If you are looking for durable cookware that lets you cook in multiple different styles, then you might be interested in this article. We have gathered the best Dutch ovens that have a huge chance of improving your cooking experience.
A Dutch oven belongs in your kitchen. Once you start using it, you will most likely notice a difference in the flavour of your food. A dutch oven lets you broil, braise, bake or even roast foods. It is ideal for slow-cooking. The best Dutch ovens are convenient to use and do not require much maintenance.
Best Pick
The Lodge 6-Quart Dutch Oven is our best pick because of its durable construction, large cooking capacity and versatile cooking options. This Dutch oven is considered to be one of the most convenient Dutch ovens available in the market.
Budget Pick
The AmazonBasics 4.3-Quart Dutch Oven is our budget pick because it is highly functional, versatile cookware that offers a premium quality service. This Dutch oven is designed to make your cooking experience better.
Quick Comparison: Top 12 Best Dutch Ovens
1. Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
This 6-quart Dutch oven is one of the best Dutch ovens in the market right now. It not only has a high quality, but its glossy surface makes it look good. The exterior is red and it is made of cast iron. You can use the Dutch oven for making a large variety of foods starting from pasta and roasts to even dinner rolls and artisan bread.
The enamelled cast iron finish enables the Dutch oven to reach very high temperatures and also to retain those temperatures well. This makes the Lodge Dutch Oven ideal for slow cooking meals.
You will not need to season the Dutch oven or worry about it eroding anytime soon. The enamel coating gives the Dutch oven very high standards that make it last for several years.
The lid has a stainless steel knob that makes it easy to lift the lid. The stainless steel is able to withstand lots of temperature changes. There are loop handles on each side so that you can carry it easily from one place to another. The loop handles are large enough to be carried using oven mitts. The Dutch oven weighs only 14.88 pounds.
This cast-iron Dutch oven is able to withstand temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. You can bake, broil, simmer, saute, fry or even roast in the oven as long as the temperature does not exceed 500 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also use it on top of an induction cooktop. Plus, it is safe to be used on any stovetop.
You can marinate your food in the Dutch oven and leave it in the refrigerator all night. You can cook acidic dishes without having any problems. The Dutch oven can handle any food PH levels.
This Dutch oven is safe to be put into the dishwasher for easy cleaning. If you want to wash by hand, make sure to use warm soapy water and a nylon brush to scrub off the food remains. You can also use a soft sponge if you do not have a nylon brush. However, be careful not to clean the Dutch oven with citrus juices or citrus-based dishwasher detergents because the enamel-coating might become dull. Plus, you need to completely dry the Dutch oven before storing it in your cabinet.
What we liked: Stains are easy to clean because of the enamel coated cast iron construction. Outside temperature does not affect the internal temperature of the Dutch oven. Plus, it heats evenly which helps to cook your food properly and with more flavour.
What we didn’t like: The enamel coating may become chipped in the long term. If it loses the enamel coating, you will no longer get a non-stick surface. This will make cooking food difficult as the food will stick to the surface. Plus, the base of the pot is only about 8.5 inches and it is quite curved. You might need to cook in batches if you are searing meat for making a stew.2. AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven
This gorgeous blue Dutch oven has a capacity of 4.3 quarts. You can bake, broil or even roast foods using this Dutch oven. It is safe to be put on any stovetops, flat-top grills or ovens as long as the temperature does not exceed 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Dutch oven is covered with cast iron that has an enamel coating. The shiny texture makes the Dutch oven look more appealing to the eye. You can serve the food in the blue Dutch oven during parties. You do not need to dirty multiple pots. This makes cleaning up easier.
The cast-iron construction enables even heat distribution and heat retention. You will not have any trouble reaching a high temperature quickly. Also, the dutch oven will be able to retain the heat for longer periods because its lid is tightly packed.
The Dutch oven comes with two loop handles. You can easily carry it from the stovetop or oven to the kitchen counter or tabletop. Make sure to use oven mitts or pot holders when you remove the Dutch oven from the stove or oven. The handles are not heat-resistant.
Moreover, the enamel coating allows you to marinate the food and store it in the Dutch oven. Cooking with wine or other acidic foods will not affect the interior of the Dutch oven. You will have rich, authentic flavours in your food. You can also put it in the fridge and directly put in the oven or on the stove.
