Best Dutch Ovens

Review & Comparison, Last Update March 12, 2024
Nowadays, many housewives are using Dutch ovens. With this device, you can cook almost any dish and make it tasty and useful. It is considered to be the best pot to feed the whole family. In our review, we present the most popular Dutch ovens on the market for you to choose the appropriate one. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Capacity
Weight
Materials
Care
Use
Design
Warranty
 
PROS
There are notches on the lid which allow for the evaporative liquid to flow back in the pot, retaining the richness of taste and smell of a dish.
CONS
A high price is justified by the opportunity to have a high-quality cast-iron Dutch oven.
OUR VERDICT
This pot combines all the functionality found in most classical Dutch ovens. Will meet the needs of both, cooking amateurs and professionals.
detailed parameters
Capacity
7.0 Qt Also available: 5.5 Qt
Weight
16 pounds 18 pounds
Materials
Enameled cast iron, Solid handles, Enameled cast iron lid with stainless steel handles
Care
Hand washing
Use
Compatible with all types of cooking surfaces, 450 F is a maximum temperature
Design
Modern oval dutch oven available in two colors
Warranty
Lifetime
PROS
Maintains the heat pretty well, saving you bills on the energy. Features a classic shape and durable, solid materials.
CONS
The pot is quite heavy which means you'd need to pick it up with both hands.
OUR VERDICT
Classic design and a variety of colors make this Dutch oven a great addition to any kitchen interior. Without sacrificing quality and functionality, you'll surely find the matching one.
detailed parameters
Capacity
6.0 Qt Also available: 3.0 Qt 7.5 Qt
Weight
12 pounds 16 pounds 18 pounds
Materials
Enameled cast iron, Solid handles, Enameled cast iron lid with stainless steel handle
Care
Dishwasher/Hand washing
Use
Compatible with all stoves, 500 F maximum temperature in the oven
Design
Traditional round dutch oven available in eight colors
Warranty
Lifetime limited
PROS
The Dutch oven comes already pre-seasoned and you can use it right out of the box. Thus, you may be sure of the cookware durability and its long service life.
CONS
Rather heavy cookware, so hold it with both hands to move around securely.
OUR VERDICT
The best value for your money! Every homemaker would be happy to use this Dutch oven, for it's extremely versatile and simple to use. Fry, bake, stew and deep fry in it with joy!
detailed parameters
Capacity
5.0 Qt Also available: 7.0 Qt
Weight
15 pounds 19 pounds
Materials
Pre-seasoned cast iron, Solid handles, Pre-seasoned cast iron lid with solid handle
Care
Hand washing
Use
Compatible with all types of cooking surfaces, Oven safe, Suitable for grills and campfires
Design
Old-fashioned round dutch oven in black color
Warranty
Lifetime limited
PROS
A non-stick coating of the pot allows for cooking healthy meals with minimum oil consumption.
CONS
Can be used only with wooden, plastic and silicone tableware
OUR VERDICT
If you'd like to keep your diet not only tasty but also healthy, you should definitely buy this Dutch oven. For this matter, it can be the best solution.
detailed parameters
Capacity
7.0 Qt
Weight
6.4 pounds
Materials
Enameled anodized aluminum, Lid made of tempered glass and stainless steel rim, Stainless steel handles with silicone coating
Care
Hand washing
Use
Compatible with all stoves, 400 F maximum temperature in the oven
Design
Modern dark grey dutch oven with a transparent lid
Warranty
Full 10 year
PROS
This oven is cold resistant. Whenever necessary, you can put it in the fridge and prolong the shell life of your food big time.
CONS
The pot withstands considerably higher temperatures than the lid does.
OUR VERDICT
If you've always dreamt to get use out of the Dutch oven but worried about its extensive weight, this product is exactly for you. It's lightweight yet extremely functional.
detailed parameters
Capacity
5.0 Qt
Weight
4.5 pounds
Materials
Aluminum-bottomed stainless steel, Lid made of tempered glass and stainless steel rim, Stainless steel and stay-cool handles
Care
Dishwasher/Hand washing
Use
Compatible with all stoves except for the induction one, 500 F maximum temperature in the oven, Can be stored in the refrigerator
Design
Modern elegant round dutch oven in silver color with a transparent lid
Warranty
Lifetime
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Tramontina Enameled Cast Iron 7-Quart Dutch Oven

Weight and Capacity

This Dutch oven is presented in a classical size. This pot is heavy enough. Due to the construction of this model, it will be stable during the cooking process. This Dutch oven is produced in two sizes, so you can choose a suitable one. Thanks to a large capacity, you will be able to use this Dutch oven for multiple purposes, giving enough food for both, small and big families.

