THE best Dutch oven for you doesn’t have to be the most expensive.
We explain what to look for when choosing the right one, how to care for them and reveal the most popular options you can buy.
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Given that Dutch ovens, French ovens and casserole dishes are very similar, we’ve included a mixture of the top rated ones you can buy online below.
These will all allow you to cook on the hob as well as in the oven.
This article and featured products have been independently chosen by Sun journalists. It contains links which are ads, and if you click a link and buy a product we will earn revenue.
US-based cookware company Lodge has been making cast iron pots and pans for over 100 years.
This 6 quart Dutch oven, available in a range of colours, is one of their best rated products and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
It holds 5.6l of liquid, which will comfortably suit most family dinners. It will also work on a range of hobs, including induction.
Amazon Basics 5.6l enamelled cast iron covered Dutch oven
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(AD) Amazon Basics cast iron Dutch oven, £42.43, Amazon -
The Amazon Basics range offers everyday items at affordable prices and this Dutch oven is no exception.
At £56.15, it offers great value for a 4L cast iron dish of this size and it also comes in a small range of colours.
Just be aware that it’s hand wash only.
Le Creuset Signature cast iron round casserole dish
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Le Creuset Signature cast iron casserole dish, £260, John Lewis -
Le Creuset is the celebrity of the cast iron cookware world and this classic round casserole dish has been hailed as the Queen of the kitchen.
The casserole dishes in the Signature collection come in a range of sizes and colours, but the Volcanic version is perhaps the most iconic. At 26cm, the dish will hold 5.3l, which is great for families.
As well as the lifetime guarantee, the benefit of buying Le Creuset is that you can also get a range of other kitchenware to match.
Argos Home 5.3l cast iron casserole dish
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Argos Home 5.3l cast iron casserole dish, £45 at Argos -
For something more affordable, Argos has its own 5.3l casserole dish that looks very similar to the Le Creuset one - but it’s a fraction of the price.
It will suit a range of hobs and even comes in a few different colours so you can pick one that suits your kitchen.
Bruntmor 2 in 1 enamelled cast iron double Dutch oven and skillet lid
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Bruntmor 2 in 1 Dutch oven and skillet, £91.01, Amazon -
For something a little different, this Dutch oven from Bruntmor offers multiple uses in one thanks to the clever lid design.
As well as covering the Dutch oven, the lid can also be used as a frying pan and even as a baking tray.
It’s a little smaller though at 4.7l (5 quarts), so might not be enough for bigger families.
John Lewis & Partners round cast iron casserole dish
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John Lewis & Partners round casserole dish, £60, John Lewis -
John Lewis also makes its own version of the classic cast iron casserole dish and it’s very affordable.
This frost grey one - it’s also available in blue - is a good size at 28cm and holds 5.5l.
But unusually for this price, it comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Denby Pavilion cast iron oval casserole dish
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Denby Pavilion cast iron oval casserole dish, £145, Denby -
This oval casserole dish from Denby makes a great alternative to the classic round ones and it comes in four different colours.
At 28cm, it holds 4.2l, so has a smaller capacity compared to some of the other ones we’ve featured, but it’s still big enough to feed four to six people.
It’s dishwasher safe and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
ProCook 4.7l cast iron casserole
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ProCook 4.7l cast iron casserole, £64 from ProCook -
ProCook’s cast iron casserole will work on all hobs, including induction.
This 24cm version features a glossy red enamel coating on the outside and a matte black one on the inside, which means there’s no need to season before use.
The lid also comes with “enamel pimples” that help to self-baste the contents of the pot and the whole pan is oven safe to 260C.
VonShef 4.7l cast iron casserole dish
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VonShef cast iron casserole dish, £29.99 from VonHaus -
VonShef’s cast iron casserole dish measures 25cm in diameter with a capacity of 4.7l, and is suitable for all hobs.
This budget-friendly option is pre-seasoned and you can wash it with soap and water - just make sure you oil it afterwards.
Its shape and size makes it great for proofing your dough and then popping it straight into the oven to bake.
Klarstein Hotrod 11.4l cast iron round Dutch oven
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Klarstein Hotrod round Dutch oven, £89.37 from Wayfair -
For a more traditional Dutch oven, try this one from Klarstein.
