The Best Dutch Ovens for Braises, Bakes, and Stews (According to Our Tests)

If there’s one piece of cookware everyone should have, it’s a Dutch oven. This is the original do-it-all pot, without gimmick or jest. It sears, braises, stews, and fries, and you can even use it to bake a crusty loaf. It’s the Toyota Prius of pots: It’s low maintenance, gets great mileage, and can last forever. 

The tricky part is choosing which Dutch oven to buy because, well, it’s not mechanically complex like a pellet smoker or blender. It’s a wide, tall pot with a knobbed lid and the whole thing is (usually) made of enameled cast iron. We last reviewed Dutch ovens in 2017, but thought it was time to revisit this colossus of kitchen cookware. I created a lineup of our longtime winners, as well as some newer offerings, and ran them through a series of tests to see what distinguishes a good Dutch oven from a great one. 

The Winners, at a Glance

The Best Dutch Oven

Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven

$420 $286 at Amazon $420 at Williams-Sonoma $420 $336 at Sur La Table

With wide-looped handles, tough-as-nails enamel, and a broad searing surface, it was no surprise our longtime winner from Le Creuset came out on top again. It’s quick to heat, gets a deep, burnished crust on meats, and the sturdy enamel fends off dings and scratches.

Another Long-Loved Dutch Oven

Staub Cast Iron Round Cocotte

$316 at Amazon $400 at Walmart $400 at Sur La Table

This hefty offering from Staub has a wide interior surface area and deeply seared pork. While the handles are smaller than the Le Creuset, they still provide enough purchase to maneuver it into the oven without tweaking a tendon. It has a hardy enamel coating and comes with Staub’s lifetime warranty.

The Best Budget Dutch Oven

Lodge EC6D33 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

$80 at Amazon $80 at Target $120 $80 at Jcpenney.com

This capacious Dutch oven seared pork well and heated up fast, and I liked the wide handles and large knob on the lid. I was concerned that the sloped sides and rounded bottom edge would trap steam and inhibit browning, but that wasn’t the case. While the enamel did chip a little in my durability test, it’s not surprising for a Dutch oven that’s under $100.

Another Good Budget-Friendly Pick

Tramontina 5.5-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Series 1000 Oval Dutch Oven

$77 at Amazon $100 at Walmart $77 at Home Depot

At less than $90, this is a decent Dutch oven. While taller and narrower than the Le Creuset and Staub, it still put a good sear on the pork shoulder.

The Best Lightweight Dutch Oven

Emile Henry Sublime French Ceramic Dutch Oven

$235 at Williams-Sonoma

Weighing a mere seven pounds, this is a fantastic choice if hoisting a heavy pot isn’t your idea of a good time. Since it’s made of ceramic (without a cast iron core), its broad handles stayed cool when searing and frying.

Another Lightweight Option

Crock-Pot Artisan 5-Quart Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch Oven

$75 $65 at Amazon $61 at Walmart $65 at Target

This slightly smaller Dutch oven weighs a little over 11 pounds, which is on the featherweight side of the spectrum. After heating up sufficiently, it seared golden brown pork shoulder and fried crispy plantains.

The Tests 

• Handling Test: I used pot holders and kitchen towels to grasp each Dutch oven’s handles, maneuvering the pot from the stove to the oven, and vice versa. I wanted to see if moving the Dutch oven was akin to wrangling a greased watermelon or if I could get a good grip. 
• Braised Pork Shoulder Test: I seared and braised a five-pound boneless pork shoulder in each Dutch oven. 
• Durability Test: I gently knocked a metal spoon along the rim of the pots to see if the enamel chipped easily. 
• Fried Plantains Test (Winners Only): I made patacones in the winning Dutch ovens, timing how long the oil took to reach 300°F and seeing how well they fried the plantains. 

What We Learned 

What Is a Dutch Oven?

Dutch ovens are stocky pots often made of enameled cast iron. While there are also stainless steel or naked cast iron options, I focused on enameled cast iron Dutch ovens because they’re the best at the long and slow cooking you’d expect of such a pot. (That said, I did include one ceramic option from Emile Henry to see how it would fare.) Enameled cast iron retains heat nicely, sears well, and is easy to clean. Plus, you can stew acidic sauces and soups without fear of corrosion, which you couldn’t do in an uncoated cast iron Dutch oven. I also stuck to round cocottes; they’re more versatile than oval or novelty-shaped Dutch ovens (though those are fun). 

Which Size Dutch Oven Is Best?

