The Best Dutch Ovens Of 2022

Arina P Habich/Shutterstock By Robyn Hunt/Updated: Jan. 24, 2023 2:10 pm EST

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. If you’re ready to spend more time cooking, one of the most important pieces of equipment you need to have is a Dutch oven. It’s pretty much the most universal cooking tool in the kitchen. Food Network notes that whatever you can cook in a stove top pot, you can cook in one of these bad boys. A Dutch oven can be used on and in your cooking range. You can bake, sear, braise, steam, stew, fry, sauté, or roast pretty much anything and everything. Dutch ovens come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, so there’s pretty much something for everyone. You can even find single-serve sizes in 8-ounce capacity.

A Dutch oven is a heavy, cast-iron cooking pot that is fairly shallow and comes with a tight-fitting lid. According to Greatist, there are three types of these vessels in American cooking history: The traditional Dutch oven, which used to be suspended over an open flame, the “bake kettle” which would sit directly on hot coals, and the French cocotte, which is essentially the same thing as a Dutch oven, just by a different name. That being said, today the term “Dutch oven” is used to describe all three cooking tools.  But when it comes to choosing the right Dutch oven for you, you’ll need to think about how you’ll be using it and for whom. Price point, what it’s made with, and aesthetics are also important to think about. 

Best statement Dutch oven: Great Jones The Dutchess

Great Jones

Founded in 2018, Great Jones is a relatively new company in the cookware world (via TheTakeOut). The brand is inspired by foodie legend Judith Jones, who is known for editing some of the best cookbooks by Julia child, James Beard, and Edna Lewis (to name a few). According to the company’s website, Judith Jones “treated her cookware like art”, and that’s exactly how you’ll feel when you cook with one of these conversation-worthy Dutch ovens. Known as The Dutchess, (yes, that’s the correct spelling), this crockery truly needs to be treated like nobility and shown off to the world (not tucked away in a cupboard somewhere).

While The Dutchess is only available in one size (6.75 quarts), the seven fun food-themed colors (like blueberry, broccoli, and marinara) should make up for the limited sizing. This artsy crock pot is priced middle-tier, but is still considered very affordable in the world of Dutch ovens. According to Prudent Reviews, Great Jones is able to keep their pricing low because they only sell through their website (which eliminates the middle man). This colorful cast-iron enameled cookware melds modern art with vintage ’70s aesthetics. It rates a 4.6 out of 5 stars on the Great Jones website and also received good reviews by independent reviewers on BestProducts and Kitchn.  The Dutchess is perfect for those who want their food to be the center of attention, and can be purchased for $160 at Great Jones website.

The Best Dutch Ovens Of 2022

Arina P Habich/Shutterstock

By Robyn Hunt/Updated: Jan. 24, 2023 2:10 pm EST

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. If you’re ready to spend more time cooking, one of the most important pieces of equipment you need to have is a Dutch oven. It’s pretty much the most universal cooking tool in the kitchen. Food Network notes that whatever you can cook in a stove top pot, you can cook in one of these bad boys. A Dutch oven can be used on and in your cooking range. You can bake, sear, braise, steam, stew, fry, sauté, or roast pretty much anything and everything. Dutch ovens come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, so there’s pretty much something for everyone. You can even find single-serve sizes in 8-ounce capacity.

A Dutch oven is a heavy, cast-iron cooking pot that is fairly shallow and comes with a tight-fitting lid. According to Greatist, there are three types of these vessels in American cooking history: The traditional Dutch oven, which used to be suspended over an open flame, the “bake kettle” which would sit directly on hot coals, and the French cocotte, which is essentially the same thing as a Dutch oven, just by a different name. That being said, today the term “Dutch oven” is used to describe all three cooking tools.  But when it comes to choosing the right Dutch oven for you, you’ll need to think about how you’ll be using it and for whom. Price point, what it’s made with, and aesthetics are also important to think about. 

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

A Dutch oven is a heavy, cast-iron cooking pot that is fairly shallow and comes with a tight-fitting lid. According to Greatist, there are three types of these vessels in American cooking history: The traditional Dutch oven, which used to be suspended over an open flame, the “bake kettle” which would sit directly on hot coals, and the French cocotte, which is essentially the same thing as a Dutch oven, just by a different name. That being said, today the term “Dutch oven” is used to describe all three cooking tools. 