The AmozonBasics Dutch Oven needs to be washed by hand. You cannot put it inside the dishwasher. You need to use warm, soapy water to clean the Dutch oven. You may use scrapers or a sponge to remove the hardened remains of the cooked food. It should be noted that you cannot use citrus juices or citrus dish soap to wash the Dutch oven as the glossy texture might be damaged.
You need to season it as the surface is not completely non-stick. It is recommended to always use water or oil when heating the Dutch oven. In order to protect the enamel coating, you should not use any metal utensils. It is best to use wooden, plastic or heat-resistant silicone utensils only.
What we liked: The interior of the Dutch oven is quite spacious. You can easily cook a large amount of food in one batch. This Dutch oven is also lightweight which makes it easy to use. It weighs only 11.18 pounds.
What we didn’t like: The enamel coating is super thin. Food will stick to the surface if you do not season it well. Many consumers have complained about the enamel falling off after using it for a few weeks.3. Lodge 5 Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven
The Lodge 5-quart Dutch Oven is big enough to cook for 4-6 people at once. It has a capacity of 5.7 litres so you can make a hefty amount of stews and soups. You can even fit a whole turkey or large pieces of meat in the Dutch oven.
This Dutch oven is fit for baking, broiling, searing, roasting or even frying foods since you can easily reach a high temperature. You might be able to reach a maximum temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit with this Dutch oven.
You can also simmer, steam saute foods using this versatile cookware. You will be able to cook a variety of high-quality foods at home. This dutch oven can be used on top of any stovetops and even grills.
The cast iron construction makes the Dutch oven more durable. The cast-iron is tough and it is not affected by harsh conditions easily. Since the cast iron is known for its heat-retaining abilities, you will be able to keep your food warm for a long period of time. Heat is distributed evenly so you do not need to worry about having hot or cold spots in the Dutch oven once it is hot.
What’s different about this 5-quart Dutch oven is that it already comes pre-seasoned. This keeps the Dutch oven from rusting, even when you do not use it for a long time. This makes it more durable and easy to store. The pre-seasoned surface provides a non-stick surface. This helps to prevent food from sticking to the surface. Plus, the seasoning gets better with each use.
It is recommended to not use any soap or dish detergents when cleaning this Dutch oven. You should rinse it with warm water and use a nylon brush to scrub off any hardened food remains. Make sure to pat it dry using a towel before storing it in the cabinets of your kitchen. Although the Dutch oven comes pre-seasoned, you should lightly coat or spray with oil while it is still warm for best results.
What we liked: Lodge does not use any synthetic coatings or chemical coatings to season the cookware. The Dutch oven is completely seasoned with vegetable oil which does not deteriorate your health.
What we didn’t like: It might be difficult to carry this 13-pound Dutch oven, especially when you cook a hefty amount of food in it.4. AmazonBasics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven
This Dutch oven has a solid construction that is made to last. The entire body is made of cast iron which enables the Dutch oven to retain high temperatures well. The cookware heats up quickly and is able to stay warm for a long period of time.
The cookware comes pre-seasoned with vegetable oil which allows it to resist rust well. You can easily store it in your kitchen cabinet or any place that is dry. It also allows for a non-stick cooking surface. You do not have to worry about having your food stuck on the sides of the Dutch oven. The non-stick surface also makes cleaning up easier. This makes your cooking experience a lot less stressful.
The Dutch oven is safe to be used on all cooking surfaces. You can use the Dutch oven on any stovetop, be it gas or electric. You can also put it in the oven as long as the temperature does not exceed 500 degrees Fahrenheit. You can cook in many different styles as well. You can bake, broil, roast, saute or even braise foods using this versatile cooking appliance.
The Dutch oven has a tight lid that locks in the heat and moisture. You will get juicy, tender meats and the baked goods will not turn out to be dry. The handles on the side are big and sturdy and make it easy to carry the Dutch oven from one place to another. You will be able to have a grip even when you are wearing oven mitts.
Be careful not to use any soap when cleaning this Dutch oven. Soap or other dish detergents might erase the pre-seasoning that the Dutch oven comes with. You should rinse it using hot water and use a stiff Nylon brush or sponge to clean it well. You should not use cold water and you cannot let it air dry. You should always make sure that the Dutch oven is completely dry before putting it away.
What we liked: You can easily cook food for 4-6 people easily with this spacious 7-quart Dutch oven. This makes it a convenient cookware for all times.
