A Dutch oven is a versatile pot that could take you across multiple recipes. For some, this multipurpose pot is all you need! From baking to stewing, a Dutch oven has got you covered! It is a virtually indestructible heirloom piece as it can outlast your other cookware and be passed down to future generations.
It also makes the perfect housewarming or wedding gift for those who need all-around kitchen cookware in their starter home. Its rustic appearance can blend well with various decors, from casual to fancy. We have prepared a buying guide fact-checked and reviewed by professional baker Alexa Versoza accompanied by mybest's 10 best picks!
Quick List - Top Dutch Ovens
Cuisinart
Brightens Up Your Kitchen and Dinner Table
Alexa Versoza is a graduate of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde with a major in the Culinary Arts. She has trained in the US for 2 years as a Pastry Cook at The Four Seasons Vail and The Sonnenalp Vail. She got back from her training in 2017. Since then, she has been practicing her craft in the Pastry Arts. After training under Chef Richard Manapat, she has been more inclined in baking bread. Alexa now co-owns an Artisanal Bakery in QC, Apo Baking Society, where they specialize in making artisanal bread and pastries.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
A Dutch oven is a versatile piece of cookware usually made of cast iron and capable of doing many things. Dubbed as "the pot that can do it all," a Dutch oven eliminates the need for multiple pots and pans. It also matches well with most stovetops, including induction ones. It can bake, roast, broil, braise, and even deep-fry your dishes.
It is perfect if you want to cook a whole chicken or bake bread. You can even slow-cook soups and stews. Think of it as an analog version of a multicooker. In contrast to most modern cookware, a Dutch oven can last you a lifetime, it is not something easily replaced.
Some even pass it on to their grandchildren, which also explains its hefty price tag, as essentially, it is a lifetime investment. Popular brand Le Creuset is considered a prized Dutch oven for its tried and tested quality as well as the painstaking effort put into each and every pot. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.
Dutch ovens are made of a number of materials. However, not all of them are built the same. Ideally, you want one that is made to last several uses. You also have to take into account ease of use as some materials are heavier than others. Read on to find out what suits you best and what it is appropriate for your cooking needs.
A majority of Dutch ovens are made out of cast iron. This is because cast iron is able to retain the heat for a long time, giving it slow cooker features. It is also durable as it can last you for generations if given the right amount of care. If you want the full Dutch oven experience, we recommend you stick with cast iron.
Cast iron Dutch ovens can either be bare or enameled. Moreover, you can choose between a bare cast iron that is seasoned and unseasoned. It is great for searing meat and disperses iron to foods- adding to its flavor. It is also naturally non-stick. The more rustic ones are even used for camping as they can go over live coals!
An enameled cast-iron Dutch oven is usually lined with a coating of porcelain. This makes it non-stick and does not require any seasoning. It also provides much even heat distribution. These are available in a variety of colors, which add a modern touch to their timelessness.
A ceramic Dutch oven is significantly less heavy than cast iron, which makes it a lighter option, albeit a more fragile one. Ceramic is also a good conductor of heat. It heats up quickly and is able to retain it well. It also has a great non-stick coating, so you don't have to worry as much about cleaning up. Ceramic can also be used as enamel in both aluminum and cast iron Dutch ovens.
Stainless is an affordable option if you want a Dutch oven. It also does not require any special treatments and is easy to maintain as it does not rust. If you are looking to try Dutch oven recipes, you could use them in a pinch.
However, it is not as good when it comes to retaining heat as it is thinner, which means you might need to use more fuel. And it does not have an airtight lid as cast irons do.
Another material that falls on the more modern end of the spectrum is aluminum. It is a great choice for those who cannot lift heavy cast iron cookware. However, some food items do not react well with aluminum, so make sure that the food you are going to cook on this material is compatible with the material.
Aluminum could come in bare and have a non-stick coating. That is why it is recommended to wash them gently to avoid scratching the surface and to use non-abrasive utensils such as wood or silicone spatulas.
The right size would depend on how many people you are going to cook for. Dutch ovens can be as small as ¼ quart or 1-2 servings, which can only house side dishes and sauces. The largest one ranges from 13-15 quarts or 15-20 servings, which could fit a whole turkey.
