There’s something so cozy and comforting about a dish that’s been braised or roasted. To really infuse a dish with all that warmth, nothing beats a Dutch oven. These heavy-duty, wide dishes are typically made from durable materials like enameled cast iron, which means a lofty price tag can often be attached (as much as $200 to $300 or more). That’s why I put together a list of the best affordable Dutch ovens, including my absolute favorite from Staub.
Credit: Williams Sonoma
After researching dozens upon dozens of popular Dutch ovens, I narrowed the list down to the five best budget-friendly options on the market that offered the best value for the cost. Below, you’ll find more details on the best affordable Dutch ovens I love, as well as what to look for when you’re shopping for one.
My Top Picks:
In My Kitchen: Staub Enameled Cast Iron Deep Oven, 5 Quarts – $149.95 at Williams Sonoma
Best Large Affordable Dutch Oven: Lodge 7.5-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven – $99.90 at Amazon
Best Affordable Dutch Oven For Bread: Amazon Basics Enameled Covered Dutch Oven – $54.72 at Amazon
Best Affordable Oval Dutch Oven: Beautiful 6 Quart Enamel Dutch Oven – $69 at Walmart
Best Classic Cast Iron Dutch Oven: Lodge Cast Iron 5-Quart Dutch Oven – $49.41 at Amazon
Reviews of The Best Affordable Dutch Ovens
Credit: Williams Sonoma
When I’m making soups, stews, and sauces, I often reach for my Staub Deep 5 Quart Dutch Oven. I’ve used it to make everything from my delicious beef bourguignon to hearty, cozy meals like my sweet potato and turkey chili. Beyond its versatility, I love that it’s deep and roomy enough for chunky stews, casseroles, and even big cuts of meat.
The cast iron material boasts a beautifully enameled finish, which means I can take it from the stove or oven right over to the dinner table. Best of all, I adore how durable it is: It’s resistant to rust, chipping, and cracking, doesn’t require any seasoning, and has incredible heat retention, too.
While the Staub Dutch Oven is one of the most expensive ones on the list, it’s worth it: This is an investment piece that you’ll be able to use in the kitchen for years to come. It’s also one of the more affordable Dutch ovens from Staub’s cookware line, so this gets high marks from me for an overall value score.
The Specs:
Capacity: 5 quarts
Material: Enameled cast iron
Weight: 11 pounds, 14 ounces with lid
Care: Dishwasher-safe
The Pros:
Gorgeous look
Cooks evenly and thoroughly
Great heat retention
Dishwasher-safe (but handwashing recommended)
Durable
The Cons:
Heavy
5-quart capacity is smaller than some other options on my list
Buy the Staub Enameled Cast Iron Deep Oven, 5-Quart:
Credit: Amazon
If you’re cooking for a crowd, you might want a larger Dutch oven, like this 7.5-quart option from Lodge, a company with a long history of making durable cast iron products. This high-quality but cost-efficient pick has a smooth porcelain interior that’s easy to clean and holds heat uniformly throughout.
It comes in 15 fun colors that range from bright red to neutral gray, so you can pick your favorite or match it to your kitchen. It’s also dishwasher-safe, but Lodge recommends hand-washing it to make sure your Dutch oven stays in the very best shape.
The Specs:
Capacity: 7.5 quarts
Material: Enameled cast iron
Weight: 18 pounds
Care: Dishwasher-safe, but hand washing recommended
The Pros:
Can marinate, refrigerate, cook, and serve all in one pot
A light-colored interior makes browning food easy to monitor
Made in the USA
Large capacity
The Cons:
Heavy weight may make it hard to transfer from the oven to the stove
What Others Are Saying
CNET found the Lodge Enameled Dutch oven to be the best Dutch oven for the price, while Wirecutter named the slightly smaller model its top pick out of all the Dutch ovens they tested.
Buy the Lodge 7.5-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven:
Credit: Amazon
While some people might associate Dutch ovens entirely with delicious braises or stews, they’re actually incredibly versatile. You can deep fry in them just as easily as you can bake a casserole, but they’re especially perfect for baking a loaf of sourdough bread because they mimic a steam oven and create the best crust. While you could certainly bake a smaller loaf of bread in something like our Staub 5-quart Dutch oven, you may want something a little bit bigger since your bread will expand while cooking.
This Amazon Basics 6-quart Dutch oven is a solid choice at a seriously affordable price tag, and it gets great ratings across the board from literally thousands of reviewers. It’s made of heat-retaining, enameled cast iron, is oven-safe up to 500 degrees, and is just the right size for a big, crowd-pleasing loaf of bread.
