Equipment Review: The Best Dutch Oven & Our Testing Winners

Summary by Krater

America's Test Kitchen reviews and compares 11 enameled cast iron Dutch ovens ranging from $54 to $350, evaluating them on cooking performance, durability, ease of use, and interior color. The Le Creuset 7 1/4 Quart Round Dutch Oven is named the best overall due to its light-colored interior, wide cooking surface, and durability.

From the video

Answers: Which enameled cast iron Dutch oven is the best to buy?

• enameled cast iron Dutch ovens
• Dutch oven buying guide
• pot materials and heat distribution
• enameled cookware durability testing
• interior pot color visibility
• Dutch oven shape and handle design

What it concludes

• Lighter, thinner Dutch ovens can scorch food because heat zips right through them.
• A ceramic pot lid cracked when set on the pot from just 2 inches up.
• Dark interior colors make it difficult to see browning and fond compared to light interiors.
• Dutch ovens with wide, short shapes and straight sides provide larger cooking surfaces and easier access for stirring.
• Looped handles provide a much more secure grip than flat handles, especially with oven mitts.
• The Le Creuset 7 1/4 Quart Round Dutch Oven is the best overall, offering light-colored interior, low straight sides, and large loop handles for 360 dollars.