Master Different Culinary Techniques With the Best Dutch Ovens
Most cookware items are dedicated to a particular cooking method and style. For example, the pan is used mainly for frying, sautéing, and making pancakes or crepes, while the pots are ideal for making soups and curries. However, a few appliances like the Dutch oven also offer versatility so that you can cook different food items and try various methods using a single product. It is a deep pot that can hold many food items at once. Moreover, you can use a single appliance for baking, broiling, frying, stewing, and more. As the demand for this cookware has increased lately, we have rounded up some of the first-rate Dutch ovens in 2022 to make your kitchen more functional and add a pop color.
Buyer’s Guide for Finding a Dutch Oven
A Dutch oven is genuinely one of the most incredible and noteworthy pieces of cookware. You can cook various dishes using it, including cakes, sauteed vegetables, pot roast beef, and chicken soup. Therefore, having the best product is crucial to be free from messes in your kitchen. Moreover, the taste and food quality will also depend on the Dutch oven you have chosen. So, there is no room for making a wrong choice which is why we have formulated a complete buying guide for you. It will provide you with in-depth insights to avoid ending up with a faulty product.
In What Ways Is a Dutch Oven Different From the Cooking Pot?
Many people get confused between a Dutch oven and a cooking pot. That’s why in the below section, we will talk about the differences between these two cookware items so that you have clarity while making a purchase.
- Most Dutch ovens are oven-safe to bake or broil food items. But you cannot put the cooking pot inside the oven.
- A Dutch oven is usually made of cast iron that ensures heat distribution and retention. On the other hand, cooking pots have stainless steel and aluminum interiors.
- Dutch ovens are heavy, while the cooking pots have medium weight.
What Are the Main Things That Will Affect Your Purchasing Decision of a Dutch Oven?
Capacity
The Dutch oven has different capacities, and therefore, the total amount of food you can cook at a time will also vary. Usually, the available capacities of this cookware item are 5 Quarts, 6 Quarts, and 7 Quarts. If you have a small family, a 5 Quarts oven will be enough. But if you want to get this product for cooking on holidays, occasions, or for a large family, you shouldn't settle for anything less than 6 Quarts.
Material
The most important factor to bear in mind before purchasing a Dutch oven is its material. It is primarily made of cast iron that is sturdy, durable, and comes with high heat retention properties. Therefore, cooking can be done quickly. It will also help in distributing the heat evenly throughout the food item. Besides, the Dutch ovens are coated with porcelain or regular enamel coating. Due to the coating, the outside surface has a subtle luster and won't react with any chemical. However, if your chosen product has a porcelain enamel coating, its inner walls will be non-stick.
Handles
As the Dutch ovens are usually heavy and may cause difficulty in carrying them from one place to another, it’s better to look for an appliance with side handles. They should be made from cast iron material that is strong and rigid. Thus, transporting the entire cookware with hot food in it won’t become risky and challenging. Moreover, you have to ensure that they offer a proper and more comfortable grip so that the oven doesn't slip from your hand. The handles also come with a smooth and flat surface in a few products, while some are reinforced with the grille handles. So, compare the different options of dutch ovens to understand what fits your requirement.
Lid
Another essential factor to note is that most Dutch ovens come with a standard lid with a side or top handle. Its primary function is to trap the heat that will keep the food warm and moist for a long time. Some products also have self-basting lids, which means they can lock the steam inside the oven.
Oven-safe temperature
Not all Dutch ovens can handle the same level of oven temperature. For example, if one product has a temperature tolerance threshold of 500℉, another might not function properly when exposed to such high heat. Therefore, you should always check the oven-safe temperature rating of the Dutch oven before you purchase one.
Color
One of the specialties of a Dutch oven is the availability of multiple color options for a single product. You can go with the standard colors like black, white, grey, yellow, red, and so on for matching the oven with other cookware items you have. But if you want to add a pop-up color to your kitchen, chrome shades like teal, dark blue, slate grey, and bright green will be best for a Dutch oven.
How Much Will a Dutch Oven Cost?
The Dutch ovens can be pretty costly as they are made for maximum heat retention and fast cooking. Their prices may vary from $43.25 to $129.99 depending on multiple factors like:
- The higher the capacity, the more the Dutch oven costs.
- A simple glossy enamel coating is less pricey than the ovens having a porcelain enamel coating.
- If you want a Dutch oven with oversized loop handles, you may have to pay a higher price.
- Sometimes, the cost also depends on the color. For example, black, white, or such simple enamel colors will be cheaper than shades like teal, dark red, blue, and more.
What Are the Different Purposes for Which a Dutch Oven Is Used?
A Dutch oven is a versatile type of cookware; you can use it for a wide range of purposes like baking cakes, grilling meat, poaching eggs or salmon, deep-frying French fries or cheese balls, and more. Besides cooking, you can also use it to store food items in the fridge or even use it as a casserole.
