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Dutch oven is a perfect utensil for preparing soups, stews, and ideal for slow roasting vegetables or meat. Everybody has heard about such a pot, but not everybody uses it in his/her kitchen. You may wonder why you need a dutch oven in the 21st century when there are so many smart kitchen gadgets that will prepare food for you, and you won’t have to put much effort into cooking. But if only you try a dish prepared in this pot, it’ll be impossible to pull you away from it! The taste is mouth-watering, and the flavor is fantastic!
If you want to choose a dutch oven pot, you are in the right place! In this post, you’ll find a list of the best dutch ovens 2023. Plus, here is a buyer’s guide so that you know how to pick the right utensil for you. By the end of the article, you’ll be able to choose a dutch oven like a pro!
Top 10 Best Dutch Ovens: Comparison Chart
Lodge Cast Iron Enameled Dutch Oven
Lodge Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Dutch Oven
AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Galphalon Nonstick Classic Dutch Oven with Cover
Lodge Cast Iron Enameled Dutch Oven
Lodge Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Dutch Oven
AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Galphalon Nonstick Classic Dutch Oven with Cover
Cuisinart Cast Iron Enameled Round Covered Casserole
Cooks Standard Stainless Steel Dutch Oven
Lodge Cast Iron Wire Bail Dutch Oven For Camp Cooking
Crock Pot Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven
Lodge Enameled Oval Dutch Oven
Cuisinart Cast Iron Enameled Round Covered Casserole
Cooks Standard Stainless Steel Dutch Oven
Lodge Cast Iron Wire Bail Dutch Oven For Camp Cooking
Crock Pot Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven
Lodge Enameled Oval Dutch Oven
Best Overall - Lodge Cast Iron Enameled Dutch Oven Review
The Lodge is a trusted manufacturer of kitchenware. They have been producing cookware and kitchen accessories since 1896. And their Cast Iron Enameled Dutch Oven is a great combination of form and function. It’ll definitely complement your kitchen, cast iron makes it durable while enamel adds allure. This best dutch oven heat retention is over 500°F so that you can bake, braise and broil in the oven. Of course, you can use it on the stovetop - fry, simmer, saute, etc. It’s a good vessel to cook, refrigerate, marinate and serve.
Lots of customers appreciate this enameled cast iron dutch oven.
Why We Like It
- Comes in different, vibrant colors
- Dishwasher-safe
- Made in the USA
Sale
Runner-Up - Lodge Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Dutch Oven Review
It is another great vessel made by Lodge. You have already noticed that this model looks different from the previous one. That’s because it doesn’t have enamel finish - it’s full iron cast and you can deep fry your food in such a pot. Cast iron can withstand really high temperatures, so you can try some really hardcore cooking. This best cast-iron dutch oven comes pre-seasoned, which means you can use it right from the package. This vessel can be used on any kind of stoves or in the oven.
You’ll make such delicious meals in this cast iron dutch oven that no restaurants could rival your delicacies!
Lots of customers appreciate this enameled cast iron dutch oven.
Why We Like It
- Durable
- Good for camping
- 7qt capacity
- Made in the USA
Best Grip - AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven Review
This 6qt model is very basic, it doesn’t have any extras and serves its official purpose. However, it’s one of the best enamel dutch ovens thanks to its high quality and attractive look; the pot is made of heavy-duty cast iron and has an enamel finish. You can use it on different surfaces, including ceramic- and glass-topped ones. AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is good for refrigerating, marinating and cooking; it distributes heat evenly for optimal cooking results. This vessel is great for roasting, boiling, braising and baking.
If you want a basic, durable model for a reasonable price, this vessel may be the right choice for you.
Why We Like It
- Convenient handles for a firm grip
- Easy to care
- Comes in 3 beautiful colors
Sale
Best For Camping - Lodge Deep Dutch Oven Review
This is the best dutch oven for camping with 8 qt capacity. It’s a pre-seasoned vessel that is ready to be used right from the package. You’ll be pleased to know that there are no synthetic chemicals in seasoning - only soy- and vegetable-based oil. Furthermore, the seasoning becomes even better if you use the pot often. Lodge Deep Dutch Oven is a portable unit perfect for camping. It has a flanged lid for a good grip and integral legs, so it stands excellently over the fire. Top it off, you can use this vessel as a griddle.
