Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven

BOTTOMLINE
Iconic Quality
This is the standard by which all other brands are judged.

PROS
Professionally applied ceramic enamel has a longer life and is more resilient to sticking, stains, chipping, and cracking than standard enamel. Quality and durability are maintained. The lightest cast iron in its class. Innovative tight-fitting lid for steam circulation and self-basting. 500 degrees Fahrenheit oven-safe. Long-lasting

CONS
It is not only more expensive, but it's also heavier and bulkier than aluminum or stainless steel.

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Victoria Cast Iron Dutch Oven

BOTTOMLINE
Safely Pre-seasoned
It's pre-seasoned with non-GMO flaxseed oil; this cast iron Dutch oven is excellent for all forms of cooking.

PROS
This stainless steel pot has a lid with a round stainless steel handle. Naturally leaves very little iron in meals with seasoning that is Kosher-certified. The texture of the lid inside is self-basting.

CONS
Food may cling to the kettle.

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Staub 7-qt Round Cocotte

BOTTOMLINE
Innovative Favorite
This is high-quality, top-of-the-line cookware from a well-known manufacturer.

PROS
The black enamel interior has exceptional browning and braising capabilities. The heavy, tight-fitting lid has spikes that condense steam for self-basting meals—a bright, eye-catching design of long-lasting hues.

CONS
It has adeep, rich detailing. The black enamel interior takes some getting used to.

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Tramontina Covered Dutch Oven

BOTTOMLINE
Modern Look
It's a stainless steel pot that may be used in the oven.

PROS
With two massive side handles, this stainless steel stockpot has a capacity of 5 quarts. The top of the pot has a lid with a handle. An aluminum core is placed between three layers of stainless steel.NSF certified. Heat resistance up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit

CONS
Even when used on the stove, the handles might become heated.

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Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Dutch Oven

BOTTOMLINE
Colorful Variety
This cast-iron pot has an enamel coating in a variety of hues.

PROS
To protect it from damage, it is porcelain-coated. It has a capacity of 6 quarts and can be used in the oven at temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. It includes two side handles and a lid with a round handle. Food is cooked evenly and kept warm, thanks to its design.

CONS
This product will not be as durable.

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Buying Guide for Best Dutch Ovens

Whether you're a professional chef or a boxed macaroni and cheese enthusiast, there's no debating the usefulness of having a Dutch oven in your kitchen. Pots with tight-fitting lids and thick walls are an essential item for every chef because of their strength and adaptability. A Dutch oven is suitable for many dishes, from soups and stews to roasts and fruit compotes. You may bake, roast, braise and sauté in a Dutch oven. In a Dutch oven, you can make pizza, French fries, soft-boiled eggs, and homemade bread. If you're ready to purchase a Dutch oven, we recommend that you read through the product list above, where our top selections are further discussed. Read on to learn more about Dutch ovens in our shopping guide for additional information.

Serious chefs choose Dutch ovens because of their versatility, which allows them to cook everything from soups to pot roasts and various other dishes.

WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF A DUTCH OVEN?

Aluminum and stainless steel

Manufacturers use bonding techniques to combine layers of stainless steel with a heat-conducting aluminum core to take advantage of specific metallic properties.

This is a whole cooking pot with a tight-fitting lid and thick sides.

Cast iron

On the other hand, some companies take a more sophisticated and time-tested method to create their Dutch ovens.

The procedure begins with heating iron ore and other metals to an extremely high temperature. Sand, clay, or a mix of the two is used to construct a mold. The molten metal is trapped inside and allowed to solidify according to the form it takes. The final step is to remove the iron pot from the mold carefully. Finally, a finished product emerges from the line.

The outcome is either a cast-iron Dutch oven or, in some cases, a cast iron pot with a nonstick enamel finish.

DUTCH OVEN FEATURES TO CONSIDER

There are a few other factors to consider when picking a Dutch oven beyond its composed material.

Size

The capacity of a dutch oven is measured in quarts. A tiny Dutch oven might hold two quarts, while a large one may contain 12.

The number of guests you'll be feeding is the most common reason for choosing specific size.

Shape

The majority of Dutch ovens are either circular or oval in form. A round Dutch oven is best for stews, soups, and similar meals.

An oval Dutch oven is ideal for foods like chicken, fish, spare ribs, and other things that would fit better in a larger pot.

Lid and handles

The Dutch oven lid should be fixed appropriately, and the top handle should be securely riveted to prevent food from drying out during cooking.

Silicone or a metal that can tolerate high temperatures would be ideal. Plastic or a composite material cheaper lid handles may shatter.

A Dutch oven's two side handles are a helpful addition. Furthermore, your cookware should have one or two sturdy wire handles (also known as bails) that you can quickly grasp to lift and lower the pot.

Feet

The bottom of a Dutch oven sits level if its feet are placed on the bottom. They allow the pot to sit flat both in the oven and on the stovetop. The feet may assist you in keeping the pot over hot coals for outdoor cooking.

DID YOU KNOW?

You can use the adaptable Dutch oven to prepare various dishes, from sautéing to roasting to baking, regardless of size.

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COOKING TECHNIQUES THAT WORK WITH A DUTCH OVEN

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a Dutch oven for cooking? Which cooking methods can you employ with a Dutch oven? Most people know that a Dutch oven may be used to cook soups and stews, but it may also be utilized for other things.

Let's begin with braising.

This entails cooking your meal in a Dutch oven at high heat first, then lowering the temperature and adding some liquid to finish it. A Dutch oven's capacity to tolerate both high and low heat makes it perfect for braising.

