Top 10 Best Cast Iron Dutch Oven Reviews

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A Dutch oven is one of the oldest utensils still used in the kitchens. This oven is heavy and made of cast iron. One of the most important and useful thing about this oven is that they will have a tight-fitting lid that seals the oven and prevents the heat and moisture from escaping.

The Dutch oven can also be used for baking, roasting, simmering and searing. Most of the Dutch oven can take a heat up to 500+ Fahrenheit and the cast iron building material of this oven spreads the heat uniformly all over the oven. The cooking in such oven is slow but, the food is well-cooked and tasty.

Versatility is one of the best features of Dutch ovens and they can be used on the stovetop, on grills and even burning coal. Today, some of the Dutch ovens can be used on the induction, gas or electric cooktops. However, always be careful to check the specification and make sure the oven is compatible with your mode of use.

When it comes to the holding capacity of Dutch ovens, they are generally expressed in the unit Quart. The smallest Dutch oven would be around 5-Quart and the largest around 12-quart. A 5-Quart Dutch oven can hold 20 cups of soup, a 7-Quart Dutch oven can hold 3 pounds of meat, and a 12-Quart Dutch oven can cook a large amount of food that is perfect for a big gathering.

So, these are the basic things about a Dutch oven and always check the specification and purchase the oven. Here is a list of 10-best Dutch ovens available on the market right now.

Best Buy Cast Iron Dutch Oven Reviews

1. Lodge EC6D43 Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Island Spice Red

Lodge EC6D43 Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Island Spice Red

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This oven has a 6-quartz space that enables you to cook any quantity of meal in this oven. The oven comes with a porcelain enamel finish that makes the oven very attractive and stylish. This oven can add some elegance to your kitchen. The porcelain enamel coating not only makes the oven look stylish but also makes it easier to clean.

The Lodge EC6D43 Dutch oven can withstand up to 500 Fahrenheit heat. One of the most notable features and advantage of this utensil is that it can be used not only for cooking, but also for refrigeration, marinating, and freezing. The oven can be used on electric, gas, ceramic, and induction cooktops.

Pros

  • 6-quart space
  • Can be used on Induction cooktops
  • Suitable for refrigeration and freezing
  • Porcelain enamel coating makes it look stylish as well as makes it easy to clean
  • Rust-resistant
  • Loop handles to carry it around

Cons

  • Not suitable for outdoor grills, open flames or microwave
  • Some customers have mentioned that the product they received was defective due to improper packaging.

2. Lodge L8DOL3 Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 5-Quart

Lodge L8DOL3 Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Dual Handles, Pre-Seasoned, 5-Quart

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Compared to the above model oven this model is smaller. The Lodge L8DOL3 is lightweight and suitable to cook anything.  This model oven comes with cast iron handles that enable the user to move the oven around. Above all these features the oven is a self-basting lid that keeps the heat and moisture trapped inside.

The Lodge L8DOL3 is suitable for baking cakes, cooking soups, stews etc. The genuine cast iron building material spreads the heat uniformly and helps to achieve in a slow cooking that enhances the taste of your meal

Pros

  • 5-quart space
  • Self-blasting lid to trap moisture and heat
  • Cast iron handles
  • Suitable to cook any food

Cons

  • The oven surface is not non-stick, so the customer has to apply oil before using the oven.

3. Lodge L8DD3 Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven, 5-Quart

Lodge L8DD3 Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven, 5-Quart

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The L8DD3 Dutch oven has a 5-quart size and can cook anything. The oven is pre-seasoned and comes ready-to-use. One of the notable features of this oven is that the lid of this oven can be used as a skillet. The lid is also tight-fitting and does not allow heat and moisture to escape the oven.

Unlike the above model oven from Lodge, this oven has a non-stick surface. The oven also comes with cast iron handles and even the lip has cast iron handles making it easy to be used as a skillet.

Pros

  • Non-stick surface
  • Can serve as oven and the lid as skillet
  • Genuine cast iron build
  • Cast iron handles
  • Works on induction cooktops

Cons

  • The skillet cannot withstand high temperature
  • Some customers reviewed the product as the pre-seasoning wears off after a few uses.

4. Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven – 12 Inch / 8 Quart

Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven

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This Dutch oven is a multipurpose pot made with genuine cast iron. This oven spreads the heat uniformly and allows slow cooking. The oven comes with a tight lid and the oven also has 3 legs. The lid is designed in such a way that it can store hot coals on it. The whole oven can be inverted and can be used as a griddle, soup, stews etc.

The pre-seasoning in this oven makes it easy to wash and it enhances the taste of the food. The Lodge seasoned cast iron deep camp Dutch oven has a non-sticky surface that ensures the food materials does not stick to the surface of the oven. This oven has an 8-Quart capacity that is suitable for a big family.

Pros

  • 8-Quart capacity
  • Tight lid that does not allow heat and moisture to escape
  • Lid can store hot coal
  • The oven can be used as griddle, soup or stew.
  • The over comes with 3 cast iron legs

Cons

  • Some of the product units were delivered broken due to the poor packaging.

5. Lodge L12CO3 Cast Iron Camp Dutch Oven, 6 quart

Lodge L12CO3 Cast Iron Camp Dutch Oven, 6 quart

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This Dutch oven has a 6–Quart capacity that can be used to cook an optimum quantity of meals for a medium-sized family. The oven is made with a seasoned cast iron that transfer’s the heat uniformly and also has tight-fitting lids that trap and keeps the heat and moisture. The oven has a 12-inch diameter and has a 3.75-inch depth.

The lid of this oven can hold hot coal and therefore can be used as a griddle. The manufacturer also has seen to the fact that this product has the quality that meets the USA’s highest standards.

Pros

  • 6-Quart capacity
  • Pre-seasoned cast iron built
  • High-quality building material
  • The lid can be inverted to be used as a griddle.

Cons

  • Some customers reviewed the product as the pre-seasoning wears off after a few uses

6. Lodge L8DO3 Cast Iron Dutch Oven, Pre-Seasoned, 5-Quart

Lodge L8DO3 Cast Iron Dutch Oven, Pre-Seasoned, 5-Quart

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This Dutch oven comes with an excellent coiled handle that enables the user take the oven anywhere. The lid of this oven is tight-fitting and traps the heat and moisture in the oven and this enhances the taste of the food cooked.

The Lodge L8DO3 also has a pre-seasoned and non-stick surface that makes it easy to clean and the food does not stick to the surface. The pre-seasoned surface makes the oven resistant to rust.

Pros

  • Pre-seasoned cast iron built
  • Non-stick surface
  • Wire bale handle
  • The oven can be used for cooking, baking, roasting, and frying.

Cons

  • Wire bale handle gets heated and cannot be touched with bare hands.
  • Pre-seasoning gets damaged if soap is applied.

7. Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 5-1/2-Quart Round French (Dutch) Oven, Marine

Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 5-1/2-Quart Round French (Dutch) Oven, Marine

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This Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-iron Dutch oven looks attractive and stylish. The oven is coated with long-lasting enamel that prevents the oven from rusting. This oven has a sand color interior that makes it easy to identify the status of the food cooked inside, therefore, by helping the user prevent burning and overcooking.

The Le Creuset Signature Enameled Dutch oven has a comparatively large handle, and the weight distribution is balanced. The handles also come with a tight grip and the manufacturer has also added knobs to the lid that are resistant up to 500 Fahrenheit heat.

Pros

  • The lid comes with a knob
  • Extra-large cast iron handles
  • Enamel coated exterior
  • Stylish and attractive looks

Cons

  • The enamel chips off if handled carelessly
  • The knob on the lid is resistant to heat, but, if the knob hits a hard surface it breaks.

8. Bruntmor, Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven Casserole Dish 6.5 Quart Large Loop Handles & Self-Basting Condensation Ridges On

Bruntmor, Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

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This Dutch oven from the manufacturer Bruntmor is one of the best and unique Dutch ovens available on the market right now.

This oven comes with an impressively enameled glossy interior. The glossy enameled interior enables this oven to retain the heat and the tight-fitting lid prevents the moisture from escaping the oven. The oven has a porcelain enamel coated exterior that makes it look attractive and stylish.

One of the notable features of this oven is that it comes with porcelain free of PFOA and PTFE.

