Best Dutch Oven Reviews 2018

The price of a Dutch oven depends on the materials used for its construction, design, and size. For instance, a quality cast iron pot can cost as little as $80, but this can as high as $350 for a large, high-quality enameled variant. You may find cheap Dutch ovens on the market but most of them will be poorly enameled and crack easily, or the enamel may chip off. Well, we’ve not featured such in our review because we believe in quality products that give you value for money.

Just like any other kitchenware, you need a Dutch oven that’s reliable and can meet your culinary needs. Whether you’ll use it indoors or outdoors, its design has got to be just right.

So, here are the important features to look for in a Dutch oven:

• Construction material
• Capacity
• Color
• Lid design
• Handle design
• Maximum temperature

Now, let’s see how each of these features affects the overall design of a Dutch oven and, consequently, its performance.

Some of the best brands in the market use cast iron, enameled cast iron, stainless steel or copper to manufacture Dutch ovens. It’s also common for manufacturers to use an aluminum core in the construction of these cooking pots. Cast iron Dutch ovens are also seasoned to improve their performance.

Just like many culinary pots, Dutch ovens come in varied sizes. Common capacities are between 2.5 and 8 quarts. What determines the capacity of the Dutch oven that suits you is the number of people you intend to cook for. So, don’t just shop for the sake of it.

Dutch ovens usually come with lids in varied designs. Some are built to function as skillets while others are transparent for you to see the food as it cooks. The lids may also come with handles designed to cool fast for safe handling. Similar properties are applied to the main handles of the Dutch ovens.

Enameled Dutch ovens often come in a variety of colors. This is because porcelain paint is available in a wide range of colors. So, if you fancy colored cooking pots, then enamel coated Dutch ovens are your best bet. It’s also important to note that Dutch ovens are built to withstand specific temperatures. This determines whether to use them on open fires or in ovens. Always check the recommended cooking methods for a specific Dutch oven before buying it.

Like any other cookware, Dutch ovens need to be cleaned. That said, it’s wise to buy a Dutch oven that is easy to clean and maintain. So, if you own a dishwashing machine then a dishwasher safe Dutch oven will be an appropriate choice for you. Cooking pots whose lids can be used as skillets give you the flexibility of preparing a variety of dishes with a single Dutch oven. This comes in handy, especially when you’re out in the woods camping and don’t have lots of kitchenware at your disposal.