Types, Sizes, And Brands Of Dutch Ovens You Should Know

A Dutch oven is essentially a heavy-duty pot for cooking on the stovetop or braising in an oven. You can use a Dutch oven to bake, broil, boil, braise, roast, saute, sear, steam, brown, simmer, and fry.

They usually come with a lid so that you can cover your food as it cooks and keep it warm after it is done. This feature also allows you to serve from the stove to the table.

Dutch ovens come in many shapes and sizes. It is helpful to know about the different types of Dutch Ovens because that knowledge will help you make an informed decision when it comes to which one to buy and knowing when to use it.

You can choose your Dutch oven based on the size, material, and/or brand. If you really like to cook with Dutch ovens you can purchase a variety of sizes so that you have the right size when you need it.

Continue reading to learn more about the types of Dutch ovens available as well as sizes and brands.

Types of Dutch Ovens

• Seasoned cast iron
• Enameled cast iron
• Stainless steel
• Cast aluminum
• Hard-anodized aluminum
• Ceramic

Seasoned cast-iron

The more often you use seasoned cookware, the better the seasoning will get. You should not use soap to wash cast iron unless it is mild soap.

Instead, use a cast iron pan cleaning brush or a scouring pad before adding a few drops of oil to keep it seasoned.

Enameled cast-iron

Perhaps the most popular type of Dutch oven, enameled cast iron does not require seasoning in the way that typical cast iron cookware does. The enamel makes it much easier to clean than regular cast iron, too.

This type of Dutch oven provides the ultimate heat distribution and retention of heat. Enameled cast iron also results in fewer stains, chips, cracks, and dulling.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is dishwasher safe and oven safe as long as the whole Dutch oven is made of stainless steel.

If the handles or knob on the lid are not stainless steel then double-check before putting yours in the oven or dishwasher. Stainless steel works well for Dutch ovens although it is not the most popular choice.

Cast Aluminum

Cast aluminum cookware heats quickly and keeps hot. It uses less energy than traditional cast iron. You can cook evenly using cast aluminum. Cast aluminum is lighter than typical cast iron as well.

Hard-anodized aluminum

In comparison to typical non-stick aluminum, hard-anodized aluminum is not as likely to corrode, rust, or warp.

Unlike some other non-stick cookware, the hard-anodized aluminum is non-reactive, therefore you will not end up with teeny pieces of metal or cookware material in your food.

Hard-anodized aluminum is also lighter than the alternative materials.

Ceramic

You do not have to season ceramic, so that is one advantage. Ceramic Dutch ovens are easier to clean than cast iron. Acidic foods do not have an effect on ceramic Dutch ovens the way they sometimes do in cast iron.

Remember to check the original packaging, item description, or bottom of the dish to see if your Dutch oven is oven-safe, stove-safe, and/or dishwasher-safe.

Sizes of Dutch Ovens

Knowing the size of a Dutch oven is significant because it will help you determine which Dutch oven to use and when.

If you are cooking for a family then a larger Dutch oven will be necessary. Whenever you are cooking an individual portion or a side dish, a smaller Dutch oven is a better option.

The most popular sizes purchased are between five and seven quarts. It truly depends on how many people you are serving.

The size of your Dutch oven is not only measured by the number of quarts it can hold but also by its depth. Here we are speaking in relation to the capacity of each in terms of quarts.

Here is a list of the average sizes of Dutch ovens:

• 1 qt.
• 2 qt.
• 3 qt.
• 4 qt.
• 6 qt.
• 7 qt.
• 8 qt.
• 9 qt.
• 12 qt.
• 15 qt.

Whether you are using your Dutch oven to make a casserole, soup, sauce, or side dish, you will want to use the right size. The most popular size of Dutch ovens hold between five and seven quarts.

1-2 Quart

These two smaller sizes are used for side dishes, desserts, and to simmer sauces. It can also be used for cobblers and pot pies. This size Dutch oven serves one to two people.

