Best Size Dutch Oven For Professional Home Chefs

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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The best thing about a Dutch oven is you can cook anything in it. And we mean that literally. Of course, we all understand that good crockery is an excellent investment. But, from cooking during the holidays when your family is home to individual servings when it's just you, the best size Dutch oven can be used to cook anything.

What Is a Dutch Oven?

A Dutch Oven is a piece of cookware that features thick iron cast sides coated with enamel. It is widely used to cook large and delicious meals. There are different Dutch oven sizes and they come in different shapes.

You can use a Dutch oven on any stove, oven, or campfire. We mean it when we say the durability of a good Dutch oven is unmatched. They are a popular vessel for foods that need to be cooked on low fire, like sauces and stews.

Now that you know what a Dutch oven is, let us get into the 5 best Dutch ovens you can purchase for your kitchen.

1) Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven, 5.5 Quarts

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch...
  • Colorful exterior enamel is shock-resistant to prevent chipping...
  • Sand-colored interior enamel has a smooth finish that promotes...
  • Heat Source: Ceramic, Electric, Gas, Halogen, Induction, Outdoor...
  • Stainless steel knob is safe at any oven temperature
  • Material: Cast Iron

Made from enameled cast iron, this Le Creuset signature Dutch iron is perfect for braising, slow-cooking, and roasting. This 5.5-quart Dutch oven is a chef's staple because of its large cooking capacity and ability to slow-cook anything. It is also compatible with all cooking tops and ovens. In addition, it can take heat of up to 5000 F.

Le Creuset Dutch oven is excellent for preparing meals because cast iron is recognized as the best cooking and heat retention material. It also keeps the meal hot on the stovetop for second servings. In part, the tight-fitting lid fits snuggly over the top and prevents heat from escaping, returning moisture to your meat dish.

Technically, the 5.5 Qt is excellent for feeding many people. It is large enough in case you have people over. Because the Le Creuset Dutch oven performs well for slow-cooking and high-temperature roasting, it is the best purchase for all types of recipes. In addition, it has ergonomic knobs and handles for easy lifting.

The Le Creuset enameled cast-iron Dutch oven is safe on all heat sources, including gas, electric solid plate or radiant ring, vitro-ceramic glass, induction, and ovens fired by gas, oil, coal, or wood. It also comes in many Dutch oven sizes suited for your needs. To buy this Dutch oven is loving to cook.

Pros:

  • Easy to clean
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Tolerates high temperatures
  • Has a chip-proof coating
  • Perfect for all recipes
  • Right size
  • Durable
  • Minimizes sticking

Cons:

  • Not budget-friendly

2) Staub Cast Iron Round Cocotte, 5.5 Quarts

Sale
Staub Cast Iron Round Cocotte, 5.5-quart, Cherry
  • Made in France , Heavy weight tight-fitting lid retains moisture...
  • Oven safe up to 900F/482C without lid Lids are oven safe up to...
  • Smooth enamel bottom works on all stovetops including gas...
  • Unique interior matte texture results in exceptional browning ,...
  • Like all enameled cast iron cookware, our handcrafted pieces are...

This round Dutch oven is perfect for brewing soup and stews. As far as Dutch ovens go, this large Dutch oven goes all the way. It is the perfect helper for many dishes, including chicken and quality roasts. The enamel interior ensures your meals are well-cooked. In addition, because it is made from cast iron, it possesses extraordinary heat-retaining abilities.

In addition, the even heat distribution ensures your food is packed with moisture, tender, and infused with flavor. The heavyweight, tight-fitting lid is designed for moisture retention. It features tiny spikes which are responsible for releasing liquid back into the food. This is helpful, especially when roasting or braising for a long time.

The heavyweight of this cast-iron oven makes it able to withstand years of use. In addition, the cleanup is easy not only because of the shape of the pot but also the easy release enamel finishing. This feature makes it an all-time favorite for chefs around the world. To add to that, it comes in different sizes.

