilling whole chicken The porcelain enamel gives it an attractive look as well as preserves the texture and flavor of the food that you are cooking The wide handles make it easier to hold or move as it offers a better grip It is dishwasher friendly which means you do not need to allocate any extra time for washing it Cons We have not come across any major downsides of the dutch oven that is worth mentioning Check Latest Price on Amazon 13. Utopia Kitchen Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven View on Amazon
Utopia Kitchen’s Dutch oven comes in Full Cast Iron which is pre-seasoned so you don’t have to worry about getting it ready after purchase. This is a 5-quart oven with a dual handle on the sides and the lid having a holder as well. It is Full Cast Iron so, it is very durable and can be used for slow cooking, frying etc.
One thing is that very different and unique is that we know that Iron deficiency is a problem in our world, especially with women.
So when cooking food with iron cast ovens, you are sure to increase your iron content by 20 percent on the food that you are cooking, not only making your food delicious but also healthy. This Dutch oven can be used on stove or oven and can take heat up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
In order to clean the dutch oven after use, you are required to allow it to cool down first. Then you can use warm soapy water to hand wash it with your regular dishwashing soap.
Pros The full cast iron pot outlasts most of its competitors in the market It saves you from the hassle of seasoning it as it comes pre-seasoned which means you can use it straight out of the box It features integrated side handles and lid which ensures secure transportation and steam protection Cons We have not come across any major issue with this one Check Latest Price on Amazon Things To Know and Consider Before Buying a Dutch Oven 1. Size
Whether you are buying one for yourself or for your family, whether you are planning to buy one for camping or simply buy it as a gift, you need to know what size you want to buy. Dutch ovens are mostly used for cooking dishes that take a lot of time like for example stews, soups, gravy etc. Because of that, it is important to consider the size of the Dutch oven that you will buy. For our case, we think that 6 quart is enough for family style.
However, dutch ovens are offered in many sizes in the market starting from a size as small as ¼ quarts to as large as 13 quarts depending on the purpose of your use in terms of the recipe and the size of the crowd of you cooking for.
2. Enamel or Cast Iron? As already discussed and mentioned before, you can find dutch ovens in two varieties one that is made from Full Cast iron with no enamel and another which comes with an enamel finish. Both have their perks. The former type has a more sturdy construction, requires seasoning, and is ideal for outdoor use, but the latter on the other hand does not require seasoning and is fit for indoor cooking.
In terms of durability, the full cast iron dutch ovens take the trophy as they are built to last and are capable of withstanding harsh conditions. On the contrary, dutch ovens with an enamel finish need safe handling as they can crack if exposed to a temperature higher than their threshold.
And if you talk about the outlook, enamel dutch ovens are the winner as they come with a polished surface that gives out a premium vibe and takes the standard of your kitchen to a new level. Even though they are not as durable as the full cast iron ones but they surely do not break the flavors, or disrupt the color and texture of the food that you are cooking.
3. Shape Generally, there are two common shapes of dutch ovens available in the market- round and oval. Among these two, the most sold is the round one. It has its perks which include being perfect for sitting on a single burner and having the ideal depth. Not only that but this shape is also capable of offering smooth and comfortable stirring.
On the other hand, oval shapes are shallower and wider compared to round ones. This shape is perfect for cooking long meat cuts. However, the downside of this shape is that it is unable to maintain even heat distribution.
Nevertheless both the shapes will work exactly the same way if you pre-heat them before using them.
4. Lids You should always go for Dutch ovens that come with a tight lid. A well-fitting lid will help retain the moisture of the food preventing it from drying out or causing water to evaporate too quickly. Moreover, generally, the lids are made up of the same material as the pot however, some may be made up of tempered glass that allows you to monitor the state of your food. Not only that, but the lids may also be of a different shape. The best is the dome shape which reflects the moisture to the food which the flatter ones cannot.
5. Handles It is always a good decision to go for Dutch ovens which feature handles that are made of different material and not from the same one as the pot. This is beneficial because you would not want to burn your hands as they can heat up quite quickly. The handles should also offer a comfortable grip and must allow the ease of transportation. However, to be on the safe side, you should use pot holders or mitts at all times.
6. Other features Additional features that you need to consider before buying your desired Dutch oven include the knob of the lid and whether the product is dishwasher-friendly or not.
The knob should be able to withstand just as high temperature as the lid and the pot can. A non-metal material used for this purpose may be an unfit option as it can easily crack when subject to high temperatures. Therefore it is wise to go for the ones that are made from metal. Stainless steel is a good option as it will additionally prevent rusting along with being able to withstand high temperatures.
Even though dishwasher-friendly features are not an absolute necessity, it is sought by many users. This can be because many of us do not get the time to wash our cookware or simply do not want to lose our energy for this tiresome chore. For those users, it is wise to pick the one that is dishwasher-proof.
Conclusion
When it comes to family and friends, the best way to get to them is through food. And when it comes to large numbers, Dutch ovens have an upper hand when it comes to cooking. With the ability to cook almost anything, you can whip up something really delicious and gourmet which will give you an edge when it comes to cooking and keeping bonds alive. Dutch ovens are not just only kitchenware but it’s part of a family because of the way it was designed.
In our article, we have picked some of the best Dutch ovens out there and gave you reviews about it. Hopefully now by reading this, you've gathered some information and knowledge of what it is that you want and can start cooking for your friends and families.
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