The last time we reviewed Dutch ovens we kept the lineup to pots between five and six quarts. I stayed the course in my tests as well, since this is the sweet spot: A pot of this size doesn’t feel cramped, nor is it so large that everything you put in it looks paltry. It also allows liquids to reduce nicely, neither leaving excess liquid nor evaporating it away to nothing. 

A five- to six-quart Dutch oven usually serves around six people (depending on how hungry they are, of course). If you have more mouths to feed, many of our winners offer seven to eight-quart options, too. Obviously, if you’re looking to make individual baked bread puddings or pot pies or some such, a miniature Dutch oven is a fun presentation vessel. 

Lighter Dutch Ovens With Wide Handles Were Easy to Move

Handles and weight are important considerations. Since Dutch ovens are versatile pots that can simmer stews on the stove or braise meats in the oven, it should be easy to move the pot about. The Le Creuset hit the sweet spot here: It had wide, looped handles and wasn’t too heavy at 11.4 pounds.

The KitchenAid was on the opposite side of the spectrum, with small handles and a hefty 15.6-pound weight; it was cumbersome and took a grunt and a heave-ho to lift. 

The Emile Henry ceramic Dutch oven is a great ultra-light option, weighing a little over seven pounds. It sports wide handles that stay cool when searing and frying, too. While it didn’t heat up as quickly as Dutch ovens with cast iron cores, it browned well and braised meltingly tender pork shoulder. 

Light-Colored Interiors Made It Easy to See Fond Development 

I’ve owned a Staub Dutch oven for years, but I grew up using my parents’ Le Creuset, and switching from light interior enamel to dark was an adjustment—albeit a minor one. Simply put, you can see fond development better on cream-colored enamel. While this was a nicety, it didn’t result in better browning. 

Most of the Dutch Ovens Performed Well—But Not All Were Durable 

As I seared and braised pounds of pork and fried chunks of plantain, it became evident that most Dutch ovens were more than capable. Instead, it was in the details that winners emerged. 

Handles and weight were two such factors, as previously discussed, as was durability: Only a handful of Dutch ovens didn’t chip when I clanked a soup spoon against their rims. While I admit this test wasn’t as comprehensive as years of use, it did give a good indication of longevity. If a pot chipped when pitted against a metal spoon, I didn’t have high hopes for its future. And if it chipped during regular use, like the Lodge USA Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven, which lost a chunk of enamel when I put the lid on, well, that was a bad sign.  

Our winners from Le Creuset and Staub (as well as the Emile Henry) survived the trial by spoon sans dent or chip, and many Serious Eats editors have used these Dutch ovens for years without tribulation. While admittedly costly, these heritage-brand Dutch ovens are heirloom-worthy and are often passed down through generations. 

All this being said, I have included more affordable options in my lineup of winners. While the Lodge Essential, Tramontina, and Crock-Pot Dutch ovens are decidedly less durable (they all chipped), they’re also all under $100 and seared, braised, and fried well. Sure, they won’t last decades like a Le Creuset or Staub, but if you don’t want to spend a ton of money and need a decent Dutch oven stat, they’ll do. 

The Criteria: What to Look for in a Dutch Oven 

A good Dutch oven should sear well and not feel cramped. Ideally, it has larger looped handles that are easy to grasp, and it shouldn’t be too heavy—anything over 13.5 pounds was difficult to lift, especially when full of food. Ideally, a Dutch oven should be tough as nails and not prone to chipping; that said, most super sturdy options were also much more expensive. 

Our Favorite Dutch Ovens

The Best Dutch Oven

Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven

$420 $286 at Amazon $420 at Williams-Sonoma $420 $336 at Sur La Table

What we liked: Weighing in under 13 pounds, with a cream-colored interior enamel and wide looped hands, the Le Creuset had it all. It heated quickly, searing pork shoulder to a crusty golden brown and braising it down to silky ribbons of meat. While its interior diameter was on the smaller side at eight inches, it didn’t feel cramped whatsoever. Many Serious Eats editors have had and used this Dutch oven for years (and some have even inherited it) with no damage or wear. 

What we didn’t like: The only thing that pops this balloon is the price tag—though this Dutch oven will last decades. 

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 11.5 x 6.2 inches
• Capacity: 5.5 quarts
• Other sizes: 2, 4.5, 7.25, 9, and 13.75 quarts
• Weight: 11.4 pounds
• Cooking surface: 8 inches
• Induction compatible: Yes
• Max heat: 500°F
• Materials: Enameled cast iron
• Warranty: Limited lifetime
• Dishwasher-safe: Yes, though we recommend hand-washing
  

Another Long-Loved Dutch Oven

Staub Cast Iron Round Cocotte

$316 at Amazon $400 at Walmart $400 at Sur La Table

What we liked: The Staub is a squat, wide Dutch oven that sears incredibly well. The lid features three small bumps around the rim that allow steam through, resulting in perfectly reduced braises. Its tough enamel stood up to my durability tests, and the Staub I’ve owned and used weekly for three years is still spotless. 

