which cast iron dutch oven is best

The Best Cast-Iron Dutch Ovens

Full Answer

What is the best brand of cast iron dutch oven?

The best Dutch Ovens in 2022

• Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven. ...
• Staub 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven. ...
• Lodge 6-Quart Cast Iron Enamel Dutch Oven. ...
• Lodge 5-Quart Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven. ...
• Great Jones The Dutchess Dutch Oven. ...
• Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast Iron 5-Quart Covered Casserole. ...
• Milo by Kana Classic Dutch Oven. ...

What is the best rated Dutch oven?

Best Dutch oven overall: Le Creuset In our tests, the Le Creuset gave the best performance, producing well-crusted seared meat and evenly caramelized vegetables.

What is the largest cast iron dutch oven?

What is the largest enamel cast iron Dutch oven? Inspired by oversized cast iron ovens dating back hundreds of years in Europe, the Goose Pot is the largest cooking vessel made by Le Creuset at 15 1/2 quarts. With its deep sidewalls and secure lid, the Goose Pot locks in heat and moisture to fully cook even the largest stuffed birds.

What are the best Dutch oven pots?

Types of Dutch Ovens

• Cast Iron. This is the material of choice for the top-rated Dutch oven brands, due to its ability to retain and distribute heat.
• Enameled Cast Iron. This is a very popular material for Dutch ovens, bringing an element of rustic European design to your kitchen.
• Ceramic. ...
• Stainless Steel. ...
• Cast Aluminum. ...

What material of Dutch oven is best?

cast ironSince Dutch ovens are primarily designed for stewing and braising (although you can bake cakes and biscuits in them, too), the best material for a Dutch oven is cast iron. Cast iron retains heat and releases it evenly into the food.

Which is better Dutch oven or cast iron?

If you're looking for sturdy cookware, both traditional cast-iron cookware and enameled cookware, including Dutch ovens, are great choices. With slow cooking, enameled cast iron is the better choice. Meanwhile, regular cast iron often performs better when you're cooking something quickly.

What Dutch oven do chefs use?

Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven Several of the chefs we spoke to said they use Dutch ovens from Le Creuset either at home or in their professional kitchens.

Are all cast iron Dutch ovens the same?

All Dutch ovens are made from cast iron, are wonderful conductors of heat, and can be used in many of the same ways. The main distinction that sets enameled and cast iron Dutch ovens apart is the pot's finish (or lack thereof), the price tag, and the amount of TLC your cookware requires.

What can you not cook in a cast iron Dutch oven?

4 Things You Should Never Cook in Cast Iron:Smelly foods. Garlic, peppers, some fish, stinky cheeses and more tend to leave aromatic memories with your pan that will turn up in the next couple of things you cook in it. ... Eggs and other sticky things (for a while) ... Delicate fish. ... Acidic things—maybe.

Is a cast iron Dutch oven worth it?

If you're an avid outdoor cook, a traditional, seasoned cast-iron Dutch oven is likely the best choice for you. These pots are more durable than their enameled counterparts and can stand up to intense heat when planted atop a bed of fiery coals.

Should I wash cast iron with soap?

Can I use soap to wash cast iron? Contrary to popular belief, you can use a small amount of soap to clean cast iron cookware! Large amounts of soap can strip the seasoning off your pan, but you can easily re-season your pan as needed.

How long do Dutch ovens last?

In contrast, if you can afford the initial outlay of cash, a high-end Dutch oven can last you 20 years or more before it shows signs of wear and tear, even becoming a family heirloom. Products from brands such as Le Creuset usually come with lifetime guarantees, so you can always replace it if you have issues.

What Dutch oven is made in USA?

Lodge Cast Iron Round Dutch OvenLodge Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven As the Dutch oven is made in the USA, you can rest assured of its quality and make. This Dutch oven is available in different sizes and sports a black finish. The Round Dutch Oven by Lodge is made using high-quality materials that offer durability and sturdiness to the product.

What color Dutch oven is best?

Consider the interior color of your Dutch oven. You're usually going to see either black interiors or a lighter color, like tan. Lighter interiors are great because they allow you to see better into the pot while you are cooking. The brighter environment lets you view easily the contents of the deep cooking vessel.

