The cast iron Dutch oven has been a favorite of professional and amateur chefs for decades. They are able to evenly heat the oven and transfer heat from the stovetop to the oven to the tabletop.
These are cooking utensils that take a bit longer to cook food than traditional cookware. This characteristic of products gives the food a richer flavor and allows you to take more time getting used to cooking.
This roundup includes our best cast iron Dutch ovens that will last a lifetime.
Contents
Enameled vs. Non-Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Ovens
Enameled Cast Iron
This is the best choice for cooking in the kitchen. The enameled cast iron Dutch ovens have a lot of advantages. It is much easier to clean and maintain. You can clean the Dutch oven with a sponge after you’ve cooked. However, be cautious with what you use to clean them. Metal utensils and scouring pads can scratch or chip the inside.
While the enameled cast may not be as durable as the non-enameled casting iron, it will last for a long time if taken care of.
Enameled cast iron doesn’t let acidic foods leach the metal, which can leave the food with metallic tastes. Some people believe that our bodies require iron. However, I’m not convinced that this is a good idea. This will really come down to taste. Whether you like iron in your food or not.
Enameled cast iron can be used to cook acidic foods. However, this won’t strip the seasoning. You can also experience this with cast iron cookware that has been seasoned.
This is huge for me. Enamel cast iron looks much better. You can find it in a variety of colors that make it appealing to the eyes. Le Creuset really went the extra mile and offered a wide range of vibrant colors. Lodge has a great range of enameled products.
The enamel coating is non-toxic and will not cause any metal to leach.
Non-Enameled
If you plan to cook outdoors, choose non-enameled. Your pot will be exposed to extreme temperatures, which can melt the enamel and render it useless. Clean-up should not be a problem – camping chores such as this are part of your day.
These are just a few of the benefits:
- It’s cheaper than its enamel-coated sibling.
- It is much more durable, both thermally and physically.
- Metal utensils can be used on bare cast iron.
- It is more able to handle temperature fluctuations quickly than enamel, which can crack or eventually flake off if exposed for too long.
- Cast iron can be seasoned to keep it looking new for a long time.
While some believe that cast iron without enamel is better for no-knead bread, this may just be a matter of opinion. This is something I haven’t been able to prove or disprove.
What is a Cast Iron Dutch Oven used for?
You may be curious about what you can do with a Dutch oven. Here are some ideas.
Poaching Chicken
Poaching chicken can help prevent dryness. The deep design and construction of the chicken make it ideal for retaining heat. This can help speed up cooking times.
Baking bread
It might surprise you to learn that Dutch ovens can bake bread. It’s been used for baking since ancient times. You can bake amazing loaves at your home with it.
Lasagnas and casseroles
Use the Dutch ovens to make delicious one-pot casseroles or your favorite lasagnas.
Braised Meats
It may surprise you, but Dutch ovens can also be used for braising meats. You can also pair your braised meat with your favorite salad. This makes for a healthy meal!
Frying
This pot’s high sides make it ideal for deep-frying and avoiding oil splatter. This oven’s tall sides make frying easier.
Stews and soups
Dutch ovens can be used to create flavored layers. It is versatile and useful cookware that can be used to make all your favorite soups and stews.
Chicken stock
After roasting chickens, Dutch ovens can be used to make chicken stock. It is possible to save the juice for making a delicious stock that can be used in soups.
Roasting
This is why you should buy a Dutch oven. You might love roast meat and want it to make your perfect moist roast meat.
Skillet cookies
Another dish you can make in the oven is this one. You can now make them in your own kitchen.
You can use your Dutch oven for many purposes! The following reviews will help you decide which oven is right for you.
List of 16 Best Cast Iron Dutch Oven Reviews
1. Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven
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We love the Lodge 8-quart Dutch oven. Cast iron is used; it is not enameled and comes pre-seasoned with 100% vegetable oils. It is very durable. It is very easy to clean, just like most Dutch ovens. It is easy to clean by hand washing, drying, and then rubbing with cooking oil.
This pot can be handled over a campfire using a heavy gauge wire bale. It can also be placed on top of a fire pit with legs. You can place hot coals on the lid, and they won’t slide off. The lid is flanged. This lid is ideal for baking, stewing, and roasting. You can flip the lid and use it as a griddle.
The Dutch oven can be used for more than just camping. It can also be used at home over the stove, oven, grill, or campfire.