What we didn’t like: The Dutch oven is not safe to be put into the dishwasher. The Dutch oven weighs 15.04 pounds which might make it difficult to move around for a lot of individuals.5. Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven
The Lodge 8-quart is a ready-to-cook Dutch oven. It does not require to be seasoned as it already comes pre-seasoned using soy-based vegetable oil.
The pre-seasoning makes the cookware resistant to rust. You can store it anywhere dry without having to worry about rust catching on your Dutch Oven. Cooking is made simpler with the non-stick surface that the pre-seasoning offers.
You can use this heavy-duty Dutch oven on any stovetop. It is safe to be used on a grill or even over a campfire. The cast iron construction will keep the parts from melting down or warping. The Dutch oven has three sturdy legs that enable it to sit on the hot coal without any difficulty. Plus, the Dutch oven weighs only 20 pounds and has a large, round single handle that lets you move it from one place to another easily.
The construction is cast iron which means that the Dutch oven will last for a long period of time. It does not matter if you are cooking in the winter or during a very breezy day, your cast iron Dutch oven will distribute heat evenly and retain that heat well, once it is ignited. You will not have trouble reaching a high temperature. The Dutch oven is safe to be used in the oven as long as the temperature is below 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
This Dutch oven offers many versatile cooking options. You can bake, broil, fry, roast or even braise foods in this Dutch oven. You can cook a large variety of foods starting from slow-cooked short ribs and seafood stew to artisan bread and churros. This Dutch oven is at your service to give you the best quality dishes easily.
You can clean this Dutch oven by using hot water and a sponge or a stiff nylon brush. You should not use any soap or other dish detergents as the vegetable oil coating might come off. If you do not want to air dry the Dutch oven as it might start to rust. It should be noted that the Dutch oven cannot be put into the dishwasher. You need to clean it by hand.
What we liked: The Dutch oven comes with a cookbook that includes lots of delicious recipes you can make using this multifunctional cookware. The lid fits in tightly which makes it easier to trap in heat and moisture. This adds more flavour to your food.
What we didn’t like: You need to defrost foods before putting them in the Dutch oven as cold food tends to stick to the cast iron cooking surface. The legs are not foldable and it might be a little tricky to fit the cookware in a small oven.6. IMUSA Dutch Oven
This is a 6.9-quart Dutch oven that weighs only 3.95 pounds. It will not be too heavy to carry for most individuals, even if it has large pieces of meat in it. It has handles on both sides that make it easy to carry the Dutch oven from one place to another.
You can cook a wide variety of items using this Dutch Oven. Examples may include rice, beans, braised meat, seared meat with stew and many more.
The cast aluminium construction makes the Dutch oven last for several years. The cast aluminium allows the versatile cooktop to heat up quickly. Heat distribution is even so you will not have any hot or cold spots on the cooking surface. The cast aluminium retains heat well too. Your food will cook faster and it will have more flavour.
You can use the Dutch oven on any stovetop. You can also put it in the oven but make sure to remove the lid before you do. You need to clean this Dutch oven by hand. You cannot put it in the dishwasher as the surface of the aluminium is too delicate. The aluminium will tarnish in the dishwasher.
What we liked: With 6.9 quarts of cooking space, you can easily cook a large batch of food using this Dutch oven. This makes it perfect for when you’re hosting a party and comes in handy during the holiday seasons.
What we didn’t like: This Dutch oven does not have a non-stick surface. You need to spray or coat it with oil before using it. Many consumers have had problems with the lid construction of the Dutch oven. They reported that the lid did not fit well and some even came warped.7. Crock-Pot Artisan Oval Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
You can slow cook your meals to perfection using this 7-quart Dutch oven. It has the ability to withstand harsh conditions because of its heavy-duty construction. This Dutch oven will yield great results throughout its lifetime.
You can cook a generous amount of food in many different styles. You can make stews, fry potatoes, saute vegetables, sear meat or even roast beef using this versatile cookware.
The construction is heavy-duty cast iron that is known to retain heat well and also, to distribute heat evenly. Your food will cook evenly and at a faster rate. The enamel finish gives the Dutch oven a more elegant look. It makes it look brand new at all times. The Dutch oven in the colour scarlet red makes it look appealing to the eyes. You can use it as a serving dish.
It is used to use this Dutch oven on any stovetop. Be it electric, induction, ceramic or gas cooktops, this 17.03-pound Dutch oven is suitable for it all. You can also put it in convection or conventional oven to bake or broil foods as long as it does not exceed a maximum temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
The lid on top has a stainless knob that makes lifting the lid easier. The lid is tightly packed which helps to trap in heat and moisture. You are likely to achieve juicy, tender foods using this convenient cookware. The handles on each side make it easy to carry the Dutch oven from one place to another. The handles are large enough for you to get a good grip on them, even if you are wearing oven mitts.
