In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsThe Bottom LineChoosing a Dutch OvenOur TestsWe Also ConsideredOur Trusted Expertise
In This ArticleView All
In This Article
View All
Our Top Picks
Reviews
The Bottom Line
Choosing a Dutch Oven
Our Tests
We Also Considered
Our Trusted Expertise
Photo:EatingWell / Nick Simpson
EatingWell / Nick Simpson
Dutch ovens have been serving up hearty stews, braises, roasts and even bread for centuries. These heirloom-worthy potsare incredibly versatileand can move from stovetop to oven seamlessly. Their hardy construction makes them excellent heat conductors, especially compared to aluminum stockpots. And the enamel coating they often come with makes for a sturdy, nonstick surface that doesn’t require preseasoning.
It also doesn’t hurt that Dutch ovens come in a variety of gorgeous colors, not to mention an array of different sizes to fit all your culinary creations. But they’re best known for being roomy enough for things like a family-size pot of chili, fall-off-the-bone pot roasts and soul-warming soups. Whatever you decide to cook in this versatile pot, “Dutch ovens will make slow-cooked food more savory and tender,” saysJonathan Hunt, chef and senior culinary product developer at Amazon Fresh.
Ready to invest in a Dutch oven? We tested 28 brands for durability, ease of use, performance and more. Here are the best Dutch ovens that will withstand the test of time.
Best Overall:Cuisinart Covered Casserole Dish at Amazon$100Jump to Review
Best Overall:Cuisinart Covered Casserole Dish at Amazon$100
Best Overall:
Best Enameled:Great Jones The Dutchess at Greatjonesgoods.comJump to Review
Best Enameled:Great Jones The Dutchess at Greatjonesgoods.com
Best Enameled:
Best Cast Iron:Lodge Dutch Oven at Amazon$65Jump to Review
Best Cast Iron:Lodge Dutch Oven at Amazon$65
Best Cast Iron:
Also Great, Cast Iron:KitchenAid Cast Iron Dutch Oven at Amazon$200Jump to Review
Also Great, Cast Iron:KitchenAid Cast Iron Dutch Oven at Amazon$200
Also Great, Cast Iron:
Best Splurge:Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven at Amazon$460Jump to Review
Best Splurge:Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven at Amazon$460
Best Splurge:
Best Small:Staub Round Cocotte at Amazon$400Jump to Review
Best Small:Staub Round Cocotte at Amazon$400
Best Small:
Best Large:Calphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 8.5-Quart Dutch Oven at Amazon$179Jump to Review
Best Large:Calphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 8.5-Quart Dutch Oven at Amazon$179
Best Large:
Best Ceramic:Caraway Dutch Oven at Amazon$135Jump to Review
Best Ceramic:Caraway Dutch Oven at Amazon$135
Best Ceramic:
Best Budget:
Best OverallCuisinart Covered Casserole DishPHOTO: Amazon$100$92 at Amazon$100 at Target$100 at Walmart
Best OverallCuisinart Covered Casserole Dish
Best Overall
Cuisinart Covered Casserole Dish
PHOTO: Amazon
$100$92 at Amazon$100 at Target$100 at Walmart
What we like:This Dutch oven earned a perfect score in all our performance and durability tests, and it’s reasonably priced at about $100.
What to know:Use wooden cookware with this pot—the interior took on some scratches when we tested (and intentionally nicked) it with a metal spoon.
Whether you’re braising, roasting, sautéing, or searing, the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven will produce beautifully browned dishes time and time again. The exterior and interior cast iron and enamel held up to our lab’s heat and durability tests. The chicken thighs we used for this test browned well, resulting in crispy, golden skin at medium-high heat without sticking to the bottom (hello, easy clean-up). And our rice cooked evenly without any burnt or underdone spots.
