9 Best Dutch Ovens for Braising, Batch Cooking, and Beyond
Every kitchen should have one.
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
There are few things in the kitchen as versatile as a sturdy Dutch oven. Think about it: the large capacity makes it ideal for big braises, batch cooking, and one-pot meals. Comforting soups, savory thickened stews, and even bread can be made all in this one go-to pot. And best of all, it can go from the oven or stove right to the table in style.
Finding the right Dutch oven for your needs is key: You want to consider size, shape, material, and budget before investing. And with so many options on the market with some pretty hefty price tags, it can be a challenge to know which one is best for you. But there's no need to feel overwhelmed, because we've picked out the best Dutch ovens, no matter the size of your stove.
Our Top Picks
Since most recipes fit comfortably in a five- to six-quart capacity, you'll find most of these top picks in that range. You will also see many made of enameled cast iron. Ask a home cook like Ree Drummond what her go-to Dutch oven is made of, and she will invariably pick it as her top material. Why? It can get searingly hot, making it perfect for forming delicious crusts, and it can also retain heat for a low-and-slow braise like Ree's perfect pot roast. It will also last for years, if not decades.
But not all pots are one-size-fits-all, so we also found great small and large capacity options, depending on how many mouths you need to feed. And since cast iron can be downright heavy, we also found some gorgeous ceramic options that will not only be lighter to lift, but incredibly slick and nonstick. The great news is, no matter which one you pick, you'll be one and done for a long time to come. Now go forth and braise!
Le Creuset's classic 5.5-quart round Dutch oven might be pricey, but it's worth every penny. It will last for decades with it's sturdy enameled cast iron body and tight-fitting lid. It is truly a beauty on the stove, in the oven, and on the table.
The Pioneer Woman Timeless Beauty 3-Quart Dutch Oven
Isn't she pretty? π Thanks, Ree! This little three-quart number from The Pioneer Woman is made of enameled cast iron and is great for smaller recipes and stoves if you don't have the space for a big pot.
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven
If you prefer traditional cast iron, Lodge makes classic black five-quart and seven-quart options. They come pre-seasoned so you can get right to work, whether you're at home or roasting some goodies over the campfire.
With nearly 30,000 five-star reviews and a very budget-friendly price, Amazon offers a great value with their six-quart option. It's enameled cast iron like the pricier brands, and comes in 13 different pretty shades.
Developed with professional chefs, Made In really focuses on quality craftsmanship. Their 5.5-quart enameled cast iron pot is constructed in France just like the more established brands, but saves you some money since the company sells directly to the consumer.
Great Jones The Dutchess
Besides personal preference, oval-shaped ovens do come in handy for odd-shaped proteins like large whole chickens. The Dutchess has a whopping 6.75-quart capacity to feed a crowd. Plus, it has tons of pretty matte color options!
If you're just starting out and don't have a ton of cookware yet, Our Place offers their Perfect Pot as an all-in-one solution. Their 5.5-quart pot can boil, crisp, bake, braise, roast, steam, strain, pour, serve, and store. Pick one of their gorgeous matte colors and get cooking!
Ceramic pots are naturally nonstick and non-toxic. Caraway offers a super slick surface and a gorgeous modern look. This 6.5-quart will also be much lighter than cast iron, if you're worried about heavy pots. It's only 6.2 pounds!
Staub Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven
Staub is another classic French brand that offers high quality enameled cast iron. Their interiors are often black, which means less visible staining even after years of use. This 7-quart option gives extra space for batch cooking. And psst: they have 9- and 13.25-quart options, too!
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