A Dutch oven is one of the most worthwhile investments in the world of cooking equipment. What other tool can bake, fry, boil, and braise with such ease? Like its many talents, there are also many variations of the how the Dutch oven got its name.
One version tells the story of an Englishman named Abraham Darby who, in the early 1700s, observed the Dutch using sand to cast cooking vessels out of brass. He returned to England, and in an attempt to make a cheaper product, he turned to cast iron. In 1707, Darby patented the process, and it’s thought that he named the pot after the Dutch method of casting.
Others suggest Dutch traders who peddled cast-iron pots popularized the name Dutch oven, and still more believe the name came from Dutch settlers in Pennsylvania who cooked with cast-iron pots and kettles. So, however the term Dutch oven came to be, it’s standard thinking that we have the Dutch to thank.
There’s no doubt that Dutch ovens have evolved and become more refined since those early days, but the reasons we love them certainly haven’t changed. Cast-iron Dutch ovens are wonderful heat conductors as well as incredibly versatile. With the current market full of options, it’s important to know what you’re looking for when shopping for this trusty piece of cast iron, and whether you’re purchasing your first or fifth, this guide will help to point you in the right direction.
Our Top Picks
Lodge, a company that has been manufacturing cast-iron cookware in Tennessee since 1896, is the most well-known United States-based cast iron producer, and they offer an extensive collection of both traditional seasoned and enamel-coated cast-iron pieces. Their enamel-coated Dutch ovens have a slightly rounded interior, which means less cooking surface than other Dutch ovens on the market. Lodge is a mainstay for traditional seasoned Dutch ovens and camp stoves as well, with each featuring dual handles and a sturdy handled lid that has spikes on the underside meant to help condensation return to the food for added moisture.
Lodge 7.5qt Cast Iron Enamel Dutch Oven Red
In 2019, Lodge acquired another notable cast iron brand: FINEX. Their 5-quart seasoned Dutch oven is unlike any other on the market, featuring their signature octagonal shape that offers a number of easy pour spouts and coil handles meant for quick cooling.
The Dutch oven from Smithey Ironware, a cast iron company based in South Carolina, is definitely worth considering. They released their seasoned 5½-quart Dutch oven in 2019, and with its signature smooth, polished interior and detailed craftsmanship, it’s a functional beauty.
While browsing the market, Milo is yet another company to check out. With their enamel-coated Dutch ovens you’ll find affordability and variety paired with a sleek look and optimal heft.
Le Creuset, a French cookware company founded in 1925, has long been considered the gold standard for colorful enameled Dutch ovens. These well-crafted beauties are known for their longevity. Le Creuset, along with Lodge and several other brands, outfits their Dutch ovens with a light-colored interior, providing optimal visibility when cooking. However, this creamy colored interior can also become stained over time. Even so, with proper care, a Le Creuset Dutch oven will likely last through multiple generations. That being said, with an abundance of colors hitting the market often—from fiery reds and bold blues to subdued neutrals—it’s hard to settle on just one. Do keep in mind that Le Creuset is considered high-end cookware, and the price reflects it.
Another French company that consistently tops the market for enameled cast iron is Staub. Their Dutch ovens are a bit heavier than those belonging to Le Creuset, and with a matte black interior, they’re great for achieving the perfect sear on meats. Some other prominent features to note are that each lid contains self-basting spikes on the interior, and they’re available in earthy hues, such as deep green and gray, that you might not find elsewhere. Staub’s pieces are priced similarly with Le Creuset.