2. Lodge L8DD3 Double Dutch Oven and Casserole with Skillet Cover
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The Lodge L8DD3 Double Dutch Oven has the added benefit of a multifunctional cover. The version by Lodge are great for baking, roasting, sauteing, braising, or simmering. It can also be used on gas, electric, induction, ceramic-glass top stoves, and other heat sources. This pre-seasoned pot can also be used in the oven.
Although the seller claims it is suitable for outdoor fires and grills, you’ll find that the oven can be difficult to move around once it has been heated. The handles and weight are difficult to reach.
3. Lodge 7.5 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
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These Lodge versions are equipped with all the essential features you would expect from a Dutch oven. It can be oven-safe up to 500°F, has excellent heat retention and distribution, and has a porcelain-enameled interior.
It’s not cheap, at just $100. But it’s an investment that will last a lifetime and is much cheaper than the Le Creuset model. It’s easy to trust Lodge because it is a trusted brand that is loved by many.
The best dutch oven has received more than 26,000 positive reviews on Amazon and an overall rating of 4.8 stars. It’s clear that people love it. There are many colors available, including pumpkin, blue and red. This pick is 18 pounds in weight, which makes it slightly heavier than the 7.5-quart model.
4. Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven
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The Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven, made in France, is the best-selling cookware. This round dutch oven will make it much easier to cook in other models. Le Creuset’s exceptional craftsmanship is responsible for this outstanding performance. Le Creuset has been making cookware for many years. The pot has a French touch that makes it stand out from the rest.
Le Creuset’s iconic round dutch ovens can be very expensive. It is well worth the money. The enamel coating is made from hand-made sand molds. This interior enamel is sand-colored and more durable than cheaper dutch ovens.
This model has a higher heat resistance than standard units. You can lift the hot dutch oven easily with the handle at the sides. The large composite knob can withstand temperatures of up to 500°F. The handles are 45 percent bigger, making it easier for users to lift the vessel with their mitts. No matter which cooking method you use to create a dutch oven, there is one thing certain: you won’t accidentally spill any contents because of a weak or inconvenient grip.
The unit’s solid cast iron construction ensures high heat retention. This allows the food to remain warm for a longer time. A heating pad placed below the vessel will heat the food for up to 2 meals. There is no need to go back to the kitchen to reheat it. Enjoy a warm meal with family and friends. The same cast iron vessel can also keep food warm for long periods of time. It is a great unit that can be used all year.
5. STAUB Cast Iron Coq au Vin Cocotte
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Staub’s “cocotte,” in my humble opinion, is the prettiest. The little rooster knob, the clean lines, and the deep colors are what I love the most. The interior is also darkened because I get a little crazy from the constant staining of my Dutch oven’s white interior. However, aesthetics don’t always matter. Even though there are also two versions: one that is shaped like a tomato and one that is shaped like a pumpkin, it’s so clever!
The Staub cocotte is loved by a lot of people, with high ratings overall. This design allows for better searing and internal basting, which is a different function from other French/Dutch ovens. Staub’s price is comparable to Le Creuset’s. However, it is a worthwhile investment if you plan to use it often for many years.
6. Tramontina Covered Oval Dutch Oven
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The Tramontina Covered Oval Dutch Oven is perfect for home chefs, professional cooks, busy parents, newbies to cooking, or those with limited kitchen space. You can make a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and side dishes, as well as bread, cobblers, and desserts in one oven. You could keep going.
This 7-Qt Dutch oven is ideal for hosting and serving guests. The exterior is porcelain-enamel and makes it an attractive option for serving main dishes from the kitchen to your center table.
Your guests will be impressed by the mouthwatering flavors and self-basting lid. Cooks will love the pan’s heat preservation and even heating capabilities, as well as the sturdy side handles that allow for easy handling.
The versions are well-respected by chefs for their heat preservation capabilities and even cooking. The self-basting condensation grooves on the lid absorb and direct vapors onto the food.
The sturdy handles on the Tramontina Dutch Oven allow for easy lifting and transfer to your dining table. For an elegant kitchen-to-table serving option, the exterior is finished with a bright, graduated porcelain enamel.
7. Crock-Pot Artisan Round Dutch Oven
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Are you looking for a model of high quality? This high-quality selection has been made from the finest cast iron. It will last for years and distribute heat evenly so you can have a quick-cooking experience.
A self-basting lid is included with the oven. This will allow for a constant basting environment, which speeds up the cooking process. It is also intended to keep food safe. It is also easy to clean and has no rust, making it ideal for any application.