This dutch large oven is perfect for those who need a vessel for camping.
Pros
- Durable, high-quality cast-iron
- Versatile
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Not suitable for home use
The Most Convenient To Use - Galphalon Nonstick Classic Dutch Oven with Cover Review
This 5-quart dutch oven features a dual-layer non-stick surface, designed for everyday cooking. It’s made of durable aluminum, so the pot heats up fast and even. You can use it on the stovetop, oven (it’s oven-safe up to 450F), and it is good for searing, browning, stewing foods. We appreciate this non-stick dutch oven for its convenience: it has measuring marks, pour spouts, straining cover and transparent lid. You won’t need to use lots of utensils when you have all them in one pot. Top it off, the vessel has sturdy handles for a comfortable grip.
You just can’t pass by this aluminum dutch oven - it’s so rich-featured and convenient to use.
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Easy to clean
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
Best Versatility - Cuisinart Cast Iron Enameled Round Covered Casserole Review
This vessel made by Cuisinart will surprise you by its versatility - you can use it on the stove, in the oven or broiler, and even on the induction cooktop - that’s what we like the best! Experiment with different cooking methods - grilling, searing, simmering, slow braising, etc. This pot has even heat distribution and high heat retention, so your meals will come to perfection. It's made of cast-iron to be durable while porcelain enameled exterior looks beautiful and doesn’t impact taste and flavor.
This porcelain dutch oven looks so pretty and promises to be versatile.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Comes in vibrant colors
- Wide handles for easy grip
Cons
Sale
Multi-Layered Bottom - Cooks Standard Stainless Steel Dutch Oven Review
This 7qt dutch oven is made of 18/10 stainless steel and has a multi-layered aluminum bottom. It means that heat is distributed evenly and there are no hot spots; you can rest assured that your meal will be perfectly cooked. This vessel is versatile and compatible with any cooktop, including induction one; it is oven-safe and can withstand up to 500F, a lid up to 350F. The pot features durable riveted handles, which stay cool during cooking for your comfort and safety.
This stainless steel dutch oven offers great quality for a reasonable price.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Dishwasher safe
- A tempered glass lid with vent
Cons
- The bottom can develop white spots
Extra Durability - Lodge Cast Iron Wire Bail Dutch Oven For Camp Cooking Review
This is another cast iron pot made by Lodge. It’ll serve you for decades; use it on a grill, campfire, or stove. The vessel is extra tough, durable and versatile - you can sear, saute, simmer, braise, bake, roast, and fry. It comes pre-seasoned and is ready to be used right from the package. The heat is distributed evenly from the bottom to the sides. We like the iron-cast tight-fitting lid which keeps flavor and nutrients inside the pot; the handle is easy to grip, plus, a spring keeps it cool.
If you are looking for an excellent helper at the campsite and kitchen, consider this large dutch oven.
Pros
- Non-stick surface
- Eco-friendly
- Made in the USA
Cons
Rust-Free - Crock Pot Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven Review
The feature that we like the most in this dutch oven is that it’s rust-free. The same as almost enameled items, this 7qt vessel combines durability and elegance. It is made of cast iron and has a non-stick surface. The pot retains heat evenly and allows you to cook using various techniques: broiling, frying, roasting, sautéing, searing, braising, stewing, and baking. This cookware withstands up to 500F, so feel free to put it into the oven. Handles are extra-large for your convenience; they provide a firm grip and increase mobility.
This ceramic dutch oven is a workhorse in the kitchen and a showpiece on the dining table.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Self-basting lids
- Comes in various beautiful colors
Cons
Excellent Function And Form - Lodge Enameled Oval Dutch Oven Review
Lodge manages to impress us with another model! This 7 qt dutch oven is a combo of great functionality and pretty design. It is oval, a perfect form for cooking poultry in it, but, of course, not only that. You can perform different techniques: broiling, braising, baking, roasting, etc. Use this vessel on any cooktop, be it induction one or another; it’s oven-safe and can withstand 500F. This dutch oven has iron cast construction and porcelain-enameled surface, which provide even heat distribution and retention.