Size:5 quarts |Weight:13.8 lbs. |Material:Cast-iron construction with porcelain enamel interior and exterior |Induction Compatible:Yes |Oven Safe:Yes, up to 550°F |Dishwasher Safe:Yes
PHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick Simpson
Best EnameledGreat Jones The DutchessPHOTO: Great JonesView on Greatjonesgoods.com$180 at Saks Fifth Avenue$180 at Urban OutfittersWhat we like:The enamel coating makes this piece easy to clean, and it’s large enough to fit a whole turkey or chicken.What to know:The handles are more for show than functionality, as they’re too small to hold while wearing oven mitts.Great Jones' The Dutchess makes a regal centerpiece for your kitchen. Beautiful as it is practical, this Dutch oven achieved perfect scores on our tests for durability and value. Enameled Dutch ovens like this one are great because you can use them right out of the box without pre-seasoning (which you usually have to do with cast-iron cookware). Plus, the enamel coating makes it super easy to wipe clean and just leave on your stovetop—did we mention how this Dutch oven basically doubles as a decorative piece?The oval shape is ideal for roasting a whole chicken or turkey, a huge plus during the holiday hosting season. During our chicken-cooking tests, this Dutch oven produced a nice, even browning across the skin’s surface. Because of the large oval shape, we had to increase the heat for consistent browning across the surface, but the bird cooked through evenly and perfectly. Our rice cooked very well, too, and didn’t stick to the surface, thanks to the enamel coating. Moreover, The Dutchess held up well during our durability tests and didn’t sustain any damage to the interior or exterior.While the handles are durable and sturdy to hold without dropping or slipping, you’ll find that they’re too small to grab when wearing oven mitts. Still, this was an ever-so-minor inconvenience compared to the performance of this pot.Size:6.75 quarts |Weight:15 lbs. |Material:Enameled cast iron |Induction Compatible:Yes |Oven Safe:Yes, up to 500°F |Dishwasher Safe:YesPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick Simpson
Best EnameledGreat Jones The DutchessPHOTO: Great JonesView on Greatjonesgoods.com$180 at Saks Fifth Avenue$180 at Urban Outfitters
Best EnameledGreat Jones The Dutchess
Best Enameled
Great Jones The Dutchess
PHOTO: Great Jones
View on Greatjonesgoods.com$180 at Saks Fifth Avenue$180 at Urban Outfitters
What we like:The enamel coating makes this piece easy to clean, and it’s large enough to fit a whole turkey or chicken.
What to know:The handles are more for show than functionality, as they’re too small to hold while wearing oven mitts.
Great Jones' The Dutchess makes a regal centerpiece for your kitchen. Beautiful as it is practical, this Dutch oven achieved perfect scores on our tests for durability and value. Enameled Dutch ovens like this one are great because you can use them right out of the box without pre-seasoning (which you usually have to do with cast-iron cookware). Plus, the enamel coating makes it super easy to wipe clean and just leave on your stovetop—did we mention how this Dutch oven basically doubles as a decorative piece?
The oval shape is ideal for roasting a whole chicken or turkey, a huge plus during the holiday hosting season. During our chicken-cooking tests, this Dutch oven produced a nice, even browning across the skin’s surface. Because of the large oval shape, we had to increase the heat for consistent browning across the surface, but the bird cooked through evenly and perfectly. Our rice cooked very well, too, and didn’t stick to the surface, thanks to the enamel coating. Moreover, The Dutchess held up well during our durability tests and didn’t sustain any damage to the interior or exterior.
While the handles are durable and sturdy to hold without dropping or slipping, you’ll find that they’re too small to grab when wearing oven mitts. Still, this was an ever-so-minor inconvenience compared to the performance of this pot.
Size:6.75 quarts |Weight:15 lbs. |Material:Enameled cast iron |Induction Compatible:Yes |Oven Safe:Yes, up to 500°F |Dishwasher Safe:Yes
PHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick Simpson
Best Cast IronLodge Dutch OvenPHOTO: Amazon$65$61 at Amazon$65 at Walmart$70 at Williams Sonoma
Best Cast IronLodge Dutch Oven
Best Cast Iron
Lodge Dutch Oven
$65$61 at Amazon$65 at Walmart$70 at Williams Sonoma
What we like:This Dutch oven is highly durable, and the cast iron retains high heat very well.
What to know:The handles are easy to hold but narrow and difficult to grab while wearing oven mitts.Cast iron is one of the most durable materials for cookware, and you can count on this Lodge Dutch oven to last you through many holidays, weeknight dinners and even camping trips (yes, you can cook with this oven over an open fire!). This cast iron oven comes preseasoned with vegetable oil, so you can use it immediately after unboxing, and it works wonders on everything from briskets to biscuits. Plus, we love that cast iron evenhas proven health benefits.