The Specs:
Capacity: 6 quarts
Material: Enameled cast iron
Weight: 13.06 pounds
Care: Hand wash only; avoid using metal utensils on the interior
The Pros:
Comes in a range of colors
Spikes on the interior of the lid help recirculate steam and moisture
Great size for bread
Looped side handles make it easier to lift
The Cons:
Not dishwasher-safe
The metal knob on the top of the lid gets very hot
What Others Are Saying
The Amazon Basics Dutch oven has a 4.7-star rating from more than 46,000 Amazon buyers. Forbes also found it to be one of the best Dutch ovens out of all the ones they tested.
Buy the Amazon Basics Enameled Covered Dutch Oven:
Credit: Walmart
I love Drew Barrymore’s “Beautiful” cookware line at Walmart (I have the air fryer from this brand), and unlike most Dutch ovens that are round, this 6-quart one is oval — so it’s an ideal shape (and size) for roasting a whole chicken or a small turkey. The enameled cast iron is durable, well-made, and cooks food very well. I recommend using it to make my hearty One-Pot Chicken Stew!)
It’s oven-safe up to 500 degrees F and doesn’t require any pre-seasoning, which makes maintenance just a tad bit easier. I also love that it boasts a convenient oval shape, which is great for roasting large cuts of poultry like my garlic-roasted chicken with veggies! It also doesn’t hurt that it’s on the less expensive side and comes in a few pretty colors.
The Specs:
Capacity: 6 quarts
Material: Enameled cast iron
Weight: Not stated
Care: Not stated, so I recommend hand washing
The Pros:
No pre-seasoning required
Easy to maneuver in and out of the oven
Comes in different colors
Good for roasting poultry
The Cons:
The oval shape may be awkward on some stove tops
Newer brand
What Others Are Saying:
This Dutch oven has a 4.7-star rating from more than 400 Walmart shoppers. People also included it in their roundup of the best Dutch ovens, naming it the best budget option out of all the ones they tested.
Buy the Beautiful 6-Quart Enamel Dutch Oven:
Credit: Amazon
Traditional cast iron is often more affordable than enameled cast iron, and some people prefer the classics! Dutch ovens originated centuries ago as a way to cook over an open flame, so in addition to the kitchen stovetop, oven, or grill, this heavy-duty model is also ideal for camping — and for making campfire nachos! The 5-quart option is great since you can make a stew or soup for the entire family.
Although the non-stick cast iron finish is pre-seasoned, this type of cast iron does require a little more care than the enameled cast iron. It should be hand washed, completely dried before putting it away, and regularly seasoned.
The Specs:
Capacity: 5 quarts
Material: Cast iron
Weight: 13.49 pounds
Care: Hand wash only
The Pros:
Versatile
Made in the USA
Heavy Duty
The Cons:
Heavy, especially if you’re taking it on a hike or to a campsite
Pot takes a long time to cool back down
What Others Are Saying:
The Lodge 5-Quart Dutch Oven has an average of 4.8 stars out of more than 6,000 reviews on Amazon.
Buy the Lodge 5-Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven:
Other Affordable Dutch Ovens I’ve Researched
The Overmont Dutch Oven has a curved lid, meaning you can either use it as intended or turn it over and use it as a skillet (known as a double Dutch oven). That makes this oven especially appealing for camping, where dual functionality is appreciated. This is a solid choice and gives the Lodge Dutch oven a run for its money, but it lacks the extra carry features. The Overmont 2-in-1 Pre-Seasoned Dutch Oven is available at Amazon for $49.99.
Even though this isn’t billed as a Dutch oven, the Cuisinart-covered casserole dish definitely functions as one. And while Amazon buyers love it, giving it an average 4.6 stars with over 6,400 reviews, it’s more expensive than comparable 7-quart options and doesn’t seem that much better. The Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast Iron 7-Quart Round Covered Casserole is available at Amazon for $129.21.
While the idea of an electric Dutch oven is intriguing, the actual functionality of it is a little lacking. If you’re transitioning a pot from the countertop to the oven, you have to remove it from the electric housing, which pretty much negates the whole point of even having an electric oven. Plus, it’s expensive, so I’d have to recommend a traditional Dutch oven instead. The Instant Pot 6-Quart Electric Dutch Oven is available at Amazon for $149.89.
While it’s understandable that some people might not want a super heavy cast iron Dutch oven, there’s just something a little weird about calling this stainless steel 5-quart pot a “Dutch oven,” even if it does all the same tasks. Although it’s oven- and broiler-safe, cast iron, for instance, is much better at even heating and cooking. The Cuisinart Contour Stainless 5-Quart Dutch Oven with Glass Cover is available at Amazon for $39.95.
