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The 7 Best Dutch Ovens, According to Our Tests

We tested 24 Dutch ovens to find the best for baking, braising, and searing.

By Jennifer Zyman
Updated on September 6, 2024
A selection of dutch ovens we tested
Photo:

Food & Wine / Eric Brockob

Hardworking Dutch ovens can do anything from slow-cooking pork shoulder, braising short ribs, simmering tomato sauce, baking a loaf of no-knead bread, or even handling stir-fries if you don't have a trusty wok. We tested 24 models from big brands such as Le Creuset, Staub, and Lodge to find the best Dutch ovens. Not all Dutch ovens are created equal, and there are certain things you might not realize you need to consider.

We also enlisted the expertise of Jim Lahey, James Beard-winning baker and bread cookbook author. Lahey introduced the no-knead bread method, which took the world by storm after being published by the New York Times in 2006. Lahey admits he’s always been drawn to Dutch ovens. He has an extensive collection and helpful insights on what to look for.

We've narrowed down the competition using Lahey's expertise and data from our extensive lab tests to compile this list of the best Dutch ovens to add to your cookware collection.

Our Top Picks
Best Overall Dutch Oven:
SALE
Staub Round Cocotte at Amazon $400 $310
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Best Value Dutch Oven:
SALE
Cuisinart Covered Casserole Dish at Amazon $100 $73
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Best Splurge Dutch Oven:
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven at Amazon $459
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Best Dutch Oven for Gifting:
Smithey Dutch Oven at Food52 $225
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Best Cast Iron Dutch Oven:
SALE
Lodge Dutch Oven at Amazon $113 $65
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Best Oval-Shaped Dutch Oven:
Great Jones The Dutchess at Greatjonesgoods.com
Jump to Review
Best Minimalist Dutch Oven:
Milo by Kana Milo by Kana 5.5-Quart Dutch Oven at Amazon $145
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Best Overall Dutch Oven

Staub Round Cocotte

Staub 5.5-Quart Round Cocotte
PHOTO: Amazon
Orig. $400 $310 at Amazon $350 at Williams-Sonoma View on Nordstrom
Pros

  • The performance and durability met the high expectations of the price point of this classic Dutch oven brand.

Cons

  • We found slight sticking on a couple of chicken pieces, but everything could be lifted with a little extra force.

Staub's Cast Iron 5.5-Quart Round Cocotte won overall for many reasons. It performed well in our tests, perfectly getting deep brown caramelization on the chicken with a solid crisp and cooked rice. We found it easy to use and large enough to handle any task that requires a Dutch oven. We also found that given what buyers get in return, the price of the Staub is fair.

"I love Staub because of the manufacturing and quality," says Lahey. "They're built like a tank." The brand’s pieces are so well constructed that we barely saw a scratch on the exterior glaze from the durability test. Overall, it’s a superior product to its competitors in every way.

Heat capacity: 900℉ | Material: Cast iron | Weight: 12.9 pounds | Dimensions: 12.87 x 6.57 inches

Best Value Dutch Oven

Cuisinart Covered Casserole Dish

Cuisinart Chef's Classic Enameled Cast Iron 5-Quart Round Covered Casserole
PHOTO: Amazon
Orig. $100 $73 at Amazon $53 at Wayfair $75 at Wayfair
Pros

  • It feels like a much more expensive product until you see the price. 

Cons

  • The coating did chip slightly during our durability tests. 

The Cuisinart Chef's Classic Enameled Cast Iron 5-Quart Round Covered Casserole wins for the best value at $99. We expected the price point to be higher after blind tests, given the quality of its construction, which makes sense given Cuisinart’s popularity amongst chefs and home cooks. There was only slight chipping during durability tests, and it cooked rice brilliantly. It is well constructed, built to last, and beautiful, making it an excellent choice for a gift or starter kitchen.

Heat capacity: 550℉ | Material: Cast iron exterior with enamel interior | Weight: 8 pounds | Dimensions: 11.6 x 6.22 inches

Best Splurge Dutch Oven

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven, 7.25 qt.
PHOTO: Amazon
$459 at Amazon $260 at Williams-Sonoma $368 at Nordstrom
Pros

  • We find Le Creuset worth the cost for its heirloom quality and how well it performs.