Due to the pan's ability to evenly distribute heat as it surrounds the food. In particular, this pot is ideal for tougher cuts of beef that need to be cooked for a more extended period to break down connective tissue.

Baking in a Dutch oven might also be successful. Pot pies, bread, and even cakes may be produced successfully in a Dutch oven. A Dutch oven is occasionally used for cooking over hot coals by campers.

Dutch ovens are likewise excellent for sautéing and frying. French fries and other deep-fried foods prepared in a Dutch oven have an excellent taste because of the pot's ability to maintain a constant temperature.

SEASONING A DUTCH OVEN

It's vital to season a cast-iron Dutch oven before using it, even if it contains no enamel coating. Seasoning ensures that food does not adhere to the cast iron and maintains its cast-iron characteristics.

Cast iron pots, on the other hand, do not require seasoning.

Some modern manufacturers pre-season their Dutch ovens. Some Dutch ovens are pre-seasoned, but they have a wax covering that must be removed before usage. To remove the wax, place the pot in the oven and heat it to 425°F. To catch the melting wax, use a pan beneath it.

Seasoning steps

• Preheat the oven to 425°F.
• Using a clean cloth, thoroughly coat the cast iron pot with olive oil on all sides.
• Place the pot on a rack in the oven and set it for one hour. Leave it there for an hour or more extended until smoking stops.
• Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool.
• Repeat this process two more times.
  

CAUTION

Enamel-coated cast iron Dutch ovens should not be seasoned. The coating might be ruined during the seasoning procedure.

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DUTCH OVEN PRICES

Under $100

Stoneware is the most common material used in Dutch ovens below $100. Some stainless steel versions can be found in this price range.

Pots made of cast iron that can be used on a grill, over a campfire, or in a conventional oven may also cost less than $100.

Over $100

The majority of high-end Dutch ovens are produced in Europe and are used by the world's top chefs at some of the world's best restaurants.

These more expensive pots are more popular among brand-conscious home cooks who want a warranty on their Dutch ovens.

TIPS

• Allow the heated Dutch oven to cool before washing it to avoid damaging the enamel. Never throw a hot pan into cold water because the shock might damage the enamel.
• Avoid acidic foods like lemon and tomatoes in pure cast iron pots with no enamel layer. They may scar and pockmark the inside of the pot.
• If food is stuck to your Dutch oven, soak it in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes to aid in the removal of debris.
• Do not put your Dutch oven away until it is scorched. Allow it to air out before storing it away from steam to prevent moisture accumulation.
• Check your Dutch oven's handles and knobs regularly and tighten them if they become loose.
• The knobs on your Dutch oven may need to be replaced over time, as they will most likely wear out before the pan.
  

A Dutch oven is a utensil used to cook casseroles, stews, and one-pot meals with protein (meat, poultry), starch (rice, potatoes), and vegetables.

FAQ

Q. Is it worth the upkeep to have a cast iron Dutch oven in my kitchen? And will it look nice in my kitchen, given that I'm thinking of getting one?

A. A cast iron Dutch oven can last a lifetime if properly maintained. In fact, many families pass down their cast iron cookware from one generation to the next. These are the best high-end models you can buy. They're not for the faint of heart, but they're built to handle abuse. Cast iron has long been associated with a rustic, aged appearance, but modern designers have brightened it up considerably by offering their pots in a variety of hues. Even the most exquisite of interiors is likely to have one that matches.

Q. What sort of cleaning solution should you use on a Dutch oven?

A. To clean a Dutch oven, use one part apple cider vinegar and four parts water. To remove stains, fill an empty spray bottle with the mixture and spray it on as needed.

Q. Is it possible to use a Dutch oven on the stovetop?

A. Yes, your Dutch oven will cook just as well on a gas, electric, or induction burner.

OTHER PRODUCTS WE CONSIDERED

The Revuu Buddy editorial staff researches hundreds of products based on customer reviews, brand quality, and price. We then narrow down our top picks for further study and testing. These are the items we reviewed that didn't make our top five list.

LODGE

7.5-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

LODGE

5-Quart Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven

AMAZONBASICS

Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven, 7.5-Quart

CUISINART

CI630-20CR Chef's Classic Enameled Cast Iron 3-qt

IMUSA

Traditional Colombian Mini Caldero Dutch Oven .7qt

CUISINART

Cuisinart Oval Casserole, 7-Quart

MARQUETTE CASTINGS

Marquette Castings 4 qt. Cast Iron Dutch Oven

CAMP CHEF

6 Qt Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven

CROCK POT

Artisan Enameled Cast Iron Braiser

VICTORIA

Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Lid, with Dual Handles

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven

BOTTOMLINE
Iconic Quality
This is the standard by which all other brands are judged.

Shop Now

Victoria Cast Iron Dutch Oven

BOTTOMLINE
Safely Pre-seasoned
It's pre-seasoned with non-GMO flaxseed oil; this cast iron Dutch oven is excellent for all forms of cooking.

Shop Now

Staub 7-qt Round Cocotte

BOTTOMLINE
Innovative Favorite
This is high-quality, top-of-the-line cookware from a well-known manufacturer.

Shop Now

Tramontina Covered Dutch Oven

BOTTOMLINE
Modern Look
It's a stainless steel pot that may be used in the oven.

Shop Now

Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Dutch Oven

BOTTOMLINE
Colorful Variety
This cast-iron pot has an enamel coating in a variety of hues.

Shop Now