Size:7 quarts |Weight:18.1 lbs. |Material:Cast iron |Induction Compatible:Yes |Oven Safe:Yes, up to 500°F |Dishwasher Safe:No
PHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick Simpson
Also Great, Cast IronKitchenAid Cast Iron Dutch OvenPHOTO: Amazon$200 at Amazon$129 at WalmartView on Potsandpans.comWhat we like:Heat distribution was excellent, and the design is more aesthetically appealing than your average cast-iron Dutch oven.What to know:The underside of the lid didn’t seal as well as we would’ve liked.Another excellent cast-iron Dutch oven, this KitchenAid pot is the perfect size for meal-prepping casseroles, stews, pasta bakes—really, anyone-pot meal. The pre-seasoned cast iron retains heat up to 500°F, so you can quicklysear a roaston the stovetop and finish it off in the oven or broil a layer of buttered breadcrumbs over mac and cheese. When cooking chicken thighs in his pot, we loved that it produced evenly browned chicken that didn’t stick to the bottom of the pot at all. We were similarly successful with the rice we cooked and were able to remove it from the pot without any sticky or burnt bits.The only minor issue we noticed was that the lid didn’t seal perfectly, but it’s a small price to pay for the modernized design of this cast-iron pot. This KitchenAid pot isn’t as clunky as other cast-iron ovens yet remains just as durable. It didn’t sustain any scratches or dents, so we know this Dutch oven can withstand many years of use and could easily be used for decades to come.Size:6 quarts |Weight:18.3 lbs. |Material:Cast iron |Induction Compatible:Yes |Oven Safe:Yes, up to 500°F |Dishwasher Safe:NoPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick Simpson
Also Great, Cast IronKitchenAid Cast Iron Dutch OvenPHOTO: Amazon$200 at Amazon$129 at WalmartView on Potsandpans.com
Also Great, Cast IronKitchenAid Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Also Great, Cast Iron
KitchenAid Cast Iron Dutch Oven
$200 at Amazon$129 at WalmartView on Potsandpans.com
What we like:Heat distribution was excellent, and the design is more aesthetically appealing than your average cast-iron Dutch oven.
What to know:The underside of the lid didn’t seal as well as we would’ve liked.Another excellent cast-iron Dutch oven, this KitchenAid pot is the perfect size for meal-prepping casseroles, stews, pasta bakes—really, anyone-pot meal. The pre-seasoned cast iron retains heat up to 500°F, so you can quicklysear a roaston the stovetop and finish it off in the oven or broil a layer of buttered breadcrumbs over mac and cheese. When cooking chicken thighs in his pot, we loved that it produced evenly browned chicken that didn’t stick to the bottom of the pot at all. We were similarly successful with the rice we cooked and were able to remove it from the pot without any sticky or burnt bits.
The only minor issue we noticed was that the lid didn’t seal perfectly, but it’s a small price to pay for the modernized design of this cast-iron pot. This KitchenAid pot isn’t as clunky as other cast-iron ovens yet remains just as durable. It didn’t sustain any scratches or dents, so we know this Dutch oven can withstand many years of use and could easily be used for decades to come.
Size:6 quarts |Weight:18.3 lbs. |Material:Cast iron |Induction Compatible:Yes |Oven Safe:Yes, up to 500°F |Dishwasher Safe:No
Best SplurgeLe Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch OvenPHOTO: Amazon$460 at Amazon$460 at Nordstrom$260 at Williams SonomaWhat we like:This splurge-worthy classic is not only attractive, it boasts superior heat retention.What to know:This piece is an investment, so if you’re not willing to care for it properly, you may want to consider a more budget-friendly option.The name “Le Creuset” is practically synonymous with heirloom-worthy cookware, and it’s no surprise this high-end pick was an aspirational favorite of ours. The generous size makes it ideal for serving seven to eight people and touches like large handle openings for a steady grip and sloped sides to maximize your stirring (while keeping ingredients in the pot where they belong) further add to this Dutch oven’s sophisticated appeal.The nature of the Le Creuset means that it can be slow to heat. This can take some getting used to, as it can be easy to become impatient and crank up your range to hurry things along. However, exercise a little patience and you’ll be rewarded with a lovely, even heat. This allowed us to brown chicken thighs without burning or sticking, and our rice cooked nice and evenly.This piece, lid and all, is oven-safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and is also dishwasher-safe. While the Le Creuset handled whacks and scrapes from our spoons very well, we were able to chip the interior of the pot during our durability tests. While this did not affect this Dutch oven’s performance, it’s worth noting that if you want to save this piece for future generations, a little extra care will go a long way.Size:7.25 quarts |Weight:13.5 lbs. |Material:Cast iron |Induction Compatible:Yes |Oven Safe:Yes, up to 500° F |Dishwasher Safe:YesPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick Simpson
Best SplurgeLe Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch OvenPHOTO: Amazon$460 at Amazon$460 at Nordstrom$260 at Williams Sonoma
Best SplurgeLe Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven
Best Splurge
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven
$460 at Amazon$460 at Nordstrom$260 at Williams Sonoma
What we like:This splurge-worthy classic is not only attractive, it boasts superior heat retention.