Pros

  • Chemical free porcelain coating
  • 5-Quart size
  • Enamelled glossy interior
  • Tight-fitting lid
  • The lid comes with attractive knob

Cons

  • The oven is comparatively heavier than other Dutch ovens
  • The knob breaks if handled carelessly

9. Camp Chef DO-14 Pre-Seasoned Deluxe 12-Quart 14″ Dutch Oven with Lid

Camp Chef DO-14 Pre-Seasoned Deluxe 12-Quart 14" Dutch Oven with Lid

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This Dutch oven has a pre-seasoned iron cast building material. This 14-inch Dutch oven is a true professional oven that can help any cook tasty and yummy food. The overall oven is easy to clean because of pre-seasoned material. This Dutch oven also has an inbuilt thermometer and the oven has a loop handle for ease of carrying.

The lid of the Camp Chef DO-14 has legs that enable the user to use the lid as a skillet. The manufacturer also provides a lid opener and the lid also has a small loop handle on the middle.

Pros

  • 14-inch size
  • Inbuilt thermometer
  • Loop handles on the oven and lid
  • Lid has legs and so, can be used as skillet or griddle
  • Manufacturer provides a lid opener
  • Pre-seasoned surface

Cons

  • Some customer reviewed that a few units of this products lack proper seasoning
  • The loop handle on the lid is made of cast iron that heats up and cannot be touched with bare hands.

10. Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 7-1/4-Quart Round French (Dutch) Oven, Cerise

Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron

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This oven is a size variant of the previous Le Creuset Signature model Dutch oven on this list. This oven looks attractive and stylish. The oven is coated with long-lasting enamel that prevents the oven from rusting. This oven has a sand color interior that makes it easy to identify the status of the food cooked inside, therefore, by helping the user prevent burning and overcooking. The only difference between this model and the previous model is that this model is comparatively bigger than the other model.

The Le Creuset Signature Enameled Dutch oven has a comparatively large handle, and the weight distribution is balanced. The handles also come with a tight grip and the manufacturer has also added knobs to the lid that are resistant up to 500 Fahrenheit heat.

Pros

  • The lid comes with a knob
  • 7-Quart size
  • Extra-large cast iron handles
  • Enamel coated exterior
  • Stylish and attractive looks

Cons

  • The enamel chips off if handled carelessly
  • The knob on the lid is resistant to heat, but, if the knob hits a hard surface it breaks.

How to Clean and Care for Your Cast Iron Dutch Ovens?

Buying a cast iron Dutch oven is one thing and taking care of the Dutch oven is another. Cleaning the Dutch oven properly and taking care of the oven properly will significantly increase the life of the Dutch oven. If you are wondering that what is the proper way to clean and take care of the Cast Iron Dutch Oven then do not worry as here is the answer to your question.

Cleaning the Cast Iron Dutch oven

  • Dry Wiping–Once you are done with the cooking, let the oven cool down and then use a paper towel to clean off the excel oil and residue in the oven. Do not use water in this step.
  • Scrubbing– After you have done the dry wiping, use a little warm soap water and a scrub to scrub off the residue in the Dutch oven. This should clean up most of the deposits.
  • Using Salt– If you notice that there is some residue left even after scrubbing then put some salt on the residue and heat the oven once again. Scrub off the residue with help of the salt.
  • Other Tools– If you are not able to clean the Dutch oven even after using salt then you can use tougher tools like steel wool or plastic scraper to get rid of the tough residue.
  • Drying– After removing all the residue, clean the oven with water and dry it up instantly. Since the oven is made of cast iron, it can get rusty quickly.

Taking Care of the Cast Iron Dutch oven

  • Removing Rust– If you ever notice any kind of rust on the cast iron Dutch oven then you must use a sandpaper to remove the rust. After removing the dust, wash the oven and dry it up. Rub a little cooking oil in the last step.
  • Proper Storage– Remember to store the Dutch oven in a clean and dry place. If you think that the weather is really humid then store the oven with some paper towels as they can absorb the moisture.
  • Re-seasoning the Dutch oven– Lastly, re-season the Dutch oven as per the need. To re-season, simply pour some oil in the oven and wipe it down to the inner surface of the oven. Now heat the oven until the oil smokes and your job is done.

This is how you can clean and take care of the cast iron Dutch oven. This will significantly increase the life of your oven

Verdict

All the products listed above were selected on the basis of customer reviews and product specification. You can find that most of the products on the list are from a single manufacturer “Lodge”. This manufacturer has a legacy of moulding the best Dutch ovens for many years and has maintained a consistency in the quality of their products.

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