The 8 Best Dutch Ovens We Tested for Braising, Roasting, Stewing, and More

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsOthers We TriedWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Others We Tried

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Will Dickey

People / Will Dickey

You don’t have to be a pro or even an experienced home cook to appreciate the versatility of a great Dutch oven.

This pot will become your go-to forsimmering soups and stews, braising meat, and even testing your sourdough skills. Dutch ovens can be used on the stovetop and in the oven, plus many are beautiful enough to double as serving vessels, and the best ones are made from highly durable materials that will last for generations.

Best Overall:Cuisinart Covered Casserole Dish at Amazon$100Jump to Review

Best Overall:Cuisinart Covered Casserole Dish at Amazon$100

Best Overall:

Best Budget:

Best Cast Iron:SALELodge Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven at Amazon$76$49Jump to Review

Best Cast Iron:SALELodge Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven at Amazon$76$49

Best Cast Iron:

SALE

Best for Entertaining:SALECuisinart Chef’s Classic 7-Quart Round Casserole at Amazon$130$98Jump to Review

Best for Entertaining:SALECuisinart Chef’s Classic 7-Quart Round Casserole at Amazon$130$98

Best for Entertaining:

Best Nonstick:Calphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 8.5-Quart Dutch Oven at Amazon$160Jump to Review

Best Nonstick:Calphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 8.5-Quart Dutch Oven at Amazon$160

Best Nonstick:

Best Lightweight:Caraway Dutch Oven at Amazon$135Jump to Review

Best Lightweight:Caraway Dutch Oven at Amazon$135

Best Lightweight:

Most Versatile:KitchenAid Cast Iron Dutch Oven at Amazon$200Jump to Review

Most Versatile:KitchenAid Cast Iron Dutch Oven at Amazon$200

Most Versatile:

Best Investment:Le Creuset 7.25-Quart Signature Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven at Amazon$460Jump to Review

Best Investment:Le Creuset 7.25-Quart Signature Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven at Amazon$460

Best Investment:

Best OverallCuisinart Covered Casserole DishPHOTO: Amazon$100$92 at Amazon$100 at Target$92 at WalmartStar QualitiesSturdy with heavy-duty designCooks evenly with no hot spotsSecure grip handles for easy transportRed FlagsLid developed a small chip during durability testThis Cuisinart Classic Dutch Oven passed all our tests with flying colors. Our chicken thighs developed beautiful browning, and nothing stuck to the pot. We also prepared perfectly cooked, fluffy rice with no burning.Oven mitts fit comfortably and securely under the handles of this Dutch oven, which also performed well in our durability test. After hitting it 25 times with a metal spoon, there was only a very slight chip on the lid coating. Another plus? This beautiful, sturdy product is also dishwasher-safe.Dimensions:11.6 x 11.6 x 6.2 inches |Weight:8 pounds |Materials:Cast iron with porcelain enameled interior, exterior, lid, and handles |Capacity:5 quartsPHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Will DickeyThe More You KnowThese heat-tolerant pots are safe to use on the stovetop and in a hot oven, which makes them great for braises. You can sear your meat on the stovetop, then add the aromatics and liquid, and pop it into the oven to finish — no need to dirty another dish.

Best OverallCuisinart Covered Casserole DishPHOTO: Amazon$100$92 at Amazon$100 at Target$92 at Walmart

Best OverallCuisinart Covered Casserole Dish

Best Overall

Cuisinart Covered Casserole Dish

PHOTO: Amazon

$100$92 at Amazon$100 at Target$92 at Walmart

Star QualitiesSturdy with heavy-duty designCooks evenly with no hot spotsSecure grip handles for easy transportRed FlagsLid developed a small chip during durability test

Star QualitiesSturdy with heavy-duty designCooks evenly with no hot spotsSecure grip handles for easy transport

Sturdy with heavy-duty design

Cooks evenly with no hot spots

Secure grip handles for easy transport

Red FlagsLid developed a small chip during durability test

Lid developed a small chip during durability test

This Cuisinart Classic Dutch Oven passed all our tests with flying colors. Our chicken thighs developed beautiful browning, and nothing stuck to the pot. We also prepared perfectly cooked, fluffy rice with no burning.

Oven mitts fit comfortably and securely under the handles of this Dutch oven, which also performed well in our durability test. After hitting it 25 times with a metal spoon, there was only a very slight chip on the lid coating. Another plus? This beautiful, sturdy product is also dishwasher-safe.

