The Best Dutch Ovens, According to Our Test Kitchen

Artisanal Kitchen Supply 6-Quart Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch Oven

A Dutch oven can often be seen as an investment due to its high price tag, but the Artisanal Kitchen Dutch oven combines affordability with durability in one kitchen item. The Dutch oven is perfect for braising foods, which stay moist thanks to the lid. The lid contains self-basting rings, which collect any moisture or steam and redistribute it onto the food to keep things from drying out. With a cream-colored interior and an array of exterior colors to choose from, this Dutch oven is budget-friendly, colorful and perfect for first-time Dutch oven users.

To buy: Walmart, $90

Lodge 6-Quart Cast-Iron Enamel Dutch Oven

This affordable Dutch oven is great for cooking on any surface, from the oven to a gas range to an induction cooktop. In the oven, the Lodge can withstand temperatures up to 500°F, which is perfect for braising, baking, broiling and any other cooking a recipe calls for. You can take this directly to the table for serving using the enamel trivet that comes with it, which protects your table from the heat. And when you're storing it, use the pot protectors to prevent chipping and moisture buildup. These extra accessories with this Dutch oven help you get even more bang for your buck.

To buy: Target, $70

Best Heirloom-Worthy Dutch Oven

Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron Round Dutch Oven

Le Creuset has become synonymous with quality Dutch ovens, and the high price tag is well worth it. The Le Creuset Dutch oven lasts for many years and is perfect for baking bread, making stew, cooking short ribs and so much more. The lid includes stabilizers, which prevent rocking and keep the lid firmly in its place. And with numerous gorgeous colors to choose from, you'll want to bring this Dutch oven from the stovetop directly to the table for serving. When you're done cooking and eating, this pot is dishwasher-safe for a quick cleanup.

To buy: Williams Sonoma, $370

Best Customizable Dutch Oven

Staub 5.5-Quart Enameled Cast-Iron Round Dutch Oven

If you're looking for a fun, unique Dutch oven, Staub is the perfect choice. Not only can you choose from a variety of colors, you can also swap out the knobs on the lid. From the standard silver knob to animal-shaped ones, including a pig, rooster, fish or snail, it's easy to add some flair to your Dutch oven. Aside from aesthetics, these Dutch ovens also have traces of quartz on the interior, which provides additional heat resistance and creates a textured surface for browning food. The Staub Dutch oven is also dishwasher-safe.

To buy: Williams Sonoma, $360

Best Versatile Dutch Oven

Milo 5.5-Quart Cast-Iron Dutch Oven

The Milo Dutch oven is a sleek and long-lasting option (it comes with a lifetime guarantee). The best part of this pot is the lid. Yes, it fits snugly on the base to create a tight seal, but it also works as the lid on the Milo cast-iron skillet. You can buy the 10-inch skillet and Dutch oven as a set, and it means one less lid cluttering up your cabinets. The skillet and the Dutch oven come in three rich color options.

To buy: Food52, $135

Best Dutch Oven for Camping

Overmont Cast-Iron Dutch Oven

This pick from Overmont is the best Dutch oven for camping for a few reasons. First, the pot stays stabilized with the help of three feet on the base, which also ensures even cooking over an open flame. And this pot's lid also does more than just cover it. It doubles as a pan, so you get two handy kitchen items in one. And whenever you need to remove the Dutch oven from the fire, the Overmont includes a separate cool-grip tool that hooks on the handle for easy movement without worrying about touching the hot surface. So if you love to camp, this Dutch oven is definitely one kitchen item worth packing.

To buy: Amazon, $40

Best Mini Dutch Oven

Crucible Cookware Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch Oven

While 5- to 6-quart Dutch ovens are great for larger quantities, a mini Dutch oven is equally useful for making individual-size portions of grains, couscous, oatmeal, casseroles and more. It's also great for reheating a single portion of soup, stew or chili. You could also use a mini Dutch oven to serve sauces and dips. Crucible Cookware's mini Dutch oven is small, but mighty with a diameter of 4 inches. The light-colored interior makes it easy to monitor foods as they brown, and the lid fits snugly, which is great when you're boiling water. And thanks to its miniature size, cleaning this Dutch oven is a fast process.

To buy: Amazon, $25