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#1 AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven (6 Quarts).
If you want the versatility of cooking with a Dutch oven but aren’t quite ready to commit to a pricey, heirloom-quality piece, this wallet-friendly version gives you the chance to try stovetop-to-oven cooking for less than $50. AmazonBasics’ version of the Dutch oven has an enameled exterior for easy cleaning and care.
There are not many color options and some users have had issues with chipping enamel. However, most people find this Dutch oven to be a solid option for one-pot cooking. The manufacturer recommends that it be used at 400 degrees. This is slightly lower than other models. Count on this basic Dutch oven for low and slow cooking and you won’t be disappointed.
#2 Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
This porcelain-enameled cast-iron Dutch oven comes in a variety of exterior colors, with a cream-colored interior for excellent visibility. Although handwashing recommended, you can wash it in a dishwasher.
The pot holds 6 quarts and is oven safe up to 500 degrees for baking or broiling. It can be used on any cooktop, including gas, electric, or induction, but it shouldn’t be used on outdoor grills or over campfires. The tight-fitting lid helps to retain moisture while cooking. The Lodge received high marks from our tester for its ability to distribute heat and retain heat. Because of the double layer of enamel coating inside and out, this can be used for marinating, cooking, storing, and serving.
#3 Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven
The pot is a great all-rounder, but it comes at a high price. It’s big enough to prepare most dishes, but not so large that it is too difficult to move. It has an enamel coating that allows you to cook almost any dish in it. The knob is either metal or a composite material that’s safe to 500 degrees. The knob can be easily removed so that you can cook at a higher temperature. The Le Creuset exceeded our tester’s expectations in terms of heat distribution and retention: “The pot’s high sides and heat-conducting properties made evenly browning a whole chicken a cinch,” she raves.
The Le Creuset Dutch ovens come in a wide variety of colors to mix and match with anyone’s kitchen décor. Like other cast-iron pots, this one is heavy—the 5.5-quart model weighs just over 11 pounds, and it can weigh 20 pounds or more when it’s filled with food. Cast-iron pots by Le Creuset are made in France. Le Creuset also has larger sizes or oval shapes.
#4 Lodge Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven Pre-Seasoned
This Dutch oven is made from raw cast iron and comes pre-seasoned so you can get a nonstick pot right away. But that’s not the best part. The Dutch oven lid doubles up as a skillet and has two handles on the sides. This Dutch oven is extremely affordable.
Make cornbread in the skillet while you simmer your soup. The downside of the skillet feature is that the lid doesn’t have a top handle for lifting, and our tester noted that the handles do get very hot when in use. Raw cast iron cookware can be used at any oven temperature, as well as on an outdoor grill and campfire. At super-high temperatures (oven-cleaning temperatures), the seasoning can burn off, but it won’t hurt the cookware, you would just need to season it again.
#5 Tramontina Covered Round Dutch Oven Enameled cast iron
If you’re not willing to spend a lot for a single piece of cookware, this Dutch oven offers many of the same features at a much lower price point. The large size makes it great for large families and large roasts or poultry. While this has a metal knob, the cookware is only rated to oven temperatures of 450 degrees, so you won’t be able to use it for some of the no-knead bread recipes that require higher temperatures.
Although the Dutch oven is heavier than other Dutch ovens, our tester was happy with its design and how evenly it distributed heat. It expertly handles acidic foods, like tomato soup, beautifully browns beef for stew, and requires almost no seasoning (the rim of the pot and lid aren’t coated, so seasoning or oiling them occasionally would help prevent rust).
Overall, Tramontina’s Dutch oven isn’t much different from other good Dutch ovens that our tester has tried. It did everything she expected, cleaned easily, and looked great on the stove.
#6 Camp Chef Classic Preseasoned Dutch Oven
Are you heading for the great outdoors This Dutch oven is camp-style and uncoated in cast iron. It has feet that can be raised over hot coals. The flat lid allows you to place coals on top for heating. The tight-fitting lid helps keep moisture out during cooking and can also serve as a griddle. The Dutch oven comes preseasoned, so you can take it with you on your trip. However, the coating can be improved by additional seasoning.
This 6 quart capacity is perfect for camping trips by yourself or cooking for small groups. It’s a truly versatile piece of cookware—you can also flip the lid over to use it as a skillet or griddle. Despite being oven-safe, the legs can make it difficult to use. It may work on a gas stovetop depending on the size of your stove grates. However, it is not recommended for an induction or electric cooktop.
#7 CampChef Pre-Seasoned Square Cast Ir Dutch Oven
Although round Dutch ovens are most popular, there are times when a square Dutch cooker is a better choice. Many reviewers rave about how versatile this square Dutch oven is: It’s great for making even rows of biscuits or buns or for baking cornbread or brownies, but it’s just as good for roasts, casseroles, and more since it has a roomy 8-quart volume.
The Dutch oven and lid come pre-seasoned. You can use the Dutch oven immediately, but the surface will get even more nonstick after additional seasoning. The lid can be reversible with raised ridges that allow it to be used as a stovetop barbecue. This lid should be washed by hand.
#8 BergHOFF International Cast Iron Round Souppot with Lid
With cookware, bigger isn’t always better. This 3-quart Dutch oven is great for side dishes or small servings of soup, chili, stew, and more, and it’s lighter and easier to move than larger pots that weigh more.
The exterior enamel coating’s high-gloss exterior will be attractive for many years. The Dutch oven’s interior coating will not need to be seasoned. The cookware is safe up to 400 degrees and can be used with any cooktop, even induction. Handwash is recommended.