To ensure total enamel coverage, they are spun with each coat. This gives each Dutch oven a unique Ombre finishing with a glossy sheen. They are big and heavy enough for everyday use in the kitchen as well.

Pros:

  • It can be used for baking
  • Easy to use
  • Durable
  • Easy to clean
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Oven-safe
  • Retains heat for long
  • Multi-functional
  • Free of toxic materials

Cons:

  • The handles get hot very quickly, and you need a potholder
  • Cumbersome to carry because of the weight

3) Lodge 7 Quart Oval Enameled Dutch Oven

Lodge 7 Quart Oval Enameled Dutch Oven. Classic Red...
  • Enamel Cast Iron made in China to Lodge specifications. All other...
  • Porcelain enamel interior and exterior
  • Self-basting cover with handle traps in heat, moisture and...
  • 7-Quart capacity
  • Stainless steel knob

This 7-quart enamel Dutch oven is great for cooking, marinating, baking, refrigeration, and freezing as a pairing of both form and function. The color porcelain enamel on cast iron can be used on gas, electric, induction cooktops, as well as in the oven. It is a large size and can be used to cook many dishes for many people.

The cookware is cast from molten iron and coated with porcelain layers, giving it a range of heat retention and heat distribution capabilities. Better heat retention cuts your cooking time in half and saves energy. In addition, this cookware can be used on any stovetop or flame and is a great shape and size for batch cooking.

The tight-fitting lid seals in moisture and flavor, adding to the appeal of this pot. The stainless steel knobs and handles do not get hot fast and can withstand high temperatures. If you are tempted to buy a budget-friendly pot, then this might be for you.

Because of the shape of this oval cast iron Dutch oven, you can feed your large family over thanksgiving or host a party. It holds more meat and vegetables. This is the pot you should think to cook in.

Pros:

  • Durable
  • Heat tolerant
  • Budget-friendly
  • High heat retention
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Easy to clean
  • Easy to use

Cons:

  • The enamel coating chips over time

4) Milo Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven 5.5 Quart

Milo Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven, Enameled in Emerald...
  • French-inspired and designed in California, Milo dutch ovens are...
  • Built to inspire newcomers and satisfy pros, Milo cookware is...
  • Milo dutch ovens are safe for use with all stove and oven types...
  • Naturally non-stick and easy to clean, the ceramic enameled...
  • Cast iron cookware from Milo represents a 100-year investment in...

Designed to satisfy the pros, a Milo Dutch oven makes any dish, no matter how fickle and easy to master or difficult to prepare. As a new brand in the market, Milo is coming up with some of the best quality cookware so far. Moreover, the Dutch ovens are big enough to cook and feed a large family. Apart from vegetables and meat, you can also prepare hearty stews in this 5.5-quart size Dutch oven.

Milo cooking Dutch ovens are made from premium cast iron with multiple layers of Belgian enamel. This technique makes it nonstick, and it is perfect for cooking any dish. Your preferred size of Dutch oven could be a smaller size or a larger size, but this size is perfect for several dishes, including Risotto.

With safety in mind, this Dutch oven is excellent for any stove, as with most Dutch ovens. In addition, it is naturally nonstick, making it easy to clean and dishwasher safe. Of course, this also makes it safe to hand wash if that's what you prefer. Finally, the cast iron and enamel combination make it effective for cooking due to even heat distribution.

In addition, the tight-fitting lid helps to keep moisture locked in for a juicy and well-flavored dish. It is as heavy and as solid as you would expect a Dutch oven to be.

Pros:

  • Durable
  • Heat tolerant
  • Oven-safe
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Ideal for newbies and professionals
  • Naturally nonstick
  • Easy to clean

Cons:

  • The enamel chips off with use

5) Martha Stewart Collection Enamel Cast Iron 6 Quart

Most reviewers have called this pot a kitchen essential. This 6 quart round Dutch oven has a beautiful enamel finish. As with most Dutch ovens, it is also made with cast iron for heat retention abilities. It gets hot and stays hot. You can do your baking in this pot because both the top and bottom can handle 5000 F.

