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If you’re not familiar with what a Dutch oven is, it is a versatile cooking vessel that you’ll likely want to add to your kitchen. Dutch ovens make it possible to cook tender and juicy meats, stews, and other recipes. The secret to their ability to deliver such moist and flavorful results lies in the heavy-duty construction that helps ensure even heat distribution and the lid that retains that heat within the vessel. Many of the Dutch ovens you’ll find are made of cast iron — a material well known for its strength and heat distribution. However, some other models may be constructed from clay, copper, or other materials. Many Dutch ovens are enameled, giving them an attractive appearance while also making them easier to clean. You’ll also find unglazed models, which you could also use for cooking over an open flame instead of solely in the oven.
When you’re ready to start learning all the best ways to use your Dutch oven, the first step is to choose the best product. Our goal is to help simplify that decision for you, so we closely evaluated the various options on the market. Using customer reviews, as well as other features like capacity, enamel options, colors, and overall design, we compiled a list of the top Dutch ovens on the market. We’ll share a more in-depth explanation of our methodology at the end of this piece. In the meantime, read on to decide which Dutch oven is the must-have cooking tool you’ve been missing in your kitchen.
Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
If you’ve been searching for the right Dutch oven for your kitchen, you might want to consider this one from Lodge, a trusted brand. It features cast iron construction with porcelain enamel. Because of the high temperature at which the enamel is fired (between 1,200 and 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit), it bonds to the material, creating a tight barrier and giving the vessel a smoother and easier-to-clean finish. The Dutch oven is oven-safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as baking, roasting, and braising. With its enameled finish, this Dutch oven can also make an attractive addition to your kitchen or even when serving food. It is available in a range of color options (including Island Spice Red, Lagoon, Oyster White, and Desert Sage) to match your preferences.
Users have a lot of positive things to share about this Dutch oven from Lodge. In fact, the vast majority of reviewers are so pleased with it that they deemed it worthy of a five-star rating. One feature that many highlight is the Dutch oven’s overall performance. They like how its heat retention properties allow it to deliver perfectly delicious meats, soups, and more. However, some users noted disappointment that the enamel discolored in some spots after use.
Purchase the Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven at Amazon for $79.90.
Cuisinel 5-Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven
If you’re looking for a cooking vessel that you can use in the kitchen and beyond, then the Cuisinel 5-Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven might be for you. In addition to using this non-enameled cast iron cookware piece in your oven, you can also use it over a grill or campfire. The cast iron lid works along with the pot to trap in heat to help each meal cook evenly and turn out moist and flavorful. The lid on this piece is also designed with versatility in mind. In addition to using it to cover the Dutch oven, it can also be used on its own as a frying pan. Each purchase also comes with a pair of silicone handle holders to help users maintain a more secure grip on the pan as they’re cooking (the silicone material will still be hot, so be sure to use an oven mitt to avoid burns).
If you ask reviewers what they think of this model, you’ll likely hear a lot of positive praise. In their write-ups, many customers spoke very highly of the versatility of this model. They appreciate the range of foods they’re able to cook in it and also like that the lid doubles as a frying pan. Overall, customers share that this Dutch oven is a good value for the money. With its reasonable price, cooking performance, and multi-functional lid, many share that it is well worth the purchase price.
Purchase the Cuisinel 5-Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven at Amazon for $49.99.
Crock-Pot Artisan 5-Quart Enameled Round Dutch Oven
You probably know Crock-Pot as one of the top slow cooker manufacturers, but the company offers other products that you might also want to consider. One of those products is this enameled Dutch oven. It offers a 5-quart capacity, putting it on the smaller side of the products on our list. With this capacity, it could be good for making meals to share with a few other people or when you aren’t looking to have leftovers after serving a larger family. The Dutch oven’s cast iron construction helps to retain heat for tender-cooked meats, while the enamel finish gives it nonstick properties while adding some colorful cheer to a kitchen or dining table. There are several attractive finish options to choose from, including Lavender Purple, Sunset Orange, Scarlet Red, and Blush Pink.
An overwhelming majority of reviewers have given this Dutch oven from Crock-Pot a five-star rating, showcasing their overall satisfaction with its performance. Reviewers praise its overall quality in their write-ups, noting that it feels well-made and performs well whether they’re cooking on the stovetop or in the oven. Several customers also highlight the ease of cleaning as a top feature.
Purchase the Crock-Pot Artisan 5-Quart Enameled Round Dutch Oven at Amazon for $43.99.
