The Best Dutch Ovens To Buy Now

Some might argue that a Dutch oven is the only pot you really need in your kitchen. If you thought they were just good for making an occasional pot of chili, we're here to tell you that's far from the truth. From mains to sides to desserts, there's not a meal that you can't prepare in your trusty Dutch oven. They can be used to sear meats, sauté vegetables, simmer soups, and even bake the perfect loaf of bread.

What Is a Dutch Oven?
Dutch ovens are thick-walled cooking pots with heavier lids that fit tightly to the top. They're traditionally known to be made with cast iron, but there are also varieties made with ceramic and aluminum. The ability to switch between stovetop and oven use adds to their versatility and offers the ease of cooking and serving a whole meal in one pot. The standard Dutch oven size is between 4 and 7 quarts. However, you can find Dutch ovens as small as 1 quart or larger than 10 quarts. You may want to consider the space you have in your kitchen and what kinds of dishes you traditionally cook most to decide what size will be best for your needs.

Once you add a Dutch oven to your cookware collection, it'll become the first pot you reach for every time you're in the kitchen. Not to mention, they look beautiful displayed on your stovetop. We've rounded up the best Dutch ovens on the market in every category and at different price points to help you decide which one is right for you. Trust us, these durable pots are worth the investment and will become an integral part of your kitchen for years to come.

Here are the best Dutch ovens you can buy now:

Our Top Picks

Best Overall Dutch Oven:

Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven at Amazon

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Best Cast-Iron Dutch Oven:

Lodge Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven at Amazon

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Best Affordable Dutch Oven:

Amazon Basics 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven at Amazon

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Best Enameled Dutch Oven:

Lodge EC6D33 Cast Iron Dutch Oven at Amazon

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Best Nontoxic Dutch Oven:

Caraway Dutch Oven at Amazon

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Best Nonstick Dutch Oven:

Calphalon Classic Nonstick 5 Quart Dutch Oven at Amazon

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Best Dutch Oven for Camping:

Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven at Amazon

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Le Creuset

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Investing in a Le Creuset Dutch Oven now will guarantee that you have a quality piece to last a lifetime. Enameled cast iron requires no seasoning while still delivering even heat distribution and retention. Tight fitting lids ensure that moisture stays in food while it's cooking and locks in flavor. Le Creuset offers the lightest cast-iron pieces on the market and they're available in nine different sizes ranging from 2 quarts to 13 1/4 quarts in 19 of Le Creuset's signature colors. One customer summed it up by sharing, "I always figured why get a Dutch oven when I could just use a heavy pot with a lid. But the heat distribution on this really does make a huge difference when cooking."

Amazon

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The Lodge Pre-Seasoned Dutch Oven can be used to sear, sauté, simmer, bake, broil, braise, roast, fry, or grill your favorite foods. The lid for this Dutch oven can also be used as a skillet so you're getting two Lodge pieces for the price of one. Sturdy loop handles on both pieces allow you to securely carry the pot even when full. With proper seasoning and care, cast iron will become your favorite cooking companion.

Amazon

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With over 11,000 five-star reviews, Amazon shoppers agree that this Dutch oven is a quality option at a lower price point. It's suitable for all cooktops and is oven safe up to 400 degrees. It's available in a range of bold colors including red, green, white, and blue. This piece should be hand-washed after each use. "This is an amazing deal. Lots of bang for your buck. If you are on a budget but want to up your cooking arsenal, I highly recommend this product," shared one Amazon reviewer.

Lodge EC6D33 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Amazon

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Made in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, Lodge cookware will never steer you wrong. Their best-selling Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is as affordable as it is versatile and durable. In addition to using it for cooking, it can also be used to marinate, refrigerate, and serve. While it is dishwasher safe, using soapy water and a brush will help keep the Dutch oven looking new after each use.

4.3

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Caraway considers their Dutch oven to be your new best friend for cooking pastas, roasts, stews, and more. The nontoxic and nonstick coating on the interior of the 6.5-quart ceramic pan makes cooking safe and cleaning more enjoyable as food will slide right off the slick surface. It's safe for use on all induction, glass, and gas stovetops as well as in the oven up to 550 degrees. The hardest decision you'll have to make is which of the six standout Caraway colors you'll choose: perracotta, cream, gray, sage, marigold, or navy.

Calphalon 1932450 Classic Nonstick 5 Quart Dutch Oven with Cover

Walmart

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Available in a 5- or 7-quart size, Calphalon's aluminum Dutch oven features a dual layer nonstick on the interior to help food not stick to the surface. It also makes cleanup a breeze. It's safe to use in the oven up to 450 degrees as well as gas, electric, and glass cooktops. The pot also features measuring marks on the inside that allows you to add liquids without the need for additional tools.

Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven - 12 Inch / 8 Quart

Courtesy of Amazon.com.

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Multitasking products are important when trying to decide what will be the most useful on a camping trip. In addition to being used as a Dutch oven, this 8-quart pre-seasoned pot has a lid that can also be used to hold hot coals and as a griddle. The three legs create a sturdy base for sitting over coals, while the handle can be used for hanging over a fire.