 

Review of Tramontina Enameled Cast Iron 7-Quart Dutch Oven

Design

Made of high-quality enameled cast iron, Tramontina Dutch oven doesn't contain PFOA and PTFE. Owing to a ceramic coating of the inner pot, it will help you keep the food from sticking to the bottom. A heavy-duty, tightly sealed lid doesn't let the evaporated liquid to escape so that a rich taste of the meal is hold inside the pot. Cooking with this Dutch oven will become a pleasant pastime. And a modern, laconic design will satisfy even the pickiest housewives.

Tramontina Enameled Cast Iron 7-Quart Dutch Oven in the use

Use and Care

Due to the internal ceramic surface, this Dutch oven is easy to clean. It can be washed by hands. Regardless of the cooking surface you use, this pot will work the best. Using on a glass-ceramic stove though, be sure not to move it a lot in order not to scratch the surface. An ability to withstand high temperatures makes this Dutch oven suitable for use in the oven. Still, you may want to use some protective gloves when taking it out, for the lid and handles may get pretty hot.

Detailed review of Tramontina Enameled Cast Iron 7-Quart Dutch Oven

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $114.65
Stock In stock
ASIN B009HBJOPU

 

Lodge Enameled Cast Iron 6-Quart Dutch Oven

Weight and Capacity

If you have a small family, then this particular Dutch oven with a capacity of 3 qt will be perfect for you. Bigger pots are also available from the manufacturer. The weight of the pot varies accordingly to the capacity. The bigger the capacity is, the heavier the pot will be. This isn't really a drawback, considering the fact that the weight of the pot directly impacts the food qualities.

Review of Lodge Enameled Cast Iron 6-Quart Dutch Oven

Design

This Lodge Dutch oven is a typical, traditional pot, used from time immemorial. The pot is made of heavy-duty cast iron and covered with an enamel coating, keeping the food from sticking. A combination of gradient, black rim, concentric rings on the lid and stainless-steel handles add appeal to design of a pot. A choice of colors is available so that you can find the matching Dutch oven to fit your kitchen interior.

Lodge Enameled Cast Iron 6-Quart Dutch Oven in the use

Use and Care

You can use it on induction, electric and gas stoves. A double layer of enamel makes it dishwasher safe. Thanks to a smooth surface, it will be not difficult to wash it by hands. Using any metals tools to scrab the surface after cooking is not recommended as they can easily damage the ceramic coating. With this pot not only can you cook, stew or bake, but also marinate food. Due to a compact size and the material, you can also put this Dutch oven on a shelf in the fridge (or even freezer).

 

Detailed review of Lodge Enameled Cast Iron 6-Quart Dutch Oven
Last updated price $69.89
Stock In stock
ASIN B000N501BK

VIDEO
Lodge 6 Quart Round Dutch Oven — Review and Information.
 

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Quart Dutch Oven

A Dutch Oven and its Tercentenary History

The Dutch system of producing Dutch ovens was one of the most advanced in the 17th century. They used dry sand as a mold resulting in an off the peg product with an excellent smooth surface. Further on these cooking utensils were manufactured using the Dutch system and thus, gained widespread use not only on European soil but also became an irreplaceable cooking vessel for American colonies. The Dutch ovens were valued for their durability and versatility since they were used for frying, stewing, baking, and other cooking needs. The ovens were durable and valuable and hand down from generation to generation. The modern ovens differ from the original Dutch ovens in design dramatically. The ovens used in the 17 century were designed with the legs to hold the oven above the coals, and a lid flange to keep the coals on the lid and out of the food. There are special organizations that aim to preserve the Dutch oven's heritage in its original appearance even now. They use a special formula to find out the exact number of coals that should be placed under the oven's bottom and on its lid to achieve the optimal temperature inside the cooking utensil. Owing to such technologies our ancestors were able to cook their dishes just the same way as we do now using modern conventional ovens. If you want to join in these traditions, visit International Dutch Oven Society web-site where you can also find centuries-old recipes to prepare the meal just like people used to do using the Dutch ovens.

