Crock Pots and pressure cookers earn all the praise these days, but for centuries, people have relied on Dutch ovens as the go-to, one-pot cooking device. No matter how hard the new-fangled instant pots of the world try, they cannot achieve the delicious, complex flavors Dutch ovens produce.

One of the most common uses for Dutch ovens is searing a nice large roast to lock in the flavors and juices before popping it into a conventional oven for slow cooking. These pots are also indispensable when simmering a hearty stew, cooking over an open fire, steaming side dishes, cooking pasta directly in the sauce, crafting artisanal breads, and much more.

Some Dutch ovens may be made from ceramic or aluminum, but most are cast iron and can hold between 5 and 8 quarts. At this size – it’s not unusual for a Dutch oven to weigh up to 20 pounds – cleaning them can be a bit of a workout. Although many manufacturers say their Dutch ovens are dishwasher safe, we suggest that you always hand wash high-quality cookware. This reduces the likelihood of chipping – a common problem with enameled cast iron Dutch ovens – and extends the lifespan of your pot.

You should also avoid using metal utensils, scouring pads, or other abrasive elements on your Dutch oven since they may also cause damage (and potentially void the warranty). Instead, go with nylon pads or scrapers. Baking soda is also helpful for removing baked-on food and stains.

Once you are done washing, dry your Dutch oven thoroughly. And, since it weighs a lot, you may want to let it live on your stove rather than constantly having to work on your lifting form.

In our search for the best Dutch ovens, we closely examined dozens of ratings and reviews from experts and home chefs alike. We chose the Dutch ovens in our guide based on their ease of use, durability, and performance.

Here are the best Dutch ovens:

Prices and links are current as of 7/22/2020. We added a section for other Dutch ovens we've tested and considered. We're also researching more options for our next update, such as the AmazonBasics Dutch oven.

The best overall

If you are looking for a dependable Dutch oven that can handle any recipe for years to come, turn to the Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 5-1/2-Quart Dutch Oven.

As the name suggests, the Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch Oven is made of cast iron and covered with a heavy-duty enamel. The exterior enamel is designed to resist chipping, while the interior is engineered to ward off dulling and staining. The pot features oversized handles that are easy to grip, even with oven mitts on. The overall size of the 5.5-quart Dutch oven is 10.2 inches in diameter and 4.5 inches deep.

Le Creuset states that the knob of the lid can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, but the rest of the pot is only oven safe to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. However, many people report putting their Le Creuset in the oven at much higher temperatures with no ill effects.

This model is available in a wide spectrum of colors, from neutrals to gem tones (and everything in between). Best of all, each Le Creuset Dutch oven comes with a lifetime limited warranty.

Pros: Handles high temperatures, versatile, lots of color options, durable

Cons: Expensive, heavy

The best for camping

Foto: Source: Lodge

The Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven makes it so you don't have to sacrifice delicious, flavorful cuisine in order to rough it in nature.

The Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven features a cast iron body and lid seasoned with soy-based vegetable oil for a nonstick finish. The 8-quart pot weighs 20 pounds and is 12 inches in diameter and 5.5 inches deep, which allows plenty of room for a large meal.

The lid inverts for use as a griddle and is flanged to hold hot coals. There are three legs on the base of the Dutch oven for added stability when placing it in a campfire.

It has a smart design, and the loop handle makes it easy to hang the pot up when you're done. Lodge says that the cast iron will offer a lifetime of durability, and many people say they've had their Lodge cast iron gear for decades.

It's easy to clean (as long as you clean the pot immediately after using it) and even comes with suggested recipes.

Pros: Can place coals on top for even heating, the lid doubles as a skillet

Cons: Impractical for oven and stovetop uses, too heavy for backpacking

The best for stews

Foto: Source: Cuisinart

If you rely on stews to warm up during cold weather, then the Cuisinart Chef's Classic Enameled Cast Iron Casserole may be the best Dutch oven for you.

The Cuisinart Chef's classic Dutch oven is made of heat-retaining and evenly distributing cast iron and covered with porcelain enamel on both the interior and exterior. It's available in a variety of styles and colors, including a blue 7-quart, a black oval-shaped 5.5-quart, and 5 and 3-quart options in red.

It is broiler, oven, and stovetop (including induction) safe. It's even dishwasher safe, though we don't recommend it. A good hand washing is always preferable and will help your pot last longer. This Dutch oven is solidly built, easy to use, and makes excellent stews.

Pros: Excellent for making stew, attractive design

Cons: Prone to chipping and durability issues, questionable customer support

The best on a budget

Foto: Source: Lodge

The Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is ideal for home chefs on a tight budget who want a Dutch oven with a strong track record.

The French have the high-end Le Creuset, and Americans have the budget-friendly Lodge Dutch oven. The Lodge family has been making cast iron pots and pans since 1896, making it the oldest family-owned cookware foundry in the country. Despite this rich history, the Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is actually made in China along with all of Lodge's enameled cast iron products (the seasoned cast iron Dutch ovens and pans are still manufactured in the US, though).

The Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven comes in six different sizes, ranging from 1.5 quarts to 7.5 quarts. You can choose from 10 colors, including red, Caribbean blue, and purple. Each is designed to withstand oven temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lodge states that the Dutch oven is dishwasher safe, but the company recommends hand washing with warm soapy water after the cookware has cooled. Lodge offers a lifetime limited warranty on this Dutch oven.

Pros: Inexpensive, terrific for searing meats, large handles

Cons: Several complaints about the pot arriving chipped

Other Dutch ovens we've tested and considered

Foto: Source: Williams Sonoma

Staub Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, $280

We also love Staub's Dutch oven, which is another made-in-France creation. It's a little different from our other picks in that the interior is a matte black enamel and the inside of the lid has small spikes that allow for built-in basting. In our experience, these unique features result in better browning and flavors. However, the tradeoff is that it's more difficult to visually monitor browning progress and the textured lid is harder to clean.

Staub often goes head to head with Le Creuset. Considering their Dutch ovens cost about the same and both come in many attractive colors, your final decision will depend on personal preference. Staub may require a little more effort when it comes to the cooking and cleaning processes, but you'll be rewarded with especially moist and juicy results. -Connie Chen, senior reporter

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