Cons

  • Our durability tests exposed some cast iron under the enameled surface. 

The Le Creuset 7.25-quart round Dutch oven is a classic valued worldwide. Le Creuset is an aspirational brand for home cooking due to its heirloom quality and an endless variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. While you can find more affordable Dutch ovens, we highly recommend the Le Creuset. If we could only recommend one piece of cookware to someone serious about cooking, it would be this Dutch oven. Several editors have cooked with ours for years, and we stand by its durability and versatility. We love how easy it is to clean and that it is dishwasher-safe. There's a reason it's one of those classic French kitchen items.

Heat capacity: 500°F | Material: Cast iron | Weight: 13 pounds | Dimensions: 13.5 x 6.3 inches

Best Dutch Oven for Gifting

Smithey Dutch Oven

Smithey 5.5-Quart Dutch Oven
PHOTO: Smithey
$225 at Food52 View on Smithey.com $300 at Crate & Barrel
Pros

  • The Smithey is pre-seasoned, easy to clean, and easily manages everything from braises to bread.

Cons

  • Its rustic appearance might not be for every kitchen style.

Honoring the best vintage American design, the Smithey Ironware 5.5-quart Dutch oven combines the durability of cast iron cookware with a polished interior surface that only improves with time. Smithey is made in the U.S. and arrives pre-seasoned with pure grape seed oil so you can start cooking immediately.

“I’ve had the Smithey 5.5-quart and 3.5-quart for a few years now, and I’d never buy a different brand,” says editorial director Megan Soll. “I’ve made incredible dishes with the 5.5-quart, and cleanup is a breeze. I also love the rustic look of the cookware.” When hitting the Smithey with a metal spoon, no scratch appeared. It gets a great sear on chicken thighs and has consistent heat throughout the cooking surface. The brand also offers engravings for all its cast iron products, making it a special gift for serious cooks.

Heat capacity: 986℉ | Material: Enameled cast iron | Weight: 14 pounds | Dimensions: 13.25 x 4.5 inches

Best Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Lodge Dutch Oven

Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven - 7 Quart
PHOTO: Amazon
Orig. $113 $65 at Amazon $100 at Williams-Sonoma Orig. $78 $65 at Walmart
Pros

  • There is plenty of cooking surface area to brown three to four chicken thighs. 

Cons

  • The inside bottom lost a bit of the seasoning during our tests.

Lodge's 7-quart cast iron Dutch oven is amazingly durable. There were no signs of damage from durability tests, and we noted that "Lodge never disappoints." The Dutch oven is beautifully constructed and super sturdy; you can tell it will last several lifetimes. It performed well in cooking rice and chicken thighs. It's an excellent price for something versatile and a good addition to an existing Lodge cast iron skillet collection.

"The only problem I have with Lodge is because it's an unfinished iron, you can have a nice patina of carbon build up on the inside of it, which will flick away. And it can rust if you don't care for it properly," says Lahey. Lodge is a great Dutch oven option if you’re happy to care for your cast iron consistently.

Heat capacity: 500℉ | Material: Pre-seasoned cast iron exterior and interior | Weight: 13 pounds | Dimensions: 11.15 x 5.55 inches

Best Oval-Shaped Dutch Oven

Great Jones The Dutchess

Great Jones The Dutchess
PHOTO: Great Jones
View on Greatjonesgoods.com $180 at Saks Fifth Avenue $180 at Urban Outfitters
Pros

  • The Dutch oven performed well across all tests and feels much more expensive than its approachable price. 

Cons

  • We found they had to increase the heat for an even sear across the surface. 

The Great Jones “The Dutchess” earned the title of best oval-shaped Dutch oven, but we found much more to love. At $160, this is a great price for a quality cast iron Dutch oven. The Dutchess may have a dainty name, but it is a workhorse that withstood our durability test and made easy work of chicken thighs and cooking rice.

Even though we made a mistake with the temperature during a test, there was no difference in the finished product, making versatility another selling point. With a 6.75-quart capacity, it's slightly oversized but still manageable to carry from stovetop to table thanks to its oval shape.