Dimensions:11.6 x 11.6 x 6.2 inches |Weight:8 pounds |Materials:Cast iron with porcelain enameled interior, exterior, lid, and handles |Capacity:5 quarts

PHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Will Dickey

The More You KnowThese heat-tolerant pots are safe to use on the stovetop and in a hot oven, which makes them great for braises. You can sear your meat on the stovetop, then add the aromatics and liquid, and pop it into the oven to finish — no need to dirty another dish.

The More You Know

These heat-tolerant pots are safe to use on the stovetop and in a hot oven, which makes them great for braises. You can sear your meat on the stovetop, then add the aromatics and liquid, and pop it into the oven to finish — no need to dirty another dish.

Best Budget

PHOTO: Walmart

$59 at Walmart

Star QualitiesWide, thick handlesLarge oval shape for entertainingEasy to clean and dishwasher-safeRed FlagsLess durable than others we tested

Star QualitiesWide, thick handlesLarge oval shape for entertainingEasy to clean and dishwasher-safe

Wide, thick handles

Large oval shape for entertaining

Easy to clean and dishwasher-safe

Red FlagsLess durable than others we tested

Less durable than others we tested

This enamel Dutch oven from Drew Barrymore’s cookware line was a high performer. The open oval handles make it easy to move the pot to and from the oven, even with oven mitts. It showed even heat distribution and our chicken browned nicely. Though this is a nonstick Dutch oven, we did get some stuck-on bits of food on the bottom of the pot during cooking. To avoid this, we recommend using more oil. Our rice cooked evenly, if slightly overdone.

The only real downside is this pot’s durability. The exterior enamel held up well, but we noticed spots of discoloration after cooking, particularly on the handles where oil splattered. It’s dishwasher-safe, but the discoloration did not improve after washing. The enamel interior also sustained some damage when hit with a metal spoon, so we’d recommend using wooden utensils.

Dimensions:12 x 8 inches |Weight:12 pounds |Materials:Cast iron with enameled interior, exterior, lid, and handles; stainless steel knob |Capacity:6 quarts

PHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Will Dickey

Best Cast IronLodge Cast Iron Double Dutch OvenPHOTO: Amazon$76$49 at Amazon$80 at Walmart$55 at WayfairStar QualitiesEasy to clean with water and mild soapLid doubles as a skilletExtremely durableRed FlagsNarrow handles are a bit difficult to grabThe Lodge Dutch oven produced beautifully browned chicken thighs with crispy skin. Nothing stuck, and we had plenty of space for even cooking. The rice was perfectly cooked as well, with no sticking or burning, and the pot essentially looked clean after use. It’s easy to use and clean, so there’s no learning curve if you’re new to Dutch oven cooking.It’s also extremely durable — it didn’t scratch or dent in our durability tests. As a bonus, the lid doubles as a cast iron skillet, so you get two for the price of one. The one drawback we noted is the size of the handles: they’re narrow and can be difficult to grab with thick oven mitts.Experts SayCast iron cookware likegrill pansand Dutch ovens don’t need to be expensive to perform well. “The one I personally use is the Lodge Dutch oven,” saysMatt Abdoo, chef of Pig Beach BBQ. “It has all the features you need for a very good value.”Dimensions:12.56 x 4.5 inches |Weight:14 pounds |Materials:Pre-seasoned cast iron interior and exterior; cast iron lid |Capacity:5 quarts

Best Cast IronLodge Cast Iron Double Dutch OvenPHOTO: Amazon$76$49 at Amazon$80 at Walmart$55 at Wayfair

Best Cast IronLodge Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven

Best Cast Iron

Lodge Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven

$76$49 at Amazon$80 at Walmart$55 at Wayfair

Star QualitiesEasy to clean with water and mild soapLid doubles as a skilletExtremely durableRed FlagsNarrow handles are a bit difficult to grab

Star QualitiesEasy to clean with water and mild soapLid doubles as a skilletExtremely durable

Easy to clean with water and mild soap

Lid doubles as a skillet

Extremely durable

Red FlagsNarrow handles are a bit difficult to grab

Narrow handles are a bit difficult to grab

The Lodge Dutch oven produced beautifully browned chicken thighs with crispy skin. Nothing stuck, and we had plenty of space for even cooking. The rice was perfectly cooked as well, with no sticking or burning, and the pot essentially looked clean after use. It’s easy to use and clean, so there’s no learning curve if you’re new to Dutch oven cooking.