Which is better cast iron or enameled cast iron?

While enamel is useful in that it eliminates the pitted surface of cast iron where food can more readily get trapped and stick, it is not inherently nonstick and does not build up a seasoning. So each time you cook, you'll need a sufficient amount of fat to avoid stuck-on messes.

What is the best size Dutch oven?

A 5–7 quart Dutch oven is the sweet spot for most home cooks. This size is great for cooking for four people (often with leftovers). Representatives from both Staub and Le Creuset tell us that their most popular size is 5 1/2-quarts, and that's the size most Epi editors have at home, as well.

What's so great about a Dutch oven?

An enameled cast-iron Dutch oven is perfect for braises because of its heft, which helps with heat retention and distribution. It's ideal for searing meat over high heat on the stovetop and then transferring it to the oven for low-and-slow cooking. That's versatility.

Which is better cast iron or enameled cast iron?

While enamel is useful in that it eliminates the pitted surface of cast iron where food can more readily get trapped and stick, it is not inherently nonstick and does not build up a seasoning. So each time you cook, you'll need a sufficient amount of fat to avoid stuck-on messes.

Is it healthy to cook in cast iron pots?

You'll use less oil, avoid harmful chemicals, and get a little extra iron in your diet.

Can you use a cast iron Dutch oven on the stove top?

You can use an enameled cast iron Dutch oven on the stovetop (whether it's electric, gas, or induction), oven, or grill. It even works on coal- or wood-powered ovens.

What is a Dutch oven?

A Dutch oven — sometimes called a French oven or a cocotte — is a large, typically heavy piece of cookware best known for its ability to slow-cook dishes like beef stew, pulled pork, Bolognese sauce and soup, according to Maurer. He also noted that “they are super versatile thanks to their design” — their “high walls make them a perfect choice for dishes with a sauce or braising liquids,” he explained. Atticus Garant, executive chef at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, added that you can even bake bread in your Dutch oven if you so desire. “ [It’s] the complete work horse in the kitchen,” he said, noting that its thick base is the essence behind how handy a tool it can be in any kitchen. “ [This] means even cooking and great results when you want to brown or shallow-fry something,” Maurer added.

What is the color of Staub Dutch oven?

Many of the chefs we spoke to also listed Staub as one of their favorite Dutch oven brands. “I love the black textured enamel they use on the inside of their Dutch ovens, as well as the little points under the lid where moisture collects and drips back down to baste the food,” said Ben Leonard, a chef with Homemade, which offers online cooking classes. The Staub Dutch ovens come in several fun shades including Cranberry, Sapphire Blue and Basil.

What is the difference between a Dutch oven and a slow cooker?

Gray added that with a Dutch oven, you can “start off on the stovetop and then go straight into the oven,” which you can’t do with a slow cooker. However, if you are new to cooking and want something you can set and forget, Dourleijn said a slow cooker is a fine starting point.

Can you use a Dutch oven to cook fish?

Maurer explained that since slow cookers “typically only cook slowly and with low temperatures,” you can’t use them to “ sear and brown” meat or fish “or cook fast [for] stir frying or boiling pasta for water.” Gray added that with a Dutch oven, you can “start off on the stovetop and then go straight into the oven,” which you can’t do with a slow cooker.

Do Dutch ovens have a lid?

Most Dut ch ovens come with a lid — but not all lids are built the same. “ [Your Dutch oven] should come with an equally thick, heavy duty, tight-fitting lid, set with a good quality handle,” said Garant. Maurer added that a tighter lid will help retain moisture while you cook, especially when you’re steaming or slow-cooking something.

Is Cuisinart Chef's Classic Dutch oven dishwasher safe?

With a 4.7-star average rating from more than 200 reviews on Amazon, the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Dutch oven is a popular pick if you’re looking for a relatively affordable enameled cast iron option. The porcelain enameled exterior gives it a sleek look for the kitchen counter, and the enameled cast iron construction helps the pot retain even heat, plus is dishwasher safe. The Dutch oven also has wide cast iron handles on each side to make it easy to move it around.

What is the best shape for a Dutch oven?