Review of Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Quart Dutch Oven

100 Years of Use and Longer

Regardless the advances in kitchen utensils manufacturing and usage of new materials, different pans and pots made of cast iron are still highly valued by the users. Therefore, Lodge Cast-Iron Dutch Ovens delight their customers with their outstanding cookware made of cast iron. You may say that the process of pre-seasoning Dutch ovens to prolong their lifespan is a hassle, but we are ready to allay your fears since Lodge Cast-Iron Dutch Ovens come pre-seasoned to prevent food from sticking! And it means that you can use them right out-of-the-box. But you still shouldn't stand in awe for pre-seasoning as by performing few simple tricks you will get a Dutch oven with a durable coating or recover the original one. The process of pre-seasoning is meant to prolong the lifespan of the cookware and also to reduce the quantity of oil you use while cooking. In case you've noticed that some gray spots or rust appeared on the coating or food sticks to it, then it is the high time to perform pre-seasoning! Follow these simple rules and you'll definitely succeed in this simple task:

1. Use some soft detergent and a stiff brush to clean the Dutch oven, rinse it thoroughly and then wipe it dry (But you should never use detergents for cleaning the cookware after day-to-day use).

2. Apply a thin coat of vegetable oil to the Dutch oven (inner and outer surfaces).

3. Place aluminum foil on the bottom rack of the oven and place the Dutch oven upside down on the foil.

4. Bake the Dutch oven for at least an hour at 350-400 °F. After this period of time, turn the oven off and let the cookware cool in the oven.

 

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Quart Dutch Oven in the use

More Products to Consider

As we've mentioned above the Dutch oven can be used for different cooking tasks, thus if you want to use it for deep frying, you'd need to have Lodge 8FB2 deep fry basket .

Last updated price $44.90
Stock In stock
ASIN B00063RWYI

 

Calphalon Simply Nonstick 7-Quart Dutch Oven & Cover

Weight and Capacity

Despite a lightweight design, this Dutch oven is perfect for those women who love to host big companies of friends. The capacity of 7 qt is enough for multiple purposes so you can organize a whole fest for your guests. Most Dutch ovens are made to be heavy, this one is not. Yet, it doesn't mean it won't cope with the tasks that other heavy pots easily do. Made of hard-anodized aluminum, it will last for years and cook amazing meals.

Review of Calphalon Simply Nonstick 7-Quart Dutch Oven & Cover

Design

Due to the rounded shape design with a wide and flat bottom, this Dutch oven is steady. The double-layer non-stick coating is designed to last. The stay-cool handles with a silicone coating are resistant to high temperatures so that it's safe to take the pot off the stove right after cooking. Due to the shape, a transparent lid holds all the flavors inside the pot. It also allows for watching the cooking process. With no shade of a doubt, this Dutch oven will let you perform the best cooking and try all favourite recipes.

Calphalon Simply Nonstick 7-Quart Dutch Oven & Cover in the use

Use and Care

This Dutch oven is compatible with all types of cooking surfaces: gas, electric and glass. This means it's suitable for all households. Calphalon Dutch Oven is not safe to dishwasher yet washing by hands is a breeze. Owing to the coating, there's no chance of food bits sticking to the bottom. It also means less amount of oil in the dishes. In order to make the pot last longer, it's important to carefully treat it, avoiding usage of metal tools and detergents that can damage the coating.

Detailed review of Calphalon Simply Nonstick 7-Quart Dutch Oven & Cover
Last updated price $159.72
Stock In stock
ASIN B003YL3MJS

VIDEO
Calphalon Simply Calphalon 7 Qt. Dutch Oven SKU#:8062221
 

Cuisinart Contour Stainless 5-Quart Dutch Oven

Weight and Capacity

Compared to all other Dutch ovens in the review, this one has the smallest weight. If the weight of a pot is an essential criterion for you, you will surely do justice to its lightweight design. With the capacity of 5 qt, it can be used for cooking all sorts of meals and for 3-4 people with ease. No need to store heavy, bulky items. This Dutch oven will please you in many ways.

