What's so special about Dutch Ovens? Enamel coated cast iron DUTCH Ovens are durable, colorful, multi-task work horses in the kitchen!

Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge, Martha Stewart, and Cuisinart are just a few of the many Dutch Oven makers available.

What is a Dutch Oven?
A Dutch oven is a cooking pot with thick walls and a tight-fitting lid to keep the moisture in. Dutch ovens are usually made of seasoned cast iron but can also be made with aluminum, and copper.

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Purchase Le Creuset 5.5 quart Dutch Oven on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Creuset-Signat...

Purchase Lodge 6 quart Dutch Oven on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096L24T1N?...

What is a French Oven?
A French Oven is A Dutch Oven with an enamel coating on the inside as well as the outside. The enamel coating makes the French oven rust resistant and easier to clean as well as contributing lots of color to your décor. The enamel coating (which is essentially glass) is inert so it doesn’t absorb flavors or odors and it won’t transmit any metallic taste to your food. It also won’t react with acidic foods like tomatoes, wine, or citrus
The name French oven didn’t stick in the U.S.A. so we refer to French ovens as Dutch ovens too

What’s special about a Dutch oven?
Dutch Ovens are designed to hold in and gently distribute heat making it perfect for braising and stewing. (Low slow cooking partially covered with liquid makes tough foods tender) Dutch ovens are also great for deep frying because of the high sides. Baking bread in a Dutch oven results in a lovely crusty loaf. Many Dutch ovens are made from cast iron making them durable and versatile. You can use them on the stovetop, oven electric, gas, induction and camp fire.

What to look for in a Dutch oven?
Look for a wide flat bottom to give you lots of surface area. This means cooking in fewer batches. Also, Look for large, open handles that let you easily pick up this hot, heavy beast.

How much does a Dutch Oven cost?
A 5 quart Dutch oven from Le Creuset can cost about $350 while a 6 quart Dutch oven from Lodge can cost as little as $80. The most expensive brands have multiple layers of enamel coating and extensive warrantees. The price of a Dutch oven also depends on what size Dutch oven you buy. Larger Dutch ovens are usually more expensive. I recommend buying Dutch ovens between 5 and 6 quarts.

How to save money on Dutch Ovens?
Shop clearance in store and online. William Sonoma has great clearance deals, I purchased my 5.5 quart Le Creuset Dutch oven for about $140 regular price $350.

Shop Staub clearance online at Zwilling dot com for great discounts. I purchased my 4 quart Staub cocotte for $119 regular price $309 at Williams Sonoma. These may have small imperfections but I haven’t noticed any. Always read the return policy before you purchase. You can usually find the Staub cocotte with glass lid for about $100-$120
Lodge and Cuisinart are both available on Amazon but look for them in Used-Very Good Condition to save quite a few dollars. I purchased this Lodge 6 quart Dutch oven for $58 Used but it’s definitely like new. It shows no signs of being used at all
Color choices may be limited when you shop clearance.
Less expensive brands may not be the best quality. I purchased this 6 quart Martha Stewart Dutch oven at Macys (on sale $78 down from $199 4th of July sale) but the lid doesn’t fit as securely as it should.

This Cuisinart lid already has a chip after only a few months

0:00 What is special about Dutch ovens?
0:52 What is a Dutch oven?
1:30 What is a French Oven?
4:45 What is a Dutch Oven pot used for?
6:06 How to buy a Dutch Oven?
8:50 How much do Dutch Ovens cost?
11:29 How to save money on a Dutch Oven?
14:58 Should I get Le Creuset or Staub Dutch oven?