When it comes to versatility, this heavyweight Dutchen oven takes the lead. In fact, it’s a kitchen workhorse. From the stovetop to the oven to your tables, this model can bake bread, braise, boil, brown, even deep-fry.
No doubt, the dutch oven is indeed a handy kitchen appliance. However, hundreds of models are available to opt for- from good to great – make the decision-making process overwhelming and tricky.
This is where our post comes in!
We’ve expertly handpicked the best dutch ovens considering its ease of use, build quality, price, temperature and many more to ensure you make the right pick.
Without further ado, let’s consider the top 7 best dutch ovens america’s test kitchen:
What is a dutch oven?
Dutch ovens are usually large and heavy with an oval or round shape. This tool can serve an oven or stovetop cooking function – from baking bread to simmering soup due to its unparalleled heat retention capabilities.
Usually, a Dutch oven can hold about 4 to 8 Qt, which should suffice for serving more than four people. It features two robust, outward-facing handles, thick walls, and a tightly-fitting lid with a knob-like handle for easy handling.
Its thick wall construction ensures that the pot cooks your food with consistent temperature across all angles. More so, its snug lids help keep the moisture in, which is essential when stewing or braising.
Why You Need a Dutch Oven
The Dutch oven is an all-in-one, versatile pot. It’s regarded as an original multi-cooker because it offers just about everything you expect from one – from browning to deep-frying, baking, braising and boiling.
This pot is built to be ovenproof, which means you can start cooking on your stovetop and move the dutch oven to the oven straight to finish. They also look elegant, which means you can serve your guest right from the trivet on the table.
If you need a pot that does just about everything from cooking to serving, then a dutch oven could be smart.
Reviews of Best Dutch Oven America’s Test Kitchen of 2020
Here are top rated dutch oven on the market by consumer reports
Top 1 – Le Creuset LS2501-2867 Signature Enameled Cast-Iron Round French (Dutch) Oven:
The Le Creuset LS2501-2867 Signature Enameled Cast-Iron Round French (Dutch) Oven takes the lead but comes with a steep price point when it comes to dutch ovens. This unit comes with a large cooking space, without being difficult to move.
This kitchen appliance features an enamel coating to make sure users can cook anything. Similarly, this unit works with your stovetop and oven. Its composite material or metal knob is safe up to 500 degrees F.
The knob is also removable to bring more versatility to the table. However, to achieve higher temperatures you need to consider using an aftermath metal knob. This model offers an impressive heat distribution and retention.
Furthermore, Le Creuset LS2501-2867 is available in a wide range of colours to allow customers to find the right unit that matches the kitchen decor.
What’s more? This kitchen tool is on the heavier sides and comes with an oval shape offering large cooking space.
Pros:
- Impressive heat retention and distribution
- Versatile
- Add flair with its inimitable design
- Wide range of colour options
Cons:
- On the price side
Top 2 – Cuisinart CI670-30CR Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast Iron 7-Quart Round Covered Casserole
When it comes to consummate dutch ovens, the Cuisinart CI670-30CR will always make its way to the top; thanks to its cast iron construction that delivers even heat distribution and superior heat retention.
That’s not all: this kitchen aid comes with a porcelain-coated exterior, which gives this model a strong and durable finish. Its rich colours and elegant design should complement your kitchen decor. Also, it is perfect for not only cooking your meals but entertaining and serving.
It features a porcelain enamel interior, a perfect cooking surface since it does not absorb odours or impart flavours. This model is a versatile option designed to be compatible with broiler, oven, and stovetop.
Furthermore, Cuisinart CI670-30CR Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast Iron 7-Quart Round Covered Casserole is easy to clean and convenient to maintain. On top of that, it sports a wide cast-iron handle to provide users with a secure and comfortable grip. Besides, it comes with an oven-safe knob to provide unlimited cooking options and a durable grip.
Pros:
- Induction stovetop compatible
- Oven-safe knob
- Dishwasher safe
- Superior heat retention
- Even heat distribution
Cons:
- Exterior enamel tend to chip off
Top 3 – Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven: best budget dutch oven
Are you trying to pin down the best budget dutch oven, then you should consider Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven.
This model sports a flawless pairing of function and form. It’s an enamelled cast iron classic to ensure it helps users prepare and serve memorable meals. This product is perfect for marinating, refrigerating, cooking and serving.
More so, this product offers unbeatable heat retention and even heat distribution to ensure that your food comes out just the way you want it. Plus, it comes with a smooth glass surface designed not to react with your ingredients.
Despite its affordable price point, Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven will roast, bake, braise, or broil in your oven up to 500 degrees F. Besides, this handy tool will fry simmer and saute on any stovetop.
Pros:
- Durable construction
- Impressive compatibility
- Oven up to 500°F
- Available in different size options
Cons:
- Best hand wash with warm water
Top 4 – Lodge L12CO3BS Boy Scouts of America Cast Iron Camp Dutch Oven
Another spot, another dutch oven from Lodge. This unit is pre-seasoned for a natural, quick-release finish. The best thing is this feature improves with use.
Moving on, it’s easy to care for this dutch oven. Keep in mind that it requires hand washing for best results. When it comes to frying, baking, braising, simmering, or searing over a campfire, this is the right tool to splurge on.
Also, it is perfect for your ballgame, backwoods, and backyard events. Like most products on our review, this unit offers even heating and unparalleled heat retention. Even better, this product can be used over a campfire or grill for incredible results.
