Best Dutch Oven Splurge 5.5 Quarts: Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven

Let’s talk premium Dutch ovens!

Dating back to the early 18th century, these thick pots with lids have been workhorses in kitchens for 400 years. Why are they called Dutch ovens? Even though a British company cast the first iron cookware that resembles the modern Dutch oven, they used a method of casting iron perfected by artisans in the Netherlands. Voila! The Dutch oven.

Now, you can buy a discount Dutch oven and they work well for everyday recipes, but when you spend more money, there are several key advantages to a premium Dutch oven:

• Higher temperatures. Premium Dutch ovens often go up to 500 degrees (yes, the Staub mentioned later in this article can be used up to 900 degrees.). Less expensive ovens top out at 400 degrees. Why does that matter? Certain Dutch oven recipes (for example, when you’re browning meats) require higher temperatures. And higher temperatures are required for many bread recipes (450 degrees is a common temperature).

• Made in Europe. Premium Dutch ovens made by brands like Le Creuset and Staub are manufactured in France, by companies that have decades of experience in crafting Dutch ovens. Less expensive Dutch ovens are imported from Asia.

• More durability. Premium Dutch ovens are heavier and made with more durable materials. They last longer and are less likely to crack or chip.

• Nice design features. More expensive Dutch ovens often have bigger handles (making them easier to move around) or other design quirks like Staub’s spiked lid. This keeps moisture in the pot, so you don’t have to add more during cooking.

For the best 5.5 quart Dutch oven splurge, we recommend Le Creuset. Yes, this brand is legendary and with good reason—the brand has been around since 1925. We liked the overall quality here: it is pricey but worth the investment.

What We Liked

• Easy to clean.

• Sturdy.

• Wide variety of colors.

• Up to 500 degree temperature.

• Sure-grip handles.

• Safe for dishwashers (tip always cool down to room temperature first before washing!).

• Can be used on many different cooktops.

What Needs Work

• Heavy. At 12.7 lbs., this pot is heavy!

• Light color interior can show stains. If you prefer a black interior, consider the next pick.

Best For High Temperatures: Staub Cast Iron Round Cocotte

Along with Le Creuset, Staub is France’s second most well-known Dutch oven maker—and if you want to use your oven for high temperature cooking, the Staub is oven safe without its lid up to 900 degrees. With the lid, you can use it up to 500 degrees—that’s great for bread recipes, which are often at 450 degrees. (Less expensive Dutch ovens top out at 400 degrees).

What We Liked

• Lead-free, cadmium-free.

• Beautiful finish.

• Fantastic for cooking.

• Easy to clean.

• Self-basting, spiked lid.

• Weighs 12.9 lbs.

• Black interior has unique matte texture.

What Needs Work

• Not everyone is a fan of the black interior. Some folks think it is easier to use Dutch ovens with lighter interiors—there isn’t a consensus on that one!

Best Dutch Oven Splurge 3.5 Quarts: Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Sauteuse Oven

Yes, this is the smaller version of the Le Creuset oven we recommended above. Three-and-a-half quart ovens are great when you are cooking for two people—5.5 quart ovens are better for a family of four or more.

Since the pros and cons are the same, we’ll reprint these from above:

What We Liked

• Easy to clean.

• Sturdy.

• Wide variety of colors.

• Up to 500 degree temperature.

• Sure-grip handles.

• Safe for dishwashers (tip always cool down to room temperature first before washing!).

• Can use on many different cooktops.

What Needs Work

• Heavy. At 10.3 lbs., this pot is heavy!

• Light color interior can show stains.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability. When we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money. 

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!