There’s a reason why the Dutch oven…
…is one of the most essential kitchen appliances.
A heavy, deep cast iron pot with a lid can be used for anything:
…from braising meats to baking bread to simmering stews.
Why? As Dutch ovens hold a large amount of heat exceptionally well…
…they are perfect for low, slow cooking, which is necessary to tenderize meat…
…and vegetables as well as bake artisanal bread.
In addition to these reasons, good Dutch ovens can last several years.
With so many models on the market, how can one choose?
Are there any restrictions on the amount of money you can spend?
You might be wondering what a Dutch oven is...
“A Dutch oven is a heavy cooking pot with a tightly fitting lid that is good for braising. Dutch ovens are also excellent for making soups and stews. Its weight and heft mean you probably won’t use a Dutch oven every day, but it’s a great tool for slow cooking.”
Danilo Alfaro – Professional Culinary Writer
You now know what a dutch oven is. Let’s hear what Danielle has to say…
Stews are one of my favorite foods!
When I was a kid, my mom often made me a hearty stew!
I miss my mom’s delicious stews, but she is sick,
and couldn’t cook them for me anymore.
Before she passed away, she gave me her favorite dutch ovens
that she loved to use to cook the hearty stews for me.
There are mixed feelings in my heart.
After she passed away, I took it upon myself to cook my daughters hearty stews
that I always loved, using the Dutch oven she gave me that day.
Now…
Here are our picks for the best Dutch ovens…
…from high-end to budget, shallow to square.
Our Top Picks on Dutch Ovens
We selected these dutch ovens as our top picks:
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven With Stainless Steel Knob and Loop Handles, 6 Quart, Red | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven, 5.5 qt., White | Prime | Buy Now | |
 | Tramontina Covered Round Dutch Oven Enameled Cast Iron 6.5-Quart Gradated Cobalt, 80131/076DS | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Staub Cast Iron 6-qt Cochon Shallow Wide Round Cocotte - Dark Blue | Prime | Buy Now | |
 | Camp Chef 12 Qt Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Camp Chef Square Dutch Oven, True Seasoned Finish Cast Iron, 13" Dutch Oven | Prime | Buy Now |
Let’s take a closer look…
Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
- One Lodge 6 Quart Red Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This porcelain-enameled cast-iron Dutch oven has a cream interior…
…for excellent visibility and a variety of exterior colors.
It can be washed in the dishwasher, although handwashing is recommended.
It is oven-safe to 500 degrees for baking or broiling and holds 6 quarts.
It can be used on any type of cooktop, including gas, electric, or induction…
…but not on outdoor grills or over campfires.
During cooking, the tight-fitting lid helps retain moisture.
In addition, our tester gave the Lodge high marks…
…for how well it distributed and retained heat.
Due to the double layer of enamel coating inside and out…
…this can be used for marinating, cooking, storing, and serving.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to use and maintain
- It retains heat well
Cons:
- Heavy
- Rounded bottom translates to smaller cooking surface
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron 5 1/2-Quart Round Dutch Oven
- 45% larger handles that provide a sure grip, even with oven mitts
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
It’s an all-around winner, but it comes with a steep price tag.
It is big enough to prepare most dishes…
…but not so large that it is too heavy to move around.
It has an enamel coating so you can cook anything in it…
…and like most Dutch ovens, it can be used in the oven or on the stovetop.
It’s either made of metal or a composite material that’s safe up to 500 degrees.
If you need to cook at a higher temperature…
…you can buy a replacement metal knob if the knob is removable.
The Le Creuset exceeded our tester’s expectations in terms of heat distribution…
…and retention: “I cannot say enough about how well the pot spread the heat…
…and evenly brown a whole chicken,” she exclaims.
Le Creuset Dutch ovens come in a wide variety of colors…
…so you can match them to your kitchen decor.
The 5.5-quart model weighs just over 11 pounds…
…and it can weigh 20 pounds or more when filled with food.
Cast-iron pots by Le Creuset are made in France.
Le Creuset also has larger sizes or oval shapes if you prefer.
Pros:
- Heats up quickly and evenly
- Multipurpose
- A unique design adds flair to your kitchen
Cons:
- Steep price point
- Resin knob is only oven-safe up to 500 degrees
Keep reading…
Tramontina Enameled Cast Iron 6.5-Quart Round Dutch Oven
- Sturdy side handles make for secure lifting and transferring of the Tramontina enameled cast-iron Dutch oven to your table
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This Dutch oven is a very affordable alternative…
…to the same features you’d find in higher-priced Dutch ovens.