Although this Dutch oven is not safe to be put into the dishwasher, it is extremely easy to clean it by hand. It is recommended to use hot water and a hard brush to clean the Dutch oven. On the other hand, you should only use wooden or silicone utensils in order to prevent scratches from developing on the surface.
What we liked: The enamel-coating makes the cooking surface non-stick. You can easily cook your meals without having to worry about food being stuck on the surface. Plus, the non-stick property makes cleaning up easier as you do not need to scrub off hardened food remains.
What we didn’t like: The enamel coating might get chipped off if you do not season the cookware well. If the enamel coating comes off, the Dutch oven may lose its non-stick properties and it might be difficult to retain heat well.8. Overmont Camp Dutch Oven
This is a 6-quart dutch oven that you can take on your next camping trip. With three integral legs, you can easily put it on top of hot coals. The stainless steel wire means that you can easily hang it over the campfire.
The cast iron construction distributes heat evenly so you will be able to cook your food without any hassle. Once heated, the cast iron retains heat for long periods of time. This means that you can still keep your food warm after it is cooked.
The pot of this Dutch oven has a capacity of 4,200ml which means that you can easily cook for 2-5 people. You can fit a whole turkey in the pot along with some potatoes. You can cook in many different styles using this Dutch oven. This versatile cookware lets you bake, sear or even deep-fry among other things.
You can use this Dutch oven on any cooktops. You can also put it in an oven. The round shape and tightly locked lid enable the cyclic thermal flow. This makes cooking food easier as the food receives heat from all sides.
You can clean your Dutch oven using soap or any other dish detergents. Rinse it thoroughly with warm water and pat it dry with a towel. Before putting it away, you need to make sure that the Dutch oven is completely dry and then lightly coat it with oil. Otherwise, the cookware may start to rust.
What we liked: The lid can be used as a skillet as well. It can be used for frying, searing or even browning foods.
What we didn’t like: The surface of the Dutch oven is not non-stick. This makes cleaning up difficult as you need to scrub off the remains which takes time. You have to season it properly before each use for best results.9. Le Creuset Dutch Oven
Le Creuset is a French cookware manufacturer that makes premium quality Dutch ovens. The Le Creuset Dutch Oven is round in shape and is considered to be one of the best Dutch ovens of all times.
With a Dutch oven capacity of 5.5 quarts, you will be able to make delicious stews, braised short ribs, artisan bread, dumplings and many more dishes for 4-6 people easily.
The enamelled cast iron construction makes this Dutch oven an essential cooking appliance that will serve you for many years. The enamelled surface gives the Dutch oven a glossy or shiny texture that keeps it looking brand new. It also protects the Dutch oven from rust and provides a non-stick cleaning surface. This makes cleaning the Dutch oven quite easy. Plus, the enamel coating is premium-quality which prevents it from chipping, dulling, staining and even cracking.
The cast iron assembly is heavy and tough. It is able to withstand harsh conditions and will not break or damage easily. The cast iron is known to store heat for a long period of time. Your Dutch oven will keep your cooked food warm even after your cooking session is over. An even distribution making cooking food easy. You will not need to extend your cooking time because your food will cook thoroughly.
This Dutch oven requires no seasoning so you can start cooking in no time. You can use it on a stovetop or even in a convection or conventional oven. Make sure to not exceed a temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Both the pot and the lid are in the colour cherry that makes the Dutch oven look elegant. You can serve food directly in this Dutch oven.
You will be able to clean this Dutch oven with ease. It is safe to be put into the dishwasher. If you want to clean it by hand, make sure to use warm water and a nylon brush or soft abrasive pads for removing food deposits. It is best to not use any harsh detergents as it may ruin the enamel coating. You can also use metal utensils without worrying about chipping off the enamel.
The two, large cast-iron loop handles on the side make it easy to carry this 11.44-pound Dutch oven. The lid is tightly packed which helps to circulate steam and trap the moisture in the food. This also helps to enhance the flavour of your food. The lid also has a heat-resistant knob that can resist a maximum temperature of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that you can lift the lid up easily.
What we liked: The Dutch oven can keep foods cold because of its cast-iron construction. You can also store food in it and keep it in the refrigerator. Plus, a Le Creuset Dutch Oven will serve you for many decades to come.