It can be used directly on an open fire, including on top of a barbecue, which makes it a great option for those going camping.
And it comes pre-seasoned so it’s ready to use straight away.
Vogue red oval casserole dish
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Vogue red oval casserole dish, £66.99 from Nisbets -
This 5l cast iron casserole dish has integrated handles that make it easy to move it from your hob to the oven with padded gloves on.
The lid is made from a moulded design that will help the contents self-baste when it’s cooking, and it’s topped with a stainless steel knob.
The dish will need seasoning but will stay rust free and non-stick afterwards.
Staub round cast iron French oven
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Staub round cast iron French oven, £169 from Zwilling -
For a luxurious alternative to Le Creuset, there’s another French brand: Staub.
This cast iron French oven, also known as a cocotte, is fairly small - it’s 18cm in diameter, but has a capacity of just 1.66l - so it’s best for serving just a couple of people.
It’s available in a range of colours but the Ice Blue version featured here is limited edition.
What’s a Dutch oven?
Dutch ovens are essentially deep and either round or oval pots with lids that you can use on the hob and/or in the oven.
They must be made from cast iron, which makes them strong, sturdy and good for retaining heat for long, slow cooking.
The secret is in the lid: a well-made Dutch oven should have a tightly fitting lid to keep most of the moisture in.
Traditional Dutch ovens have no enamel covering, which means they can be used for outdoor cooking over an open fire as well, but modern ones for the home general do come coated.
Casserole dishes are similar in shape to Dutch ovens but they’re often shallower, which means water evaporates quicker, and can be made from a range of different materials. Some will come with lids, but some might be without.
Depending on the type of casserole dish you get - one made from ceramic for example - you might not be able to use it on a hob.
Like French ovens, casserole dishes are often used to describe Dutch ovens by retailers.
What is a Dutch oven used for?
A good Dutch oven is incredibly versatile and it’s best suited for making things like stews and casseroles where you might start the dish on the hob by searing or sauteing the ingredients before moving them into the oven for long, slow cooking.
Because it retains heat so well, you can also use it for baking bread in lieu of a baking tray.
And of course, just like any other pan, you can use it for boiling, steaming or frying - just be aware that it can take longer to heat up and cool down.
What size Dutch oven do I need?
The size of Dutch oven you need depends on what you’re planning to cook with it.
For most families, one that holds around 6 quart (around 5.6 litres) is more than enough. These typically have a diameter of 26cm, measured from one side of the pot to the other.
Obviously the bigger they are, the more expensive they will be.
How do you care for a Dutch oven?
The downside of the traditional Dutch ovens - the ones without enamel coating - is that they require a bit more care.
You’ll need to season the pot before first use by thoroughly washing it with warm soapy water, drying it, rubbing a light layer of oil on it before putting it into the oven to bake.
This process helps it to develop a non-stick coating and prevents it from rusting. Double check the manufacturer’s instructions for this as some pots are pre-seasoned.
How to clean a Dutch oven
After each use, you’ll need to wash your Dutch oven with warm water (without soap). If there are any stubborn burnt on food stains, make sure you soak it for a couple of hours first.
For any Dutch ovens with enamel, you should be able to use a mild dish soap too - just make sure you don’t use anything abrasive that could scratch the surface.
Afterwards, thoroughly dry it and reapply a layer of oil to the inside to prevent rusting.
What’s the difference between Dutch ovens, French ovens and casserole dishes?
When shopping for Dutch ovens, you’ll probably see some very similar pots with names such as French ovens and casserole dishes.
French ovens are a variation of the Dutch oven, so they’re made from cast iron, but they have an enamel coating on the inside and sometimes the outside too. This is the version you’re mostly likely to find for sale these days.
The enamel coating gives them a non-stick quality and also means you can cook acidic foods like tomatoes without any flavours from the pot leaching into the food.
Should I buy a Le Creuset Dutch oven?
Le Creuset and other high end brands are known for their quality but they can also cost several times the price of cheaper brands.
If you use your Dutch oven regularly, and would care for it properly, it’s worth investing in an expensive one as it can last a lifetime. Plus, it will look stylish in your kitchen.
But if you only use it every now and then, or budget is an issue, a cheaper option is often just as good.
We've designed Sun Selects to help you to find the best products that won't break the bank.
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