What to know:This piece is an investment, so if you’re not willing to care for it properly, you may want to consider a more budget-friendly option.
The name “Le Creuset” is practically synonymous with heirloom-worthy cookware, and it’s no surprise this high-end pick was an aspirational favorite of ours. The generous size makes it ideal for serving seven to eight people and touches like large handle openings for a steady grip and sloped sides to maximize your stirring (while keeping ingredients in the pot where they belong) further add to this Dutch oven’s sophisticated appeal.
The nature of the Le Creuset means that it can be slow to heat. This can take some getting used to, as it can be easy to become impatient and crank up your range to hurry things along. However, exercise a little patience and you’ll be rewarded with a lovely, even heat. This allowed us to brown chicken thighs without burning or sticking, and our rice cooked nice and evenly.
This piece, lid and all, is oven-safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and is also dishwasher-safe. While the Le Creuset handled whacks and scrapes from our spoons very well, we were able to chip the interior of the pot during our durability tests. While this did not affect this Dutch oven’s performance, it’s worth noting that if you want to save this piece for future generations, a little extra care will go a long way.
Size:7.25 quarts |Weight:13.5 lbs. |Material:Cast iron |Induction Compatible:Yes |Oven Safe:Yes, up to 500° F |Dishwasher Safe:Yes
Best SmallStaub Round Cocotte$400$371 at Amazon$400 at NordstromView on ZwillingWhat we like:This enameled cast-iron piece is the perfect size for bread baking or making meals for a family of one or two.What to know:This version is one of the most expensive ones we tested.This splurge-worthy pot from Staub is perfect for making chili, soups or roasting Cornish hens. What’s more, the 5.5-quart size is ideal for baking bread as the dough will have enough room to expand and form a nice crust, Chef Hunt says.The round shape means heat distributes very evenly, and that definitely showed in our tests. We appreciated that the bottom of the pot was consistently hot in all areas, which led to the even browning on all of the chicken and a deep brown caramelization that led to exceptionally crispy skin. We used less than a pound of chicken to avoid crowding in the pot, but a fuller batch may be too tight of a squeeze.We noticed slight sticking on a couple of pieces of chicken but nothing that couldn’t be lifted with a little extra pull. But that’s the nature of cast iron: The more you cook with it, the more stick-resistant it’ll become (and the more flavor it will impart to your dishes). What’s more, our rice was cooked just shy of al dente without any sticking, burning or underdone spots, and the rice fully absorbed all of the liquid. Overall, the Round Cocotte is incredibly durable and large enough to handle most tasks with little to no sticking. The Staub also comes in a variety of trendy colors that add to its high-end appeal.Size:5.5 quarts |Weight:12.9 lbs. |Material:Enameled cast iron |Induction Compatible:Yes |Oven Safe:Yes, up to 500°F |Dishwasher Safe:Yes, but hand-washing is recommendedPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick Simpson
Best SmallStaub Round Cocotte$400$371 at Amazon$400 at NordstromView on Zwilling
Best SmallStaub Round Cocotte
Best Small
Staub Round Cocotte
$400$371 at Amazon$400 at NordstromView on Zwilling
What we like:This enameled cast-iron piece is the perfect size for bread baking or making meals for a family of one or two.
What to know:This version is one of the most expensive ones we tested.
This splurge-worthy pot from Staub is perfect for making chili, soups or roasting Cornish hens. What’s more, the 5.5-quart size is ideal for baking bread as the dough will have enough room to expand and form a nice crust, Chef Hunt says.
The round shape means heat distributes very evenly, and that definitely showed in our tests. We appreciated that the bottom of the pot was consistently hot in all areas, which led to the even browning on all of the chicken and a deep brown caramelization that led to exceptionally crispy skin. We used less than a pound of chicken to avoid crowding in the pot, but a fuller batch may be too tight of a squeeze.