Stansport Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Don’t underestimate the power of this Dutch oven when camping, cooking at home, or grilling out. The Stansport Dutch Oven’s flat-bottomed, non-enameled design makes it ideal for cooking over a fire, in the oven, or on your backyard grill. Thanks to the cast iron construction, you’ll find that heat is evenly distributed, while the lid prevents it from escaping. This model comes pre-seasoned, so you will be able to start cooking your favorite Dutch oven recipes right away.
You’ll find a lot of positive feedback if you read through the customer reviews for this cast iron Dutch oven from Stansport. Several users write about it being an excellent pot to bring on a camping trip. Customers share that they’ve used it to prepare a variety of foods over a campfire, including baked potatoes, stews, biscuits, chili, gumbo, and more. Other reviewers share that they appreciate that the pan arrives pre-seasoned and ready to use.
Purchase the Stansport Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven at Amazon for $26.99.
Le Creuset 8-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Signature Oval Dutch Oven
With its 8-quart capacity, this oval Dutch oven from Le Creuset could be a good fit for larger families or those who like to entertain. Made from cast iron with an enameled finish, this model offers the best of both worlds. It delivers excellent heat retention properties while also adding to the overall aesthetics of your kitchen or serving table. The Dutch oven is heat-safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and features wide handles for easy gripping. It comes in several finish options, including Sea Salt, Cerise, Shallot, and Olive. Regardless of the exterior finish, the interior of each pot has a lighter color to make it easier for you to check on the progress of the items you’re preparing as you’re following the top tips for cooking in a Dutch oven.
According to the high average star rating based on numerous customer reviews, this Dutch oven from Le Creuset looks to be a solid pick. In their write-ups, many users comment on enameled finish, noting that it makes the pan easy to clean while also adding some gorgeous color to their kitchen. Several customers also highlight the large capacity of this model. They appreciate being able to cook large batches of food to feed a crowd.
Purchase the Le Creuset 8-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Signature Oval Dutch Oven at Amazon for $299.95.
Eurita 4-Quart Clay Dutch Oven
Those looking for an alternative to a cast iron Dutch oven might want to consider this model from Eurita. It is made from lead-, cadmium-, and filler-free natural clay material. The Dutch oven’s base has a glass fit glaze, which works to prevent foods from sticking and makes clean up easier. The lid, however, is purposefully left unfinished. Before putting your recipe in the oven, the manufacturer recommends soaking the lid in water. Then, as the oven heats the pan, the moisture that the clay lid absorbs will be released as steam, delivering a moist and juicy finished product. This Dutch oven is heat-safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and offers a 4-quart capacity.
By and large, customers who purchased this clay Dutch oven are glad they decided to give it a try. Reviewers are impressed with how moist and tender the foods they cook (particularly the meats) turn out. Several customers also highlight the overall design in their write-ups, sharing that the vessel is very beautiful. However, while most users are pleased with the performance of this Dutch oven, a few were disappointed that the clay cracked.
Purchase the Eurita 4-Quart Clay Dutch Oven at Amazon for $55.27.
Tramontina 5.5-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
If you’re looking for a Dutch oven that will make an attractive addition to your serving table, then you might want to take a look at this 5.5-quart model from Tramontina. The cast iron pot and lid have an enameled finish. You can choose from various colors (such as Dark Blue, Cactus, Matte Black, and Matte White) and handle colors (Silver and Gold) for an elevated look. The handles are constructed from solid cast stainless steel, making them both durable and heat-safe. The Dutch oven is oven-safe to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and can be used on electric, gas, and induction cooktops.
With a high percentage of four- and five-star reviews from thousands of reviewers, this enameled Dutch oven from Tramontina looks like it could make a wonderful addition to your kitchen. One feature that many customers praise in their write-ups is its appearance. They find the color choices to be very elegant and appreciate that the enameled finish also makes it easy to clean.
Purchase the Tramontina Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven at Amazon for $79.54.
Lodge 5-Quart Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Bring this Dutch oven from Lodge on your next camping trip or set it out over your backyard fire pit or grill to cook a delicious meal. It features a 5-quart capacity and arrives pre-seasoned and ready for immediate use. In addition to covering the pot to help you simmer your favorite soups and stews, the lid for this model can also be used as a griddle. If you want to cook pancakes over the fire, simply flip the lid upside down and use the flat underside as the cooking surface.
If you talk to users about their experiences with this cast iron Dutch oven from Lodge, you’ll notice some common themes. Customers are, overall, very pleased with the Dutch oven’s ability to help them prepare meals. Several mention using it to cook over a campfire or a charcoal grill and praise its performance over the open flames. They find that the foods they cook in it turn out juicy and delicious.
Purchase the Lodge 5-Quart Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven at Amazon for $72.26.