It’s also extremely durable — it didn’t scratch or dent in our durability tests. As a bonus, the lid doubles as a cast iron skillet, so you get two for the price of one. The one drawback we noted is the size of the handles: they’re narrow and can be difficult to grab with thick oven mitts.

Experts SayCast iron cookware likegrill pansand Dutch ovens don’t need to be expensive to perform well. “The one I personally use is the Lodge Dutch oven,” saysMatt Abdoo, chef of Pig Beach BBQ. “It has all the features you need for a very good value.”

Experts Say

Cast iron cookware likegrill pansand Dutch ovens don’t need to be expensive to perform well. “The one I personally use is the Lodge Dutch oven,” saysMatt Abdoo, chef of Pig Beach BBQ. “It has all the features you need for a very good value.”

Dimensions:12.56 x 4.5 inches |Weight:14 pounds |Materials:Pre-seasoned cast iron interior and exterior; cast iron lid |Capacity:5 quarts

Best for EntertainingCuisinart Chef’s Classic 7-Quart Round CasserolePHOTO: Amazon$130$98 at Amazon$112 at Target$92 at WayfairStar QualitiesComparable to higher-priced modelsFinish doesn’t transfer flavors to foodsDishwasher-safeRed FlagsHandles are small for large, heavy ovenCuisinart Chef’s 7-quart Dutch oven is a big, beautiful addition to your dining table. It has a porcelain-enamel finish that comes in several colors. With ample space for up to four sizable chicken thighs, this pot browned meat well, and the thighs released easily in our testing, though one got a bit stuck toward the center of the pot. The rice cooked well, but the grains around the edges browned slightly.The handles on this pot are rather small and hard to grip with oven mitts. That said, it performed nearly as well as much costlier, higher-end models — plus, it’s dishwasher-safe.Dimensions:12.99 x 12.99 x 6.22 inches |Weight:17.8 pounds |Materials:Cast iron with porcelain enameled interior, exterior, lid, and handles |Capacity:7 quartsPHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Will DickeyPro Tip!Check with each brand and model, but in many cases, manufacturers will say that while a product is dishwasher-safe, hand-washing is still recommended. That is often because using the dishwasher may cause the enamel finish to lose its luster.

Best for EntertainingCuisinart Chef’s Classic 7-Quart Round CasserolePHOTO: Amazon$130$98 at Amazon$112 at Target$92 at Wayfair

Best for EntertainingCuisinart Chef’s Classic 7-Quart Round Casserole

Best for Entertaining

Cuisinart Chef’s Classic 7-Quart Round Casserole

$130$98 at Amazon$112 at Target$92 at Wayfair

Star QualitiesComparable to higher-priced modelsFinish doesn’t transfer flavors to foodsDishwasher-safeRed FlagsHandles are small for large, heavy oven

Star QualitiesComparable to higher-priced modelsFinish doesn’t transfer flavors to foodsDishwasher-safe

Comparable to higher-priced models

Finish doesn’t transfer flavors to foods

Dishwasher-safe

Red FlagsHandles are small for large, heavy oven

Handles are small for large, heavy oven

Cuisinart Chef’s 7-quart Dutch oven is a big, beautiful addition to your dining table. It has a porcelain-enamel finish that comes in several colors. With ample space for up to four sizable chicken thighs, this pot browned meat well, and the thighs released easily in our testing, though one got a bit stuck toward the center of the pot. The rice cooked well, but the grains around the edges browned slightly.

The handles on this pot are rather small and hard to grip with oven mitts. That said, it performed nearly as well as much costlier, higher-end models — plus, it’s dishwasher-safe.

Dimensions:12.99 x 12.99 x 6.22 inches |Weight:17.8 pounds |Materials:Cast iron with porcelain enameled interior, exterior, lid, and handles |Capacity:7 quarts

Pro Tip!Check with each brand and model, but in many cases, manufacturers will say that while a product is dishwasher-safe, hand-washing is still recommended. That is often because using the dishwasher may cause the enamel finish to lose its luster.

Pro Tip!

Check with each brand and model, but in many cases, manufacturers will say that while a product is dishwasher-safe, hand-washing is still recommended. That is often because using the dishwasher may cause the enamel finish to lose its luster.

