She opted for an Amazon Basics Dutch oven because it was so affordable, and five years later, she says she thinks it’s just as good as a Le Creuset or Staub. Available in an array of colors, it’ll look nice on any cooking surface while still delivering quality results—giving the perfectly even sear on meats no matter how much time has passed. Hale only stipulates that, because it’s got an enameled interior, you shouldn’t use an Amazon Basics Dutch oven on an open fire, like you could with a Staub. Other than that, she says it wears well, even after she accidentally dropped it, and comes at an unbeatable price point.
“Especially if someone is just starting cooking or just supplying their kitchen, it’s a perfect choice to start with,” Hale says.
Specs
Diameter: 11"
Height: 4.7"
Weight: 13 lb.
Warranty: 1 year
The buzziest Dutch oven: Great Jones Dutch Baby
Pros: Beautiful matte exterior, great in between size for smaller households
Cons: Quite heavy for its size.
We’ll grant it sounds a little odd to label something released close to six years ago as “buzzy” but Great Jones is still all over our feeds with their gorgeous matte exteriors that offer a decidedly different look, even than lots of other aesthetically pleasing upstarts that began as direct to consumer (DTC) brands like Misen, or Made In. Commerce editor Carina Finn has used her Dutch Baby for years and, while she is certainly a fan of its looks, thinks its performance justifies inclusion with the Le Creusets and Staubs of the world. “The grey enamel interior splits the difference between a Le Creuset’s or Milo’s white enamel and a Staub’s black. So it hides stains better than the light while still allowing you to see how your food is developing.” She also thinks the 3.5 quart size is perfect for a household of two and that larger Dutch ovens, like, say, the Great Jones Dutchess, can make way more food than you need if you don’t have a large family.
Specs
Diameter: 9"
Height: 6"
Weight: 13 lb.
Warranty: Lifetime
What size Dutch oven should I get?
With the Le Creuset and Staub, specifically, you’ll find they come in seven or eight different sizes. We think the ideal size Dutch oven for most people is between 5 and 6 quarts. If you have the space to spare, then by all means size up to a 6-quart Dutch oven. A 5-quart Dutch oven fits a sourdough boule perfectly, and at 5.5-quarts and above, you can fit a standard-size whole chicken inside. Smaller than that, and you’re not giving yourself sufficient room to brown meat or enough depth to simmer stock, soup, or beans. Bigger than that though is a bit of overkill. Larger Dutch ovens, with say, a 7-quart capacity, will also be much heavier and tougher to store when not in use.
What shape Dutch oven should I get?
You may have noticed that every one of the best cast-iron Dutch ovens we’re recommending is round. We’ve found that while oval-shaped Dutch ovens are nice for roasting oblong cuts of meat in the oven (hi, pot roast), the elongated surface area can easily lead to uneven heat distribution and cooking on the stovetop, unless they’re large enough to stretch over two burners. So if you’re choosing only one to purchase, swing for a round option over the oval Dutch oven to get the most out of your shiny new cookware.
But wait, how do you clean a Dutch oven?
While some Dutch ovens are labeled dishwasher-safe, we recommend hand-washing for peak longevity. Because they’re practically nonstick, you should be able to clean them with just a bit of (gentle) scrubbing. Use a sprinkle of Bar Keepers Friend if you’ve managed to scorch the bottom—just make sure you’re not using something abrasive enough to damage that beautiful enamel. For more on how best to clean your Dutch oven, read our piece here or check out the video below.
