A Dutch Oven is the perfect choice for preparing all sorts of one-pot meals and its high cooking versatility means you can use it on the stovetop, in the oven or even over the campfire. From breakfast to dessert, the Dutch oven is your number one go-to piece of cookware and it will prove to be a valuable investment for your kitchen.
Our Top Pick for The Best Dutch Oven
Our top pick for the best Dutch Oven is the Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 9-Quart French (Dutch) Oven. If you love the idea of cooking your one-pot meals in a sturdy cast iron Dutch oven, the Le Creuset Dutch oven is the perfect investment. As well as a large range of stunning colors that will brighten up your home, the Le Creuset Dutch oven provides amazing heat conductibility and excellent non-stick ability so you can enjoy a professional cooking performance, which makes this Dutch oven worth its higher price tag.
What is a Dutch Oven?
As well as being a one-pot oven and stove-top wonder for cooking slow-cooked casseroles, stews, roasts, chili, curry, soup, gumbo, goulash, sauces and jam, a Dutch oven can be used for baking a cake or bread, braizing, or frying meat and a lot of other recipes. When you have left overs, the Dutch oven can also be put into the fridge or freezer.
How To Choose the Best Dutch Oven
The most common materials for a Dutch Oven is cast iron, stainless-steel or hard anodized aluminum.
Cast Iron
Cast iron continues to be the best material for a Dutch oven as it is heavy duty, highly durable and it has an old fashioned charm which means it is destined to be an heirloom for future generations.
Another reason cast iron is a popular material for a Dutch Oven is that it has high quantities of iron which is beneficial for people, especially women, who have an iron deficiency. Cooking food in a cast iron Dutch oven can increase your iron content by as much as 20 percent.
Pre-seasoned Cast Iron
Pre-seasoned cast iron Dutch ovens, like the Utopia Kitchen Dutch Oven, are a great choice as the pre-seasoning adds to the cast iron’s long term durability as well as adding extra flavor to your cooking. You may have to re-season the surface with oil over the course of your cooking, but the seasoning means you will only have to use a minimal amount of oil which means healthier meals. Cast iron also need to be maintained to stop it from rusting and it is best not to cook acidic foods in a cast iron Dutch Oven as this can cause a reaction with the food and erode the special seasoned surface.
Porcelain Enamel-Coated Cast Iron
As well as being pre-seasoned, a porcelain enamel-coated cast iron Dutch oven like the Lodge or the Le Creuset Signature Dutch Ovens, are a great choice for oven and stovetop cooking as they provide superior cooking and browning performance. The porcelain enamel-coating also means that the surface has a high non-stick ability for you to remove your food easily and washing up will be effortless. The downside of porcelain enameled coated is that it can chip and crack with time and you cannot use metal utensils as they will damage the beautiful enameled finish.
One of the special features of an enameled-cast iron Dutch oven is that its exterior will come in a lot of different colors. Manufacturers like Lodge and Le Creuset offer a wide range of fashionable colors that will add an attractive splash of color to your kitchen.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is one of the most popular types of material for a Dutch oven and cookware in general and for very good reason. It looks stunning with either a brilliant mirror finish, like the Tramontina Prima Dutch Oven or brushed stainless-steel like the sleek Cuisinart FCT3545-24 French Classic Dutch Oven. Stainless steel is strong and durable and does not easily react with food, and it is very versatile so it can be used for all types of cooking. and it is compatible with most ovens, even with induction cooktops.
Stainless steel also has a superior level of heat conductibility due to its tri-ply base and this three layer thick-gauge aluminum core, which also allows the Dutch oven to heat up faster. Although stainless steel has a natural non-stick ability, hard baked-on food can be hard to remove. But for exceptional durability, warp-resistance, and heat distribution a stainless steel Dutch oven will not let you down.
