Oh, my favorite topic in the world – the Dutch oven! I could go on forever about how much I love and recommend it wholeheartedly!
A Dutch oven is a significant kitchen investment indeed, but it is built to last for years! Plus it can transform your entire cooking experience, making everything so delicious, fun and easy. Totally worth every penny!
But here is the thing: with so many options out there, it is important to choose the perfect one! The one that fits your needs just right. Let me walk you through the top 5 things you must know to choose the perfect Dutch oven for you very easily.
1. Size: Think About How You Cook
Dutch ovens come in various sizes, from 3 quarts to 8+ quarts. The perfect size of Dutch oven for you really depends on the following:
- How you cook: Do you bulk cook or make single meals?
- Your family size: How many people are you feeding regularly?
- Your kitchen space: Do you have room for a big pot in your kitchen?
You need to determine the size of the pot that best suits your typical meal portions. For most families, a 5 to 7 quarts sized Dutch oven works the best. It is amazing for soups, casseroles, and even baking your sourdough bread.
If you cook for one or two, a smaller 3 to 4 quarts option might be better. I use a 4 quarts Dutch oven for my family meals and 7 quarts one for my large roasts and casseroles. Both are so adored in my kitchen!
2. Type of Meals: What You Cook the Most?
The type of meals you cook will determine the shape and depth of the Dutch oven you’ll need.
Are you someone that absolutely loves cooking stews and soups? Or maybe you bake sourdough bread as well? If so, then you will need a deeper Dutch oven to ensure everything cooks evenly and it is shaped just right.
But what if casseroles are more your style? Hey, don’t worry! There is an amazing selection of shallow, wider Dutch ovens out there perfect for layering up all those amazing casserole recipes waiting for you to try them out.
If you are anything like me, you will probably want one of each! Right now, I have a deeper Dutch oven for my soups and sourdough bread and a big, shallower one for family-sized casseroles dishes. The larger Dutch oven is ideal for holiday meals and large celebrations!
And… Did I mention how much I want those adorable 3 to 4 quarts sized Dutch ovens? They are great for cooking sauces, pudding, and all those smaller side dishes or meals you want. Honestly, they are so cute I could call one my Christmas gift to myself! Can’t wait!
3. Material: Cast Iron or Enameled?
The material impacts the experience more than you think: its durability, cleaning, maintenance, and aesthetics as well:
Traditional cast iron
The cast iron Dutch ovens are the traditional choice and are often considered one of the best options on the market.
They are amazing how well they perform; the heat distribution you get with cast iron is truly unmatched. However, they can be a bit more demanding. Yes, they need their seasoning and a bit of extra care, but honestly, it’s worth it for the results they deliver.
Enameled cast iron
These Dutch ovens are easier to clean and maintain, and have all the same cooking benefits. Plus, they come in all gorgeous colors to match any kitchen. So stylish!
Tip for you: The cleaning of the enameled Dutch ovens is a breeze. And that is exactly what everyone wants, right? All you need is just a soft brush, warm water, and mild soap. You will be surprised how easy it is.
4. Shape: Round or Oval?
Now, let’s talk about the shape because it can make a difference depending on what and how you cook.
Round Dutch ovens are a great choice for most people because they are so flexible. They are the best for stovetop cooking, whether you are simmering soups, stews, or sauces. They also fit perfectly to your average burner, and therefore heat is distributed evenly.
Oval Dutch ovens, on the other hand, are amazing when it comes to cooking larger items. If you love making roasts, think big cuts of meat like brisket, pork shoulder, or even a whole chicken or turkey, the oval shape gives you more room to fit everything comfortably. And I mean the meat, the veggies and make a whole meal in it! They are also incredible for cooking dishes like baked pasta casseroles or lasagna where you want that extra space for best results. Did I mention what a lifesaver they are for a holiday cooking for large meals?
5. Budget: Start Smart and Expand Gradually
Now, if you’re only getting one Dutch oven and you are still not sure which one to choose, a round one is probably the better option for starters. It is great for day-to-day cooking and can handle almost everything you add inside. But if you’ve got your eye on big family meals or holiday feasts, you might want to add an oval Dutch oven to your collection down the line. That is what I did – moved gradually!
My first Dutch oven was a 4 quarts orange cutie – perfect for almost everything except big roasts. Later, a few months later I added a 7 quarts oval Dutch oven for larger meals. Next on my list? A tiny 3 quarts pot in baby pink, because…why not?
Final Thoughts
If you want to find out why I talk so much about Dutch ovens, and all the reasons why everyone should have one in their kitchen, make sure you read my earlier blog post. I think after that you will definitely joint the Dutch ovens fan club!
But choosing the right Dutch oven is about finding what works best for you, your cooking style, family size, and budget. Once you have one (or two, or three!), you will wonder how you ever cooked without it.
If you want extra help, make sure you check my top 5 recommendations below.
My Top 5 Dutch Oven recommendations for you
I’ve had the pleasure of trying out a few different Dutch oven brands, and I’ve compiled a list of my top 5 Dutch Oven brands to help make your choice easier. These are solid picks based on quality and practicality… and the colours they offer. I know, I know…that is a bit factor for me:
Le Creuset
Pure classic. It is an investment, I know, but it will last you a lifetime (or two). The vibrant colour they offer are incredible and so cute! I From bold red, calm blue, and sunny bright happy yellow. Cooking feels extra special when your pot is this pretty. I won’t talk about the quality and tech part much, as they are simply described – incredibly good!
Lodge Enameled Cast Iron
Lodge are the budget-friendly ones and widely available almost everywhere. It is perfect for slow-cooking without breaking the bank. The colours are simple but lovely, from neutrals and a few bold choices to brighten your kitchen. I love how they offer so many different size variations! From small saucepan size to large casserole-like family size ones.
Staub
A stylish cousin of the Le Creuset. It is a bit heavier and with a self-basting lid for juicy roasts and even better gravies. The colour palette is so sophisticated: from forest green and deep plum purple.
Cuisinart Cast Iron
And this is something affordable, but reliable. It’s not as fancy, but it gets the job done very well. The colours are straightforward, but classic. From red, blue, and white – great for an everyday kitchen.
Lagostina Cast Iron
And this was my first buy, and I truly love it! It is so durable, classic, with neutral colour choices. In general, it is an incredibly good buy. It is affordable compared to others, so if getting one seems a bit too large of an investment, try this one or the Lodge one.
And that’s it! Or… probably not. Let’s be honest, I could talk about Dutch ovens all day, as they’re just that amazing. I truly believe everyone should have at least one in their kitchen, so stay tuned for more tips, recipes, and chatter about this best friend of mine. Until next time!
Now, after all of this – I ‘d love to hear your thoughts! What’s your favourite Dutch oven? Do you have tips or advice to share? Drop a comment below and let’s talk about Dutch ovens!
Until next time!
Biba Says
Check out my other Biba Says posts for a quick and easy tips to make your time in the kitchen even better, easier and more fun.
