The Best Dutch Ovens For Some Old-School Cuisine
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Legend Cast Iron Dutch Oven -
Cuisinel Cast Iron Dutch Oven -
Overmont Camp Dutch Oven -
Bobby Flay Stainless Steel Dutch Oven -
T-Fal Sapphire 5qt Jumbo Dutch Oven -
Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven -
ZWILLING J.A. Henckels 66082-240 Dutch Oven -
Buyer's Guide
Many of us can remember watching our grandmothers cooking with these massive, extremely heavy contraptions on the stove. Dutch ovens have always been synonymous with high quality, slow cooked foods. They have been around for decades and have recently undergone a stylish facelift.
Crafted by some of the most trusted names in cookware, there are a few different materials you can buy them in. Cast iron, ceramic, stainless steel or nonstick are some of the more common types. They also come in a variety of sizes and are typically oval shaped or round. Companies like Le Creuset have been crafting high quality Dutch ovens for more than a century. Being an elite brand, they are very expensive.
There are however more affordable choices that don't skimp on quality. With more cookware companies manufacturing excellent quality Dutch ovens, anyone can enjoy the benefits of Dutch oven cooking. Check out our list of the best dutch ovens in 2022 and choose from a variety of colors, styles to fit the way you like to cook. Considering your budget and home cooking needs, finding the right Dutch oven for you should be easy.
The Best Dutch Oven Models of 2022 in Detail
Legend Cast Iron Dutch Oven - Best Dutch Oven Overall
The Legend Cast Iron’s Dutch Oven lives up to its name and is no less than legendary! It has a single layer of oil as base layer of preseasoning and in case you’re wondering - no, it’s not toxic at all! As long as you’re taking proper care of it, it will last a lifetime - just do not miss the instructions/information that comes with the pot. We like to think of this dutch oven as a 3-in-1 product since the cover serves as an excellent saute/skillet and you can use the deeper pan for soup and stews. When it comes to material, it is cast from solid, premium-grade iron and steel and perfectly distributes the heat.
Cuisinel Cast Iron Dutch Oven - Another Top Pick
In addition to including a typical nonstick option, no list would be complete without including a nonstick alternative. The Cuisinel Cast Iron Dutch Oven does not fall short of expectations. This Dutch oven made of aluminium and silicone is on par with the best of the best. Its large capacity enables it to handle a wide range of recipes while also producing large quantities of food. With a smooth surface, this cast iron skillet and Dutch oven may aid in delivering equal heat distribution for enhanced cooking and frying on a variety of cooktops, including grills, stovetops, and induction cooktops. Each dutch oven and skillet is handcrafted from seasoned cast iron designed to withstand years of frequent cooking and washing for long-term dependability and durability.
Overmont Camp Dutch Oven - Most Versatile
This Dutch oven from Overmont is a versatile and all round option for you to check out. It is a complete package that includes a skillet casserole pot, a pre-seasoned cast iron lid, a functional handle to fit the handle, and a stainless steel wire for lifting or hanging. There is also a recipe book containing various Dutch oven recipes included in the package.
This Dutch oven is compatible with a variety of cooking surfaces including hearths and campfires. There are three legs integrated into its design for stability. You can even place it on coals without any risk of toppling over. The lid features a handle for the hook to be looped in. It also doubles up as a frying pan or griddle and incorporates legs for stable placement.
Bobby Flay Stainless Steel Dutch Oven - Runner Up
It's no surprise that one of the best Dutch ovens would be designed by super Chef Bobby Flay. You can expert to get professional, delicious slow cooked results with the Bobby Flay 6-qt. Stainless Steel Dutch Oven. This dutch oven is large enough for cooking for a crowd. The stainless steel design maintains the even heating and heat retention necessary for superior results. Usable on any cook top, the riveted handles make for comfort grip and transporting from stove to oven.
T-Fal Sapphire 5qt Jumbo Dutch Oven - Honorable Mention
Of course no list would be complete without the inclusion of a traditional nonstick option. The T-Fal Balanced Living Nonstick 7 quart Dutch Oven does not disappoint. This aluminum and Silicone Dutch oven ranks up there with the classics. Its generous size allows for diverse, high volume cooking. Use it for frying, steaming, roasting or making stews. It can do it all. It's lighter than most traditional ovens which makes cleaning easy. The silicone handles are comfortable and the interior is scratch resistant. The tight fitting glass lid locks in moisture and can be withstand temperatures of up to 350 degrees F.
Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven - Consider
You know if you are going to get the finest quality in a dutch oven, you can definitely count on Le Creuset to deliver. The Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven has an enameled interior that creates an even heating and cooking environment. This is guaranteed to yield phenomenal, slow cooked taste. The large handles ensure a comfortable and firm grip. The cast iron construction requires no seasoning and can withstand temperatures of up to 500 degrees F. It's easy to clean and comes in a variety of beautiful colors. This is definitely a pot that can get passed down from generation to generation.
ZWILLING J.A. Henckels 66082-240 Dutch Oven - Also Consider
Be good to the environment and get an amazing dutch oven all at once. The Zwilling J.A. Henckels Spirit Stainless-Steel Nonstick Dutch Oven with Lid is the perfect addition to your pot collection. Unlike most other nonstick surfaces, the Thermolon PTFE- and PFOA-free ceramic coating does not give off harmful fumes. It has a fast and even heating aluminum core and stay cool handles. The tight fitting glass lid locks in moisture. This versatile dutch oven is great for soups, braising meats or anything else you desire to cook. It can also be used on all cook tops including induction and is oven safe for up to 500 degrees F.