But when it comes to choosing the right Dutch oven for you, you’ll need to think about how you’ll be using it and for whom. Price point, what it’s made with, and aesthetics are also important to think about. 

How we selected these Dutch ovens

It’s important to pick a pot that feels like it fits your lifestyle. You don’t want to select an extra-small Dutch oven simply because you like the color and think its minuscule size is cute. So think about what types of dishes and how many servings you’re hoping to make with your pot selection. Price point, lifestyle, and aesthetics have all been taken into account when categorizing the following cooking vessels, so there should be a little something for everyone.

Best overall Dutch oven: Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Lodge Cast Iron

The Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven comes in six different sizes with over 25 different color choices (depending on size). But by far the biggest factor that allows it to shine brighter than its competition is its affordability. Cast-iron and enameled cookware tends to be expensive (at least for high-quality, durable, exquisitely crafted Dutch ovens). 

Best traditional Dutch oven: Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Oval Dutch Oven with Lid

Le Creuset

What makes Le Creuset unique isn’t just its stand-out style, with cookware available in 100 different colors, it’s the high-quality, chip-resistant enamel on all of their products. Insider writes that Le Creuset is considered the best in the industry, although it does come with a price tag. You know that old adage, “you get what you pay for?” Well, you’re investing in a product that’s been in existence for almost 100 years and is made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship. 

Best Dutch oven for camping: Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven

Lodge

Lodge’s Deep Camp Dutch Oven is pre-seasoned with 100% pure soy-based vegetable oil so it imparts greater flavor with each use (just don’t use soaps or chemicals to wash the pan). This product is designed for outdoor use, so it’s ideal for camping and backyard bonfires. It can be used on a grill top or directly in the fire. This cast iron vessel has three stable feet, a bail handle (for hanging over a fire, if in a fire isn’t ideal for you), and also comes with a cookbook.

Best stainless steel Dutch oven: Tramontina Stainless Steel Dutch Oven

Tramontina

Best tagine-style Dutch oven: Bruntmor Cast Iron Tagine

Best Dutch oven splurge: Staub Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven

Williams-Sonoma

OvenSpot reports that Staub currently has 11 different colors to choose from (though availability is dependent on the actual product and its capacity).

Best statement Dutch oven: Great Jones The Dutchess

Great Jones

Founded in 2018, Great Jones is a relatively new company in the cookware world (via TheTakeOut). The brand is inspired by foodie legend Judith Jones, who is known for editing some of the best cookbooks by Julia child, James Beard, and Edna Lewis (to name a few). According to the company’s website, Judith Jones “treated her cookware like art”, and that’s exactly how you’ll feel when you cook with one of these conversation-worthy Dutch ovens. Known as The Dutchess, (yes, that’s the correct spelling), this crockery truly needs to be treated like nobility and shown off to the world (not tucked away in a cupboard somewhere).

While The Dutchess is only available in one size (6.75 quarts), the seven fun food-themed colors (like blueberry, broccoli, and marinara) should make up for the limited sizing. This artsy crock pot is priced middle-tier, but is still considered very affordable in the world of Dutch ovens. According to Prudent Reviews, Great Jones is able to keep their pricing low because they only sell through their website (which eliminates the middle man). This colorful cast-iron enameled cookware melds modern art with vintage ’70s aesthetics. It rates a 4.6 out of 5 stars on the Great Jones website and also received good reviews by independent reviewers on BestProducts and Kitchn.  The Dutchess is perfect for those who want their food to be the center of attention, and can be purchased for $160 at Great Jones website.

While The Dutchess is only available in one size (6.75 quarts), the seven fun food-themed colors (like blueberry, broccoli, and marinara) should make up for the limited sizing. This artsy crock pot is priced middle-tier, but is still considered very affordable in the world of Dutch ovens. According to Prudent Reviews, Great Jones is able to keep their pricing low because they only sell through their website (which eliminates the middle man).

This colorful cast-iron enameled cookware melds modern art with vintage ’70s aesthetics. It rates a 4.6 out of 5 stars on the Great Jones website and also received good reviews by independent reviewers on BestProducts and Kitchn. 

The Dutchess is perfect for those who want their food to be the center of attention, and can be purchased for $160 at Great Jones website.

Best electric Dutch oven: Instant Pot Electric Precision Dutch Oven

Instant at Home