Hard Anodized Aluminum
As aluminum on its own cannot withstand very high temperatures and can react to acidic foods, anodized aluminum is better equipped to withstand high temperatures and stops the surface from becoming discolored by some foods. The Calphalon Classic 7-quart Dutch Oven and the Cooks Standard 7-quart Black Dutch Oven are made for this top quality material and they provide an excellent heating performance and a very good non-stick surface. Hard anodized aluminum is also cheaper to manufacture than stainless-steel and it allows the Dutch oven to heat up and cool down quickly, and as it is a lightweight material, it makes the Dutch oven easier to lift and carry.
Size
Dutch ovens come in a range of sizes from 4.5 up to 9 quarts. If you are going to be doing everyday cooking a 4 to 6-quart sized pot should suffice, but if you are cooking for a large family or want to have extra batches on hand then a 7 to 9-quart Dutch Oven will have more than enough room for all sorts of ingredients, even a whole chicken.
Lids and Handles
A Dutch oven has to have a solid tight-fitting lid to seal in the moisture, nutrients, and flavors. Stay cool handles are another feature and they should be securely riveted so that they can take the weight of the pot.
Best Dutch Oven Reviews
1. Lodge EC6D43 Enameled Cast Iron 6-quart Dutch Oven
The USA company Lodge is famous for their cast iron cookware, and their 6-quart Dutch oven is an excellent choice for all types of one-pot meals for a whole family. In creating this premium Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, Lodge has drawn upon century-old traditional methods of manufacturing cast iron cookware and the perfect combination of the strength of cast iron and the elegance of porcelain enamel, has resulted in a beautiful Dutch oven that not only delivers top quality cooking results, but it will be a stunning showpiece that you will be proud to display at the dining table.
The oven is made from heavy-duty cast iron material and as well as being able to use it on the stovetop, it is ideal for broiling, braizing, baking or roasting and it is oven-safe up to 500-degrees Fahrenheit. As cast iron is known for its superior ability to retain and distribute heat through the oven, your food will be cooked to perfection and the tightly fitting lid seals in moisture and flavor until you are ready to serve your latest culinary creation.
The cream colored, smooth, glossy, chip-resistant porcelain enamel coating will not react with food and allow for an effortless food release. It offers you a lot of versatility as you cook and marinate all sorts of food and it is easy to clean. The cast-iron loop side handles allow you to maintain a secure grip so that you can safely transport the dutch oven from the oven/stovetop to the countertop or dining table. You can also store leftover meals in the fridge and freezer. Please note that the black rim on the pot is matte porcelain, not exposed cast iron.
Although the Lodge Dutch oven is dishwasher safe, it is best to wash the oven by hand so that the delicate porcelain enamel is maintained. The Dutch oven is compatible with ceramic, electric, gas, and induction cooktops and conventional or convection ovens, and it is perfectly suited for cooking over a campfire. You can only use nylon utensils as metal will scratch or chip the porcelain. Lodge offers the oven in a large variety of attractive colors and sizes, 3, 4.5, and 7.5-quart. The Lodge Dutch oven is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Superior quality and design
- Heavy-duty cast iron
- Very good non-stick enameled ceramic surface
- Good chip-resistance
- Compatible with all types of ovens
- Can be stored in the fridge and freezer
- Easy to clean
- Sturdy cast-iron loop side handles
- Oven-safe up to 500-degrees Fahrenheit
- Available in 9 different colors
- Available in 4 sizes
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Enamel can chip
- Heavy to carry
- Not ideal for cleaning in the dishwasher
2. Utopia Kitchen Pre Seasoned Cast Iron 5-quart Dutch Oven
If you like the idea of the old-fashioned type of black cast iron cook ware, consider the Utopia Kitchen 5-quart solid cast iron Dutch oven. The Dutch oven not only features the superior strength of cast iron, but it offers great value for money. Using the Utopia Kitchen Dutch Oven will remind you of the days when families would gather around the kitchen wood stove, cooking up a hearty stew or braised meat and its generous 5-quart size gives you plenty of interior space for family sized stews, casseroles, roasts and you can even cook steaks, vegetables and bake bread, and or use it over a campfire.