We noticed slight sticking on a couple of pieces of chicken but nothing that couldn’t be lifted with a little extra pull. But that’s the nature of cast iron: The more you cook with it, the more stick-resistant it’ll become (and the more flavor it will impart to your dishes). What’s more, our rice was cooked just shy of al dente without any sticking, burning or underdone spots, and the rice fully absorbed all of the liquid. Overall, the Round Cocotte is incredibly durable and large enough to handle most tasks with little to no sticking. The Staub also comes in a variety of trendy colors that add to its high-end appeal.
Size:5.5 quarts |Weight:12.9 lbs. |Material:Enameled cast iron |Induction Compatible:Yes |Oven Safe:Yes, up to 500°F |Dishwasher Safe:Yes, but hand-washing is recommended
Best LargeCalphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 8.5-Quart Dutch OvenPHOTO: Amazon$179 at Amazon$112 at Target$111 at WayfairWhat we like:This Dutch oven’s nonstick coating ensures food won’t stick to the bottom of the pan and helps make this pot very easy to wipe clean.What to know:While cleaning is easy, the nonstick surface also makes it harder to get a good sear on meats.Hard-anodized aluminum cookware is known for being more durable and scratch-resistant than other aluminum cookware, and Calphalon’s Premier proved to be just that. In our tests, the interior didn’t suffer a scratch, and we found that the food release was exceptional, so you know you won’t have to struggle with flipping over chicken breasts or scrubbing out burnt-on stains. That’s thanks to Calphalon’s three layers of mineral-based nonstick coating. And the 8.5-quart size means you can easily make holiday meals and potluck casseroles.Grains cook up super well in this pot—the liquid was fully absorbed, and our rice was perfectly cooked despite the larger pot size. When we tested cooking poultry in this Calphalon pot, the chicken thighs didn’t even come close to touching, so an entire batch would be very easy to whip up in this roomy Dutch oven. As for performance, the bird came out blonde all over with just a light sear. The anodized nonstick coating might detract from getting a good sear or fond (aka the brown bits left over after caramelizing meat or veggies). But if you’re looking for a Dutch oven that’s easy to clean and dishwasher-safe, this is a great option that makes for fuss-free cleanup, which especially comes in handy when cooking for a crowd.Size:8.5 quarts |Weight:5.5 lbs. |Material:Anodized aluminum |Induction Compatible:No |Oven Safe:Yes, up to 450°F |Dishwasher Safe:YesPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick Simpson
Best LargeCalphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 8.5-Quart Dutch OvenPHOTO: Amazon$179 at Amazon$112 at Target$111 at Wayfair
Best LargeCalphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 8.5-Quart Dutch Oven
Best Large
Calphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 8.5-Quart Dutch Oven
$179 at Amazon$112 at Target$111 at Wayfair
What we like:This Dutch oven’s nonstick coating ensures food won’t stick to the bottom of the pan and helps make this pot very easy to wipe clean.
What to know:While cleaning is easy, the nonstick surface also makes it harder to get a good sear on meats.Hard-anodized aluminum cookware is known for being more durable and scratch-resistant than other aluminum cookware, and Calphalon’s Premier proved to be just that. In our tests, the interior didn’t suffer a scratch, and we found that the food release was exceptional, so you know you won’t have to struggle with flipping over chicken breasts or scrubbing out burnt-on stains. That’s thanks to Calphalon’s three layers of mineral-based nonstick coating. And the 8.5-quart size means you can easily make holiday meals and potluck casseroles.
Grains cook up super well in this pot—the liquid was fully absorbed, and our rice was perfectly cooked despite the larger pot size. When we tested cooking poultry in this Calphalon pot, the chicken thighs didn’t even come close to touching, so an entire batch would be very easy to whip up in this roomy Dutch oven. As for performance, the bird came out blonde all over with just a light sear. The anodized nonstick coating might detract from getting a good sear or fond (aka the brown bits left over after caramelizing meat or veggies). But if you’re looking for a Dutch oven that’s easy to clean and dishwasher-safe, this is a great option that makes for fuss-free cleanup, which especially comes in handy when cooking for a crowd.