The large size is perfect for large families or for preparing large roasts…
…or poultry, and the cookware is enameled for durability.
Metal knobs aside, this cookware is only rated to 450 degrees…
…so you won’t be able to use it for some of the no-knead bread recipes…
…that need higher temperatures.
This Dutch oven is considerably heavier than others…
…but our tester was pleased with its design and how evenly it distributes heat.
The pot easily handles acidic foods, like tomato soup…
…browns beef for stew beautifully…
…and requires almost no seasoning (though the rim and lid aren’t coated…
…so seasoning or oiling them occasionally would help prevent rust).
Tramontina’s version isn’t that different from other good Dutch ovens…
…our tester has used; it performed as expected, cleaned up easily…
…and looked attractive on the stove.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Heats evenly
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Only oven safe up to 450 degrees
- Very heavy
Go on…
Staub Cast Iron 6-Quart Cochon Shallow Wide Round Cocotte
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Although this pot is wider and shorter than other pots of the same size…
…you can still fit an average-sized chicken inside.
Additionally, the larger bottom surface allows you…
…to brown more food at one time before braising.
This cookware browns well, with fewer hot spots than some of its competitors…
…according to many reviews.
Moreover, the black interior of this Dutch oven…
…makes it less likely to show food stains.
Nubs on the interior of the lid…
…cause moisture to rain down on the food for self-basting.
The top knob is small, but raised high enough…
…so that it is easy to grasp when removing the lid.
This lid can handle oven temperatures of up to 500 degrees…
…while the pot can handle temperatures of up to 900 degrees.
The cookware is made in France and is available in a variety of colors.
Pros:
- Large bottom surface
- Interior nub allows for self-basting
- Pot can handle 900 F
Cons:
- Very heavy
- Dark interior makes it difficult to see fond development on bottom
Camp Chef Classic Pre-Seasoned Dutch Oven
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Planning a trip to the great outdoors?
Camp-style uncoated cast-iron Dutch ovens has feet for raising it over hot coals…
…and a flat lid so you can place coals on top for heating.
The tight-fitting lid keeps moisture in during cooking…
…and it can also be used as a griddle.
As the Dutch ovens arrives pre-seasoned…
…you can pack it for your trip as soon as it arrives…
…but the coating will improve with further seasoning and use.
It holds 6 quarts, which is perfect for cooking for small groups or solo camping trips.
In addition to using it as a griddle or skillet…
…the lid can be flipped over for another use.
Due to its legs, it might be awkward to use, even though it is oven-safe.
Depending on your stove grates…
…it might work on a gas cooktop, but it is not recommended…
…for induction or electric cooktops.
Pros:
- The feet make it easier to elevate it over hot coals
- Lid doubles as a griddle
- Cooks evenly
Cons:
- Might be awkward to use in an oven
Last, but not least…
Camp Chef Pre-Seasoned Square Cast Iron Dutch Oven
- True Seasoned Finish cast iron Dutch oven
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Most Dutch ovens are round…
…but there are times when square Dutch ovens are better.
Reviews rave about how versatile this square Dutch oven is…
…It’s ideal for baking even rows of biscuits or buns…
…making cornbread or brownies…
…but it’s also suitable for roasts, casseroles…
…and more thanks to its 8-quart volume.
In addition to being pre-seasoned…
…the Dutch ovens and lid are also pre-seasoned…
….so you can use them right away…
…but the surface becomes even more nonstick…
…with additional seasoning and use.
This lid can also be used as a stovetop grill…
…because it is reversible and has raised ridges.
Hand washing is recommended.
Pros:
- Reversible lid
- Doubles as a stovetop grill
- Large cooking surface area
Cons:
- Some say lid can be tricky to lift
Sum Up!
You can use Dutch ovens for roasting, baking, braising, stewing and steaming.
Home cooks who have one are greatly benefited by it.
There are many different brands of dutch ovens…
…and there are many differences between the…
…in terms of what you should look for when buying.
Conclusion
No matter if you’re looking for an oval…
…or round cast iron dutch ovens for your kitchen.
As it is good for cooking as well as serving directly from the oven to your guests.
Or you would like a more traditional cast-iron dutch oven…
…that you can use indoors, on a BBQ grill, or on a campfire.
There is sure to be a style and size that suits your needs.
Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