Why You Can Trust Me
Credit: The Recipe Critic
Hi! I’m Alyssa, the founder of The Recipe Critic and author of The Tried and True Cookbook! As a longtime foodie, I’ve always been interested in trying new things, as well as testing out different recipes and cookware. I always try to make practical and easy family-friendly recipes, and because of that, I’m a big fan of Dutch ovens, which are incredibly versatile and handy in the kitchen.
For this story, I looked through my own kitchen cabinets, calling out my Staub Dutch oven for its look, durability, and versatility, and also checked out what other sites, shoppers, and reviewers were raving about. I chose Dutch ovens that I knew were well-loved, easy to use, and would last for years to come.
What to Know About Dutch Ovens
Credit: The Recipe Critic
What to Consider Before Buying a Dutch Oven
Depending on what you’re getting, buying a Dutch oven can be an investment. Make sure you’re getting the right oven for you by considering a few essential things.
Material: Do you prefer black cast iron, or would you rather have an enameled pot? Do you want a light-colored interior so you can better monitor your cooking, or are you confident enough that you can brave something like a Lodge Camp Oven or the Staub Cocotte? It’s worth noting that lighter interiors can get a little stained and worn-looking over time. If that bothers you, shy away, but if you just view the coloration as the mark of many enjoyable meals, embrace it.
Size: Dutch ovens come in a variety of sizes, so you need to think about what you’ll use it for before making your purchase. If you’re just cooking for one or two people, you can get away with something smaller, like a 4-quart option. If you’ve got a big, hungry family, though, you might want something as big as a 6- or 7-quart Dutch oven.
Lid design: Some Dutch ovens have specially designed lids. The Lodge Camp Dutch Oven, for instance, has a lid that can double as a griddle. Others have spiked lid interiors that are designed to help condensation drip back into the food, while smoother lids just direct the moisture toward the sides of the pan.
Color: Most Dutch ovens last a long, long time, so choose a color you think you’ll love for just as long. While it’s tempting to pick something trendy, something tried and true, like blue, red, or forest green, will look good forever. You can also opt for a totally neutral hue like black, white, or gray.
Why is a Dutch Oven So Expensive?
Dutch ovens run the gamut in terms of pricing, ranging from $40 for something super entry-level (and often lower quality) to $500 for a top-rated brand like Le Creuset. Typically, Dutch ovens are costly because they’re made from a substantial amount of cast iron, and the enameling process is time-consuming and detail-oriented.
The more expensive ovens, like the ones made by Staub and Le Creuset, are often handled and inspected dozens of times by skilled craftsmen, making them truly an investment piece. However, all of the options on my list of the best affordable Dutch ovens are under $175, with most under $100.
What’s the Best Size Dutch Oven?
Credit: Target
There’s no “best size” for a Dutch oven, but you really can’t go wrong with something that’s in the middle of the typical size range, like a 5- or 6-quart Dutch oven. Those can still hold enough food to feed a family, and they’re great for breadmaking, too. They’re not too big to get out of the cabinet regularly and they also look right at home sitting on a stove burner any time of the day.
How to Clean a Dutch Oven
Credit: Target
While some Dutch oven manufacturers say their products are safe to throw in the dishwasher, almost all say you’re better off cleaning your oven by hand.
For a traditional cast iron Dutch oven, here are the general steps you can follow:
Wipe it down with a dry paper towel after use (you can use a moist towel if there’s any sticky residue, but make sure to dry your Dutch oven well)
If there’s remaining residue, fill the pot with enough water that the leftover food is covered and bring it to a boil
Remove it from the heat and allow the water to loosen what’s left. Once the water’s cool enough, you can use a brush scrubber to attack stubborn food. You won’t need dish soap, though you can use a chainmail-wrapped sponge if the food is particularly stuck on
Once your pot is nice and clean, wipe it down with dry paper towels. If your Dutch oven needs seasoning, give it a new coat of cooking oil, pour a small amount into the bowl, and rub it into the oven with a paper towel. Make sure to wipe away the excess
If you’re washing an enamel-coated Dutch oven, the process is much easier:
Soak your cooled Dutch oven in hot water, adding dish soap and about two tablespoons of baking soda to the mix
After letting it sit for about 15 minutes, pour out the water and use a scrubber or sponge — not steel wool — to tackle the remaining mess. You can use additional hot water and dish soap at any point, and if you’re facing tough, lasting stains, try making a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water
Apply it to the stains, throw the lid on your pot, and leave it overnight. In the morning, tackle them with hot water, dish soap, and a sponge, and they should come right out.
Some of My Favorite Dutch Oven Recipes
Prices were accurate at the time of publication.