Heat capacity: 450℉ | Material: Cast iron exterior with enamel interior | Weight: 15 pounds | Dimensions: 15.75 x 6.75 inches

Best Minimalist Dutch Oven

Milo by Kana Milo by Kana 5.5-Quart Dutch Oven

Milo by Kana 5.5-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
PHOTO: Amazon
$145 at Amazon View on Kanalifestyle.com
Pros

  • It is affordable for those looking for the performance of heritage brands without the high price tag.

Cons

  • We wish the handles were wider to make getting the Dutch oven in and out of the oven easier.

The Milo by Kana Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is a minimalist beauty offered in sleek white enameled cast iron and other colors such as dusty pink or emerald green. It's affordable, and it also performed across all tests. The chicken thighs browned nicely, achieving good color, and they quickly released. Rice cooked to a perfectly fluffy and evenly soft consistency with no sticking.

There was zero enamel chipping from our durability tests, although we would like to note that some long-term test results have shown very slight chipping and discoloration after six months of use or more. Still, this Dutch oven is a great piece of non-toxic cookware, and we love that it's also dishwasher-friendly.

Heat capacity: 500℉ | Material: Recycled iron and enamel | Weight: 10.58 pounds | Dimensions: 10.5 x 6 inches

Our Favorite Dutch Oven

The Staub Cast Iron 5.5-Quart Dutch Oven performed the best in our testing and was our favorite Dutch oven overall, in case you were wondering if you should buy a Staub or Le Creuset. This Dutch oven is solidly constructed, and it helped us get a deep brown caramelization.

A person opening the lid of the Staub Cast Iron 5.5-Quart Round Cocotte

Food & Wine / Eric Brockob

How We Tested Dutch Ovens

We put the Dutch ovens through the paces by executing cooking tests with dry and wet ingredients and durability tests to simulate regular use.

  • Soups and stews test: During our testing period, we cooked a variety of soups, stews, and a uniform Creole-style red Jambalaya with chicken and sausage.
  • Chicken thighs test: In our control test, we evaluated how well the thighs were browned and whether they were crowded in the pan. We also noted if they stuck to the pan's surface and the overall results of the dish.
  • Durability: We also wanted to see how the Dutch ovens handled day-to-day use, especially with harsh cooking utensils. So, we beat the Dutch ovens with a metal spoon over 25 times on the inside and outside to see if they scratched, dented, or got marked up.
  • Ease of use: We used the Dutch ovens in different cooking tasks, from braising to soup making, to see how easy they were to maneuver from the stovetop to the sink. In other words, we did all the heavy lifting, so all you have to do is choose your favorite from our list.
A person cooking in the Milo by Kana 5.5-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Food & Wine / Eric Brockob

What We Looked For

Material

Dutch ovens often come in cast iron, enameled cast iron, or ceramic. Choosing which material you prefer will likely depend on how you intend to use it and its cost. Generally, enameled cast iron will be your best bet for the widest variety of applications. It will maintain a steady heat for long, slow braises, go on any stovetop or in the oven, take high heat, and when properly maintained, last a lifetime.

A person holding the Cuisinart Chef's Classic Enameled Cast Iron 5-Quart Round Covered Casserole with oven mitts

Food & Wine / Eric Brockob

Cast iron Dutch ovens can give you many of the same benefits as enameled cookware but can be harder to maintain, as they are prone to rust when not properly cared for and seasoned. You should also not cook highly acidic foods, like tomatoes, in regular cast iron because small amounts of metal can leach into the food.

Ceramic can be a good choice for a budget Dutch oven, especially for use in the oven, but it will have a different heat-tempering ability than one made of metal.

Shape

Dutch ovens come in round and oval varieties. While they are relatively interchangeable in terms of use, oval versions will better accommodate larger proteins like whole chickens, hams, or large roasts. The round shape will work well if you primarily want to make soups, stews, braises, and breads. Round Dutch ovens sit nicely on a burner, but ovals are better suited for the oven. Due to their shape, they can lead to uneven cooking on a stovetop. We also find the walls of the Dutch oven to be an important consideration. Shorter pots allow more steam to escape, which aids in cooking tasks like browning meat.

Size

Dutch ovens vary in size and can be as small as one quart or as large as 16. Most recipes call for a 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven, and Lahey recommends a 6-quart as a safe bet. If you serve a crowd regularly, you might want a larger version. If you're short on storage, ovals can be easier to store.