Best NonstickCalphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 8.5-Quart Dutch OvenPHOTO: Amazon$160 at Amazon$112 at Target$111 at WayfairStar QualitiesLightweight and easy to transferDurable nonstick surfaceLarge capacityRed FlagsCoating may wear off over timeIf you like a bird’s-eye view of your dinner, the Caphalon Dutch oven with a glass lid is a great choice. Rice came out perfectly cooked, though our chicken thighs only took on a light sear, not the golden-brown caramelization we were after. This Dutch oven has large, easy-to-grip handles and is lightweight, so it’s maneuverable with oven mitts.You could easily brown an entire roast in this Dutch oven with room to spare for vegetables. The nonstick coating made this dishwasher-safe piece a breeze to clean, though we’d note that nonstick may not be as durable as cast-iron.Dimensions:17.52 x 15.94 x 12.6 inches |Weight:5.5 pounds |Materials:Anodized aluminum with nonstick interior coating; tempered glass lid |Capacity:8.5 quartsPHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Will Dickey

Best NonstickCalphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 8.5-Quart Dutch OvenPHOTO: Amazon$160 at Amazon$112 at Target$111 at Wayfair

Best NonstickCalphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 8.5-Quart Dutch Oven

Best Nonstick

Calphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 8.5-Quart Dutch Oven

$160 at Amazon$112 at Target$111 at Wayfair

Star QualitiesLightweight and easy to transferDurable nonstick surfaceLarge capacityRed FlagsCoating may wear off over time

Star QualitiesLightweight and easy to transferDurable nonstick surfaceLarge capacity

Lightweight and easy to transfer

Durable nonstick surface

Large capacity

Red FlagsCoating may wear off over time

Coating may wear off over time

If you like a bird’s-eye view of your dinner, the Caphalon Dutch oven with a glass lid is a great choice. Rice came out perfectly cooked, though our chicken thighs only took on a light sear, not the golden-brown caramelization we were after. This Dutch oven has large, easy-to-grip handles and is lightweight, so it’s maneuverable with oven mitts.

You could easily brown an entire roast in this Dutch oven with room to spare for vegetables. The nonstick coating made this dishwasher-safe piece a breeze to clean, though we’d note that nonstick may not be as durable as cast-iron.

Dimensions:17.52 x 15.94 x 12.6 inches |Weight:5.5 pounds |Materials:Anodized aluminum with nonstick interior coating; tempered glass lid |Capacity:8.5 quarts

Best LightweightCaraway Dutch OvenPHOTO: Amazon$135$120 at Amazon$135 at Nordstrom$135 at TargetStar QualitiesNonstick ceramic coatingExcellent heat distribution and retentionLightweight and easy to carryRed FlagsSlick ceramic interior prevented crispy chicken skinThis adorable Caraway Dutch oven is spacious, lightweight, and has large handles, so it’s easy to pick up with oven mitts. Browning in this Dutch oven was very easy. The chicken thighs took on an even brown color, but the slipperiness of the nonstick enamel meant they didn’t get crispy. Though food didn’t stick to the slick surface, making clean-up easier. Most of our rice was overcooked, perhaps because the pot retains more moisture than others. Everything was evenly cooked, though, a sign that this pot has uniform heat distribution.This Dutch oven is large, versatile, and highly durable, especially for the price. With a modern look and an extremely user-friendly ceramic coating, cooks of all levels will enjoy using this Dutch oven. However, if you’re looking to develop a flavorful base for stews and soups using fatty meats, you may prefer an oven without a nonstick coating.Dimensions:15.47 x 12.68 x 6.14 inches |Weight:6.2 lbs. |Materials:Cast iron covered in glossy enamel; stainless steel handles |Capacity:6.5 quartsPHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Will Dickey

Best LightweightCaraway Dutch OvenPHOTO: Amazon$135$120 at Amazon$135 at Nordstrom$135 at Target

Best LightweightCaraway Dutch Oven

Best Lightweight

Caraway Dutch Oven

$135$120 at Amazon$135 at Nordstrom$135 at Target

Star QualitiesNonstick ceramic coatingExcellent heat distribution and retentionLightweight and easy to carryRed FlagsSlick ceramic interior prevented crispy chicken skin

Star QualitiesNonstick ceramic coatingExcellent heat distribution and retentionLightweight and easy to carry

