Whether you’re choosing your wedding registry or looking for something snazzy to adorn your stovetop, a quality Dutch oven is something worth having on hand.
But, first things first: what is a Dutch oven? The cute round cookware essential is heavier than most pots you have on hand and is impeccable for braising. Why? Its weight helps with both heat retention and distribution.
A Dutch oven isn’t just apt for preparing meat, though. It can also be used to cook veggies quicker, make hearty soups and boil pasta faster (the latter makes it worth it, if we’re being honest).
We rounded up the 10 best Dutch ovens for you to grab for every style and budget. Whether you prefer an enameled Le Creuset or a more affordable brand on Amazon, we’re excited to steer you toward checkout (and cooking).
Shopping for other cooking essentials? Check out our roundup of the best blenders.
1. Lodge 6 Qt. Enameled Dutch Oven, $80
As a No. 1 Amazon best-seller, it’s no surprise the Lodge 6 Qt. Enameled Dutch Oven is a prized item to keep in your kitchen. With nearly 40,000 rave reviews, it comes in a bunch of colors, has a heat-tolerant porcelain enamel coating and is one of the most versatile models that’s easy to clean.
2. Le Creuset 5 Qt. Oval Dutch Oven, $400
Ah, there’s no buzzier name than the one and only Le Creuset. Its 5 Qt. Oval Dutch Oven is a splurge but one of our favorite kitchen essentials to date. In the making of this stovetop essential, 15 skilled artisans hand-inspected each piece, so you know you’re getting a quality product. Oh, and the brand offers a lifetime guarantee should anything go awry.
3. Staub 4 Qt. Cast Iron Round Cocotte, $100
If you don’t want to spend more than $100, Staub’s 4 Qt. Cast Iron Round Cocotte is for you. The black color is the most affordable, with other colors valued near the $300 mark. For a great value and efficient heat distribution, you can’t go wrong with this hidden gem.
4. Caraway 6.5 Qt. Nonstick Ceramic Dutch Oven, $135
We reviewed Caraway’s cookware and were completely obsessed. With a mod yet retro look, its 6.5 Qt. Nonstick Ceramic Dutch Oven is a kitchen staple as well as a statement, offering nontoxic coating and a Goldilocks-perfect size.
5. Amazon Basics 6 Qt. Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, $50
We adore the brushed navy look of the Amazon Basics 6 Qt. Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, but it comes in other colors too, for just $50! The retailer’s namesake brand is oven safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, has a smooth enamel finish for long-lasting durability and has ergonomic dual-sided handles.
6. Hearth & Hand with Magnolia 5 Qt. Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, $50
If we’re being honest, we love anything Chip and Joanna Gaines craft together. Its 5 Qt. Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven looks luxe but is just $50 at Target. Plus, you’ll appreciate its ability to stay in the oven up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and multiple size options.
7. The Pioneer Woman 6 Qt. Cast Iron Dutch Oven, $50
The Pioneer Woman has a lovely 6 Qt. Cast Iron Dutch Oven with some Southern charm. At a great $50 price point, we love the intricate detailing on the lid, ergonomic handles and brushed blue look. Not to mention, its cast iron body distributes heat evenly.
8. Instant Pot 6 Qt. Electric Dutch Oven, $200 to $230
Now this is a smart Dutch oven to buy. Much like your favorite pressure cooker or air fryer, Instant Pot knows what it’s doing with the 6 Qt. Electric Dutch Oven. Clad with a recipe book and easy-to-use control, it’s like a slow cooker, but more apt for braising and cooking quickly instead of for hours at a time.
9. Crock-Pot 7 Qt. Artisan Dutch Oven, $72 to $75
We love the look of Crock-Pot’s 7 Qt. Artisan Dutch Oven for its more rectangular shaped (though still curved) that’s akin to a casserole dish. In many colors and with a quite generous size, it’s a quality option that’s less than $100.
10. Calphalon 8.5 Qt. Premier Nonstick Dutch Oven, $112
Calphalon is one of our favorite cookware brands, much ado to its nonstick make. Its 8.5 Qt. Premier Nonstick Dutch Oven is no different and it’s a fairly priced, quality buy. Not only will it match with your other appliances but its capacity is the largest on this list.
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