The handles don't get hot quickly, and they are quite big, so you can easily remove the pot from the stovetop or oven to the table without a problem. In addition, the enamel makes it such that you don't have to grease it for it to become nonstick. Because of this, your casseroles, artisanal bread, and roasts will come out perfectly because of the even heat distribution.

This 6-quart Dutch oven size is also large enough for a whole family, and you can try any recipe in it. It is easy to clean, and it is recommended to hand wash it only since it easily gets scratches. To top it all, each of these pots has a beautiful and glossy finishing.

Pros:

  • Available in different sizes
  • Durable
  • Nonstick
  • Oven-safe
  • Fits large meals
  • Easy to clean
  • Good heat retention

Cons:

  • The outer enamel chips, with use
  • It is heavier than other Dutch ovens

What Size Dutch Oven Should I Buy?

Dutch oven sizes are available in all sizes. However, when on the search for a Dutch oven, the general rule of thumb is usually something medium. This would mean a 5.5 quarts Dutch oven. However, picking the best Dutch oven is entirely up to you. Consider the features and if that is what you want from your Dutch oven.

Here are some things you should contemplate before selecting a Dutch oven size.

a) What Do You Like To Cook?

If you like to cook gourmet meals and challenge yourself, then a medium to big size should be ideal. For example, 5.5 quart to 8 quart should be adequate, depending on the largest size other brands have. That being said, there are many brands to chose from. We definitely love the Le Creuset Dutch oven for the range of sizes.

If you cook soups and stews, you need a shallow Dutch oven compared to when you bake, braise, and roast; you need a rounder base in your Dutch oven.

b) Best Sellers

If you are unsure of what to buy, then comb through the best-selling range of Dutch ovens. You will never go wrong with a best seller. The best Dutch oven size for you has flexibility and needs. You also want something just right. A very small Dutch oven might be too restricting for your cooking, and a very large one might be too big.

c) How Many People You Feed

If you have a large family, then you want a big Dutch oven. In fact, the bigger, the better. Big cookware is the right size if you feed a large family. Typically, 1 quartz means 1 serving. Depending on the number of people you feed, you should purchase the right capacity sizes of Dutch ovens. 6 to 7 quarts should be ideal for a large family.

d) Shape And Weight

Dutch ovens basically always have thick sides. This is because they are made that way, and the thickness helps with heat retention and distribution. If you like to cook rib roasts and the occasional tenderloins, an oval Dutch shape oven will be best for you. However, if you like to cook, sauté, brown, or bake, a round Dutch oven will be your best friend.

e) Features

Some Dutch ovens have various features, such as high heat retention or nonstick bottoms. Some can be dish-washed, while others are only hand wash. Depending on your needs, investing in the best Dutch ovens with the best features will be good for your cooking in the long run. Ensure to investigate the features thoroughly so you don't end up with something you don't like.

What Can I Cook In My New Dutch Oven?

Sometimes as you purchase your Dutch oven, you get a free recipe. If you have already purchased your Dutch oven and don't know what to cook in it, here are a few ideas:

i) A Small Dutch oven

  • Sauces
  • Cobbler
  • Pot pies

ii) Medium Dutch Oven

  • Sides
  • Soups
  • Bread
  • Fried chicken
  • Ribs
  • Chili

iii) Large Dutch Oven

  • Pulled pork
  • Roasts
  • Thanksgiving turkey

Bottom Line

If you are into fancy designs, there are beautifully made Dutch ovens that double up as centerpieces. All sizes of Dutch ovens have a use, so don't worry if you have the tiniest one. You can always find something to cook in it. As long as it can comfortably sit on your stove without a problem, then you should be okay with the size.

If you treat your Dutch ovens with care and protection, they will serve you for years to come. Did we mention that they make a great gift for your friends and loved ones? Not to mention they can be passed down generations for years to come. Just ensure you purchase the right size, and you will be happy with the service you get out of these Dutch Ovens.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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