Owning a quality dutch oven can feel like a rite of passage for many aspiring cooks. They are often coveted and held in high honor by chefs around the world and are a prominent feature in the kitchens of amateur chefs as well as seasoned professionals.
But why?
The dutch oven is so valuable because it’s incredibly versatile. Many of the best versions are capable of handling large amounts of heat and retaining it incredibly well, while also being able to produce large quantities of beautifully basted dishes.
Dutch ovens work particularly well for dishes that require a low and slow simmer thanks to their size and unique lid designs. This makes them perfect for braising meat which benefits from the moist environment that dutch ovens create, and veggies come out tasting amazing as they cook in their own juices and blend with the various other ingredients.
If you love to cook but don’t own a dutch oven, you’re missing out on some of the best flavors and recipes, some of which can only be properly followed using the unique benefits that a dutch oven provides.
Whether you’re someone who loves making stunning stews, gorgeously tender meat, or baking artisanal bread, the dutch oven will open the door for you to experiment like you never have before.
The only issue is that there are a lot of dutch ovens available, and while they look very similar, there are quite a few key differences that set apart the different designs and brands. This can make finding one that’s right for you a real hassle or even intimidating, which is why we’ve put together a list of some of the best-cast iron dutch ovens available. We’ve laid out their amazing features as well as some of their drawbacks to help you find the perfect new kitchen companion.
If you’re a newer cook and want to learn more about dutch ovens and their culinary capabilities, feel free to check out our buyers guide at the bottom of this article for some of the key features and benefits of a good dutch oven, as well as answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Now that we’ve got you nicely pre-heated, let’s take a look at the ovens themselves and their key features.
OUR TOP PICK
The first option on this list is made by Lodge, which is one of the oldest cookware brands, which first started making high-quality accessories back in 1896. Their focus on high-quality materials gives their products amazing performance and being produced in the USA the craftsmanship is truly second to none.
The first thing to note about this particular oven is that it has a stainless steel knob on the lid which is used to easily and quickly remove the cover. You may be wondering why this matters, and it's really about making sure that the moisture and heat that dutch ovens are subjected to don’t lead to any damage to this crucial component of the oven
Stainless steel is rust-resistant so any steam or other moisture will have no effect on it over the long term, and it doesn’t have any danger of warping or melting under high heat.
The cast-iron pot and lid have excellent heat retention which is essential for a quality dutch oven, while the enameled finish helps to prevent your food from sticking to the base. This high-quality finish also allows for easy cleaning, ensuring that your pot doesn’t get left with unsightly stains or grime build-up.
The pot is suitable for usage in the oven or on the stovetop and can be used with induction ovens as well as traditional gas stoves meaning you can use it with various different cookers.
The handles aren’t the most comfortable we’ve used but they provide a good grip - however after cooking you will definitely need to use oven gloves as they can get very hot after prolonged use.
Another nice feature is the various color and size options, which allow you to get a dutch oven that fits in your kitchen and in your oven, and matches with your other equipment.
Overall this is a fantastic dutch oven that has great build quality and finishing, making it a great choice for beginners or experienced cooks.
Pros
- Stainless steel knob
- Available in various sizes
- Available in many colors to suit your kitchen’s aesthetic
- Excellent heat retention
- Suitable for roasting and stovetop cooking
Cons
- Some issues with the finish after extensive use
EDITORS CHOICE
Crock-Pot is another long standing cookware brand, and while they may not have been making cookware as long as Lodge, they have been in the business for 50 years, so they definitely know what makes an excellent slow cooker.
Unlike some other designs, the Artisan is a round profile cookpot that offers a deeper, less spread-out shape than oval-shaped versions. This makes the Artisan perfect for slow-cooking stews and baking bread, while still being big enough to handle various meats.
The cast-iron lid and body have excellent heat retention and as is common among cast iron pots, there is an enamel finish to help add heat insulation, prevent rusting, and help with non-stick cooking and cleaning.
The lid is designed to prevent steam and water from escaping while cooking, which helps to keep your meat and veg moist and tender. This allows your food to baste itself which is one of the ways dutch ovens add so much flavor to your recipes without needing to do anything complicated. Just pop the lid on and let your ingredients blend and complement each other.
The handles of the Artisan are wide and sturdy which helps make handling safe and easy, however, they can still get hot while cooking so be sure to use oven gloves when handling.
This pot comes in a few different sizes and many different colors which again allows you to pick something that will suit your kitchen’s design and the amount of storage you have.
This oven is suitable for use with gas, electric, ceramic, and induction stovetops and will work inside any oven up to a temperature of 500F, providing you have the space to fit it.
This is another great option from an established brand, providing great performance and value to experienced cooks and first-timers looking for something to last a long time.
Pros
- Cast iron for great heat insulation and retention
- Enamel finish to make cleaning easier
- Self-basting lid design
- Wide and sturdy handles
- Various sizes for any oven or stove
- Various colors
Cons
- Enamel finishing could be better
BEST VALUE
Le Creuset is another French cookware brand that was founded in 1925. It’s actually one of the most popular and well-regarded brands among manufacturers of dutch ovens in particular, due to its history and quality as well as its associations with world-famous culinary tradition.
The Signature is a round design and has all the benefits that cast-iron provides, with the added heat efficiency that Le Creuset is known for.
There are several improvements to this particular design, including a 45% increased handle size for greater comfort when carrying, and an improved shape to assist in grip. The knob on the lid is larger and the enamel finish is resistant to cracking and chipping, which helps keep your pot functioning efficiently for longer.
The only drawback is that the round shape may not suit some ovens, and the composite knob doesn’t feel as high quality as some other metallic knob designs. The plastic is tough enough to resist temperatures of 500F however, it just doesn’t feel quite as good quality as you’d expect, especially from such a well-regarded brand.
