TL;DR: When buying a cast iron pot, consider the size, whether you want it enameled, and if you plan to use it primarily in the oven or stovetop. Almost every cast iron pot will be referred to as a Dutch oven, as that’s the most popular way to use it in pot form.

I grew up learning to cook from my mom, and while baking is my passion, I've been cooking since I was a teenager. I started using a cast iron skillet about 10 years ago and fell in love with it. From there, I branched out to other size skillets, and, of course, to Dutch ovens. I’ve had my Dutch ovens for at least seven years and use them regularly. I’ve made soups, chilis, stews, and roasts in them – I’ve even used them to deep-fry cake donuts – making them one of my favorite cookware pieces.

What Is a Cast Iron Pot?

A pot is a type of cookware with high, usually straight, sides and is designed for cooking largely liquid foods, such as soups. It has a handle on either side, as opposed to a pan, which typically has one long handle, like a frying pan. Stockpots are the most common type of pot. There are also Dutch ovens and more specialty pots such as pasta and rice pots.

You’ll likely be hard-pressed to find a cast iron stockpot because the material is so heavy. But Dutch ovens are a common type of pot, and they're almost exclusively made out of cast iron. So if you want a cast iron pot, chances are you’re looking for a Dutch oven.

What to Consider When Buying a Cast Iron Pot

Cast iron cookware is highly versatile and can be used for many different cooking tasks. Dutch ovens are known for their multiple uses and durability, making them an excellent piece of all-purpose cooking equipment.

Is it Enameled or Seasoned?

Cast iron comes in two types: enameled or seasoned. There are excellent reasons to opt for either choice, meaning one isn’t inherently superior to the other. If you’re uncertain which one would be better for your kitchen, here are the strengths and weaknesses of each:

Enameled

Benefits:

• Can be washed in warm soapy water like stainless steel.
• Comes in a variety of pretty colors.
• Is safe for highly acidic foods, like tomato sauce.

Keep in Mind:

• The coating is brittle, so it can be chipped or cracked.
• Fast temperature changes can crack it, so it’s not good for the broiler.
• It’s not something you can reasonably repair at home.

Seasoned

Benefits:

• Less expensive than enameled cast iron.
• Damaged seasoning can be repaired at home with vegetable oil and an oven.
• Safe for high heat, meaning it can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, and with the broiler.

Keep in mind:

• Not good for acidic foods, as it can take the seasoning off.
• Requires care when washing, such as limiting the amount of soap you use to preserve the seasoning.
• Can only be black.

What Size Do I Want?

You can get cast iron pots in various sizes depending on what brand you get and what works best for you. As cast iron is so heavy, you’re not going to find it in the bigger stockpot size, like 12-quart, as it’d be almost impossible to handle. Pots are usually measured by their capacity in quarts, instead of their diameter.

• 3 to 4-quart: This size is best for only one or two people. A 3-quart is closer to a saucepan in terms of size and use cases, though a 4-quart or 4.5-quart is a standard size for a smaller Dutch oven.
• 6-quart: For those looking for the “standard,” this is the size to pick. It’s a size you can find most stockpots in, and almost every Dutch oven maker has one this size (some will be 5.5-quart). It’s the expected size for most soup and stew recipes. It’s also not so large as to be hard to handle.
• 8-quart: Many stockpots are 8-quart, and you can get a Dutch oven this size, too – with most being between 7.5-quart and 9-quart. This is a big pot, able to provide for a large group of people or make a lot of leftovers. A cast iron pot this size will be very heavy, so you’ll need to be prepared for that.

Do I Plan to Use it In the Oven or on the Stovetop?

One of the best things about cast iron is its excellent heat conduction works just as well in the oven as on the stovetop. There are several options for cast iron bakeware, and, of course, there’s skillet cornbread.

If you plan to use your Dutch oven mostly on the stove, then you’re going to want to opt for a round one, which fits better on a burner and heats more evenly. If you mainly want to bake with it, then an oval Dutch oven will serve you well. The shape allows you to fit oblong roasts in it like a leg of lamb.

How Much Should It Cost?

Cast iron tends to be expensive, as it’s a specialty item. The wide variety of choices makes it difficult to determine an exact price, but they do vary quite a bit depending on whether you buy a seasoned or enameled Dutch oven.

Seasoned Dutch ovens are generally quite affordable, typically under $100 (unless you get an especially large or specialty one, such as for camping). Enameled Dutch ovens are more expensive, generally being well over $100. If you go for a premium brand, you can easily spend $300 or $400 on one. But most are more in the $200 range.

What are the Different Types of Cast Iron Pots

Cast iron only comes in a few varieties as other materials tend to be more popular for cookware.

Dutch Oven

Almost every cast iron pot you encounter will be a cast iron Dutch oven. Dutch ovens tend to be squatter than stockpots, which is one of the reasons they work so well in the oven. They have a tight-fitting domed lid that helps with moisture retention. Many are enameled, but they don’t have to be.

