The Best Affordable Enameled Dutch Ovens

Equipment expert Adam Ried discusses the best Dutch ovens on a budget.

ABOUT US: Located in Boston’s Seaport District in the historic Innovation and Design Building, America's Test Kitchen features 15,000 square feet of kitchen space including multiple photography and video studios. It is the home of Cook’s Illustrated magazine and Cook’s Country magazine and is the workday destination for more than 60 test cooks, editors, and cookware specialists. Our mission is to test recipes over and over again until we understand how and why they work and until we arrive at the best version.

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[ilmaba]

I have a Le Creuset that was given to my mum in 1965, by a woman who had used it for haven knows how long, was downsizing but didn't want to throw it out. I absolutely love it.

[Logiconfire]

I have owned a 3.5 qt Le Creuset dutch oven for years and like it. When I needed something bigger I did some research and bought a 6.2 qt. Landhaus. Beautiful enamel. I cooked with it for 2 months and I am pleased.

[tonyn]

I've had a Lodge 8 qt. for years that I use all the time. Still looks like new and really love it.

[MaliciousMint]

I have the same kind of Le creuset Dutch oven as in the video but I was able to take advantage of a sale and went into a store where they had stock that wasn't up to standard (literally a pinhead sized bump) and got mine for less than $200 so if you shop smart you can afford the highest quality

[gnome]

We have a Le Creuset and recently bought on sale a similar one at ALDI for only $20... the price was so good we bought two of them! They have done great making bread so far and Ive used one to do my lasagna sauce in as well.

[jeffsiemens]

Would have been nice to get more details on how good or bad each did on each of the different tests.

[RomyIlano]

America's test kitchen is the best! I only rely on them for all my pot and pan purchases

[LandNfan]

I recently bought the “Amazon Basics” enameled Dutch oven and I could not be happier with it. It cooks evenly, doesn’t scorch, cleans up like a dream, and after 4 months of frequent use shows no signs of wear. And it was only $49.50 with free Prime 2-day shipping.

[epona]

Would have appreciated having the weight of the top two pans compared. I read some reviews of the Cuisinart and it was super heavy, but I haven't figured out the exact weight.

[jimmib]

I bought a Lodge 6 quart enameled dutch oven on sale for $50 about one year ago. I had been wanting a dutch oven for years. I am very pleased with it-at my age all cookware will last a lifetime!

[firedcastiron]

We have more than 25 pieces, none Le Creuset, and do have a couple of pieces of the Cuisinart. We assumed if we could buy 5 of something else for the same price, we would come out ahead, even if something went wrong. Nothing ever has. We use the various pieces as our regular cooking arsenal, and are thrilled with the results. Going with overstock stores, estate sales and even the odd treasure at a rummage sale has enabled us to even have specialty pieces we could never have afforded paying such high prices just to say we have the brand of choice. I can't imagine how anything could cook better than what we have, and we have no anxiety about putting the cookware to the test since we could actually afford to get more. More pieces, more fearless, creative cooking. Life is good!

[davesvoboda]

Question: Did you abuse your lovely Le Creuset dutch oven the way you did the challengers?

[juliette]

I love the info thank you. I would of like to hear the names of that pots, you only mentioned one.

[migthulhu]

I've had this Cuisinart for more than a decade and I think it's great.

[michaelkaszynski]

Although there are merits to buying a brand new pot, one of the best things about LeCreuset is that it is incredibly durable enameled cast iron and someone will inherit it when you die. Because of that, the more affordable option is to buy a used piece for a fraction of the cost. I have a beautiful set and didn't spend more than a hundred bucks for any of the pieces. eBay and garage/estate sales are the way to go unless you want the safety of the warranty and knowing you are the first owner.

[galecunningham]

Le Creuset is definitely worth the cost because not only can excellent meals be made in them, they hold up beautifully to stovetop and oven use. And, last but not least, they can be passed down to sons and daughters as heirlooms!! When I look at my two I smile at all the wonderful meals I've made for my family. They are treasures! If costly, save up for one.

[juejueknew]

My mother has two cast iron skillets she got in 1972 as a gift from her sister when her and my father got their first place. She still uses them to this day

[majordudette]

That Cuisinart cover has an enameled knob, which gets hot. I’ve purchased a couple copycats of Le Creuset but never again - the cheaper copies enamel chips every time. Worth it to go to a Le Creuset outlet or just fork out the dough. They last a lifetime.

[KenDanieli]

Be sure to read the temperature recommendations on Dutch ovens. Bread recipes usually call for 500 F or higher. Some are only rated for 400 F. My Tramontina, a previous ATK pick, lost its enamel inside at that high temp. It's still OK for baking bread with parchment paper, but I can no longer use it for sauces, chilis, stews, etc.

[KINGDOMDAUGHTER]

The silver looking aluminium dutch pot is one of my favorites.

I say this to say I grew up in the islands of the Caribbean and we used dutch pots of different sizes, heavy duty and for durability, plus it can be scoured with the ruff steel wool and get that shinny look without damaging the pot, without the food sticking and mind you it is all purposely used in ovens, on stove tops, on coal fires, in wood fires, in pit fires, or on gas or electric grills or tops

The others, like the orange one by is costly and folks are either buying into the name brand and or the chefs or cooks whose name is associated with these dutch oven pots and or cast iron dutch pots.

It just takes common sense of what is, rather society and companies or shows pushing a certain types or kind of products, foods, items, etcetera

Money making over the truth and quality of.... Research is key and trial and error to or not to