The oven has a 7-quartz cooking capacity and is ideal for large batches of food. The oven also features two handles that provide greater stability and make it easy to transport. It has a nonstick surface that prevents food from sticking to it, which makes cleaning fast and easy.
8. Cuisinart Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Cover
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Because it is made from durable and long-lasting materials, this product is a popular choice. Pre-seasoned cookware saves you time and makes it last longer. Cast iron is durable and well-known for its ability to retain heat and distribute it.
This Dutch oven is made from heavy-duty cast iron and is durable. It is perfect for many cooking techniques, such as grilling, baking, and frying. It can also be used in the oven due to its high heat tolerance. It can also be used on all stovetops, grills, and induction.
If you’re looking for durable and functional cookware, it is worth checking out. It also comes with a lifetime guarantee that gives you peace of mind.
9. Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven
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AmazonBasics offers unbeatable value without compromising on performance, and this covered Dutch oven is a fine example of that.
The pot is ergonomically designed with looped handles, a well-fitting lid, and a smooth handle. It can be used up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit in an oven.
Cast iron’s rugged construction keeps the heat in when slow-cooking meat, giving you incredible consistency.
This pot will need to be hand-washed. The enamel coating is non-stick and easy to clean.
This Dutch oven is a great option if you are looking for an affordable and versatile addition to your kitchen that doesn’t cost as much as a giant global corporation.
10. Utopia Kitchen Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven
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This is the most affordable of all the Utopia cast iron Dutch ovens. If you’re on a budget, it may be the right one for you. This Dutch oven, 5 quarts in size, is ideal for slow-cooking medium-sized meals and is very light.
It also has great handles so that you can grip it even with oven mitts. However, this product is not dishwasher-safe and may be difficult to clean.
11. Bruntmor Heavy Duty Pre-Seasoned 2 In 1 Cast Iron Pan Double Dutch Oven Set
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Bruntmor sets are a great choice because they can be used as a skillet so that you can cook two meals simultaneously.
Bruntmor’s double Dutch oven is not like other similar products. The price for a skillet lid is the knob. The cover and the pot come with two handles on the sides. Although the set is reasonably priced for Bruntmor cast-iron cookware, some families may not find it sufficient for their needs.
This combo was very durable and versatile. It is why it is so popular. The oven is made from heavy-duty cast iron, which has no enamel coating. This allows you to make many traditional recipes. This means you will need to take extra care when cleaning your oven after every use. Pre-seasoning is a great feature that allows you to use your oven right out of the box.
When used as a cover, the domed cast iron cover gives you more cooking space. There are many recipes you can prepare, including soups, stews, beans, and slow-cooked meats. Pre-seasoning ensures that food doesn’t stick to the bottom, making cleaning and cooking much easier. It can be used on any cooking surface, including campfires and induction.
12. Overmont Dutch Oven 5 QT Cast Iron
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Overmont is a diamond, which was found in a coal mine. The excellent price, the perfect size, and outstanding manufacturing and design as well as the customer-oriented accessories. Do I need to say more? Overmont’s Dutch oven is the perfect choice if you want quality without breaking the bank.
The ideal cast iron body allows for heat retention and distribution. It is lighter than other camp cooks and has 5 quartz. Cast iron’s heavyweight prevents it from falling over, and it helps it to stay upright in rough camping conditions.
This is a great tool for anyone who likes to cook different foods for camping trips but in smaller quantities. The lid can be easily converted into a skillet thanks to its double purpose. You get all-natural vegetable oil seasoning with your oven. The more you use it, the better it will become. Overmont provides silicone covers to protect your ovens from heat.
13. Uno Casa Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Lid
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Uno Casa, unlike other brands on this list, is relatively new to the market. However, they still offer some highly competitive cookware, especially their dutch ovens. These have many of the same features that you would expect from a high-quality brand.
These dutch ovens are made from cast iron and have an enamel finish to ensure even heat distribution. It also prevents food from sticking to the metal and staining it.
This pot features a self-basting lid that is great for entry-level options. It also has a strong seal to keep moisture in. It is safer and more comfortable to carry the pot than many other dutch ovens.
The Uno Casa also comes with a silicone heat pad and silicone pot holders for free. This allows you to safely move your pot, even when it is hot, and place it down on your kitchen work surface.
This pot is limited in color options and can only handle 450F, as opposed to 500F for most dutch ovens.
The Uno Casa is a quality dutch oven that offers all of the features you would expect from one. However, these extras add great value to your purchase.