Size:8.5 quarts |Weight:5.5 lbs. |Material:Anodized aluminum |Induction Compatible:No |Oven Safe:Yes, up to 450°F |Dishwasher Safe:Yes
Best CeramicCaraway Dutch OvenPHOTO: Amazon$135 at Amazon$135 at Target$135 at NordstromWhat we like:This piece is beautifully designed, distributes heat evenly and is very light at about 8 pounds.What to know:The ceramic coating made for an easy searing experience but did not elicit a fond because the surface was so slippery.Unlike many other winning picks on this list, oven mitts or potholders fit very easily into the Caraway pot’s handles; plus, it’s very light, weighing just about 8 pounds. This Dutch oven comes with a nonstick ceramic coating that makes cleanup effortless yet is free of Teflon, PFOAs and other"forever chemicals" that can leach into food.In our tests, browning in this Dutch oven was very easy and elicited good results. The chicken thighs got a nice, continuous brown color throughout, but the enamel’s slipperiness made it hard for the chicken skin to become crisp. The heat distribution appeared very even as well, as both thighs cooked at the same rate, and the rice showed no evidence of being overdone, burnt or sticky. The 6.5-quart interior made for plenty of space between the chicken thighs, allowing them to crisp up without steaming. We were also impressed with this pot’s durability: There were just a few minor cosmetic chips after aggressive rapping with a metal spoon, so this Caraway pot will likely last you for years.Size:6.5 quarts |Weight:8.26 lbs. |Material:Nonstick ceramic, aluminum core and stainless steel handles |Induction Compatible:Yes |Oven Safe:Yes, up to 550°F |Dishwasher Safe:YesPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick Simpson
Best CeramicCaraway Dutch OvenPHOTO: Amazon$135 at Amazon$135 at Target$135 at Nordstrom
Best CeramicCaraway Dutch Oven
Best Ceramic
Caraway Dutch Oven
$135 at Amazon$135 at Target$135 at Nordstrom
What we like:This piece is beautifully designed, distributes heat evenly and is very light at about 8 pounds.
What to know:The ceramic coating made for an easy searing experience but did not elicit a fond because the surface was so slippery.
Unlike many other winning picks on this list, oven mitts or potholders fit very easily into the Caraway pot’s handles; plus, it’s very light, weighing just about 8 pounds. This Dutch oven comes with a nonstick ceramic coating that makes cleanup effortless yet is free of Teflon, PFOAs and other"forever chemicals" that can leach into food.
In our tests, browning in this Dutch oven was very easy and elicited good results. The chicken thighs got a nice, continuous brown color throughout, but the enamel’s slipperiness made it hard for the chicken skin to become crisp. The heat distribution appeared very even as well, as both thighs cooked at the same rate, and the rice showed no evidence of being overdone, burnt or sticky. The 6.5-quart interior made for plenty of space between the chicken thighs, allowing them to crisp up without steaming. We were also impressed with this pot’s durability: There were just a few minor cosmetic chips after aggressive rapping with a metal spoon, so this Caraway pot will likely last you for years.
Size:6.5 quarts |Weight:8.26 lbs. |Material:Nonstick ceramic, aluminum core and stainless steel handles |Induction Compatible:Yes |Oven Safe:Yes, up to 550°F |Dishwasher Safe:Yes
Best Budget
PHOTO: Walmart
$59 at Walmart
What we like:This model comes in five beautiful colors and has excellent heat distribution, making it a steal for the price.
What to know:It’s only available at Walmart, and it sustained some oil splatter stains that we couldn’t wash off easily.If you’re looking for a true enameled cast-iron Dutch oven that won’t cost you a pretty penny—but still looks delightfully decorative in your kitchen—add Drew Barrymore’s brand to your cart. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but we also found it a joy to cook with. In our tests, the chicken browned to a consistent golden color, and while there was a little bit of sticking, this did allow the poultry to develop a nice fond and complex flavor. The rice was cooked evenly throughout, too. While we were initially concerned that heat distribution on the stovetop would be uneven due to the Dutch oven’s oval shape, we were pleasantly surprised to find this was not an issue during our testing.
Size:6 quarts |Weight:12 lbs. |Material:Enameled cast iron |Induction Compatible:Yes |Oven Safe:Yes, up to 500°F |Dishwasher Safe:N/A
PHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: EatingWell / Nick Simpson
The Bottom Line: The Best Dutch Oven
TheCuisinart Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast Iron 5-Quart Round Covered Casserole(view at Amazon) was named the best Dutch oven in our tests because it produced beautifully browned dishes, just-right rice and is well-priced at $100.
TheGreat Jones The Dutchess(view at Great Jones) was another top-performing pot thanks to its easy-to-clean enamel coating; plus, it’s large enough to fit a whole turkey or chicken.
What material works best for your lifestyle?
