Dutch ovens are among the most versatile pieces of cookware you can buy. These heavy pots traditionally feature thick, insulating walls and tight-fitting lids, creating a perfectly steamy environment for slow-cooked stews, roasts, and baked goods.
Of course, they can also come with a hefty price tag—and while a really high-quality Dutch oven is more than worth the up-front cost, a higher price doesn’t always guarantee a better pot. Here’s how to make sure you’re getting the best Dutch oven for your money.
What Is a Dutch Oven?
Technically speaking, the heavy, enameled cast iron pots sold by legacy brands are actually French ovens, rather than Dutch. The term “Dutch oven” most likely derives from the Dutch method of casting metal cooking vessels, which British ironmaster Abraham Darby adapted for making cast iron cookware. The French added their own twist, applying a layer of smooth, non-porous enamel to eliminate the need for seasoning and make the pots easier to clean.
All of these traits add up to the super versatile, convenient piece of cookware you know today that is suited to a huge variety of recipes, from roast chicken and beouf bourguignon to crusty homemade bread.
Different Types of Dutch Ovens
Here are the most common varieties of Dutch oven you’ll find while shopping. From durability to performance, here’s how they compare.
Enameled Cast Iron
Along with cast iron’s excellent heat retention and high heat resistance, the signature cream-colored interior of your classic enameled Dutch oven creates a smooth, non-reactive, durable surface. These pots do not require seasoning, and are easier to clean than unfinished (or “raw”) cast iron.
Traditional Cast Iron
Unfinished cast iron Dutch ovens retain heat just as well as enameled ones, so the main difference lies in their surface. A raw cast iron Dutch oven still offers a relatively non stick surface—though, unlike enameled ones, this will typically require an initial seasoning step as well as maintaining that seasoning throughout the pot’s lifespan. Unfinished cast iron is also reactive, so we don’t recommend this option for slow-cooking tomato-based or other acidic dishes.
Stainless Steel and Other Materials
You’ll find plenty of stainless steel, non stick ceramic, and aluminum pots marketed as Dutch ovens, featuring a similarly wide, deep profile. These are often much more lightweight (not to mention, less expensive) than a cast iron Dutch oven, with a similar capacity. However, none of these will quite replicate the combination of high heat retention, powerful searing ability, and a heavy, tight-fitting lid that cast iron Dutch ovens are famous for.
Key Features to Look for in the Best Dutch Oven
Look for these reliable markers of a high-quality, durable Dutch oven.
Material Quality
Like with any cookware item, higher-quality materials usually translate to a better performing, longer-lasting Dutch oven. This ensures a deeper, more even sear on proteins, perfectly fluffy rice and other grains, and fewer hot spots and cold spots.
Size and Capacity
Dutch ovens come in a range of sizes: you’ll find everything from petite 1QT options (sometimes referred to as cocottes) to ones that hold upwards of 7 quarts. Larger Dutch ovens are a suitable option if you entertain frequently and have plenty of storage space—and also don’t mind lugging out a 14 lb piece of cookware. If you’re not sure which size to go for, we recommend a 5.5QT Dutch oven as a solid mid-range option: this size is perfect for everyday cooking, and can be used for larger braises and roasts as well as baking and deep frying.
Lid Type
As we’ve touched on, a tight-fitting lid is one of the key features of a Dutch oven. Made from the same heavy cast iron as the pot itself, the lid traps heat and steam, maintaining a steady temperature and helping to retain moisture. We’ve taken this classic design a step further with our Dutch Oven’s proprietary Cloud Cover Lid, which features pea-sized dimples to more effectively trap that steam and transfer it back to your food.
Handles and Weight Distribution
A cast iron Dutch oven is naturally heavier than many other pieces of cookware, but it shouldn’t be cumbersome or unwieldy. The handles should be ergonomic and comfortable to hold so that you can easily transfer the pot from stovetop to oven, and the overall weight should feel balanced even when full of food.
Versatility
One of the many benefits of cast iron Dutch ovens (both enameled and unfinished) is that they’re compatible with all stovetops as well as oven-safe. However, while our Dutch oven features an oven-safe stainless steel knob, some knobs are made from materials like plastic, which can melt above a certain temperature.
Why Invest in a High-Quality Dutch Oven
Make sure you’re spending your money on a truly heirloom-quality piece.
Longevity and Durability
While it’s tough to permanently ruin plain old cast iron, there’s plenty you can do to keep your enameled Dutch oven in better shape for longer. Check out our dedicated guide to Dutch oven care for tips on cleaning, cooking with, and generally maintaining these kitchen heirlooms.
Enhanced Cooking Experience
While a well-made Dutch oven will offer unparalleled heat retention and relatively even heat distribution, a cheaper pot will typically produce less consistent results, making it harder to get a deep, even sear on meats and veggies or an even bake on breads and pastries. In addition, lower-quality pieces can chip or scratch more easily than higher-quality ones, making them less durable (and more likely to need to be replaced) in the long run.
Our Recommendation for the Best Dutch Oven
Like all of our cookware products, we’ve engineered our Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven to perform well at almost any task, from braising to roasting to frying. From our proprietary cloud-cover lid to the professional grade cast iron construction, our Dutch oven heats evenly, traps steam beautifully, and is built to last a lifetime (or longer).
Ready to Shop?
- Round Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
- 5.5 QT · Harbour Blue
- $249
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A Dutch oven isn’t just iconic: it’s also a cornerstone of the home kitchen, lending itself well to all of your favorite cozy, rustic dishes. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a dedicated collector of these heirloom pieces, our Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is the perfect versatile, long-lasting addition to your cookware repertoire.
