TL;DR: Cast iron Dutch ovens can be used to braise, roast, make soups and stews, and bake bread. They’re also an investment, meaning that knowing what you’re looking for and what you plan to use it for are important in picking the right one.

A cast iron pot, similar to a Dutch oven, is a very old cooking tool, harking back to when people largely cooked on the hearth. There are even modern Dutch ovens used as camp cooking tools, which you can put directly in the hot coals of a campfire or on a grill. While the shape of a typical cast iron pot has changed with the advent of modern stoves, the basic purpose remains the same.

While Dutch ovens can be made of stainless steel or cast aluminum, cast iron is considered to be the superior material. This is because the purpose of a Dutch oven is to hold in heat and moisture, and the thickness of the cast iron makes it excellent for heat and water retention.

A cast iron Dutch oven is a heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid that can be used in the oven or on the stovetop, making it a highly versatile cooking tool. I have two different Dutch ovens myself—a 6-quart and a 7.5-quart—that I use for a lot of my cooking. I’ve made stew, chili, soup, pot roast, roasted chicken, and pulled pork in mine. A Dutch oven can last for many years and is an investment, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for. Here’s the information I wish I had when I was picking out my first one:

What to Consider When Buying a Cast Iron Dutch Oven

A Dutch oven isn’t going to be cheap, so it’s a good idea to consider carefully what you plan to use it for, and what other features you may want. Cast iron is oven-safe, induction-compatible, stovetop-safe, and has excellent heat retention. Also, if properly cared for, it will last you a lifetime, and therefore can remain a part of your kitchen repertoire forever. Here are some things to consider when picking out the best Dutch oven for your kitchen:

Size

A Dutch oven’s size is measured in quarts. Although many people typically think of a Dutch oven as a medium-sized or large pot, there are more options than that. There aren’t exact standard sizes for Dutch ovens, meaning that different manufacturers will offer products with slightly different capacities. Here are some generalizations:

• 1-quart or less: Mini Dutch ovens are used more often for serving than for cooking. However, you can make a meal for one person in a small Dutch oven, or serve soup that’ll hold heat for a long time. There are even tiny ones that can only hold a cup.
• 3-quart to 4-quart: This is more the size of a larger saucepan or saucier. This size is best for one to two people. Sometimes, a smaller Dutch oven like this will be called a French oven, but that’s not universal.
• 5.5-quart to 6-quart: This is the most common size for a Dutch oven. It’s a good size for serving a family, or for hosting smaller groups. It’s also the right size for a lot of soup and chili recipes, making it a good choice for the majority of home cooks. It is not so large as to be unwieldy or ridiculously heavy.
• 7.5-quart to 9-quart: For those** **looking to feed a crowd or make large roasts, this is the size to pick. While it’s more expensive and harder to haul out of the oven, if you love to host, then a bigger Dutch oven is the way to go.

Shape

Dutch ovens come in a few different shapes that have different uses, and may be called by different names.

• Round: If you’re looking for versatility, then round is the way the go. Most Dutch ovens are going to be this shape, as they work well on the stove as well as in the oven. If you plan to use your Dutch oven for stews and soups as well as roasts, then this is the shape you want.

• Oval: Ovalline Dutch ovens are more specialized, primarily being useful for oblong roasts, like a leg of lamb.
• Shallow: A shallow Dutch oven, also sometimes known as a braiser, is actually its own piece of cast iron cookware. Sometimes these terms get lumped together (for example, a braiser can be called a Dutch oven or vice versa), but while their use cases overlap, they’re designed for different purposes. Braisers are made to braise meat, which is to brown it, then cook it at a low temperature in a closed container. It’s often used for tougher meats, as the process of cooking it over a long period in liquid makes it tender. Dutch ovens can braise—those with self-braising spikes on the top or a rounded lid do a good job —but braisers can’t be used for bigger roasts or to make dishes that are mostly liquid.

Different Types of Cast Iron Dutch Ovens

A search for cast iron Dutch ovens will reveal two different options: enameled or seasoned. You may be wondering, is one better than the other? If so, why are there still two options? The answer is that it depends on what you plan to cook in your Dutch oven. Here’s the breakdown on enameled versus seasoned to help you decide which one suits you better:

Seasoned Cast Iron

This variety wins in price point—a seasoned cast iron Dutch oven is definitely going to be cheaper than an enameled one. Damaged seasoning is also something that you can repair yourself, by adding another layer or even stripping the seasoning off and starting from the beginning. It has no trouble with high heat, and is safe for the stovetop, oven, and broiler.