Benefits:

• Dutch ovens are practical, durable, and versatile.
• They come in a range of styles and sizes.

Be Aware:

• Because there’s a wide range of Dutch ovens, not all are well-made.

Cocotte

The difference between a cocotte and a Dutch oven is ill-defined. Le Creuset says that cocotte is simply the French word for Dutch oven, but if you search for a cocotte, you’ll get different results than if you look for a Dutch oven. My observations have shown that cocottes are usually either mini Dutch ovens or fancy Dutch ovens.

Benefits:

• Mini cocottes make lovely serving dishes or a way to make individual portions.
• They tend to be ornate and beautiful.

Be Aware:

• They’re typically more expensive than a Dutch oven.
• Some of the fancier designs aren’t entirely practical.

French Oven

You may run into a cast iron pot called a French oven, like this Staub one. The difference between a French oven and a Dutch oven is vague, too. However, some say that all enameled Dutch ovens are actually French ovens (they aren’t categorized this way by manufacturers – not even Le Creuset, which is a French company). Generally, a French Oven is a smaller, enameled Dutch oven.

Benefits:

• If it’s called a French oven, it’s probably high-end.

Be Aware:

• Tend to be expensive.
• Are usually smaller.

How to Choose the Best Cast Iron Pot for You

Picking out the right cast iron pot for your needs can be difficult as there are so many options out there. To help narrow down the possibilities, I’m going to describe three different people and what my top picks for them would be.

Natalie: Amateur Cook Looking to Build Up a Cookware Collection

Natalie has recently moved in with her partner and wants to start building her cooking skills and invest in better cookware. She has some pots and pans already and doesn’t want to spend too much money, but is willing to spend extra if she gets something for it.

Features Natalie should look for:

• Mid-range brands with affordable, well-made products.

Cast Iron Pot examples:

• Lodge Enameled Dutch oven: For those looking for a budget enameled option, Lodge’s Dutch oven can’t be beaten. It’s under $100 and keeps up with premium brands in cooking tests. Lodge may be known for its cast iron pans, but its Dutch ovens are excellent as well.
• Lodge Blacklock Dutch oven: This is one of the best lightweight options out there for cast iron Dutch ovens. Of course, that’s relative, but this uses a different formula for cast iron, making it a pound or two lighter. It’s triple seasoned, meaning it should last quite a while before needing to be repaired. It’s also made in the USA.

Alex: Family Cook Who Prefers One Pot Dinners

Alex is the primary cook for his family, but he works full-time. He’d like to get some cookware that excels at cooking everything together at once to save cooking time and cleanup. He doesn’t mind spending money, so long as he gets good cookware that’ll last and perform well.

Features Alex should look for:

• High-quality enamel coating.
• Cookware with a lifetime guarantee.

Cast Iron Pot examples:

• Le Creuset round dutch oven: Le Creuset maintains its place as the gold standard for Dutch ovens. This round Dutch oven is built to last with high-quality enamel and smooth stainless steel. It works on both the stovetop and in the oven, and can be used to sear and then braise. Dutch ovens are known for being excellent for one-pot dinners. The manufacturer says it can even go in the dishwasher, though it’ll last longer if it’s hand-washed.
• Staub cast iron oval cocotte: If anyone can compete with Le Creuset, it’s Staub. Their cocottes are made in France from high-quality cast iron and coated with a smooth enamel finish. An oval Dutch oven is excellent for handling larger or oblong roasts, like legs of lamb or ribs, giving it more versatility for baking. It’s not as good on the stovetop, but if you just want a pot for baking, then this is an excellent choice.

Nadim: Space-Strapped Student Who Wants Multi-Purpose Cookware

Nadim lives in an apartment with two roommates, so he doesn’t have a lot of room to store his cooking supplies. He wants to be able to cook for himself and would like cookware that can serve multiple purposes. He likes his cookware to stand out, but it’s more important to him that it works well.

Features Nadim should look for:

• Pots that work well in the oven and on the stove.
• A two-in-one piece of cookware.

Cast Iron Pot examples:

• Lodge 6-quart chef style double dutch oven: This Dutch oven’s lid serves double duty as a grill pan. It’s great for baking or grilling steaks. The Dutch oven itself is entirely seasoned cast iron, meaning that it can be used to make soups, cook roasts, bake bread, and braise.
• Finex cast iron Dutch oven: For those looking for an eye-catching Dutch oven, Finex’s cookware stands out. Its octagonal shape gives it built-in pour spouts, and the wrapped handles are spiffy. It is pricey, especially for being non-enameled, but it’s made in the US. If you want something that stands out and will get comments, look no further.

Let Us Help You Find the Cast Iron Pot for You

Finding the right pot for your needs can be overwhelming, particularly if you don’t have experience with cast iron. Some of it also boils down to personal preference. If you feel you need more information or advice, reach out to one of our Kitchen Experts! Any of our Experts would be more than happy to help you find the cast iron pot that’s just right for you.