The Quality Dutch Oven Models of 2022 in Detail
Lodge Dutch Oven
– Best Overall
This Dutch oven has a cast iron body and enamel finishing that is resistant to chipping. Therefore, its entire frame is quite sturdy, strong, and won’t get damaged easily. It also has a glossy coating that makes this oven appealing and ideal for adding some colors to your kitchen. You can sauté your food, bake, broil, or grill anything inside this 5.6L oven up to a temperature of 500°F, owing to its excellent heat retention property. It also allows even distribution of the heat throughout the entire food content, thereby helping in fast and quality cooking. Besides, it comes with two reinforced loop handles on both sides so that you can easily carry it from one place to another. It also has a lid that will trap all the heat and moisture inside, thereby keeping the food delicate and moist.
- Offers an excellent grip due to the side loop handles
- The glass surface doesn’t let the food get contaminated
- Might not be suitable for large families
Amazon Basics Dutch Oven
– Best Look
If you want to have a stylish and appealing Dutch oven, this is the best product available for you in the market. With a round shape and a volume of 6 Quarts, it has enough room for sautéing, baking, cooking, broiling, and more at a temperature up to 400°F. It is made from cast iron that distributes heat evenly and quickly throughout the entire food content. Additionally, its inner surface has a non-stick coating so that the food does not get stuck to the surface. Its outer surface also has a smooth enamel finish that gives it an appealing look and makes it long-lasting. Since the sides of this Dutch oven are reinforced with two loop handles, you can easily carry it around.
- Highly durable and long-lasting Dutch oven due to enamel coating
- Can be used as a baking bowl, casserole, pan, and more
- Lid cover and loop handles to keep your hands safe from heat, making it easier to carry the appliance from one place to another
- Can endure heat only up to a temperature of 400°F
Crock-Pot Dutch Oven
– Best Value For Money
This is one of the most affordable Dutch ovens that will deliver excellent performance in your kitchen. It is made from cast iron that has high heat retention properties and distributes the energy evenly so that your food can cook quickly and no portion is left undercooked. It is naturally non-stick owing to the porcelain enamel coating. In addition, the glossy slate gray coating on the exterior will add a pop of color to your kitchen. Thanks to two oversized handles on its sides, you can easily transport the utensil from one place to another. This Dutch oven is also equipped with a self-basting lid that will trap the steam inside and keep your food warm for a long time. On top of everything, it is oven safe up to a temperature of 500°F.
- Suitable for use on electric, ceramic, gas, and induction cooktop
- Prevents scorching the food at the bottom due to non-stick coating
- Non-enameled edges can form rust quickly
Cuisinart Dutch Oven
– Maximum Capacity
If you are looking for a Dutch oven with high capacity, this will be the best choice because it comes with a storage of 7 Quarts. Therefore, you can quickly cook food for a large family with this cookware. The heat will be distributed evenly throughout the entire food content as it is made from cast iron. Moreover, this material is quite durable and sturdy, which is why it can retain heat for a maximum time. Its internal wall is non-stick and can prevent food scorching due to the porcelain enamel finish. Apart from all these, this Dutch oven is safe for glass, ceramic, electric, and induction cooktop.
- Can be cleaned and maintained easily as it is safe for the dishwasher
- Oven safe up to 500°F
- Can be transported easily with the side handles
- Lifetime warranty provided by the brand
- Some people find it expensive
Bruntmor Dutch Oven
– Another Option
Get more from your Dutch oven purchase with an appliance that has a capacity of 7 Quarts and an additional 11 inches skillet. As it has a 2-in-1 structure, you can use this cookware for baking, frying, broiling, poaching, and more. Since it is manufactured using cast iron, it has a high heat retention ability. This material will also facilitate even distribution of the heat energy throughout the food to have your meal prepared within minutes. Besides, this Dutch oven is reinforced with a double griddle handle that will allow you to carry it effortlessly. It is equipped with an iron cover dome-shaped to use for roasting. Its durable design is also perfect for your kitchen and compatible with all stove types.
- Compatible with a variety of cooktops like electric, induction, and ceramic
- Offers heat retention for a longer duration as it’s made of cast iron
- Double griddle handles offer ease of usage and portability
- The lid cover comes without a top handle
People Also Asked
A: Yes, you can use the Dutch oven in a dishwasher, provided the manufacturer has given a green signal for the same. If you put a product not marked as “dishwasher safe” into the washing appliance, it may get damaged.
A: Yes, the Dutch oven can be used for slow cooking, like making a stew from pork or lamb. However, you have to ensure that the heat is within controlled limits so that the food doesn't burn.
A: Most Dutch ovens need to be cleaned using hands. Use a soft rug or scrubber to remove the grease and stain marks from the inside of the oven. Also, it's better not to use hot water while cleaning as it might ruin the coating.