What we didn’t like: The handles are on the small side, and the interior enamel is black, which makes it difficult to see the fond develop. It’s a smidge heavy at a little over 13 pounds and is admittedly expensive.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 10.25 x 6.5 inches
• Capacity: 5.5 quarts
• Other sizes: 2.75, 4, 7, 8.75, and 13.25 quarts 
• Weight: 13.2 pounds
• Cooking surface: 8.75 inches
• Induction compatible: Yes
• Max heat: 500°F
• Materials: Enameled cast iron
• Warranty: Lifetime
• Dishwasher-safe: Yes, though we recommend hand-washing
  

The Best Budget Dutch Oven

Lodge EC6D33 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

$80 at Amazon $80 at Target $120 $80 at Jcpenney.com

What we liked: This spacious 6-quart Dutch oven heated up quickly and browned pork well. I was concerned that the sloped sides and rather rounded bottom edge would inhibit browning but that wasn’t the case. It had nice braised results, too, producing tender, fall-apart pork, with about a half-inch of liquid reduction. It’s a smidge under 13 pounds, which was a manageable weight. 

What we didn’t like: The rim did chip readily when I gave it a knock with a spoon.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 13.5 x 7.3 inches
• Capacity: 6 quarts
• Other sizes: 1.5, 3, 4.5, and 7.5 quarts
• Weight: 12.8 pounds
• Cooking surface: 8.25 inches
• Induction compatible: Yes
• Max heat: 500°F
• Materials: Enameled cast iron
• Warranty: Limited lifetime
• Dishwasher-safe: Yes, though we recommend hand-washing
  

Another Good Budget-Friendly Pick

Tramontina 5.5-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Series 1000 Oval Dutch Oven

$77 at Amazon $100 at Walmart $77 at Home Depot

What we liked: A no-frills option under $90, the Tramontina seared and braised nicely. The lid had a wide metal knob that was easy to grasp, and it was a manageable 12.4 pounds. It has a lifetime warranty. 

What we didn’t like: The handles are small, it’s a bit cramped, and the enamel chipped. It’s also not broiler-safe. 

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.4 inches
• Capacity: 5.5 quarts
• Other sizes: 6.5 and 7 quarts
• Weight: 12.4 pounds
• Cooking surface: 8.75 inches
• Induction compatible: Yes
• Max heat: 450°F
• Materials: Enameled cast iron
• Warranty: Lifetime
• Dishwasher-safe: No
  

The Best Lightweight Dutch Oven

Emile Henry Sublime French Ceramic Dutch Oven

$235 at Williams-Sonoma

What we liked: This all-ceramic Dutch oven weighs a little over seven pounds (which is less than my cat, by the way) and has wide handles, making it a great option if you have wrist issues or mobility concerns. While it didn’t heat up quite as fast as enamel-coated cast iron pots, it still seared decently, braised well, and fried up crispy, golden patacones. Since it’s made of ceramic, the handles stayed cool to the touch even over a burner. 

What we didn’t like: While it’s about half the price as the Le Creuset and Staub, it’s still expensive considering it’s made of ceramic (and hence isn’t induction-compatible). The wide knob on the lid was hard to grasp, too. 

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 12.25 x 5.25 inches
• Capacity: 6 quarts
• Other sizes: 4 and 7.5 quarts
• Weight: 7.8 pounds
• Cooking surface: 8 inches
• Induction compatible: No 
• Max heat: 930°F
• Materials: Ceramic
• Warranty: Limited lifetime
• Dishwasher-safe: Yes
  

Another Lightweight Option

Crock-Pot Artisan 5-Quart Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch Oven

$75 $65 at Amazon $61 at Walmart $65 at Target

What we liked: This is an affordable little Dutch oven that performed well. I encouraged golden browning on pork shoulder after bumping up the burner heat, and the meat slumped into tender shreds after a few hours in the oven. The metal knob on the lid was flared like the Le Creuset’s, which made it easy to grip, and the whole thing weighed around 10 pounds, which is pretty light. While the enamel chipped, it’s a $60 pot so I wasn’t surprised. 