Dutch ovens come in a few different materials, the most common being cast iron and enameled cast iron, as well as ceramic, stainless steel and even some aluminum. There are advantages and disadvantages to these different materials, and you may want to consider things like size, weight and nonstick capabilities when purchasing a Dutch oven.
Cast iron is one of the more common versions you’ll find on the market. Cast-iron cookware is made from iron that’s melted and poured into molds that shape the pot whole. Enameled cast iron means that the Dutch oven has been given an additional coating of vitreous enamel, which imparts nonstick capabilities and allows the manufacturer to provide a wide range of colors.
“The biggest difference between cast iron and enameled cast iron is that the enameled cast iron doesn’t require seasoning and is ready to go when you buy it,” Chef Hunt says. “Cast iron [usually] requires a seasoning step but retains heat and is better for high-heat cooking applications (like deep-frying).” Enamel is generally more expensive, but it’s also a bit easier to clean.
Ceramic Dutch ovens have similar benefits to their cast-iron and enameled cast-iron counterparts in terms of even heat distribution and retention. Ceramic is also considerably lighter than metal and does not require seasoning. However, ceramic Dutch ovens are less durable, being more prone to cracks and scratches (as we found during our testing).
You may also see stainless steel Dutch ovens, which are more durable than ceramic and lighter than cast iron. A good-quality stainless steel Dutch oven can heat up quickly to provide a good sear, but these are less effective at retaining heat than ceramic or cast-iron versions.
Select a size based on your needs
Most Dutch ovens you’ll see in stores or online range from 2 to 14 quarts. To determine the best size, consider your budget, how frequently you plan to use it and the size of your family.
“Based on my own experience, I think a 5- to 7-quart will suffice for a family of four to six,” Chef Hunt says.
You’ll also want to consider the amount of storage space you have. Dutch ovens are generally bulky pots, so if you have a small kitchen, consider one that’s around 5 quarts. Anything smaller than 5 quarts is probably too small for the average consumer.
A Dutch oven’s shape makes a difference
Most Dutch ovens are either oval-shaped or round, but you may also find some holiday-specific shapes (think: heart-shaped for Valentine’s Day or pumpkin-shaped for Halloween). Generally, round Dutch ovens distribute heat better than their oval counterparts. “Round versions tend to cook more evenly because heat circulates upward from the bottom to equally distant sides and then back down into what you are cooking,” Chef Hunt says. Dishes like baked pastas, single-muscle roasts, and bread all do better in round Dutch ovens. However, oval-shaped Dutch ovens are roomier and fitwhole chickensor turkeys better.
Before investing in a Dutch oven, consider what you want to use it most for. You might go for a round pot if you cook on the stove more. “A round cast iron sits perfectly on a stovetop burner, which means the heat is distributed evenly,” says Chef Claude Booker, M.S., CEO and founder of Soul Food Starters. While an oval Dutch oven won’t fit perfectly on the stovetop for even heat distribution, it might work better for other purposes like baking and roasting in the oven. An oval Dutch oven, for example, “allows the room needed for longer meats and the accompanyingitems like veggiesthat go into the dish,” Chef Booker says.
Choose a Dutch oven based on your budget
Our Dutch Oven Tests
Our Test Kitchen tested 28 Dutch ovens ranging from 5 to 8 quarts, gauging durability, ease of use and value.
Ease of Use
To evaluate the Dutch ovens' cooking performance, we cooked a jambalaya with chicken and rice recipe to use as our baseline. In each model, we assessed how evenly the chicken thighs browned, whether or not they were crowded within the pot and whether they adhered to the cooking surface of the Dutch oven. In addition, we looked at how even the rice cooked and whether or not we experienced any burning, clumping or undercooked areas.
To determine the utility of each Dutch oven, we took care to observe how many chicken thighs each model could accommodate without crowding. We evaluated each based on the size of its cooking surface and whether or not there were obvious hot or cold spots. If we observed undercooked rice or the chicken thighs browned unevenly, we took note.
Durability
Value
Of course, price does not always equal performance, so we assessed whether or not each Dutch oven’s quality matched its price. After performing our durability and ease of use tests, we examined the price of each to see whether we felt it matched the quality of the product.
Emile Henry Sublime Performance 4-Quart Ceramic Dutch Oven(starts at $225 at Williams-Sonoma):In our cooking tests, this pot sustained very uneven browning, with the outer edges getting hotter than the center. During our durability test, the top cracked and completely broke in half, and the interior suffered minor scratches.