The 5 mm thick black iron layer cast iron construction means the Dutch oven is durable and designed to last a lifetime so it will be an heirloom that can be passed down to generations. You can rely on it to provide a high cooking performance as cast iron is an excellent material for retaining and distributing heat throughout the cooking process.
As the cast iron is pre-seasoned, the Dutch oven is ready to go straight out of the box and the seasoning adds extra taste to your meals, and it is very safe to cook with as the cast iron is PFOA, lead and cadmium-free and it will not leach any chemicals into your food.
The Dutch oven has two sturdy integrated side handles for safe handling and transporting the oven, and the solid lid provides extra steam protection and seals in the heat and flavors.
You can use the oven on the stovetop and all types of ovens and it is oven safe up to 500-degrees Fahrenheit and it is the perfect choice for slow cooking over low heat and high heat for braizing meat.
The Utopia Kitchen Dutch oven is not dishwasher safe and needs to be hand washed with soapy water. The Dutch oven is also available in a 7-quart size.
Pros
- Great price
- Top quality design
- Solid 5mm thick black cast iron
- Heavy-duty construction
- Pre-seasoned surface
- Attractive old-fashioned charm
- High cooking performance
- Excellent heat distribution and retention
- Sturdy integrated handles
- Tightly fitting lid
- Oven safe up to 500-degrees Fahrenheit
- Ideal for camping
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Very heavy when full
- Not dishwasher safe
- Surface needs to re-seasoned
- Lid is not tight fitting
- Can rust if not properly maintained
- Handles can get hot
3. Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 9-Quart Round French (Dutch) Oven
Le Creuset is the premier name in French cookware so you can expect superb cooking performance from their beautiful round French/Dutch oven. It does have an expensive price tag, but it is well worth the money.
There is a lot to love about the Le Creuset Dutch Oven which makes it one of the most popular choices for cooking all sorts of meals. From slow cooking to whipping up a spicy pasta sauce to baking a cake or making jam, the Le Creuset Dutch oven will be your number one go-to piece of cookware as it has an extra large 9-quart capacity that allows you to cook a wide range of meals for the whole family and it is just perfect for entertaining.
The Dutch oven is made from strong enameled cast iron construction, which ensures optimal heat retention and distribution for even cooking results. The cast iron construction is the perfect conductor of heat which means it can be used for slow cooking on the stovetop or high-temperature searing and it is oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
As well as featuring a stunning cast iron exterior, the interior sand colored enamel has an excellent resistance to wear and tear over time and resists any chipping and cracking and staining and the vitreous enamel surface is impermeable, so it is ideal for raw or cooked food storage It can also handle acidic ingredients such as wine. The Dutch Oven also has a very good non-stick ability, which allows for effortless food release and easy clean-up. You can also store the Dutch oven in the fridge or the freezer.
Even though cast iron is very heavy, the Le Creuset Dutch oven is quite light weight which makes it easy to lift and carry when it is full of food, and the 45% extra large ergonomic handles are very sturdy and also make it easier to lift and move it from the stove top to the oven or transporting it to the dining table. The handles do get hot so you will need to use oven mitts, which also give you a more secure grip, and the lid with a built-in lid stabilizer provides a secure, no-slide fit with most food types. The lid also has a composite easy gripping over-sized knob, which is just right for lifting the cast iron lid.