What we didn’t like: I had to turn up the heat to get a good sear, and the interior was cramped. The handles are on the small side and, again, it chipped. 

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 9.5 x 5 inches
• Capacity: 5 quarts
• Other sizes: 6 and 7 quarts
• Weight: 11.6 pounds
• Cooking surface: 8 inches
• Induction compatible: Yes
• Max heat: 500°F
• Materials: Enameled cast iron
• Warranty: NA
• Dishwasher safe: No

The Competition 

Also Good

• Made In Round Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven: This Dutch oven seared really well and was resistant to chipping; it’ll likely last a long time. It was quite heavy, though, and the handles were wide and flat, making them difficult to grip. 
• Cuisinart Chef's Classic Enameled Cast Iron 5-Quart Round Covered Casserole: This was a budget pick the last time we tested Dutch ovens, and it performed well in my tests, too. While smaller and a little cramped, it still seared well and braised nicely. I wish the handles were bigger, and that the knob on the top wasn’t enameled—as it was, it was rather slippery. 
• Goldilocks 6-Quart Dutch Oven: This Dutch oven only comes in a six-quart size, but it did sear and braise well. Unfortunately, it chipped when I put the lid on it. However, Goldilocks does offer a lifetime warranty. 

Not Recommended

• Milo by Kana 5.5-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven: The Milo by Kana seared well and braised nicely, though it did chip. The price is kinda high for a middling pot. 
• Lodge USA Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 6-Qt.: This large, wide Dutch oven performed well in all the cooking tests, but it chipped when I put the lid on it. I’d expect better from a $300 pot. 
• Our Place Cast Iron Perfect Pot: The enamel was bumpy all over, but it was especially bad on one of the handles where the glaze looked messily dripped on. It also chipped readily. It’s on the heavier side at 13.6 pounds, and the liquid didn't reduce quite as much as the other Dutch ovens. The pork stuck a little bit to the pot, but it did sear lightly golden. 
• KitchenAid Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven: This was the heaviest pot I tested at a leaden 15.6 pounds. This heft, paired with small, fin-like handles, made it difficult to move without heaving. (I feared for my glass stovetop.) 
• Mikasa Gourmet Basics Swirl 5.5-Quart Dutch Oven: This Dutch oven was disqualified early in testing because the knob was too flush with the lid. It seems to be discontinued now as well. 
• The Pioneer Woman Timeless Beauty Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Stainless Steel Butterfly Knob: While whimsical, the butterfly knob was uncomfortable to grip. It's no longer in stock.
• Marquette Castings 6-Qt. Dutch Oven: When we tested this oven years ago, meat stuck a bit too readily to the enamel and it was difficult to clean. It’s also no longer available. 
• Uno Casa 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven: The enamel chipped early on in testing. 
• Amazon Basics 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven: This Dutch oven browned unevenly and scratched easily. 

FAQs

What's the best way to clean a Dutch oven?

While many manufacturers say you can throw the Dutch oven in the dishwasher, it will wear away at the enamel over time. Instead, we recommend hand-washing it with a sponge and soapy water. 

Is an uncoated or enameled cast iron Dutch oven better?

To be totally frank, an enameled cast iron Dutch oven is just much easier to use. It doesn’t need to be thoroughly dried and oiled, and you can stew acidic dishes like ragout or chili without the acid stripping the seasoning. An uncoated cast iron Dutch oven is good for baking bread but requires more work when cleaning and has more restrictions when cooking. 

How do you season a cast iron Dutch oven?

It’s not that much work, but it involves heating the pot, coating it in oil, and repeating. You can find seasoning instructions here. 

Can you use a Dutch oven on a glass stovetop?

I do! While it’s not ideal, the chips fall where they may, and sometimes you buy a house that has a glass-top stove and that’s life. (Not talking about myself here, of course…not silently pining for a gas stove. Ahem.) Anyway, yes, you can use a Dutch oven on a glass-top stove, but just be careful about it. If you’re really concerned, check out the lightweight Emile Henry Dutch oven—though be warned, it’s not induction-compatible. 

Why We’re the Experts 

• Grace Kelly is a commerce editor at Serious Eats, where she’s been testing equipment for two years. 
• She previously tested gear at America’s Test Kitchen and worked in restaurants and bars, too.  
• For this review, Grace tested Dutch ovens by searing and braising pork shoulder in each one. She also used the winners to fry plantains. Throughout testing, she examined how easy the pots were to move in and out of the oven and checked the durability of their enamel. 
• Sal Vaglica first tested Dutch ovens back in 2019. His favorite from that testing, the Le Creuset, has remained our winner.