There are various colors available and a wide range of similar options with variations in size and shape to give maximum choice.
Pros
- Improved handle size and shape
- Great heat distribution
- Larger composite knob resistant to 500F
- Enamel non-stick finish for easy cleaning
- Various color options available
Cons
- The plastic knob isn’t as sturdy as some other metal options
RUNNER UP
Le Creuset is another French cookware brand that was founded in 1925. It’s actually one of the most popular and well-regarded brands among manufacturers of dutch ovens in particular, due to its history and quality as well as its associations with world-famous culinary tradition.
The Signature is a round design and has all the benefits that cast-iron provides, with the added heat efficiency that Le Creuset is known for.
There are several improvements to this particular design, including a 45% increased handle size for greater comfort when carrying, and an improved shape to assist in grip. The knob on the lid is larger and the enamel finish is resistant to cracking and chipping, which helps keep your pot functioning efficiently for longer.
The only drawback is that the round shape may not suit some ovens, and the composite knob doesn’t feel as high quality as some other metallic knob designs. The plastic is tough enough to resist temperatures of 500F however, it just doesn’t feel quite as good quality as you’d expect, especially from such a well-regarded brand.
There are various colors available and a wide range of similar options with variations in size and shape to give maximum choice.
Pros
- Improved handle size and shape
- Great heat distribution
- Larger composite knob resistant to 500F
- Enamel non-stick finish for easy cleaning
- Various color options available
Cons
- The plastic knob isn’t as sturdy as some other metal options
RUNNER UP
Unlike some of the other brands in this list, Uno Casa is much newer to the industry, however that hasn’t prevented them from offering some very competitive cookware, particularly their dutch ovens which are many of the features you’d expect from any high-quality brand.
This pot has a typical cast iron construction for great heat dissipation and a quality enamel finish for even heat distribution, and the added benefit of preventing food from sticking to and staining the metal.
The pot has a self-basting lid design which is great on a more entry-level option and has a good seal to keep as much moisture inside as possible. The handles are wider than a lot of the dutch ovens which is a great touch, making carrying comfortable and safe.
To add to this, the Uno Casa actually comes with a silicone heat mat and silicone pot holders free of charge, which allows you to move your pot even when it’s hot and safely place it down without damaging your kitchen work surface.
The only drawbacks are that this pot has fewer color options than some of the other brands and has a slightly lower maximum temperature, rated to handle 450F compared to the 500F of most other dutch ovens.
Despite this, the Uno Casa offers all the features you need from a good dutch oven and the added extras are a great little bonus to add some more value to your purchase.
Pros
- Self-basting lid design
- Chip resistant
- Non-stick enamel finish
- Comfortable handles
- Silicone heat mat and pot holders included for free
Cons
- Few color options
- Only capable of heating to 450F
Best Cast Iron Dutch Oven Buying Guide
As you’ve probably noticed by now, there are a lot of small differences between dutch ovens that make finding the right one all the more difficult.
To help you understand what to look for we’ve highlighted some of the key features to look out for in a good cookpot.It’s really important to make an informed decision when it comes to cookware, as the right choice can save you a lot of money and time.
Quality cookware lasts far longer and performs better, so getting something that you’ll be able to years to come is essential to getting the best value possible.
Shape
Dutch ovens come in a few different shapes, the most common being oval and round. While subtle, the difference actually does make a difference to what you can comfortably fit inside the pot and how well the heat distribution works.
Oval pots typically work well for meats, particularly poultry that you may want to cook whole. The oval shape fits around the chicken more easily and gives you plenty of space for additional ingredients.
Round pots provide a more even heat distribution as there aren’t any extremities, just a uniform and perfectly round shape to keep heat and moisture even making the cooking process more consistent. A round pot is also a little easier to bake with, and can still accommodate most birds and large joints depending on the size you decide to choose.
Cast Iron
Cast-iron is the go-to material for dutch ovens because it can withstand the intense heat of stovetop cooking and in oven baking without faltering. It is a traditional material that feels wonderfully sturdy and offers excellent heat retention.
The only drawback is that it can be prone to rust and ingredients tend to stick to it, which leads us on to our next point.
Enameled Finish
Enamel finishes help to prevent the heavy cast iron body from rusting and also helps distribute and regulate heat, as well as preventing food and grease from impregnating the iron and becoming impossible to fully clean.
It helps prevent stain and grime from building up, and it can also add a little pop of color to your kitchenware which adds a little bit of personal flair to the kitchen.
Lid Design
The best lids seal fairly well to prevent heat and moisture from escaping, which is one of the key features of even the most basic dutch oven.
Some lids come with a ridged interior to help facilitate a self-basting feature that helps flavor-packed moisture and steam to collect and drip back onto your food, to keep it moist without requiring any extra effort on your part.
Handle Material
Typically a strong stainless steel handle is the best as it can resist the heat and moisture of slow cooking. Some lids do use other materials such as plastic however these are generally a little less reliable so care should be taken when using lids with composite knobs.
In terms of the pot handles, a comfortable grip with ample space is key to helping you carry your food safely. Pots become extremely hot and considerably heavy, so being able to keep things under control is very important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cast iron on an induction stove?
For the most part, yes, however always make sure to check the specific product instructions.
Any that aren’t safe to use with induction stoves will usually clearly state this, however, it’s a rare occurrence.
Why don’t dutch ovens use modern non-stick coatings?
The truth is that non-stick coatings aren’t actually very safe and over a certain temperature they can leech dangerous chemicals into your food.
Sticking to traditional materials such as cast iron and enamel prevent this from happening, and can cope with the heat of slow cooking without risking any of the dangers that come with modern-nonstick coatings.