3-4 Quart

These sizes are used to make meals for 2 to 4 people. Examples of this are soups, side dishes, and desserts. A three to four-quart size Dutch oven can even hold a 1.5lb Cornish hen!

5-6 Quart

These sizes are used for meals meant for 4 to 6 people. You can bake bread, simmer chili, or make fried chicken.

This size is also great for one-pot meals such as pot roast or whatever ingredients that you prefer and cook them all in the same pot.

12-13 Quart

This size is typically used for braising meats, slow cooking meals, making soups, frying, and baking. From about a 9 qt. size and up they are helpful to use for holidays and family gatherings.

The wide base is great for searing or browning meat as well as roasting or braising with your oven.

15 Quart

This is about the largest size Dutch oven you will see. You can cook any of the above in it plus you can cook in bulk to freeze for later.

Chili is a perfect example of an awesome meal to have fresh and portion out the rest to freeze.

Brands of Dutch Ovens

Le Creuset

This brand of enameled cast iron originated in France in 1925. Le Creuset established the first colorful enameled cast iron cookware.

Le Creuset products are more expensive than other brands, but the benefit is that they include a limited lifetime warranty.

The tight-fitting dome-shaped lid helps enhance the flavor of your dish by allowing heat and moisture to continuously circulate. This also helps the food cook evenly.

Le Creuset Dutch ovens also have ergonomic handles and knobs to help make lifting and moving them easier and safer. They are deemed oven-safe for up to 500°F and are dishwasher-safe!

Click here to see this Dutch oven on Amazon.

Lodge

The brand Lodge is one of the most popular. It is a family-owned company established in 1896. Lodge is known for its enameled cast iron cookware. They also offer seasoned cast iron.

The more you cook with your seasoned cast iron Dutch oven, the more seasoned it will become. Their Dutch ovens are oven-safe up to 400°F. It is high-quality, durable, and versatile. Their products are made in the USA.

One complaint about Lodge Dutch ovens is that they scratch easily. If this bothers you then you may want to check out other options. Lodge Dutch oven sizes include the following:

• 1 qt.
• 2 qt.
• 3 qt.
• 4.5 qt.
• 5 qt.
• 6 qt.
• 7 qt.
• 7.5 qt.
• 9 qt.

Click here to see this Dutch oven on Amazon.

Amazon Basics

Amazon Basics Dutch ovens are available in a wide variety of beautiful colors. They are made of enameled cast iron. These Dutch ovens are rated oven-safe up to 400°F.

This brand is handwash only. They come with a lid for retaining and evenly distributing the heat. Amazon Basics offers Dutch ovens in these sizes:

• 6 qt.
• 7.3 qt.

Click here to see this Dutch oven on Amazon.

Staub

Staub cookware is made in Northeastern France and is another popular choice for Dutch ovens.

The type of material they offer is enameled cast iron. One unique feature is that there are spikes built into the lid which facilitate juices flowing back into your food.

The bottom of Staub Dutch ovens is smooth which means it will work on any stove-top. They are deemed oven-safe with the lid up to 500°F. Without the lid, Staub Dutch ovens are oven-safe up to 900°F.

Staub Dutch ovens sizes are:

• 1.25 qt.
• 3.25 qt.
• 3.75 qt.
• 4 qt.
• 5.5 qt.
• 6 qt.

Click here to see this Dutch oven on Amazon.

The problem is that Cuisinel only offers two sizes of Dutch ovens. Cuisinel is known as versatile and durable. You can find Cuisinel Dutch ovens in the following sizes:

Milo

Milo Dutch ovens are made from 40% recycled cast iron. They have a stainless steel knob and are coated with TOMATEC® enamel.

The only two Dutch oven sizes they offer are 3.5 qt. and 5.5 qt. Their Dutch ovens are oven-safe up to 450°F.

Click here to see this Dutch oven on Amazon.

This brand offers energy-efficient cookware made of cast aluminum. Cast aluminum is not as heavy as your typical cast iron.

