The Best Dutch Ovens You Can Buy Right Now
We’re passionate about cookware here at The Kitchn, and if there’s one piece we love, it’s the mighty Dutch oven. This kitchen mainstay is something we’d even go so far as to call the most versatile pot in existence. With its high sides, roomy cooking surface, and accompanying lid, it can do it all: boil water for pasta, braise, roast, bake, sear, simmer, and deep-fry.
This means every home cook (hey, that’s you!) needs a great Dutch oven in their arsenal. But, therein lies the question: Which one do you get? There are so many out there, from various brands (old and new) in all sorts of materials and sizes, so finding the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here. Over the years, we’ve tested and reviewed dozens of Dutch ovens so you can rest assured: these picks are tried and true favorites. Let’s chat Dutch ovens, shall we?
The Best Dutch Ovens
- Best Overall: Le Creuset 5 1/2-Quart Round Dutch Oven and Staub 5 1/2-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven
- Best Under $150: Milo Classic Dutch Oven
- Best Budget: Cuisinart Chef’s Classic 5-Quart Blue Enameled Cast Iron Round Casserole
- Best Nonstick: Caraway Dutch Oven
- Best Oval: Great Jones The Dutchess
- Best for Baking Bread: Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
- Best Stainless Steel: Tramontina Gourmet Stainless Steel Induction-Ready Dutch Oven
- Best Multipurpose: Our Place Perfect Pot
What We Look for in a Dutch Oven
When it comes to Dutch Ovens, there are four areas we consider when deciding what makes a great pick:
- Cooking: How thoroughly and evenly does the Dutch oven brown protein? Does it cook grains well, too? And what about bread?
- Ease of use: How easy is it to lift each Dutch oven and move it from the stovetop and into the oven — and vice versa?
- Cleanup: Does the Dutch oven clean easily?
- Durability: Does the Dutch oven chip, crack, dent, or become discolored?
Below, we rounded up some of the best Dutch ovens on the market today that hit all of these criteria and then some, including some long-standing favorites of the team here at The Kitchn, as well as reader favorites you all can’t get enough of.
Do you have a Dutch oven you swear by that didn’t make this list? We want to hear all about it. Tell us about your favorite finds in the comments below!
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Dutch Ovens
What is a Dutch oven?
In the 17th century, the Dutch developed a technique for casting metals in molds made of sand instead of clay. This new method lent itself well to the production of iron cookware and the Dutch oven was born. Due to their cast-iron construction, most Dutch ovens tend to be heavy in weight and can be used both on the stove and in the oven. They are generally used for moist cooking methods, like braising or making soups and stews, but can also be used for other cooking methods, like baking bread and deep-frying.
What Material is best for a Dutch Oven?
From enameled cast iron and stainless steel to aluminum, nonstick, and ceramic-coated Dutch ovens, there’s a lot to say when it comes to materials, but here are some key takeaways:
- Enameled cast iron: When you picture a Dutch oven, this is likely what pops into your mind. These types of pots are cast iron (just like the skillet you know and love) and they have an enamel coating, which is a type of glass. This coating means you don’t have to season or care for your pot like you would a traditional cast iron skillet. Enameled cast iron retains heat well (so you get nice, even browning), comes clean easily enough, is fairly durable, and doesn’t require any maintenance like regular cast iron does.
- Stainless steel: These Dutch ovens are lighter than enameled cast iron pots, making them much easier to lift. But because they don’t retain heat as well as enameled cast iron, they’re not as great for anything that really relies on the heat of the cast iron (like bread).
- Nonstick coated: These pots usually have an aluminum or ceramic core with a nonstick coating. This is a great option for those who can’t lift an enameled cast iron Dutch oven or just prefer nonstick cookware. It also makes cleanup a breeze. Just know that nonstick cookware doesn’t have the durability of cast iron, with its average lifespan being about five years.
- Traditional cast iron: We didn’t include any entirely cast iron Dutch ovens in this list because honestly, they just require too much upkeep. While seasoning a skillet is fine, I think there are better, more convenient options when it comes to a Dutch oven. If you really want a cast iron Dutch oven (maybe you’re a big camper), go with this one from Lodge.
What Size Dutch Oven Should You Get?
At the end of the day, the size of the Dutch oven you choose will come down to how you’ll use it. The best size for most home cooks will be the 5 1/2-quart Dutch oven because it can accommodate pretty much every recipe you want to try. However, some Dutch ovens only start at 6- or 7-quart sizes, and if you regularly cook for a larger crowd (more than four or five people), you might find these larger sizes (especially the 7-quart Dutch oven) more accommodating.
How Much Does the Pot Weigh and Is It Easy to Handle?
The best Dutch ovens — no matter their material — have wide, roomy handles that make them easy to lift into and out of the oven … even with bulky oven mitts on. They also have large, grippy knobs on their lids for easy meal check-ins.
One thing to note: enameled cast iron Dutch ovens are heavy, so it’s important to take this into account when deciding on the right Dutch oven for you. Our favorites clock in between approximately 11 and 15 pounds — without food in them. If you have arthritis or simply can’t lift something that heavy, a nonstick or stainless steel Dutch oven is the way to go.
How to Clean a Dutch Oven
While there are many methods out there, when it comes to cleaning a Dutch oven, the simplest way is the best way — and the key is baking soda. Add 4 cups of water to your pot and bring it to a boil on medium heat. Once the water is boiling, add 2 tablespoons of baking soda and stir with a wooden spoon. Let the solution simmer for a few minutes, scraping a wooden spoon across the bottom of the pan. Dump the solution down the drain, rinse with warm water, and wipe dry (Increase the solution if you have a larger pan). Fun fact: This has been Kitchn’s preferred cleaning method for years now!
And for those wondering if Dutch ovens can go in the dishwasher, it’s best to stick to handwashing these pieces. Cast iron should never go in the dishwasher and while some of the stainless steel and nonstick versions may claim to be dishwasher-safe, handwashing is the best way to avoid any possible damage and ensure the longevity of your cookware.
For more on how to clean a Dutch oven, check our showdown where we put five of the most popular cleaning methods to the test.
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