The two most common shapes for Dutch ovens are round and oval. Round is the most popular shape: it sits well on a single burner for even heating, is often deeper, and the shape also lends itself well to smooth stirring. An oval-shaped oven is usually shallower and wider than round versions; it's ideal for cooking longer cuts of meat in the oven. On the stovetop, an oval shape doesn’t distribute heat as evenly as round ovens, but you’ll barely notice a difference if you preheat it in the oven before use.

What is a Dutch oven?

The Dutch oven is an indispensable piece of cookware in any kitchen—and for good reason. This deep, lidded pot made of heavy cast iron can do just about anything: from braising meats to baking bread to simmering stews.

How much does a Le Creuset Dutch oven weigh?

Like other cast-iron pots, this one is heavy—the 5.5-quart model weighs just over 11 pounds, and it can weigh 20 pounds or more when it’s filled with food. Le Creuset cast-iron pots are made in France.

Why do you need a Dutch oven lid?

A Dutch oven’s lid is very important: Well-fitting lids will help keep meats from drying out and keep stews and sauces from evaporating too quickly. Most ovens will come with a lid in the same material as the rest of the vessel, but you may find a Dutch oven with a tempered glass lid that allows you to visually monitor your food. The shape of the lid is a matter of preference; domed lids with smooth interiors will send moisture back down the sides of the oven, while flatter lids with bumps or ridges on the inside offer a self-basting feature by redirecting any condensation directly down into the pot.

How big is a Dutch oven?

Dutch ovens can be found in sizes as small as ¼-quart (perfect for individual servings of French onion soup or cobbler) and as large as 13-quart, great for large batches of chili or braising pork belly for a crowd. For most households, a 5- to 7-quart is the most popular: it’s large enough to hold a whole chicken or bake a 2-pound loaf of bread, and depending on what you're cooking, it can easily feed a family of four with leftovers. When selecting the size for your oven, it’s better to have one that’s too big rather than too small. It’s much easier to cook a small amount in a big pot than to have a smaller pot filled to the brim. Also, consider that a Dutch oven can be quite bulky; you will want to make sure you have adequate storage space for whatever size you choose.

Where are Le Creuset Dutch ovens made?

Le Creuset cast-iron pots are made in France. And if you are looking for a larger size or prefer an oval shape, Le Creuset has those as well.

Can you wash a cast iron Dutch oven?

While handwashing is recommended, it can be washed in a dishwasher. The pot is oven-safe to 500 degrees for baking or broiling and holds 6 quarts.

Where are cast iron Dutch ovens made?

Our research revealed that the cast iron Dutch oven market falls into three pricing categories: the premium, French-made brands Staub and Le Creuset, which cost $200 or more; mid-tier models in the $100–150 range, usually made in China; and lower-cost brands that come in at under $100, also made in China.

What can you cook in a Dutch oven?

A Dutch oven owes a lot of its versatility to cast iron's excellent heat retention, but the pot's shape—short and wide enough for searing meats, yet still deep enough for wet dishes like braises and stews—enables you to cook a range of foods, especially dishes that require browning meats and vegetables first, followed by a simmering phase in a cooking liquid. During the weekday, you'll use one of these pots for soups, sauces, stews, and rice dishes, or maybe to upgrade fried chicken. When time allows, you can reach for the same Dutch oven to turn out perfectly crusty bread or tender braised meat. A Dutch oven is one of the most reliable pieces of cookware in your kitchen; properly cared for, it should also last a lifetime.

Why is the Martha Stewart Dutch oven recalled?

We had one concern regarding the pot's durability: In 2011, the company recalled its Dutch ovens for faulty and potentially dangerous enamel. We spoke to the company about it and were told that they've since changed manufacturing facilities in China, which was good to hear—though we did find at least one online review of a Martha Stewart pot, purchased in spring 2016, that describes the enamel fracturing. What we don't know is whether that damage was due to user error or a manufacturing defect. We'll keep an eye on the Martha Stewart Dutch oven as we continue to cook with it and will update this review accordingly.

How many quarts of food can a Dutch oven hold?