Weight

Cast iron and enameled cast iron are heavy pots, even before they are full of food. If you find them heavy when empty, you may have difficulty maneuvering them once they are full. You can easily lift and move the empty pots, and if you have upper body strength or motor control issues, you may opt for a lighter ceramic Dutch oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a Dutch oven used for?

    Dutch ovens can be used for anything from dry-roasting a pot roast, large-volume stir-fries for big crowds your wok can't handle, and, of course, simulating an oven to bake bread. You can also use one to deep fry because the sides are high enough to keep splattering oil where it should be. They can be used for braising and soups; basically, we love them for a lot of things, including as a kitchen tool for winter recipes especially.

  • What makes an excellent Dutch oven?

    Lahey prefers cast iron over ceramic because it is more durable and less sensitive to thermal shock. "I had an Emile Henry split down the middle one time, and I didn't know they made them that way because it looks so perfect," he says. Since thermal shock concerns high-heat cooking, Lahey recommends materials that can withstand higher heat. While he likes Lodge, his vintage Copco from Denmark is his favorite. He looks for pots with the kind of density or weight that provides good thermal transfer and a solid seal for heat retention.

  • How do you clean a Dutch oven?

    There are many ways to clean a Dutch oven. "I use hot, soapy water and a sponge, and I try not to abrade it, especially if there's any glass or glaze," he says. If there is any residue, Lahey wipes out the Dutch oven with a damp towel after it's cooled down. There's no need to sanitize something that was at 500°F."

  • Can you ruin the enamel on a Dutch oven?

    Yes, if not properly cared for. Most enameled cast iron can be used on all heat sources, including gas, electric, and induction cooktops. It should not, however, be used in microwave ovens. In addition, thermal shock can occur if there is a sudden or rapid change in temperature, resulting in cracking or loss of the enamel. If there is food residue stuck on the surface that cannot be wiped away with a damp towel, fill it with warm water and let it soak for 15 to 20 minutes before washing.

Other Dutch Ovens We Tested

Strong Contenders 

AmazonBasics 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven ($53 at Amazon)

This Dutch oven is an excellent value for the price. It browns chicken evenly and is durable. The chicken thighs were slightly blonde in some areas, but the chicken was browned overall. 

Beautiful 6-Quart Enamel Dutch Oven by Drew Barrymore ($69 at Walmart)

During testing, we thought this was a beautiful Dutch oven but found oil spotting and scratching on the inside after a few uses.

Made In 5.5-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven ($249 at Made In)

This is also a beautiful Dutch oven, but it is costly for something that performs as well as its lesser-priced competition.

Calphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 8.5-Quart Dutch Oven ($150 at Williams Sonoma)

This Dutch oven is a good option for someone who wants an affordable and nonstick Dutch oven. However, it doesn't brown chicken as nicely as other options we tested.

Cuisinart Chef's Classic 7-Quart Round ($130 at Amazon)

We recommend this Dutch oven to anyone looking for a good option at this price. That said, we didn't find its browning capabilities as good as others.

What Didn't Make the List

Several Dutch ovens we tested didn't score well enough across our criteria to warrant inclusion. Although many came from top brands, the competition was fierce. Some of the Dutch ovens that scored lower than our winning picks include the Caraway Dutch Oven ($135 at Caraway), KitchenAid's Seasoned 6-Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven ($129 at Amazon), the Crock Pot Artisan 5-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven ($45 at Amazon), and the Denby Cast Iron Round Covered Casserole ($81 at Amazon).

Our Expertise

  • Jennifer Zyman is a Senior Commerce Writer for Food & Wine and a former restaurant critic with a culinary school degree and over 15 years of food writing experience. Her work has appeared in Atlanta Magazine, Bon Appetit, Eater Atlanta, The Kitchn, Local Palate, National Geographic, Simply Recipes, Southern Living, and Thrillist. To write this story, she used Food & Wine's testing data, experience, research, and expertise from Jim Lahey.
  • Jim Lahey is the owner of Sullivan Street Bakery, winner of the James Beard Foundation's award for Outstanding Baker, and a celebrated cookbook author.
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