Preparation
We consider a Dutch oven a must-have piece of cookware for every kitchen. The heavy-bottomed, lidded pot can do pretty much everything, from simmering soups and stews on the stovetop to baking bread in the oven. Yes, buying an enameled cast-iron Dutch oven is an investment, but it’s an essential purchase for your kitchen, especially when you consider the fact that this is a pan you can (and likely will) use daily and one that will last for years. Here, we’ve gathered our picks for the best Dutch ovens.
Cast iron is the best material for a Dutch oven because it transfers and retains heat so well. While we also rate cast-iron Dutch ovens that are not enameled, we prefer the enameled iterations because their coating makes them a better choice when cooking acidic foods like tomatoes. (Regular, non-enameled cast-iron can react to acidic foods, imparting your finished dish with off flavors or colors.)
Best Budget-Friendly Cast-Iron Dutch Oven: Lodge Cast Iron Enameled Dutch OvenMartha’s Own Cast-Iron Dutch Oven: Martha Stewart Collection Dutch Oven Best Splurge-Worthy Cast-Iron Dutch Oven: Le Creuset Dutch OvenBest Cast-Iron Dutch Oven Design: Staub Tall CocotteBest American-Made Cast-Iron Dutch Oven: Borough Furnace Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
In this guide, we’re focusing on the best Dutch ovens with a five-and-a-half to six quart capacity, which is what Martha and many other knowledgeable cooks consider the most versatile size to own. If you’re cooking for one or two people, a smaller size may suit you better. If you have a larger family or like to make big batches of soup to freeze, a larger Dutch oven may be the best fit.
Ahead, find our picks for the best Dutch ovens to buy this fall, just in time for making soups, braising, frying chicken, and so much more.