The cast aluminum coating GET Heiss offers makes the Dutch oven resistant to staining, sticking, chipping, and cracking. You can use this brand with gas, electric, and induction ranges. Their Dutch oven is oven-safe up to 500°F.

Get Heiss Dutch ovens are also dishwasher-safe which is always a plus. The sizes GET Heiss offers are as follows:

• 2.5 qt.
• 3 qt.
• 3.5 qt.
• 4.5 qt.
• 5 qt.
• 6.5 qt.

Marquette Castings

One perk this brand offers is that they offer a lifetime warranty on their products. Another perk is that their Dutch ovens are oven-safe up to 500°F. Marquette Castings offers the following sized Dutch ovens:

• 4 qt.
• 6 qt.

Click here to see this Dutch oven on Amazon.

Cuisinart

Cuisinart offers Dutch ovens that are made of enameled cast iron or hard-anodized aluminum. They have an oven-safe knob that provides a durable grip.

Their Dutch ovens are oven-safe, stovetop-safe, and broiler-safe. They are also compatible with induction stovetops. Their Dutch ovens are durable and provide an easy clean-up because they are dishwasher safe.

Cuisinart offers Dutch ovens in the following sizes:

• 3 qt.
• 5 qt.
• 7 qt.
• 10 qt.

Click here to see this Dutch oven on Amazon.

Crock-Pot

Crock-Pot is a well-known reliable brand of cookware. Their Dutch ovens are made of enameled cast iron. These have a non-stick surface and are suggested for handwashing only.

Crock-Pot Dutch ovens are easy to clean and have large handles which make them easier and safer to carry. They are deemed oven-safe up to 500°F. The largest Crock-Pot brand Dutch oven holds 5 quarts.

Great Jones has a good reputation. Their Dutch ovens double as a roasting pan, have a gray interior to help keep the stains away, and are oven-safe at a high temperature of 500°F

They are also non-stick, dishwasher safe, induction safe, and have spacious handles for a better grip. Here is a list of the size Dutch ovens Great Jones offers:

• 6.75 qt.
• 7 qt.
• 8 qt.

Calphalon

Calphalon is a very well-known reliable brand that is also cost-effective. Their Dutch ovens are primarily made of hard-anodized aluminum.

They also have a secondary layer to make the material non-stick for easy and fast cleanup. Calphalon Dutch ovens are available in the following sizes:

• 5 qt.
• 7 qt.
• 8.5 qt.

Click here to see this Dutch oven on Amazon.

Emile Henry

This brand Dutch oven is made of clay and manufactured in France. It is a unique brand because Emile Henry products are made up of all-natural materials and are created using Emile Henry's proprietary Flame technology.

They are said to be 30% lighter than the typical metal or cast iron cookware. There are dots under the lid to help the condensation circulate, keeping your food moist. Emile Henry sells the following size Dutch ovens:

• 2.6 qt.
• 4.2 qt.
• 5.5 qt.

Click here to see this Dutch oven on Amazon.

Merten & Storck

This brand is handcrafted in Germany. Their Dutch ovens are oven-safe up to 600°F but are handwash only. The recessed lid prevents food from boiling over.

Their Dutch ovens are not as heavy as typical cast iron and will work on any stovetop. This brand uses something called GlazeGuard which fuses with enamel, resulting in less chipping than typical enameled cast iron.

Merten & Storck only offers 5 qt. Dutch ovens.

Bruntmor

Bruntmor Dutch ovens are not super expensive but are still high-quality. The sizes of Dutch ovens that Bruntmor offers are:

• 4.5 qt.
• 6.5 qt.
• 7 qt.

Click here to see this Dutch oven on Amazon.

In closing

There are more than 20 brands of Dutch ovens to choose from. The main types are cast iron, enameled cast iron, cast aluminum, stainless steel, and ceramic. Sizes of Dutch ovens vary from one quart all the way up to 15 quarts.

Before you go, be sure to check out the following links related to Dutch ovens:

Should You Preheat A Dutch Oven For Bread?

Can You Fry In A Dutch Oven? [And How To]

How To Cook Chicken In A Dutch Oven