We limited our tests to Dutch ovens that had a capacity of between five and six quarts. While enameled cast iron Dutch ovens come in everything from cute 1/4-quart to massive 13 1/2–quart sizes, a five- to six-quart pot is the most practical size for most homes, as it should make enough food for four to six people. Go any smaller and a typical recipe might overflow the pot; bigger pots can end up underfilled, potentially affecting the outcome of a recipe (though if you regularly cook for larger crowds, bigger may well be the way to go).

What is the purpose of enamel on a Dutch oven?

The enamel protects the raw cast iron from rusting, means that it doesn't require any seasoning, and gives the pot a somewhat nonstick surface.

How to test heat retention in a lidded pot?

We then tested heat retention by preheating each lidded pot in the same 350°F (180°C) oven, then recording the pots' loss of heat in both the walls and the floors using the infrared thermometer.

Where is the Cuisinart pot made?

Manufactured in China, the Cuisinart performed nearly as well as the pricier pots, at a third to a quarter of the cost of the French brands. Despite the smaller, five-quart size, the bottom of this pot is just over eight inches in diameter (larger than the Le Creuset), offering ample surface for good, uncrowded browning. We developed fond easily, though we did have to work a little harder to scrape it off the bottom of the pot on the stovetop.The Cuisinart is available in other sizes as well, from two to eight quarts.

What is the best cast iron oven?

Best Cast Iron: Lodge 5-Quart Dutch Oven. Many chefs prefer pre-seasoned cast iron cookware because it helps food quickly and evenly, not to mention, it creates meals with tons of flavor—and this 5-quart cast iron Dutch oven from Lodge does just that.

What is the best non-stick Dutch oven?

Best Non-Stick Dutch Oven: Calphalon Classic Dutch Oven. This non-stick pot is designed to make cleanup a breeze—the non-stick feature ensures you'll never have to scrub stuck-on food, and it's even dishwasher-safe. This 5-quart aluminum option can be used on the stovetop or in the oven up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is Le Creuset's Dutch oven called?

One shopper called Le Creuset's famous Dutch oven "the Bentley of cookware" while another said "there are reasons this is a classic."

How long do Dutch ovens last?

In fact, they're built to last for years, and some can even last a lifetime.

What is a Dutch oven?

A Dutch oven is one of the most essential kitchen tools a home cook can have . Often made out of coated or uncoated cast iron, Dutch ovens look like heavy-duty pots. Along with sturdy handles and durable designs, they have thick walls with lids that help trap heat and steam, allowing them to cook food evenly. They can be used in the oven ...

How many people can you cook in a Dutch oven?

When determining the right Dutch oven for your needs, you'll want to consider what types of meals you'll be using it for. If you typically cook for one to two people, a smaller 5-quart option will suffice, while families may want to invest in a 6- or 7-quart one.

What is enamel cast iron?

What's more, the enameled cast iron material allows for advanced heat distribution that results in quick, easy, and consistent meals every time. The interior coating also prevents food from sticking and makes it easy to clean, while the exterior is resistant to chips, cracks, or damage.

What is the best thing to cook in a cast iron Dutch oven?

When it comes to cooking, there are few things more useful than a cast iron dutch oven. These pots were originally designed for use on an open fire and still today make the perfect vessel for making food like braised lamb shanks or pot roast. The best part about them is that they last forever- most people say their grandmother’s cast iron Dutch Oven is still in use!

What to consider before buying a cast iron Dutch oven?

Before buying, consider and learn carefully, compare prices between cast iron dutch oven lines of the same type to make a decision.

How many quarts of casserole can you make in a Dutch oven?

LARGE 6-QUART CAPACITY: Feed large groups at weddings, family gatherings, and more, as this family-sized dutch oven makes up to 6 quarts of casserole, soup, stew, roasts, and endless other options!

What is a good feature for a domed iron cover?

WELL MADE FEATURE:Short handle and domed iron cover add versatility and space for roasts,help easy moving between oven and table.

How to keep cast iron Dutch ovens from rusting?

It's one of those pieces that you can't live without, and will last for years to come with proper care! To keep your favorite pan performing at its best (and most importantly), follow these quick tips: -Always wash by hand rather than putting excess water inside the handle area as this could damage seals & joints while also leading too much rust formation if allowed time enough (the longer air travels within vessel walls; therefore more chances exist particles/rust being carried into pores).

