The Best Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Buying Guide

If you’re looking for a versatile cooking vessel in which you can bake, fry, boil and braise with ease, look no further than the enameled cast iron Dutch oven. Whether you’re a new home cook trying out simple recipes or a pro in the kitchen, you can’t go wrong with an enameled cast iron Dutch oven. These durable pots are a must-have for every kitchen, and because they last forever, you’ll want to make sure you choose the right one for your needs.

Enameled cast iron Dutch ovens are perfect for people who are comfortable with stovetop cooking. The glossy enamel coating ensures that the food sticks less to the pot, which makes cleaning and cooking much easier. And unlike traditional cast iron, you don’t need to season enameled cast iron cookware.  However, it’s important to note that the coating can chip if you’re not careful, so it’s best to cook without metal utensils that can scratch the surface.

These versatile pots come in either round or oval shapes. Round is best if you plan on doing more stovetop cooking, as it fits nicely on any burner but can also go in the oven. If you’re more into braising or baking in the oven, you can also go with an oval shaped pan. Keep in mind that these do not fit on cooktops as well as their round counterparts.

• When it comes to the interior of enameled cast iron Dutch ovens, you will either see black or white/cream colors. The benefit of having a light interior is that you can clearly see when your ingredients are starting to brown. It also brings more light into the pot, so it’s easier to see the color of your food, which is important for meats and sauces. However, light interiors will often change color over time, and it will be easier to see cracks, lines or stains on the surface. With a darker interior, you won’t be able to see the scuffs and scratches as much, so the Dutch oven will keep its look for years to come. However, it’s also more difficult to see when your food is browning or the true color of meats and sauces as they cook.
• Did you know that the lid of a Dutch oven can make the food even tastier? Look at the underside of lids to see whether they have rounded metal spikes. This kind of design helps condensation drip back onto the food. This is perfect for braising meats. Lids without these spikes still help the condensation drip back down, but it slides down the inside walls of the pots instead of dripping directly from the lid.