If you want an in-between size that can feed two people as easily as it can accommodate a small crowd, then we suggest going for 5-7 quarts or 5-7 servings. It is the common size of Dutch ovens and it is just right for the average Filipino household.
Dutch ovens could either come in a round or oval shape. The right one would depend on your preference and what kind of dishes you would make.
Round Dutch ovens fit on most burners; therefore you would be assured an even heat distribution. Round pots are also deeper, which are great for sabaw dishes like bulalo.
Oval shapes are able to accommodate larger meals but it is shallower. Its long shape also poses a challenge to fit onto the average stovetop. But it is great if you are slow-cooking or roasting dishes with lots of vegetables, as there is a lot of room – even for a whole chicken!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven | ![]() | The Ultimate Dutch Oven for Chefs and Home Cooks Alike | |
2 | Lodge Double Dutch Oven | ![]() | Two-in-One Feature for Versatility | |
3 | Staub La Cocotte | ![]() | Self-Basting Feature to Keep Dishes Moist | |
4 | Cuisinart Chef's Classic Oval Covered Casserole|CI755-30CR | ![]() | Brightens Up Your Kitchen and Dinner Table | |
5 | Tramontina Trento Casserole | ![]() | No-Frills Dutch Oven That Can Do Multiple Cooking Jobs | |
6 | JEETEE Cast Iron Dutch Oven | ![]() | Easy to Clean Porcelain Dutch Oven | |
7 | Kuhn Rikon Hotpan Dutch Oven | ![]() | A Contemporary Approach to Dutch Ovens | |
8 | Spring Oval Casserole | ![]() | Non-Stick Dutch Oven for Large Gatherings | |
9 | Omega Alva Ceramic Black Casserole | ![]() | Serves Up a Fancy Dinner for Two | |
10 | Masflex Classic Dutch Oven | ![]() | Aluminum Dutch Oven for Faster Cooking |
As far as Dutch ovens go, you can’t go wrong with Le Creuset. Its star status is celebrated all over the world, as well as its iconic enamel-coated exterior in a multitude of colors. It is preferred by both professionals and home cooks alike for its indispensability.
It uses enameled cast iron for superior heat distribution and heat retention. This makes it ready to use and requires no seasoning. Its tight-fitting lid allows an airtight seal while cooking to preserve moisture and ensure the food stays juicy and tender. It has ergonomic knobs to allow for easy lifting and is safe for any temperature.
The makers also pay special attention to each piece and follow a no-flaw policy. This ensures every pot is produced to the finest standards, which contributes to its durability. If you want to invest in quality cookware that can last you for years to come, then Le Creuset is the way to go.
If you are serious about your cooking, then you will love this double Dutch oven from Lodge. It is aptly named because the lid easily converts into a skillet, making it every home cook's dream. The dome-shaped lid allows space for roasts, soups, and stews. It is even handy for perfecting your go-to bread recipe.
This cast iron cookware maintains heat evenly. There'll be no hot spots, so you won't end up with unevenly seared or burnt meat. Plus, this is already seasoned with vegetable oil which means it has a non-stick finish, making cooking easier. It's not only durable but is also versatile—it works with stoves, grills, or even campfires!
Staub's multicolored Dutch ovens ought to add a pop of color to your kitchen. It is perfect if you want to slow cook your dishes. Make tender kaldereta or pork adobo by switching it up and using a Dutch oven. It is also great for one-pot pasta dishes—make an easy spaghetti dinner without the clutter.
This size is ideal if you have a small family or live alone. This pot has a nifty self-basting system to ensure continuous circulation of moisture. This means your dishes will end up with 10% more moisture for juicier meals. No more worrying about your food ending up tough and dry!
Expand your range of dishes with Cuisinart's cast iron cookware! Cast iron allows you to explore different methods of cooking, from searing to casseroles. It is oval-shaped, which allows you to fit in a whole chicken for an easy roast. Why not barbecue an entire rack of ribs for the weekend?
Its porcelain enamel interior ensures that there'll be no odor transfer. It is compatible with a lot of stovetops, including induction. For your convenience, it's also dishwasher safe. A great bonus is its cardinal red color, which allows you to take it from the oven to the table as an elegant serving piece!