Review of Cuisinart Contour Stainless 5-Quart Dutch Oven

Design

This Dutch oven is perfect for any kitchen due to its cutting-edge design. An aluminum bottom heats up quickly and maintains a constant temperature throughout the cooking time. Stainless steel does not react with the food. The double-mounted, attached handles ensure safe use. Made of unbreakable, tempered glass, the lid makes the cooking process more convenient, and what's more, visible for a cook.

Cuisinart Contour Stainless 5-Quart Dutch Oven in the use

Use and Care

Compatibility and versatility make this pot attractive for each housewife. If you've got an induction stove though, you may need to consider a different model. The pot is used on all cooking surfaces but induction, so be aware. Rather than that, it's a very decent pot, compatible even with the oven. The pot itself withstands high temperatures up to 500 F. As for the lid, you may want not to use it in the oven at all. The maximum temperature it manages is 350 F. Cuisinart Contour Dutch oven is safe to dishwasher. It can also be washed by hands, whichever is preferred. All in all, this pot is a universal option for most, suitable for cooking stovetop-to-oven recipes.

Detailed review of Cuisinart Contour Stainless 5-Quart Dutch Oven

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $44.20
Stock In stock
ASIN B005H05SYG

 

What is a Dutch Oven

Today most women all over the world have done justice to having a Dutch oven. It's a heavy-duty, deep pot, oftentimes crafted of cast-iron, which is mainly aimed for slow cooking and stewing. Yet, it's also used for cooking various sauces, soups and baking. On having the Dutch oven, you wouldn't need to use the oven at all. This pot will let you experiment with your favourite oven recipes but cook them all on the stove instead. If you haven't happened to have the Dutch oven yet, it's high time to purchase it now. In our review, you'll find only the best Dutch ovens on sale so it's going to be easy to make the right choice.
To cook a majority of dishes with Dutch ovens you will have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. But it's not always an option. In these cases, a slow cooker will be a great assistant. Just put the necessary food in the bowl before you leave for work, and in few hours when you come back your dinner is ready!

What Features to Compare

The foremost thing to consider when looking for a Dutch oven is the Weight and Capacity of the chosen product. Most of the pots are rather heavy, which is hardly surprising bearing in mind their functionality and overall performance. In pursue of the leading positions in the market, manufacturers make their best to produce more lightweight items to meet the needs of the wider audience, so you've got a broad variety to choose from. You should also pay attention to the capacity of the Dutch oven. If you're out of a big family, you'd better go with a bigger pot to not cook in several stages. A small Dutch oven will become a great addition to a 1-2 people household with no food remnants to store. 

As to most kitchens have got their own, unique interiors, kitchen utensils are often bought to match. The Dutch ovens are not an exception and they've got their own Design too. Available in different colors, they will naturally fit your countertop and stun with exclusive functionality. The material which the pot is made of determines its performance to the big extent. Most Dutch ovens today are made of high-quality cast-iron. Compared to stainless-steel pots, the cast-iron Dutch ovens are considerably more lightweight and less expensive yet they handle the same cooking processes equally well. Thanks to a non-coating finish it's also become easier to keep the diet not only tasty but also healthy, by adding just a little bit of oil. Consider how the lid looks like. It's quite important if it doesn't let the evaporated liquid escape through the holes, enabling the rich taste mature inside the pot.

We've also considered the Use and Care feature to let you decide whether this or that Dutch oven is going to work for you. Notwithstanding all pots have been made for use in the oven, you may want to find out the maximum temperature different models can handle. The other thing to contemplate is compatibility of the Dutch oven with different types of stoves. In case you don't want to get disappointed later on after making a purchase, it's worth knowing peculiarities of various pots right from the start. Cleaning the Dutch oven is not usually great pleasure as most enameled pots are not dishwasher safe. Yet, if you can't stand hand-washing, you may find your perfect pot that won't require your effort for clean-up at all. You're making the choice!

Sources:

1. Dutch Oven, Wikipedia. June 29, 2016.

2. How to Buy a Dutch Oven, wikiHow.

3. Lisa Munniksma, Choose the Best Dutch Oven for Your Needs, Hobby Farms. December 29, 2014.

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