Besides its amazing ability to cook all types of food and its solid cast iron construction, the Le Creuset Dutch oven comes in eight fashionable colors which will brighten up your kitchen and dining table. The Le Creuset Dutch Oven is covered by a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Superb quality and cast iron design
- Excellent value for money
- Lightweight
- Optimal heat retention and distribution
- Ideal for slow-cooking or high temperature searing
- Can be stored in the fridge and freezer
- Attractive sand colored enameled surface
- High non-stick ability
- Ideal for cooking with acidic ingredients
- 45% larger easy grip handles
- Composite easy gripping over-sized knob
- Sturdy lid with stabilizers
- Oven safe up to 500-degrees Fahrenheit
- 9 fashionable colors
- Easy to clean
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- High price tag
- Lid may fit unevenly with some food
4. Calphalon Classic Hard-anodized Aluminum 7-quart Dutch Oven
As well as featuring a super stylish gray and silver appearance, the Calphalon Classic Dutch Oven has a large 7-quart capacity so it is a great choice for preparing family sized meals. Whether you are roasting a whole chicken, preparing a hot, spicy curry or slow-cooking a casserole for those cold winter nights, the Dutch oven is made out of durable hard-anodized aluminum and its heavy-gauge aluminum core ensures a fast and even heat conductibility.
The dual-layer black porcelain enamel exterior resists any scratching or chipping and allows for easy food release without any burning and it has a great non-stick ability that is easy to clean.
You can use the Dutch oven on the stovetop for browning or searing or pop it into the oven for slow-cooked meals as it is oven safe up to 450-degrees Fahrenheit.
Calphalon has added some user-friendly features that make cooking even easier with convenient measuring marks and pour spouts to help you save cooking and clean-up time in the kitchen. The cast stainless steel loop handles are very sturdy and the tempered glass lid allows you to keep an eye on your food and the integrated straining holes lets you drain excess liquid. The handle on the lid and on the oven are securely riveted for added stability.
The Calphalon Dutch oven is covered by a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Great value for money
- High-quality design
- Stylish
- Durable hard-anodized construction
- Dual-layer non-stick porcelain enamel
- Aluminum core provides fast and even heating
- Superior non-stick ability
- Tightly fitting tempered glass lid
- Securely riveted handles
- Continent measuring marks, straining holes, pour spouts
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for high heat over 450-degrees
- Not induction compatible
- Handles can get very hot
- Hand-washing is recommended
5. Cooks Standard 02490 Hard Anodized Aluminium Nonstick 7-quart Dutch Oven
Cook up a storm in your kitchen with The Cooks Standard 7-Quart Dutch Oven. With its attractive classic black hard anodized construction that is more durable than stainless steel, and the heavy gauge aluminum core that provides an even heat distribution and prevents any hot spots, the Dutch over delivers a top quality cooking performance for all types of everyday meals, from tasty casseroles, chili or soup.
The black non-stick coating has a beautiful finish and stops your food from getting stuck on the surface or burned and it makes cleaning easy. The tight fitting lid is made from tempered glass and it is protected by a stainless steel rim. The stainless steel handle is riveted for extra strength, and the two large solid handles on the oven are sturdy and also securely riveted so you can safely lift and transport the oven.
The Dutch oven can be used on most stove tops but it is not induction compatible. You can use it in the oven as it is oven safe up to 500-degree Fahrenheit but the glass lid is only safe to use in oven temperatures up to 350-degrees Fahrenheit. You can put the Dutch oven in the dishwasher but hand washing is recommended. The Cooks Standard Dutch oven is covered by a one-year warranty.
Pros
- Classic black modern exterior
- Affordable price
- Durable hard anodized aluminum construction
- Heavy gauge aluminum core
- Very good heat retention and distribution
- Excellent non-stick coating
- Tight-fitting tempered glass lid
- Securely riveted handles
- Oven safe up to 500-degrees Fahrenheit
- Can be used on most stovetops
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not induction compatible
- Lids is only oven safe up to 350-degrees Fahrenheit
- Not recommended for cleaning in the dishwasher
- 1-year warranty
6. Tramontina Prima 5-Quart Stainless Steel Dutch Oven
Love the look of stainless-steel? Invest in the Tramontina 5-quart Dutch oven which features a stylish 18/10 stainless-steel mirror finish and a beautiful stainless steel lid.
