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The Best Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Last updated on May 9, 2023

We looked at the top 12 Cast Iron Dutch Ovens and dug through the reviews from 55 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Cast Iron Dutch Ovens.

Best Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Our Review Process

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There’s a good reason cast-iron Dutch ovens are so popular among professional chefs. They are able to heat foods evenly, as well as retain heat, so your food stays hot longer. If you do a lot of cooking at home, you’ll want to invest in one of these pots. Below are a few features to keep an eye out for during your search for the best cast-iron Dutch oven.

Check which cooking surfaces the Dutch oven is intended to be used on. For example, some models are specifically designed for use over a fire, whether a campfire or fireplace. Other models can be used on almost any cooking surface, including electric, gas and induction stovetops, traditional and halogen ovens and radiant cookers.

Consider the capacity of the cast-iron Dutch oven next. Individuals and couples may only require a small 2- to 5-quart pot, while families would do better with a 6- to 10-quart pot. If you’re simply preparing a side of vegetables, a smaller Dutch oven will do. However, if you’re cooking an all-in-one meal, you’ll need a larger pot.

Examine the handles next. Some Dutch ovens are made with handles that are 45% larger than traditional models. This allows for a better grip, even when picking the pot up using a set of oven mitts. In addition to side handles, many Dutch ovens also include a convenient metal carrying handle.

Look for a cast-iron Dutch oven that comes with a matching lid. The AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 7.3-Quart has such a lid. In the center of the lid is a composite knob, so you can quickly lift the lid up and away to check on the status of your dish.

Our Picks For The Top Cast Iron Dutch Ovens

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Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

Cuisinel Chemical-Free Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 3-Quart

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Cuisinel

Chemical-Free Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 3-Quart

Whether you want to prepare a meal on an electric, gas or induction stovetop, this cast-iron Dutch oven set is the way to go. It even works outside on the surface of your grill. Although the set comes factory pre-seasoned, it's still a good idea to season the pans before you use them for the first time.

Overall Take

Many Different UsesYou'll love this cast-iron cookware set, which comes with dual handles that are both sturdy and easy to grip.

 Top Pick

AmazonBasics Fitted Lid Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 7.3-Quart

AmazonBasics

Fitted Lid Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 7.3-Quart

When you opt for this cast-iron Dutch oven, you'll get even heat distribution throughout the pot every time. The oven features two side handles and a matching lid. It can be used safely in ovens with temperatures as high as 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Overall Take

Even Heat DistributionThis enameled cast-iron Dutch oven comes in bright blue, green, white and red.

Pros
" Oven, refrigerator, and freezer safe."
Cons
"Not dishwasher safe"
 Runner Up

Cuisinel Chemical-Free Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 7-Quart

Cuisinel

Chemical-Free Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 7-Quart

Whether you want to prepare a meal on an electric, gas or induction stovetop, this cast-iron Dutch oven set is the way to go. It even works outside on the surface of your grill. Although the set comes factory pre-seasoned, it's still a good idea to season the pans before you use them for the first time.

Overall Take

Many Different UsesYou'll love this cast-iron cookware set, which comes with dual handles that are both sturdy and easy to grip.

 Runner Up

Bruntmor Frying Pan Lid Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 5-Quart

Bruntmor

Frying Pan Lid Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 5-Quart

This cast-iron Dutch oven is a valuable tool in the kitchen. Whether you like to make stock and soups or perhaps you like the grill marks on your chicken, this cast iron is ready to perform. The added plus of the pre-seasoning will save you time in the kitchen as well.

Overall Take

Handy and EffectiveEnjoy more time cooking and less time seasoning your skillet with this cast-iron Dutch oven.

Pros
" It comes with strong and integrated handles on the side, as well as on the lid, which helps you to carry it without any trouble."
Cons
"Unfortunately, however, when using the skillet as a lid, it can be hard to grab with oven mitts since the handles are twice as thick. Still, it is a nice option to have."
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
19

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the cast iron dutch ovens available to purchase.
12

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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55

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: The Z9, Kitchenistic, Chooserly, My Dutch Ovens, Space Mazing.