Nonstick ceramic coating

Excellent heat distribution and retention

Lightweight and easy to carry

Red FlagsSlick ceramic interior prevented crispy chicken skin

Slick ceramic interior prevented crispy chicken skin

This adorable Caraway Dutch oven is spacious, lightweight, and has large handles, so it’s easy to pick up with oven mitts. Browning in this Dutch oven was very easy. The chicken thighs took on an even brown color, but the slipperiness of the nonstick enamel meant they didn’t get crispy. Though food didn’t stick to the slick surface, making clean-up easier. Most of our rice was overcooked, perhaps because the pot retains more moisture than others. Everything was evenly cooked, though, a sign that this pot has uniform heat distribution.

This Dutch oven is large, versatile, and highly durable, especially for the price. With a modern look and an extremely user-friendly ceramic coating, cooks of all levels will enjoy using this Dutch oven. However, if you’re looking to develop a flavorful base for stews and soups using fatty meats, you may prefer an oven without a nonstick coating.

Dimensions:15.47 x 12.68 x 6.14 inches |Weight:6.2 lbs. |Materials:Cast iron covered in glossy enamel; stainless steel handles |Capacity:6.5 quarts

Most VersatileKitchenAid Cast Iron Dutch OvenPHOTO: Amazon$200 at Amazon$129 at WalmartView on Potsandpans.comStar QualitiesSelf-basting lidHeats evenly for a consistent cookOven-safe up to 500°FRed FlagsFlat, solid handles make it tricky to lift and holdThis model is attractive enough to display on the stovetop at all times. Plus, it impressed us in testing. Our chicken browned beautifully and didn’t stick, and the pot is spacious enough to comfortably accommodate four large thighs. It also nailed rice, likely thanks to the self-basting lid, which kept the grains moist but not gummy, and nothing stuck to the pot or burned.We love the modern design of this Dutch oven. The flat, solid handles make lifting and holding the pot trickier than others, but the price makes it a great value.Dimensions:15.9 x 14.2 x 9.9 inches |Weight:18.3 pounds |Materials:Cast iron interior and exterior; cast iron lid with stainless steel knob |Capacity:6 quartsPHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Will Dickey

Most VersatileKitchenAid Cast Iron Dutch OvenPHOTO: Amazon$200 at Amazon$129 at WalmartView on Potsandpans.com

Most VersatileKitchenAid Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Most Versatile

KitchenAid Cast Iron Dutch Oven

$200 at Amazon$129 at WalmartView on Potsandpans.com

Star QualitiesSelf-basting lidHeats evenly for a consistent cookOven-safe up to 500°FRed FlagsFlat, solid handles make it tricky to lift and hold

Star QualitiesSelf-basting lidHeats evenly for a consistent cookOven-safe up to 500°F

Self-basting lid

Heats evenly for a consistent cook

Oven-safe up to 500°F

Red FlagsFlat, solid handles make it tricky to lift and hold

Flat, solid handles make it tricky to lift and hold

This model is attractive enough to display on the stovetop at all times. Plus, it impressed us in testing. Our chicken browned beautifully and didn’t stick, and the pot is spacious enough to comfortably accommodate four large thighs. It also nailed rice, likely thanks to the self-basting lid, which kept the grains moist but not gummy, and nothing stuck to the pot or burned.

We love the modern design of this Dutch oven. The flat, solid handles make lifting and holding the pot trickier than others, but the price makes it a great value.

Dimensions:15.9 x 14.2 x 9.9 inches |Weight:18.3 pounds |Materials:Cast iron interior and exterior; cast iron lid with stainless steel knob |Capacity:6 quarts

Best InvestmentLe Creuset 7.25-Quart Signature Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch OvenPHOTO: Amazon$460$430 at Amazon$460 at Nordstrom$460 at Macy’s

Best InvestmentLe Creuset 7.25-Quart Signature Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven

Best Investment

Le Creuset 7.25-Quart Signature Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven

$460$430 at Amazon$460 at Nordstrom$460 at Macy’s

Star QualitiesExcellent heat distribution and retentionTight-fitting lid retains moistureErgonomically designed handles are comfortable to hold

Tight-fitting lid retains moisture

Ergonomically designed handles are comfortable to hold

If you’re paying hundreds of dollars for a Dutch oven, you should have high expectations. Fortunately, the Le Creuset met our expectations and more. Our chicken browned and cooked perfectly for jambalaya, and the meat released easily without leaving a mess behind. The lid is tight-fitting to retain moisture, and the ergonomically designed handles and knob make it easy to lift. The rice cooked evenly, though it was slightly overcooked.