Pros:
- Works well with campfire or grill
- Even heating
- Unbeatable heat retention
- Pre Seasoned and ready to use
Cons:
- Poor quality control
Top 5 – AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven
Next on the list is AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven is built to let users roast, bake, braise, and more.
This unit is made of heavy-duty cast iron to ensure this unit offers uniform heating and optimal cooking performance. Its enamel finish won’t react to your ingredients, which means this pot is safe for marinating, cooking and storing food.
Unlike other products reviewed on our list, AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven is oven safe up to 400 degrees F and works well with most cooking surfaces.
While this unit is not dishwasher safe, cleaning it up after use is a snap. Nonetheless, you should handle this kitchen tool with care on ceramic or glass stove tops to avoid scratching. More importantly, it features loop side handles to make lifting this unit a lot easier.
Pros:
- Easy to care for
- Heavy-duty cast iron construction
- Easy to transport with its loop side handles
- Secure fitting lid
Cons:
- Not real non-stick
Top 6 – Lodge 2 Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven
The Lodge 2 Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven is another classic cooker from this brand that doesn’t quit. This product is excellent at preparing and serving memorable meals. Besides, it comes pre-seasoned, which means it’s ready to go.
This unit will fry, roast, bake, braise, simmer, saute, and sear. Its sturdy construction ensures this model serves you for more than a decade. Lodge 2 Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven is seasoned for a natural, quick-release finish designed to improve with use.
Another excellent thing about this dutch oven is its unparalleled heat retention and uniform heat distribution to prevent hot or cold spots. Even better, this pot can be used over the campfire, on the grill, on the stove, or in the oven.
Pros:
- Natural easy-release finish
- Versatility option
- Durable construction
- Brutally tough for decades of cooking
Cons:
- Poor quality control
Top 7 – Cuisinart CI630-20BG 3 Qt Casserole
The Cuisinart CI630-20BG 3 Qt Casserole is the right product to use if you want a pot that allows you to explore a wide array of cooking methods. This product from Cuisinart is made of cast iron to ensure it retains heat well.
Its interior features porcelain enamel to ensure it’s perfect for cooking. Plus, it makes sure the cooking surface does not absorb odours or impact flavours. More so, it sports a wide cast iron handle for a more secure and comfortable grip.
In addition, Cuisinart CI630-20BG 3 Qt Casserole includes an oven-safe knob to allow users to enjoy a wide range of cooking options without compromising durable grip. For the sake of even heat distribution and superior heat retention, this model features cast iron construction.
Furthermore, its finish is not durable and reliable but also in vibrant color for a perfect match with your kitchen decor. It’s also perfect for cooking, serving and entertaining your guests, thanks to its consummate design. Plus, it’s easy to clean up and convenient to maintain.
Pros:
- Dishwasher safe
- Strong, durable finish
- Available in a wide range of sizes
- Three colour options
Cons:
- The exterior enamel tend to chip off
Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Dutch Oven
Pinning down the right pot to meet your kitchen needs can be a bit tricky and challenging considering the plethora of options to choose from. Besides, they come in different sizes, shapes, construction, price and level of functionality, which makes it overwhelming to pick a model.
So, before splurging on a pot, here are some key factors to bear in mind when making a choice:
Material
Dutch ovens are usually made of copper, cast iron, stainless steel or porcelain-enamelled cast iron. Model made of cast iron is the most durable and offers a higher lifetime. Sadly, it requires lots of maintenance, which can be exhausting.
But, the porcelain-enamelled cast iron offers the advantage of cast iron without the downside. The model built with this material brings better heat distribution to the table. Unlike cast-iron models, they are hassle-free to clean. Unfortunately, they tend to peel faster after some time.
If better heat conductivity is a priority for you, then the dutch oven made of copper is your go-to. They help cook your meals within a short period. Copper pots are also durable but react with acidic foods, which makes your meals unhealthy.
Further, you can opt for copper models lined with stainless steel to prevent any reaction with your food. Moving on, stainless steel models offer high heat conductivity and also durable. On top of that, they are freezer, dishwasher, and broiler safe. The main drawback of stainless steel models is that they tend to scratch easily.
Size
Like most kitchen appliances, the dutch oven is also available in different size options. Therefore, it’s important to pick a model that can handle the number of people you intend to feed.
Purchasing a small-size dutch oven works best for feeding up to two people, and would be useless for family-sized dinners.
Features
No one likes to have their food sticking to the oven’s bottom (well, I definitely hate to deal with that). Therefore, you should consider a non-stick dutch oven, which also makes maintaining the unit easy. Keep in mind that the non-stick model wears out quickly.
More so, consider the handles to ensure they are fitted for convenient use and movement. The handles should be large enough to allow users to hold without stress.
FAQs
Best dutch oven brands
Purchasing your dutch oven from a reputable brand assures of you of owning a high-quality model. And, here are the most reputable brands on the market today: Cuisinart, Lodge, AmazonBasics, Le Creuset, and many more.
What is a dutch oven used for?
- Braising
- Browning
- Simmering Sauces
- Baking
- Boiling
Conclusion
We’ve considered the top 7 best dutch ovens America’s test kitchen on the market; now it’s up to make a choice. However, Le Creuset LS2501-2867 Signature Enameled Cast-Iron Round French (Dutch) Oven is our top pick for durability, high conductivity, ease of use, and aesthetic.