What is a Dutch oven?

A dutch oven is a great way to make delicious food and the best part? They're cast iron. This material has been around since 17th century when it was first used for cooking purposes, so there are tons of recipes using this type! You can also use them on campfires if you don't want your meat taste burnt by fire or have any other metals in them (which will react poorly). A good quality Dutch Oven makes all sorts od dishes such as bake sale chicken/beef bones soup stock pot pie etcetera...

Why is it important to buy a cast iron oven?

It is important to buy the best quality cast iron dutch oven so that they last for a long time. If you're not careful, the money you spend on a product can go to waste if it breaks or malfunctions within a few days of purchase. Consider spending more on something that will last longer and will ultimately save you both money and time.

What is a Dutch oven?

Taste of Home. Next to a cast-iron skillet, a Dutch oven just might be the most versatile piece of cookware you stock in your kitchen. Use it to saute, sear, simmer, braise, bake and much more. But like any piece of kitchen equipment, Dutch oven brands, their performance and price can vary widely. So before you click “buy now,” see which Dutch ...

What is the purpose of a Dutch oven?

Baking: The construction of Dutch ovens is perfect for making crusty loaves of homemade bread.

How much does a lodge Dutch oven cost?

No surprise here: Lodge, the maker of the internet’s favorite affordable cast-iron skillet, also makes a phenomenal Dutch oven for well under $100.

Can you clean the inside of a Dutch oven?

Our Test Kitchen also admired this pot’s easy-clean finish. Even after frying, sauteeing and browning all sorts of delicious recipes, our pros were able to clean up the inside of this Dutch oven easily with just a regular kitchen sponge—no extra elbow grease needed.

Is a Dutch oven low maintenance?

We know you don’t need another reason to love this piece of cookware, but we have one more: Dutch ovens are low maintenance.

Is Cuisinart Chef's Classic casserole dishwasher safe?

Not when it comes to the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic casserole. This Dutch oven is designed to be dishwasher-safe. That’s a huge relief when it comes to cleaning up dishes like a long-simmering beef bolognese. But there’s more to this pot than just easy cleanup.

Can you use a grill pan on a stove top?

You heard that right: The lid here also serves as a grill pan. Just turn the lid over and you’re ready to grill chicken, steak, veggies and more right on your stovetop.

What is the best shape for a Dutch oven?

If you plan to roast whole chickens, braise turkey legs or cook other large cuts of meat, an oval shape may work better for you.

What is a Dutch oven?

Either way, a Dutch oven is essential for any serious cook. This kitchen workhorse is a heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid, usually made from enameled cast iron, which you can use on the stove or in the oven — and once you’ve braised a roast or simmered a stew in one, you’ll never look back. We put several to the test to see which ones are worth the investment.

Why do pot roasts have domes?

The dome-shaped lid promotes heat and moisture circulation, yielding a perfect pot roast in our test. The pot gets very hot and stays that way, so for jobs like caramelizing onions, it’s a good idea not to walk away. But that also means your food will stay hot on the table (and cold as well; refrigerate a pasta salad in it overnight, then bring it to a barbecue, and your dish will keep it cool).

What temperature should a Dutch oven be?

It does everything you need a Dutch oven to do: cooks evenly, oven safe up to 500 degrees F, and has a self-basting lid.

What color enamel is used in Dutch ovens?

Most Dutch ovens have a cream-colored enamel-coated interior, however, we did test others with black and grey interiors. Darker colors made it harder to caramelize onions accurately and determine browning. Plus, we felt the cream color was most pleasing from kitchen to table.

Is a Lodge cast iron Dutch oven enameled?

No big surprise that the company famous for its cast ir on skillets has its enameled cast iron Dutch oven game down. We love this Lodge Dutch oven for most people because of its affordability, durability and quality cooking.

Is pot roast safe to use in a Dutch oven?

Pot roast came out tender and luscious, and the pan cleaned up easily. It is dishwasher safe, though handwashing is recommended. This is a workhorse of a Dutch oven that you can use often and un-gently; it’s tough enough to do the work and the moderate price tag means you won’t feel the need to baby it. Buy It.