If you often cook the whole chicken or turkey, this red or white dutch oven will be the right choice for you
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Self-basting lid
- Convenient handles
Cons
- Several complaints that pots have come with chipped enamel
Buyer’s Guide: All You Need To Know About The Best Dutch Oven
What's A Dutch Oven?
A dutch oven is a vessel with thick walls, bottom, and a tight-fitting cover. It’s usually made of cast iron; however, you can find enamel, aluminum, and cast-aluminum dutch ovens.
Benefits Of The Dutch Oven
- Dutch ovens retain and evenly distributes heat
- A lid sits tightly on the pot, keeping all nutrients and flavor inside
- Most dutch ovens are compatible with all cooktop surfaces and ovens
What Is A Dutch Oven Used For?
A Dutch oven is best for cooking stew, soup, rice or slow-cooking meat. They are also good for broiling, braising, roasting, etc.; you can even find the best dutch oven for bread baking. Or it can make the best saute pan. These vessels are versatile, and generally, you can cook whatever you want in them.
Dutch Oven Vs Pot
A Dutch oven is one type of pot, but it must have thick walls, bottom, and tightly-fit cover because it is mainly used for moist-cooking. Regular pots can’t handle this task.
How To Choose The Best Dutch Oven
Size
Before buying, think for what purpose you need a dutch oven and for how many people you’ll cook. If you want to take a vessel to the campsite, you’d better choose a large pot. For home use, a small dutch oven might be enough.
Weight
Dutch ovens are pretty heavy tools, especially the ones for camping, so do consider the weight! Some customers complain that they haven’t taken into account this parameter and now can hardly use their vessels.
Design
Dutch pots are quite basic however, if the design matters, you can find something interesting. For example, enamel models come in various colors, you can also choose a shape – there are round, oval, square dutch ovens. If you want more functionality, choose a double dutch oven. Or if you are on the pickier side when we talk about appealing design, why not consider vintage cast iron dutch oven. There are lots of choices to fit every taste.
Knob
It’s better if a knob is made of stainless steel for good durability and long life.
Handles
Choose oversized handles. They provide a sturdy grip and better mobility.
Ease Of Cleaning
Some of the models are claimed to be dishwashers safe, but we do recommend hand washing them! This way you’ll prolong your vessel life, especially if it’s enamel one.
Price
Prices on the best dutch ovens start from $45 and go up to $340. When you are choosing a model, consider not only price but also warranty. As a rule, high-quality items have an excellent warranty.
Best Dutch Oven Types
Full Cast Iron
Full cast iron dutch ovens are more durable (they are built to last), and you can use them for heavier cooking, even over the direct flame. This type makes excellent camping vessels. It comes pre-seasoned, however, for later use, you’ll have to add some oil.
Enameled
This type is meant for home use; it comes in different shapes and colors. Such a vessel is appealing, it looks great on the dining table, so you can serve dishes in it. Enameled ovens are durable, but they won’t serve as long as the cast-iron item. Plus, enamel may chip off.
VERDICT AND OUR RECOMMENDATION FOR 2023
We, at mykitchenadvisor.com, often use dutch ovens at our homes and campsites. To speak the truth, we can’t imagine how some people make do without these vessels. They are workhorses in the kitchen; even if you have just only a dutch oven, you’ll make successfully any meal you like. Speaking about the #1 product, it is Lodge Cast Iron Enameled Dutch Oven. We consider it the best dutch oven 2023 thanks to its outstanding features and reasonable price.
This pot is a great combination of form and function. It’ll definitely complement your kitchen; cast iron makes it durable while enamel adds allure. This best dutch oven’s heat retention is over 500°F so that you can bake, braise and broil in the oven. Of course, you can use it on the stovetop – fry, simmer, saute, etc. It’s an excellent vessel to cook, refrigerate, marinate and serve.