Tramontina designs cookware that is not only practical but looks fantastic too. As well as its stunning appearance, the Tramontina Dutch oven will provide you with an amazing cooking performance due to its thick tri-ply impact base construction that contains a pure aluminum core that is sandwiched between a layer of 18/10 stainless steel and another layer of magnetic stainless steel, which extends up and around the bottom of the cookware. This innovating cookware technology ensures a fast and more uniform heat distribution and conductivity so you can enjoy thoroughly cooked meals every time and will keep your food hot until you are ready to serve it.
The Dutch oven has a special flared edge that allows for easy pouring, and the securely riveted large sized stainless steel handles on the oven and the tightly fitting lid offer a firm grip and will remain securely in place even when the Dutch oven is heavy-laden with food.
You can use the Tramontina Dutch oven under the broiler as well as on a cooktop and in the oven due to its premium stainless steel material, which is oven safe up to 500-degrees Fahrenheit and is also dishwasher-safe. The Dutch oven can be used on gas, ceramic, glass, and electric heat sources, and as it has a magnetic stainless steel material it is safe for induction cooktops. Tramontina offers a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Beautiful stainless-steel mirror finish
- Fantastic quality
- Great value for money
- Tri-ply base with an aluminum core
- Superior cooking performance
- Fast and even heating
- Flared edge for easy pouring
- Magnetic stainless-steel
- Compatible with induction and other heat sources
- Sturdy large sized riveted cast stainless steel handles
- Can be used on all stovetops, even induction
- Oven safe to 500-degrees Fahrenheit
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Lid is not see-through
- Handles can get hot
- Stainless steel can discolor at base
7. Cuisinart FCT3545-24 French Classic Stainless Steel 4-1/2-Quart Dutch Oven
Once more Cuisinart delivers the goods with their sleek looking Made in France Cuisineart Classic Dutch Oven. Its beautiful brushed stainless steel exterior and elegant shape will add a special touch of French sophistication to your kitchen and at the dining table. And as it is more lightweight as opposed to cast iron, this top quality Dutch oven is the number one choice for everyday cooking.
The 4 ½-quart Dutch oven is made out of 18/8 strong stainless-steel that is well known for its high level of durability and its excellent non-stick, non-reactive surface allows you to cook effortlessly. Whatever you want to cook, a casserole, chili, fondant, or sauces, the tri-ply base that includes a pure aluminum core that is enveloped by two layers pure stainless steel, provides optimal heat distribution for professional cooking results.
You can use this cookware to cook up a roast in the oven as it is oven safe up to 500-degrees Fahrenheit or on the stove. The “Stay-cool” handles are made from thick stainless-steel and they are contoured to give you a comfortable grip and they are professionally riveted for durability. To seal the heat and flavors for mouth-watering meals, the sturdy tight fitting stainless lid has a wide cover handle that allows you to easily grip the lid while you check the progress of your latest one-pot wonder.
For easy cleaning, the Dutch oven can go into the dishwasher, and it is covered by a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Great quality
- Excellent value for money
- Sleek and elegant French design
- Beautiful brushed 18/8 stainless-steel
- Tri-ply base with aluminum core
- Optimal heat distribution and cooking performance
- Stay-cool securely riveted stainless-steel handles
- Sturdy, tight fitting lid
- Oven-safe to 500-degrees Fahrenheit
- Surface is nonreactive and non-stick
- Dishwasher-safe
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for large meals
- Handles can still get hot
Our Top Pick for The Best Dutch Oven
Our top pick for the best Dutch Oven is the Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 9-Quart French (Dutch) Oven. If you love the idea of cooking your one-pot meals in a sturdy cast iron Dutch oven, the Le Creuset Dutch oven is the perfect investment. As well as a large range of stunning colors that will brighten up your home, the Le Creuset Dutch oven provides amazing heat conductibility and excellent non-stick ability so you can enjoy a professional cooking performance, which makes this Dutch oven worth its higher price tag.