What we didn’t like: The Dutch oven might be a little heavy to carry for some individuals. Moreover, it might be a little difficult to get rid of the stains and metal marks without using the Le Creuset cookware cleaner.10. Tramontina Dutch Oven
The 6.5-quart Tramontina Dutch Oven is a versatile cookware with a cast-iron construction. The oven capacity is large enough for you to fit a whole chicken or turkey.
This Dutch oven is safe to be put inside an oven as long as the temperature does not surpass 450 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also use it on any type of stovetop.
The solid construction makes this Dutch oven last for several years. It is able to resist changes in temperatures well. The heavy-duty cast iron assembly means that the Dutch oven will not damage or break down easily. The cast iron helps to retain heat for a long period of time. You will be able to keep your food warm even after you are done cooking the meals.
The enamel coating gives the Dutch oven a non-stick cooking surface. Your food will not stick to the surface while it cooks. This makes cleaning easier as you do not need to do anything extra to scrub off the food deposits. The enamel coating also prevents the Dutch oven from rusting or corroding easily.
Although the Dutch oven is not dishwasher-friendly, you can easily wash it by hand. Rinse with warm water and do not use any harsh soap or dish detergent as it might damage the enamel coating on the surface.
The handles on the side are big enough for you to carry with ease while you are wearing oven mitts or using potholders. The stainless steel knob on the lid is able to resist high temperatures without needing to be replaced any time soon. The self-basting condensation ridges allow the Dutch oven to trap in the steam which adds more flavour to the food. You can easily cook stews, sear meat, bake loaves of bread, braise beef and make many more dishes using this convenient Dutch oven.
What we liked: The Dutch oven comes with detailed, clear instructions that are easy to follow. Plus, you can brown foods easily as it has a large cooking surface.
What we didn’t like: The Dutch oven weighs 16.27 pounds which makes it quite difficult to carry, especially when you make a lot of food in it. You might need to transfer the food to another pot. You cannot use metal spoons or spatulas as the enamel coating might become chipped.11. Camp Chef Square Dutch Oven
The Camp Chef Dutch Oven has a cooking capacity of 8 quarts. It is large enough to cook two whole chickens in it. You can easily cook for 6-8 people easily using this spacious Dutch Oven.
It has a square shape and can be used on any cooktops. This Dutch oven can be used on any stovetops, grills or even in a convection or conventional oven.
The Dutch oven comes with a built-in thermometer that lets you monitor its internal temperature. You can also insert a temperature probe through the thermometer notch without having to lift the lid up. This reduces the amount of heat loss and does not extend the time needed to cook foods.
The cast iron assembly makes the Dutch oven extra durable. It will be able to retain a high temperature well and heat will be distributed evenly. You will not have any hot or cold spots on the cooking surface. This will help to cook your food fast and evenly. The raised ridges on the lid mean that the lid can also be used as a skillet. This allows you to cook more items at once.
The Camp Chef Dutch Oven comes pre-seasoned which means that you can use it immediately. You can make the surface less sticky by lightly coating it with oil. It is recommended to use a brush to coat the oil in the ridges of the lid as it has a very rough surface.
What we liked: A large cooking surface allows you to cook a large quantity of food at once. This Dutch oven is perfect for parties or a large gathering.
What we didn’t like: The loop handles are not large enough to use when wearing oven mitts or potholders. Plus, the Dutch oven is quite heavy. It weighs 24 pounds. You might need some assistance when lifting or carrying the Dutch oven.12. Ayesha Curry Dutch Oven
The Ayesha Curry Dutch Oven is a lightweight, elegant, easy-to-use cooking appliance that will make your cooking experience even better. The Dutch oven weighs only 6.3 pounds so you will not have much trouble carrying it around in your kitchen. The twilight teal colour goes well with any dinner table settings. You can use this Dutch oven as a serving dish.
The cast iron gives the Dutch oven a sturdy finish. The cast iron is known to retain heat well and for a long time as well. You will get an evenly heated cooking surface.
It has an enamel coating that helps to provide a non-stick cooking surface. It also prevents rust from forming. Plus, the shiny texture of the enamel coating gives the Dutch oven a rich look. You will be able to make use of this cookware for many years to come.