However, seasoned cast iron is harder to clean. While it does have nonstick properties, you have to be careful about how much soap you use, and it can’t go in the dishwasher. It’s also not good for highly acidic dishes, like tomato sauces, as they can break down the seasoning and even add a metallic taste to your sauce.

Enameled Cast Iron

High-end Dutch ovens will often be enameled. This is easier to clean, as you can use soap on it, and it has nonstick properties. It is also dishwasher-safe—although I recommend against putting your Dutch oven in the dishwasher, even if the manufacturer says it’s okay—and can come in pretty colors.

Enamel can chip, though, if you aren’t careful. A well-made enamel coating won’t chip from everyday use, but dropping it or banging it against something can easily cause damage, and is difficult to repair on your own. Additionally, most enamel coatings are only safe up to 500℉, meaning that they aren’t good for the broiler.

The 6 Top Picks for Cast Iron Dutch Ovens

Cast iron is a material that’s been used for a long time, meaning that most manufacturers produce good cast iron cookware. However, there are a few particular pieces that I feel stand out from the rest of the crowd. Here are six cast iron Dutch ovens that I recommend to round out your kitchen set.

1. Lodge Dutch Oven

Lodge is known for making good quality, affordable cast iron products, and this Dutch oven is no exception. According to comparisons by CNN and Spruce Eats, it performed at or near the top in most of their tests, rivaling premium brands like Le Creuset. Since it comes at a fraction of the price, it’s a steal. The stainless steel knob on the lid is easy to grip, and completely heat-safe. However, unlike Lodge’s cast iron skillets and pans, their enameled cast iron Dutch ovens are made in China, rather than in the United States.

2. Finex Cast Iron Dutch Oven

For those who prioritize aesthetics, Finex makes an eye-catching Dutch oven in an octagonal shape. It’s made entirely of cast iron and comes pre-seasoned and ready to use. The flat edges make it easier to get everything out of the pan and add spouts for easy pouring. However, the unusual design comes with a high sticker price, making it rival the enameled options in terms of cost. Some reviewers also complained that the coiled handles weren’t as easy to grip as they’d like, particularly with oven mitts.

3. Lodge Blacklock Triple Seasoned 5.5-Quart Dutch Oven

Lodge has released a new, lighter-weight Blacklock line to commemorate the company’s long run (they were founded in 1869 as Blacklock). This seasoned cast iron Dutch oven is a few pounds lighter than its classic counterpart, and is triple-seasoned to ensure great performance. Lodge even says that it's safe for cooking acidic foods, although you will likely have to repair the seasoning more often if you are frequently cooking acidic dishes. With all these features, it is quite a bit more expensive than Lodge’s other seasoned Dutch ovens. It also only comes in one size.

4. Lodge 6-Quart Chef Style Double Dutch Oven

This Dutch oven is a two-in-one, as the lid doubles as a grill pan. Because the top of the lid is flat, it can be used on a burner, allowing you to make two things at once with the same piece of cookware. Both pieces are pre-seasoned and have large handles. It’s available at a lower price, particularly for two pieces. However, it isn’t enameled, so it shouldn’t be used for highly acidic foods. Additionally, not having a domed lid means it won’t retain moisture quite as well.

5. Staub Cast Iron Essential French Oven

Some smaller enameled Dutch ovens are instead called French ovens, as this Staub one is. Like Le Creuset, Staub makes high-end enameled cast iron in France. This French oven comes in several colors, is oven and stovetop-safe, and has high-quality enamel. However, it only comes in a small size and has a higher price tag.

6. Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven

A Le Creuset Dutch oven is arguably the best Dutch oven money can buy. Le Creuset is a premium brand, as their products are made in France, and every one of their Dutch ovens is made of high-quality cast iron and enamel. They’re durable, come in a range of attractive colors, and have easy-to-grip handles, even with oven mitts. However, you are paying not just for the quality but the brand as well, meaning this piece of cookware is a significant investment.

Find the Right Cast Iron Dutch Oven for You

It can be overwhelming to try to find the right piece of cookware for your needs, particularly if you don’t have experience with Dutch ovens. It’s helpful to know how to navigate various preferences in terms of shape, size, and whether or not you want the pot to be enameled. A Dutch oven is an expensive item that can last for generations, so don’t be afraid to take your time. Chat with one of our Curated Kitchen Experts for free, personalized advice on finding the right Dutch oven for you! Any of our Experts would be more than happy to help you find the cookware that’s perfect for you.