- Dutch ovens are built to last, and they make amazing pot roasts.
- Of all the Dutch ovens you can buy, Le Creuset's Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 5-1/2-Quart Dutch Oven is the best with its solid construction, many color options, and sturdy handles that are easy to grip.
Crock Pots and pressure cookers get all the headlines these days, but for centuries, people have been using Dutch ovens as the go-to, one-pot cooking device. No matter how hard the new-fangled instant pots of the world try, they have not been able to achieve the delicious, complex flavors Dutch ovens produce.
One of the most common uses for Dutch ovens is searing a nice large roast to lock in the flavors and juices before popping it into a conventional oven for slow cooking. These cast-iron pots are indispensable when simmering a hearty stew. And, home chefs also use their Dutch ovens to steam side dishes, cook pasta directly in the sauce, craft artisanal breads, and much more.
Most Dutch ovens are between 5 and 8 quarts and weigh up to 20 pounds. At this size, hand washing can be a bit of a workout. Although many manufacturers say their Dutch ovens are dishwasher safe, we suggest that you always hand wash high-quality cookware. This reduces the likelihood of chipping - a common problem with enameled cast iron Dutch ovens - and extends the lifespan of your pot.
You should also avoid using metal utensils, scouring pads, or other abrasive elements on your Dutch oven since they may also cause damage (and potentially void the warranty). Instead, go with nylon pads or scrapers. Baking soda is also helpful for removing baked-on food and stains. Once you are done washing, dry your Dutch oven thoroughly. And, since it weighs a lot, you may want to let it live on your stove rather than constantly having to work on your lifting form.
In our search for the best Dutch ovens, we closely examined dozens of ratings and reviews from experts and home chefs alike. We chose the four Dutch ovens in our guide based on their ease of use, durability, and performance.
Here are the best Dutch ovens you can buy:
- Best Dutch oven overall: Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron 5-1/2-Quart Dutch Oven
- Best Dutch oven for camping: Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven
- Best Dutch oven for stews: Cuisinart Chef's Classic Enameled Cast Iron Casserole
- Best budget Dutch oven: Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Updated on 11/4/2019 by Caitlin Petreycik. Updated prices, links, and formatting. Added related guides.
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