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic 7-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Round Covered Casserole
You might also want to take a look at this Dutch oven for Cuisinart to help you slow-cook a pot roast for fall-apart tender meat. In addition to helping you prepare multiple portions of a meal, it is available in a wide assortment of color options to help you add some cheer to your kitchen. Some of the enamel finishes that are available include Red, Yellow, Blue Gradient, Teal, and Lilac. Beneath the colorful enamel layer lies a durable cast iron pot and lid that offer exceptional heat retention properties to help ensure each meal comes out moist and bursting with flavor. Because of the enameled finish, this model is also easy to clean — and the manufacturer even labels it as dishwasher safe.
The majority of customers who reviewed this cast iron Dutch oven from Cuisinart decided it deserved a five-star rating. In their write-ups, they highlight several reasons they love the vessel. One of these features is the variety of color options. Many reviewers note their satisfaction with the color they selected and how it looks in their space. The capacity is another feature that many mention in their reviews. They find that they are able to cook large meals in the pot without issue.
Purchase the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic 7-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Round Covered Casserole at Amazon for $119.99.
Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned 7-Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Those looking for a budget-friendly option that they can use in the oven, on the grill, or over the open flames of a fire might like the Amazon Basics Cast Iron Dutch Oven. It has a 7-quart capacity and is heat-safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The Dutch oven is pre-seasoned, so it will be ready to use as soon as it arrives. However, since it does not have an enameled finish, this option won’t be as nonstick as some of the other products in our roundup.
Thousands of customers have taken the time to write a review for this Amazon Basics Dutch Oven, and most of them gave it a high four- or five-star rating. The capacity is one feature that was brought up in several reviews. Customers appreciate how much the Dutch oven can hold, allowing them to cook meals for several people in it. Several reviewers also highlight this model as a great value for the money. Beyond its reasonable price, they are pleased with its cooking performance and overall ease of cleaning. Unfortunately, some reviewers were disappointed that their Dutch oven started to develop rust after only a few uses.
Purchase the Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned 7-Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven at Amazon for $42.99.
Vancasso 9.3-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
With its 9.3-quart capacity, this Dutch oven from Vancasso might be a good option for those looking to cook larger quantities of food to serve a family or a group of friends. It features an emailed finish — available in Blue, Cream, Green, Gray, and Red — which resists both acidic and alkaline foods to minimize staining and maintain the attractive appearance of the vessel. This model is oven-safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and can be used on a variety of cooktop surfaces, including electric, gas, glass top, ceramic, and induction. One unique feature of this cast iron pan is its internal circulation shower design that uses a series of dots on the underside of the lid to drip condensation water vapor onto the food that is cooking to ensure it turns out moist and tender.
An overwhelming majority of reviewers have given this Dutch oven a very high rating. With its 9.3-quart capacity, users share that they are able to cook for a crowd. They appreciate being able to serve up such moist and flavorful meals to their family or a large gathering of friends. By and large, reviewers also find the vessel to be well-made, sharing that the enameled finish keeps it looking like new. One downside that some reviewers note is the weight. Because of its size and heavy-duty cast iron construction, this model is not very easy to lift or carry, especially when full of food.
Purchase the Vancasso 9.3-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven at Amazon for $125.99.
Lodge 7-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Oval Dutch Oven
Take a look at this Dutch oven from Lodge as another higher capacity option to consider when entertaining or cooking for your family. It features a cast iron base with a porcelain enameled finish, giving it a nonstick finish and helping it resist staining. You can choose from an oyster white or red enameled finish for this model. Lodge recommends hand washing this Dutch oven in order to protect the finish and extend the pan’s lifespan.
Based on the customer reviews for this Lodge oval Dutch oven, it is another top option to consider using in your kitchen to cook juicy and tender recipes. Reviewers note that it feels like a very well-made piece of cookware. Most share that the enamel coating has stayed in good condition with regular use. However, a few reviewers did share that their Dutch oven’s coating chipped after a few uses.
Purchase the Lodge 7-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Oval Dutch Oven at Amazon for $89.90.
Methodology
Compiling this list of the best Dutch ovens was an involved process. To start, we closely evaluated customer reviews. In addition to looking at the overall star rating for each option, we also assessed how many customers had reviewed the product. All of our selections have a minimum rating of four stars and have been reviewed by several hundred to several thousand customers. With this many reviews, we have more confidence that the average rating provides a good picture of what users should expect if they were to purchase any of these models.
To finalize our selections and narrow down the range of product options, we also considered other features and worked to include options that would likely suit the needs and preferences of each reader. For example, you’ll notice that the list above includes a mix of both unglazed and enameled options (including different color options). We also included Dutch ovens of varying capacities to match the different cooking needs of each individual.