Buyer's Guide
Dutch Oven Buying Guide
The Dutch Oven has been in existence for many centuries. And, it's always been a very handy and durable kitchen appliance. A Dutch oven is virtually durable and can be utilized to cook over very high heat sources. It is usually used for roasting, frying, and baking, which is just about every type of cooking!
As with other cookware, the Dutch Oven needs to be carefully selected. There are various sizes, models, brands, types, so trying to find the most fitting one for your kitchen might be a little bit challenging. But we have outlined the essential things you need to consider when buying one. Therefore, you can easily choose the best Dutch Oven for your personal needs. Read on!
Tips For Using the Dutch Oven
Here are a few tips and tricks to get the best experience out of your Dutch oven:
- Prevent using it on very high heat;
- Always keep an eye on your ovens;
- Use enough amount of oil or butter to coat the bottom of the pan;
- Regularly clean and dry your dutch oven after use;
- Don't place the lid on the ground;
- Avoid preheating it empty on high heat.
What Are The Things You Need To Consider Before Buying a Dutch Oven?
Material:
When it comes to materials, you have two main choices:
Bare cast Dutch oven
This is a bare cast iron design that requires special preparation before you can use them. Cast iron heats evenly and retains heat. Some people feel the bare cast iron ovens give a richer flavor to food over time, but these types of Dutch ovens are mainly used for the outdoors and barbecues.
Enameled Dutch oven
Most of the users prefer enameled Dutch ovens because they are a lot easier to clean and take care of. Also, they are obtainable in various colors and sizes. But you need to be pretty careful not to scratch the enamel, particularly around the edge.
Size:
When picking the size, you also need to consider that the dutch oven will need to fit in the oven. Aside from the width, you also need to take into account the height with the top on. If you have a small oven, you might have difficulty fitting a covered Dutch oven inside.
Of course, the volume of food that you cook will also help you determine the ideal size. The common ones are around 5 to 7-quart, which would serve roughly seven people.
Shape
The two common shapes for Dutch ovens are round and oval. Round is the most popular shape: it sits adequately on a single burner and heats evenly. It is usually deeper, and stirring is performed smoothly and easily. An oval-shaped oven is usually lighter and wider than round versions; it's ideal for preparing longer pieces of meat in the oven. The oval shape doesn't distribute heat evenly on the stovetop, but you'll hardly notice a difference if you preheat it in the oven.
What is the Price Range of a Dutch Oven?
The Dutch ovens' price can vary from $30 to $500 depending on the material, size, shape, and brand. A 6-quart enameled Dutch oven can usually cost you around $30 to $50, and the cast iron model can be at a $100 mark. Both of these Dutch ovens will still cook perfectly and get the job done. But if you're looking for a more luxurious one, then you are looking to pay a price of $400 and maybe even higher.
What Are The Most Important Features?
Lids
A Dutch oven's lid is really important. Choosing a well-fitting lid will help prevent meats from drying out and stop sauces from evaporating quickly. Most of the ovens will come with a lid made out of the same material as the oven. But some of the Dutch ovens might come with a tempered glass lid that will help you visually inspect your food while cooking.
Temperature
The highest temperature setting depends on various reasons. Still, most of the bare cast iron can typically handle over 500 degrees, while the enameled cast iron can only handle around 400 degrees before it starts burning. Always read the manufacturer's guide for your Dutch oven's specific maximum heat limit.
Knobs
Most of the lid's knobs tend to be pretty hot, and you might have difficulty in removing them. You can purchase an oven-proof replacement knob in stainless steel and replace them out yourself, or just select a model that already has a metal knob that can resist higher temperatures.
Handles
Another thing that doesn't resist higher temperature are the handles, and it's pretty important that you would be able to hold the Dutch oven without worrying about getting burned. So loop handles on the sides would be more than enough to be able to hold the dutch oven and secure enough so it won't bend.
How Did We Pick The Best Dutch Ovens?
When picking the best Dutch ovens, we have put into consideration a lot of factors, including material, price, reviews, brand, durability, etc. After deeply researching all the Dutch ovens, we have managed to pick the top ones available on the market.
We have manually tested out each Dutch oven on our top pick to see how well each oven distributed heat, how easy each was to pick up and move around, how easy each one was to clean, and whether the lid allowed enough evaporation. As we were cooking with each oven, we also estimated how cumbersome they were to lift when full.
And at the end, after testing, we took note of every single dutch oven and managed to rank them properly.
Dutch Oven FAQ
Q:
Is the enameled Dutch oven safe
A:
Yes, the enameled dutch oven is completely safe to use. It is designed to resist high temperatures in the oven without any problems. And it doesn't have any toxic materials as other materials.
Q:
How long do Dutch ovens last?
A:
Most of the quality Dutch ovens will be a long-term investment. If you take care of it and wash it regularly, the Dutch oven should last for a couple of years and even decades.
Q:
How do you clean an enameled Dutch oven?
A:
You can clean some of the enameled cast-iron Dutch ovens with the dishwasher, but you should wash them by hand. Cleaning by hand helps you prevent any unwanted damages to the coating.