The oven’s thick enameled cast iron base takes longer to heat than others, but it retains heat well. The center gets hotter than the edges, and our chicken closest to the middle browned better. And the Dutch oven’s smooth surface is nonstick and easy to keep clean, though this is not dishwasher-safe.

Dimensions:14.75 x 11.25 x 7.75 inches |Weight:15.2 pounds |Materials:Cast iron with enameled cast iron lid; light interior coating; stainless steel lid knob |Capacity:7.25 quarts

PHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Will DickeyPHOTO: People / Will Dickey

Other Dutch Ovens We Tried

What to Know About Dutch Ovens

Benefits

A Dutch oven is a highly versatile kitchen workhorse to add to your cookware lineup. These heavy-duty pots are large and thick-bottomed, which makes them great for searing meat and vegetables. The high sides prevent splatters, and you can fill the pots with liquid for braises. They’re oven-safe, so you can cook things like stews, sauces, and roasts low and slow, or sear meats and brown casseroles with high heat. A Dutch oven is also a smart choice for cooking grains, sauces, and even bread.

Materials

Abdoo recommends a cast iron Dutch oven with an enamel-coated interior and porcelain exterior. “The enamel makes it easier to clean, and the porcelain prevents it from rusting,” he says.Top ChefstarJustin Sutherlandtells PEOPLE that cast iron is a must “because it retains heat and releases heat evenly into food." He adds that you should make sure the cast iron is thick and even throughout the oven.

Sutherland says to consider the lid material and design as much as the oven itself. In addition to ensuring the lid is tight-fitting, he says, “Make sure the inside of the lid has round dimples or spikes; these help the condensation fall back onto the food evenly.”

Capacity

“I suggest purchasing at least a five-quart Dutch oven so you can cook small and large items,” says Abdoo. Note that an extra-large Dutch oven can make it harder to whip up smaller batches. Before you purchase that beautiful 7.5-quart Dutch oven, consider how often you’ll be cooking large batches of stew versus everyday meals for two or four. Of course, if you regularly cook for a crowd or are looking for something to meal prep in, a 7.5-quart or large oven is a good choice.

Weight

Unlike, say,nonstick cookware, cast iron can be heavy — and that’s before you add ingredients. If you’re concerned about being able to lift or maneuver your pot in the kitchen, opt for a lighter product, such as theCaraway Dutch ovenorCalphalon Dutch oven. It’s also important to have large handles for better maneuverability. We like the protruding handles on theLe Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven.

Shape

Price Range

A quality name-brand Dutch oven can cost several hundred dollars, but if you’re a serious cook looking to invest in a quality product, the high price might be worth it. “One thing to keep in mind as you set your budget is that cast iron lasts a really long time — I still use my grandmother’s cast iron pans,” Abdoo says. “However, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good quality Dutch oven.” In fact, our top pick, theCuisinart Classic 5-Quart Dutch Oven, is around $100, and another favorite, theLodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven, costs just $49.

Our experienced kitchen testers cooked with 24 of the top-selling Dutch ovens from a variety of brands and price points in a real kitchen.

Based on the results of each test, we scored each Dutch oven using a standardized scale for ease of use and durability. Finally, we rated each product’s value based on its price.

Lizzy Briskinis a trained chef, recipe developer, and food and travel writer. She’s a former food editor at Real Simple and Food Network Magazines and contributes to The Kitchn, Bon Appetit, Delish, and other outlets. For PEOPLE, she has covered everything from meat thermometers to roasting pans toportable blenders. To compile this guide on Dutch ovens, she consulted data from the PEOPLE Tested lab to determine the very best products based on extensive testing (cooking!).

Our Expert PanelMatt Abdoois a celebrity chef, founder of Pig Beach BBQ, and co-author ofPig Beach BBQ Cookbook.Justin Sutherlandis aTop Chefstar, restaurateur, and author ofNorthern Soul.

Our Expert Panel

Matt Abdoois a celebrity chef, founder of Pig Beach BBQ, and co-author ofPig Beach BBQ Cookbook.Justin Sutherlandis aTop Chefstar, restaurateur, and author ofNorthern Soul.

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com