The Insider Pick:
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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 for a variety of dishes.
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, to 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 to last a lifetime.
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 five Dutch ovens in our guide based on their ease of use, durability, and performance.
The best Dutch oven overall
Why you’ll love it: If you are looking for a dependable Dutch oven that can handle any recipe for years to come, turn to the Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 5-1/2-Quart Dutch Oven.
As the name suggests, the Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch Oven is made of cast iron and covered with a heavy-duty enamel. The exterior enamel is designed to resist chipping, while the interior is engineered to ward off dulling and staining. The pot features oversized handles that are easy to grip even with oven mitts on. The overall size of the 5.5-quart Dutch oven is 10.2 inches in diameter and 4.5 inches deep.
Le Creuset states that the knob of the lid can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, but that the rest of the Dutch oven is oven safe to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. However, many people report putting their Le Creuset in the oven at much higher temperatures with no ill effects.
There are a dozen colors to choose from, including cherry, flame, Caribbean, and white. Best of all, each style comes with a lifetime limited warranty.
There are several expert sites that rate the Le Creuset Dutch oven as the best money can buy. Epicurious gave it top honors because the staff uses this Dutch oven at home and it can withstand boiling, braising, frying, and high temperatures without chipping. Serious Eats was also enamored with Le Creuset’s Dutch oven because of its track record of quality performance. However, the reviewers found it to be a bit pricey and warn buyers to choose a style that comes with the stainless steel knob.
Around 88% of the buyers who reviewed the Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch Oven gave it a five-star rating on Amazon. Joanna D., a number one Hall of Fame reviewer on Amazon, gave it five stars because of its non-stick properties and durability.
Reviewers caution that the pot is heavy and may be hard for people with arthritis to transfer to and from the oven. Other people echo Joanna D’s assessment about the durability and put the price in perspective: You do not really spend that much for the Le Creuset Dutch oven considering how much use you get out of it and how long it lasts.
Pros: Handles high temperatures, versatile, several color options, durable
Cons: Expensive
The best Dutch oven for less than $ 100
Why you’ll love it: The Tramontina Enameled Cast Iron 6.5 Qt Dutch Oven is a suitable alternative for people who cannot afford the Le Creuset but want a great Dutch oven.
The Tramontina Covered Round Dutch Oven is made of heavy-gauge cast iron and covered with a gradated porcelain enamel that is PTFE- and PFOA-free. The lid features a stainless steel knob and self-basting condensation ridges that uniformly collect and direct vapors onto food.
The exterior is teal colored with an off-white interior, and you can get it in different colors. The pot is compatible with induction, glass-ceramic, electric, and gas cooktops. Tramontina’s Dutch oven is oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, which we strongly recommend you respect to extend the lifespan of your Dutch oven. Tramontina backs its Dutch oven with a lifetime limited warranty.
Expert reviewers agree that this is an excellent, affordable Dutch oven. The Wirecutter was happy with the performance of the Tramontina Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, and the reviewers’ main criticism was that the oven is fairly narrow, which makes it less convenient for larger quantities of ingredients or larger cuts of meat. The Spruce and Kitchen Cookware Reviews were also impressed by this Dutch oven.
The Tramontina Dutch oven has four- or five-star ratings from 91% of the Amazon buyers who reviewed it. The most helpful review comes from a buyer who goes by the name “Just a little picky :).” The reviewer appreciates the look of the pot and finds it conducts heat well for sautéing vegetables and searing meat.
Owners of this Dutch oven caution against using metal utensils on the enamel or using too high of temperatures. The other comments are almost universally positive. One buyer has an excellent experience baking sourdough bread in this Dutch oven.
Pros: Lifetime warranty, affordable, stainless steel knob
Cons: Enamel has questionable durability
The best Dutch oven for camping
Why you’ll love it: The Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven makes it so you don’t have to sacrifice delicious, flavorful cuisine in order to rough it in nature.
The Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven features a cast iron body and lid seasoned with soy-based vegetable oil for a nonstick finish. The 8-quart pot weighs 20 pounds and is 12 inches in diameter and 5.5 inches deep, which allows plenty of room for a large meal.
The lid inverts for use as a griddle and is flanged to hold hot coals. There are three legs on the base of the Dutch oven for added stability when placing it in a campfire. It’s the ultimate Dutch oven for people who love to cook a good meal over an open fire.
READ MORE: 35 Incredibly Easy Dutch Oven Recipes for Camping
It has a smart design, and the loop handle makes it easy to hang the pot up when you’re done. Lodge says that the cast iron will offer a lifetime of durability, and many people say they’ve had their Lodge cast iron gear for decades.
Amazing Outdoor Adventures considers the Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven to be the best cast iron Dutch oven for camping due to its long history of being made in the United States and the ability of the lid to double as a griddle. The Spruce and Cook Logic also recommend this Dutch oven.
Around 96% of the Amazon reviews for the Lodge Camp Dutch Oven are positive. Buyers like that the Lodge Dutch oven is solidly built, comes pre-seasoned, and is large enough to cook roasts and stews for big families.
Others were impressed with how easy it is to clean (as long as you clean the pot immediately after using it) and how helpful the included recipes are. One reviewer who goes by the name “Robster Lobster,” recommended buying lint-free towels for drying and re-oiling, a charcoal starter, and a lid lifter to avoid burned fingers.
Pros: Can place coals on top for even heating, the lid doubles as a skillet
Cons: Impractical for oven and stovetop uses, too heavy for backpacking