The Dutch oven has a capacity of 6 quarts which makes it perfect to cook whole chickens and turkeys. You can bake, broil, braise or even fry foods using this Dutch oven. The tightly fitted lid on top makes it ideal for making slow-cooked meals. This is because the lid on top allows steam to circulate back into the Dutch oven. The trapped moisture makes your food tender.
The lid has a stainless steel knob on it which makes it easy to serve food. The handles on the side are large and sturdy. You will get a good grip even when you are wearing oven mitts or potholders. The Dutch oven is safe to use on any stovetops, be it gas or electric. You can also put it in the oven as long as the temperature does not cross the 500 degrees Fahrenheit mark.
You can clean this Dutch oven in a breeze. All you need to do is wash the Dutch oven with warm, soapy water after it cools down. You may use a soft sponge or a nylon brush to release the food remains. Keep in mind to dry the Dutch oven completely before storing it in a dry place. It is recommended to not use any metal utensils such as a metal spatula or other metal tools to prevent scratching. If you use metal tools, the enamel coating might chip.
What we liked: The Dutch oven does not require any seasoning. You can start cooking your meal in no time. You will be able to cook acidic foods without having to worry about any discolourations.
What we didn’t like: The enamel coating chips off pretty easily. You need to be extra careful while using this Dutch oven.Things To Consider Before Buying A Dutch Oven
Size
The size of your Dutch oven depends on how much food you intend to cook with it. There are a lot of sizes to choose from. The most common sizes start from 3 quarts and go up to 8 quarts. Some Dutch ovens even hold up to 13 quarts.
If you usually cook for 2-3 people, a Dutch oven with a capacity of 3 or 4 quarts will work just fine for you. A larger capacity will enable you to accommodate more food in the Dutch oven. With a Dutch oven range from 5 to 8 quarts, you are likely to feed a crowd of 4-6 people easily.
If you intend to use the Dutch oven in a conventional oven, you should take note of the oven size as well. If the Dutch oven is big in size or has legs at the bottom, you might not be able to fit it inside the oven.
Shape
The most common shapes of a Dutch oven are a circle, an oval, a rectangle or a square. Most users recommend the round Dutch ovens as it is easier to place on a stovetop. The shape also retains heat better and has better heat distribution compared to the other shapes. Moreover, the round Dutch oven might be easier to carry for most users.
You can easily cook one dish meals using the round Dutch ovens. The oval-shaped Dutch ovens are great for cooking large pieces of meat such as lamb chops, short ribs and many more. They are also great for baking a loaf of bread. The short or rectangle shape can be used to bake cakes, make cinnamon rolls or even roast vegetables.
Construction
The construction of your Dutch oven is something you should put a lot of thought into. If the construction is solid, then you can expect your Dutch oven to last for several years. A cast-iron or cast-aluminium construction will enable the Dutch oven to retain heat well and distribute it evenly throughout the cooking surface. It will be able to withstand harsh conditions better than the other types. An enamel coating will provide a non-stick cooking surface that will be easy to clean. You might not even need to season it. Plus, an enamel coating keeps the Dutch oven from rusting.
Usage
If you intend to use your Dutch oven outdoors such as on a BBQ grill or over a campfire, you should consider investing in one that has well-built legs and sturdy handles. The legs will make it easy for the Dutch oven to be put on hot coal. However, legs on a Dutch oven might make it difficult to be used inside convection or conventional ovens.
Cleaning and maintenance
Some Dutch ovens are safe to be put inside a dishwasher while others are not. If you want to clean the Dutch oven by hand, you should use hot water and a nylon brush. A sponge will also work if you do not own a nylon brush. It is recommended not to use any harsh detergents when washing the Dutch oven. A non-stick surface makes cleaning easier as you do not need to scrub off the food remains.
You should not use metal utensils such as metal spoons, spatulas or tongs when using enamelled Dutch ovens. The enamel coating may become chipped. Moreover, you need to pat it completely dry before you store in your kitchen cabinet. It may start to rust if you airdry the Dutch oven.
Temperature
The Dutch ovens that come with tightly fitted lids usually trap in heat better than the ones that have loosely packed lids. There is less heat loss so your Dutch oven will be able to remain hot for a long period of time. Most of the Dutch ovens mentioned in this article are able to reach 400-500 degrees Fahrenheit within a short time.
Conclusion
Regardless of what type of Dutch oven you get, you may expect it to make your cooking experience ten times better. You will be able to cook in many different styles and your food might even taste better. What is good about a Dutch oven is that you will not need to replace it for many years to come. The best Dutch ovens will serve you well for a lifetime.