22,288

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 12 Cast Iron Dutch Ovens and also dug through the reviews from 55 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Cast Iron Dutch Ovens.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

AmazonBasics Fitted Lid Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 7.3-Quart

Our Expert Score

9.2
9 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

9.4
6,696 user reviews

Our Take

When you opt for this cast-iron Dutch oven, you'll get even heat distribution throughout the pot every time. The oven features two side handles and a matching lid. It can be used safely in ovens with temperatures as high as 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

What other experts liked

Oven, refrigerator, and freezer safe.
- Chef's Resource
Thanks to the loop side handle, transporting it is a breeze. The lid fits perfectly too.
- The Genius Review
It has a tight fitting lid
- Dutch Ovens Cookware
Like other popular Dutch ovens, this AmazonBasics version features an enameled surface for easier clean-up and care.
- Forbes
Reviewers agree when this enameled cast-iron Dutch oven is a great value, in part because it’s a lookalike of the more expensive French version.
- New York Mag
This pot can be used safely up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit with no issues and can be used on any heat surfaces for cooking like gas or electric stove and even an oven.
- Food Shark Marfa
It is made using a heavy-duty cast iron to guarantee an optimal cooking performance as well as even heat distribution.
- Only Portable
The unit has been ruggedly built using the highest quality of cast iron material, making it excellent for long-term use and with the extra-thick bottom, it brings about even distribution.
- PProReviews
Suitable for all cooking surfaces and oven-safe to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
- OvenSpot

What other experts didn't like

Non-stick feature needs improvement.
- Chef's Resource
Not dishwasher safe
- The Genius Review
Oven temp not high enough for no knead bread
- Dutch Ovens Cookware
Color options are limited and some users have encountered issues with the chipping enamel.
- Forbes
Unfortunately, though this Dutch oven is not dishwasher safe, so you do need to clean it with your own hands.
- Food Shark Marfa
Not dishwasher safe.
- OvenSpot

What to Look For

  • While there are a few cast-iron Dutch ovens that are listed as dishwasher safe, it is always best to clean these pots by hand. It’s a good idea to clean your Dutch oven as soon as possible. Use mild dish soap, hot water and a washrag to wipe away all food particles. Rinse the pot clean and then dry it with a lint-free cloth. If there are any stuck-on foods that are not lifting away with a washrag, you can use salt to dislodge them. Always avoid abrasive cleaners and steel wool when cleaning cast-iron Dutch ovens.
  • Enameled pots never need to be seasoned. But if you don’t buy an enameled pot, you’ll need to season your Dutch oven after each washing. If the pot didn’t come pre-seasoned, you’ll also need to season it before you use it for the first time.
  • The handles on your cast-iron Dutch oven will become hot. It is best to put on a set of oven mitts or use a few potholders to transfer the pot from the stove to the table. Don’t forget to cover your table with a hot pad to protect its surface from the heat of the Dutch oven.
  • You don’t have to stick with a traditional black cast-iron Dutch oven. There are plenty of models available with a choice of color, including red, orange, blue, green, white and brown.
  • Cast-iron Dutch ovens come in a wide price range, depending on their design, usage and inclusion of a matching lid.

Cast Iron Dutch Oven Rankings

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Englishman Abraham Darby is credited with being the inventor of the Dutch oven. He received a patent in 1707 for casting iron in sand. While it isn’t confirmed, it is believed that Darby named the cooking device a “Dutch oven” because he improved upon a casting process he observed when visiting Holland.

Since cast iron was a cheaper metal and faster to make, it made sense for Darby to make his cast-iron Dutch ovens and start selling them. Darby chose to market these pots to the new colonies in America. The pots were a success, so you can say Dutch ovens are as old as America.

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