Amazon Basics 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven($66 at Amazon):It cooks chicken and rice beautifully and is great value, but you’ll want to use only wooden cookware with this pot to avoid scratching its surface.
Tramontina Enameled 5.5-Quart Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven($120 at Amazon):The affordable price point is attractive, but it’s not as durable as we would’ve hoped—the paint chipped off the top of the lid, and the enamel coating got a little scratched up.
Crock-Pot Artisan 5-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven($46 at Amazon):This Crock-Pot Dutch oven surprisingly outperformed even some of the most expensive models in terms of durability and performance, but it’s too small if you’re cooking bigger batches or for multiple people.
Martha Stewart Collection 7-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven($80 at Amazon):This Dutch oven’s enamel coating has enough nonstick quality to put even the beginner chef at ease. Although there was some stickiness, a nice fond developed when searing meats in fat. The lid and internal coating showed signs of scratching and chipping, though. Generally, it’s a steal, especially if you can find it on sale.
Made In 5.5-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven($249 at Amazon):This Made In pot produced well-cooked rice and chicken and performed very well in all tests, but so did other less-expensive Dutch ovens.
Common Questions
What’s the best way to clean a Dutch oven?
Cleaning your Dutch oven is pretty straightforward. After cooking with it, you’ll want to let your Dutch oven cool naturally. For minimal residue, use dish soap and water with a non-abrasive sponge. For more stubborn, stuck-on residues on enameled Dutch ovens, try soaking it for about 30 minutes and then using a bit of soap along with a non-abrasive scrubber to start the degreasing process.
You’ll want to avoid soaking a non-enameled cast iron Dutch oven because prolonged contact with water can cause your pot to rust. “If something is too stubborn to remove, you can create a gentle paste of baking soda and water to speed it up,” Hunt says. “I would not use something like a cleanser if you want to keep your [non-enameled cast iron] Dutch oven in optimal shape.”
As a final step, dry your Dutch oven completely with a towel. You can even set it in the oven to ensure all the water evaporates to prevent rusting. If your Dutch oven is made of non-enameled cast iron, season it with a little cooking oil, wipe it out with a paper towel, and store it. Air-drying is fine, but don’t skip the oil seasoning step; this is what helps prevent rust.
What can you cook in a Dutch oven?
You can use your Dutch oven for making soups and stews as well as braising meats like chuck roast, boneless lamb leg or osso buco, making deep-dish lasagna and mac and cheese, cooking rice dishes like jambalaya, roasting poultry,baking sourdough breadand even deep-frying.
“Slow-cooked stews and soups, like split pea, are great in a Dutch oven because the oven’s good heat distribution allows them to thicken nicely,” Chef Hunt says.
What’s the best size Dutch oven for making bread?
Chef Hunt recommends using Dutch ovens between 5 and 7 quarts for baking a loaf of bread. “The dough ball will have enough space to expand and develop a nice, artisan-style crust,” Chef Hunt says. “I have used my smaller Dutch oven in the past out of necessity, and the bread seemed a bit denser.”
How do you season a cast-iron Dutch oven?
Seasoning your cast-iron Dutch oven doesn’t actually involve any herbs or spices—all you need is a bit of vegetable oil. Here’s how to season a non-enameled cast iron Dutch oven (because you don’t need to season enameled ones), according to Chef Hunt:
What shape of Dutch oven is best?
As we mentioned above, when choosing the best shape for a Dutch oven, the decision largely depends on the cooking you plan to do. Round Dutch ovens are typically more versatile and are ideal for most cooking tasks, including baking bread, making soups and braising meats. They fit well on stovetops and allow for even heat distribution (an essential element for these cooking methods). Oval Dutch ovens, on the other hand, are excellent for roasting larger cuts of meat, such as whole chickens or roasts, as their shape can better accommodate longer and irregularly shaped items. However, they may not heat as evenly on small stovetops due to their elongated shape. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a more general-use Dutch oven, a round one is probably your best bet, whereas an oval one is better suited for specific tasks like roasting.
April Benshosanhas been reporting on nutrition, health, and expert-recommended products from the start of her journalism career. To compile this list of best-tested Dutch ovens, she drew on the work of our test kitchen staff, who have meticulously reviewed 28 popular Dutch ovens, taking into account performance, ease of use, durability, and value. To supplement our testing, we also interviewed two chefs for insights on what to look for when shopping for a quality Dutch oven and best practices for using and maintaining it.
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