14. ExcelSteel Cast Iron Dutch Ovens
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Cook Pro Inc. made it. It is made from unbreakable cast Iron and comes in a traditional black color. It is durable and can be used for many more years. It will get better with age by being cleaned with warm water and rubbed with frying oils after drying.
Because it doesn’t have toxic coatings, the Dutch Oven is healthy and can cook healthy food. It also provides additional iron for your diet.
This six-quart pot is a great way to impress anyone with your cooking skills. The detachable handle makes it easy to move the pot when you are ready to cook. This iron oven won’t tip over no matter where you are. It will remain stationary on its three pins wherever you camp.
It is also easy to transport it around without spilling anything. This cooking oven’s remarkable ability to retain heat in the wild is one of the reasons food doesn’t spoil too quickly.
15. Best Choice Products 6qt Dutch Oven
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The model has a blue-colored enamel coating and two handles. This Dutch oven is a classic Best Choice Product. It can be used for braising, baking, and roasting as well as electricity, gas, and ovens. These are some of the many benefits you get from this model.
You can feed your friends and family with a 6-quart container. It can be used to make soups, stews, casseroles, and other dishes. It can also be used to heat food. It can also be used to keep food warm when stored in the freezer.
Cast iron can be used with many heat sources because of its versatility. It can be used on electric, gas, and induction stovetops. It can also be used on ovens or grills. It can be used to bake, roast, fry, or cook your favorite recipes. It retains heat well, so it can be used for slow cooking.
The version is very resistant to high temperatures. According to the company, it can be heated up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit. It evenly distributes heat and preserves the flavor and moisture inside the pot. This Dutch oven is attractive and can be used to bake bread.
This Dutch oven is a top-quality product. It is made from heavy-duty cast iron with a non-stick enamel coating. It retains moisture and conducts heat well. Its high quality can be compared with that of expensive brands.
This pot is very easy to clean and use. It doesn’t need to be soaked before you wash it. It doesn’t need to be scrubbed vigorously. Food residue can be easily removed by the nonstick enamel interior.
16. Camp Chef Square Dutch Oven
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Although the most popular Dutch oven shape is the round one, there are times when a square or rectangular pot can be used. This square Dutch oven is widely praised for its versatility. You can bake rows of biscuits, brownies, cornbread, buns, and even rolls of bread with ease. It is large enough to cook roasts, casseroles, and other dishes.
This product’s lid comes pre-seasoned, so it can be used right out of the package. The Dutch oven’s extra seasoning makes the cooking surface more nonstick. It can even be used as a stovetop or top grill lid. It should only be washed by hand and not soaked in water.
How To Choose The Best Cast Iron Dutch Oven
There are many choices when it comes to buying a dutch oven. It can seem overwhelming to consider all the options. There are some key features that you should pay attention to, regardless of the price point or brand you choose.
Durability
Durability is what I consider when looking for a Dutch oven. Open flame cooking requires a Dutch oven with thick walls that are 3/8 inches thick. It can withstand heat sources exceeding 400 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Size
Your stove’s size will determine the size of the Dutch ovens that you choose. There are many sizes to choose from, from 3-quart Dutch ovens to large pots of the 13.5-quart size that can serve five people to larger Dutch ovens with a capacity of up to 15 quarts.
You should get a lightweight, medium-sized, 5.5- to 6.5-quart Dutch oven to ensure safety.
Cover and Handles
These features are important because they will help prevent food from drying out when properly placed. It is important to ensure that the lid fits properly and that the handles are securely riveted. The handle should be made from silicone or metal that can withstand high temperatures. It should have strong handles and side handles.
Cleaning
Cast iron Dutch ovens can only be washed by hand. However, they should be easy to clean. Good pots won’t have any residue on the bottom and should not be scorched. If you are interested in another brand other than Lodge, Staub, or Le Creuset, be sure to check the manufacturer’s information about cleaning requirements and read user reviews.
Warranty
The limited lifetime warranty is offered by most brands I found. They will cover shipping if the product is used as a normal part of daily life (i.e., Not high heat or burnt) and other manufacturer defects. If you are looking for the best Dutch oven, it is worth doing some research about the warranty.
Conclusion
It is gone those days when you were cooking and realized that heat was not evenly distributed. Cast iron Dutch ovens are the best choice. They will cook your food slowly and evenly. You will love slow-cooked meals.
Its sturdy construction will last you until the end of your life, so don’t be distracted by its cost. The best cast iron Dutch oven will make a great addition to your outdoor and indoor cooking. You can trust them.
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