Tramontina presents a rustic approach to their Dutch oven, unlike other multi-colored counterparts. But don't let its appearance fool you. It is enameled to guarantee fast and even cooking. This is one cookware you don’t have to feel cautious about tarnishing or soiling.
However, this doesn’t mean that they skimp on the quality. It is built to be remarkably tough and durable to last you decades of cooking. Cook countless dishes from sarsa to sabaw with no problem. You could also make easy one-pot dishes if you are serving multiple guests. Even better, it's compatible with most stovetops!
This beautifully designed dutch oven is packed with several features that make cooking more enjoyable. The porcelain enamel finish makes this one non-stick and easy to clean. Thus, this is perfect for any kind of recipe, whether you need to slow-cook, stew, braise, roast, steam, or bake.
Its design also allows for superior heating retention and distribution, so your dish is cooked evenly. Its self-basting lid also allows steam and moisture to remain inside. This better heat retention may help you save on energy costs. Lastly, you can also use this in the oven and on several types of stovetops.
Kuhn Rikon offers a more modern take on the traditional Dutch ovens. It uses stainless steel, which is low maintenance, as it does not require delicate care. This is ideal if you don’t have a lot of time on your hands. The Hotpan has an innovative design that is designed for today’s lifestyle.
It uses up to 60% less energy and keeps meals hot for up to 2 hours. This means less reheating on your part, so you can focus on other tasks at hand. The pot has inner liter markings, making it more convenient if you need a quick reference. Lastly, its inner bowl can be separated for an instant serving dish!
Cooking for a crowd? Spring has got you covered. It is capable of cooking for 8-10 people, which makes it ideal if you have a lot of guests over. Why not make roasted chicken or liempo for visitors? It also comes in handy when you have outdoor picnics or potlucks, as the pot is elegant enough as a serving dish.
It has a high heat capacity, so it can keep your dishes warm for 3 hours. This way, you don’t have to worry about eating cold meals. Its enamel coating eliminates the need for seasoning the pan. It also gives it a non-stick quality. You can cook on most stoves, including induction, electric, and gas.
Omega’s ceramic pot is great if you find traditional cast iron cookware too heavy. It is also just the right size for a fancy dinner for two. Its simple yet elegant design could easily double as a serving bowl.
This will also eliminate the need for other pots and pans, seeing as you could cook all the ingredients in just one pot. You can sear meat while steaming vegetables. Just use a strainer to separate it from the meat. It is made of natural food-grade ceramic materials, which is a great match for acidic food like tomato dishes.
Aluminum dutch ovens are a great alternative if you have trouble lifting heavy cast iron. It is also an affordable option if you are quite hesitant to take the plunge and purchase the more expensive ones. This one from Masflex has a 3-layers non-stick coating that is easy to clean and resistant to scratches.
It has fast heating induction due to its aluminum body, saving you both time and energy while cooking. This is also ideal for healthy dishes since you would no longer need too much cooking oil. It is suitable for all types of stoves, including induction ones. However, this cannot be used in ovens.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Dutch ovens are versatile and can be used for several dishes and simple tasks. Baking bread, making soups and stews, roasting, deep-frying, braising meat and vegetables, and boiling pasta, are among the many uses of dutch ovens.
The best dutch oven for baking bread is one that is seasoned or enameled and has a capacity of around 5 or 5.5 to 7 quarts. This can accommodate any size of dough and can build up more steam than smaller ones.
It is best to let your dutch oven that is fresh from the fridge warm at room temperature first for 10 to 15 minutes before placing it on the stove. You can also slowly open the stove at low heat and gradually increase the temperature. This is to prevent sudden temperature changes that may break your dutch oven.
A Dutch oven is a versatile cookware to have in the kitchen but it can be quite expensive. Here are other affordable alternatives that are just as indispensable in the kitchen and easy on the budget too!
Author: J. Cuizon
Re-editor: B. Fajardo
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Le Creuset|Round Dutch Oven
No. 2: Lodge|Double Dutch Oven
No. 3: Staub|La Cocotte
No. 4: Cuisinart|Chef's Classic Oval Covered Casserole|CI755-30CR
No. 5: Tramontina|Trento Casserole
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