Best Dutch Ovens

If you do not own a Dutch Oven, you are missing out. These versatile cooking pots are the perfect way to make stews and braises as well as having a number of other uses. They are highly efficient cookers and practically indestructible.

Many people need some guidance when buying a Dutch Oven as it is not something we purchase often. We set out to find the best options available.

Dutch ovens have a long history and originated in America in the colonial days. At that time, they were heavy cast iron pots with a domed lid. They normally had short legs. They were used as multipurpose pots over hot coals. The French took the design one step further and around 1925 Le Creuset removed the legs and coated them in enamel. This made them easier to work with, better looking, more convenient and fairly non-stick. This already popular cooking vessel became even more sought after and they are now a must have in any kitchen.

They are excellent at heat distribution and retention and are ideal for one pot cooking. They are so versatile that you can cook a wide range of things in them. They are easy to clean and should last a lifetime.

Finding the right one is only tricky because there are so many excellent choices We eliminated the cheap and nasty ones and worked out the four best options from the really good ones. Here are our top 4 picks.

Cuisinart CI670-30CR Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast Iron 7-Quart Round Covered Casserole

Cuisinart is a well-loved and trusted name in cookware and make an excellent Dutch Oven. Incredibly, this fine Dutch Oven is very well priced and amazing value for money. The solid cast iron and tough porcelain enamel coating look and feel great and should never need to be replaced. They are available in a rich blue or red and will look as good on the table as they do in the kitchen.

The enamel coating will make it easy to clean and ensure that no flavor or odors are absorbed. You can even put it in the dishwasher. The piece is happy in the oven, broiler or stovetop. The design is a good combination of form and function. The handles are comfortable and easy to grip. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Lodge EC6D43 Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 6-Quart

The Lodge Dutch Oven is a popular choice and this well-priced option often comes up the winner in consumer reviews. It has a generous 6-quart capacity and a durable porcelain-enamel exterior that will not chip.

It can be used on gas, the stovetop or in the oven and can go directly to the table when you are entertaining. Hand washing is recommended and it is safe up to 500° F. It comes in a wide range of exciting colors with a cream inside. The lid fits snugly for maximum heat and flavor retention.

Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 5-1/2-Quart Round French (Dutch) Oven

As the people who redefined and popularized the Dutch Oven, it is no surprise that Le Creuset makes one of the finest examples available. It is a bit more expensive than the average but it is designed and made to exacting standards. You will be hard pressed to find a better Dutch Oven. Given that it will last a lifetime of regular use, it is a good investment.

The handles are a generous size and comfortable to grip even with oven gloves on. It is available in a number of bold color options with a durable chip-resistant enamel exterior. Heat distribution is outstanding as is retention. It has a limited lifetime warranty. There were practically no negative comments about the Le Creuset Dutch Oven and people that have bought it love it.

Bruntmor, Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven Casserole Dish

This is a large 6.5-quart solid cast-iron casserole dish with a bright porcelain-enamel coating. It works well on any cooking surface or oven but is best not used over an open fire. The lid fits perfectly to retain the heat. It is durable and very easy to clean.

You can brown your meat and then slow cook it to perfection for easy one-pot meals. Cleaning is easy and the coating will not fade or chip. Heat distribution is great and it retains heat very well.

The design is outstanding and you can serve food directly from the stylish casserole dish. This is also one of the best-priced quality Dutch Ovens we looked at so you will get brilliant value for money. The Bruntmor is a popular top-selling Dutch Oven.

Final thoughts on the Best Dutch Ovens

You can cook anything from soups and stews to bread in these great Dutch Ovens. They are so versatile you will end up using them most nights. Fortunately, they are built to last and with a bit of care, will still be looking great and working well for many years. It is an excellent investment and a pleasure to cook with.

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