Whether you're simmering a stew, braising a roast, or even baking a pie, dutch ovens are one of the oldest and most tried-and-true kitchenware items you can own. They've been around for literally hundreds of years, prized by professional and home chefs alike thanks to their superior heat retention and rugged durability. And though they're traditionally made of cast-iron, today's dutch ovens come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, including cast aluminum or ceramic. Our list includes the top models on the market that are guaranteed to help you slow-cook your next meal to perfection. Lodge 5 Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven Slow-cooking successThe Lodge 5-Quart features a classic cast iron construction and is the perfect size for all sorts of slow-cooking, from broiling to braising to baking. Best OverallFind on Amazon If you’ve ever gone shopping for a dutch oven, you’ve likely come across the name Lodge, which has been making heavy-duty cookware for over a century. Their dutch ovens especially shine, among which this 5-quart cast-iron model is one of their star models. And it’s easy to see why — the design is thick and sturdy, the lid sits securely on the pot, and the enamel coating is not only effective at retaining and distributing heat but is also beautiful to look at. Overall, it’s a must-have addition for any home cooking enthusiast. Pros: Large handles Easy to grab lid handle Comes in a wide range of colors Built to last a lifetime Cons: Must be regularly seasoned Not ideal for glass ranges AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven Vibrant color optionsThis dutch oven from AmazonBasics features multiple size and color options so you can match your cookware with your kitchen's aesthetic. Best Color OptionsFind on Amazon Brighten up the kitchen with one of these colorful dutch ovens from AmazonBasics. Modestly-priced and beautifully-designed, these cast-iron dutch ovens are available in a variety of sizes and color options. Of course, we wouldn’t recommend a dutch oven based on looks alone. This pick features balanced heat distribution and retains heat even after you cut the flame. Better yet, the enamel makes clean up a breeze and wipes down in mere seconds. Pros: Beautiful, classic aesthetic The enamel coating is wear-resistant and easy to clean The wide handles make moving it about much easier Cons: The enamel isn’t non-stick, so you may still have to really scrub at it to get it fully clean Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Dutch Oven Undeniable quality, premium priceProfessional chefs and serious home cooks need the Le Creuset Signature, a premium dutch oven with unbeatable quality.Best PremiumFind on Amazon Le Creuset claims to have produced the first enameled cast-iron cookware nearly a century ago, and since then the French company has basically perfected the dutch oven. Their 4.5-quart Signature model is a great example of the premium quality that defines many of their products — it features handles that are 45 percent larger than most others, making it easier to pick up, and boasts an advanced sand-colored interior enamel that offers even more resistance to wear than its competitors. If that’s not enough, it also requires no seasoning, making it a maintenance-free alternative to cheaper pots on the market. Pros: Comes in a range of colors The dome-shaped lid creates a tight seal Extremely durable and long-lasting Cons: Very expensive Only one size Camp Chef Classic 10″ Dutch Oven Quality camp cooking Ready to take your favorite slow-cooked meals outdoors? Get the Camp Chef Classic 10" Dutch Oven.Best For CampingFind on Amazon Because of their versatility, dutch ovens are one of the most ideal cookware items for camping and cooking in the outdoors. The Camp Chef Classic speaks to that versatility by incorporating a design that makes it easy to cook virtually anything you can think up, from bread and pies to hearty stew and soups. It boasts four legs, so can stand on its own in a fire pit, has a flanged lid that allows you to pile coals on top, and even features a built-in thermometer notch for checking the temperature of its contents. On top of all that, it’s also extremely affordable. Pros: Relatively large capacity Metal bail handle Comes pre-seasoned Cons: Not very attractive-looking Very heavy AmazonBasics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven The best bang for your buckThis pre-seasoned cast iron dutch oven from AmazonBasics is a fantastic overall option with a super affordable price tag to boot.Best On A BudgetFind on Amazon You don’t have to break the bank for a quality dutch oven. This option from AmazonBasics gets the job done at half the price. And although it may not have any fancy designs or sleek enamel coating, it’s still a fantastic piece of cookware that’s functional, practical, and heat-retaining. In fact, it’s considered oven safe for up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s a fantastic option for a wide range of dishes. Pros: Great value for the price The quality lid fits with precision High heat retention Cons: You’ll have to clean it and then cure it yourself since the “pre-seasoning” can rub off or evaporate during shipment A bit thinner than the more premium options Frequently Asked Questions What is a dutch oven? A dutch oven is a thick-walled cooking pot with a tight-fitting lid. The design makes them perfect for slow-cooking various dishes and desserts since it retains and distributes heat over long periods of time. Dating back to the colonial era, dutch ovens are traditionally made out of cast-iron, but in recent years cast aluminum and ceramic alternatives have become increasingly popular. How should I care for my dutch oven? Though dutch ovens are generally pretty durable, they do require special maintenance from time to time. Cast-iron Dutch ovens, for example, need to be seasoned every now and again, a process that keeps their surface smooth and non-sticky. Ceramic enameled cast-iron ovens should also be seasoned routinely, as well as used only with wood or plastic utensils since metal ones can mar their surface. In general, dutch ovens should be soaked in warm water during cleaning, using only a minimal (some would argue none) amount of dish soap, since that could degrade its seasoning. Related posts:Powered by SearchIQ The Best Chicken Coops Read more The Best Kennels Read more The Best Homemade Dog Food Read more