If cooking is your forte then you must have heard about the best Dutch ovens or you might even be using them for cooking purposes. A Dutch oven is a multipurpose heavy gauge cooking pot that has a tight-fitting lid. It can be used in an oven or a gas top. They are generally used for cooking sauces, soups, stews, and vegetables.
A Dutch oven is made from heavy cast iron or ceramic that helps in providing constant heat to the food that is cooked inside. Cast iron has a quality to tolerate high heat and has high sides so that it can hold soups, stews without spilling. From baking and broiling to roasting, Dutch ovens are versatile and can be used for multiple recipes.
Here we bring to you the top 10 best Dutch ovens in India. Our team has done extensive research and came up with this comprehensive guide to help you find the best Dutch ovens in India.
10 Best Dutch Ovens in India – Our Top Picks
Lodge
Le Creuset
Calphalon
This Dutch oven has 2-layer, PFOA-free non-stick layer and is made from hard-anodized aluminum.
This Dutch oven has 2-layer, PFOA-free non-stick layer and is made from hard-anodized aluminum.
Lodge
This Dutch oven gives your cooking items an evenly distributed heat and moisture. It also comes with pre-seasoning.
This Dutch oven gives your cooking items an evenly distributed heat and moisture. It also comes with pre-seasoning.
Solimo
Made with durable stainless steel, this Dutch oven comes with a 5-liter capacity that has a wide bottom.
Made with durable stainless steel, this Dutch oven comes with a 5-liter capacity that has a wide bottom.
Lodge
With a capacity of 7 Quarts, it is certainly one of the best Dutch ovens in India. it also comes with a spiral handle bail and an iron cover.
With a capacity of 7 Quarts, it is certainly one of the best Dutch ovens in India. it also comes with a spiral handle bail and an iron cover.
Crock
Firstly, it is a durable and multifunctional Dutch oven that will help you create flavorful dishes. Secondly, it has enameled cast iron.
Firstly, it is a durable and multifunctional Dutch oven that will help you create flavorful dishes. Secondly, it has enameled cast iron.
Cuisinart
The premium non-stick interior provides an ideal surface for healthier and long-lasting cooking.
The premium non-stick interior provides an ideal surface for healthier and long-lasting cooking.
Healthy
It can be used for various purposes, including cooking, baking, broiling, roasting, and braising.
It can be used for various purposes, including cooking, baking, broiling, roasting, and braising.
Meyer
It is completely toxin-free and there are no chemicals/ enamels on the coating. Moreover, it is made of high-quality cast material.
It is completely toxin-free and there are no chemicals/ enamels on the coating. Moreover, it is made of high-quality cast material.
This porcelain-enameled Dutch oven is perfect for cooking and serving food. You can use it on gas stoves, induction and, an electric cooktop. It will sauté your chicken properly and boil soups with that perfect taste and consistency.
It has a tight-fitted lid top that retains the moisture inside and it cooks food quickly. This requires less energy while cooking food and reduces gas or electricity usage.
This Dutch oven is coated with hard and glossy porcelain enamel and is also chip-resistant. These are some of the features that make it an ideal choice and one of the best dutch ovens available in India.
Material: Cast iron
Capacity: 6 Quarts
Temperature Rating: 500 Degrees Fahrenheit
Features
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron
- Sauté or simmer on any gas top
- The stainless-steel lid knob is also oven-safe
- Chip-resistant enamel
Pros
- Attractive colors
- Large handles
- Multipurpose
- Even heat retention
- Also made of high-quality cast iron
Cons
- Heavyweight
- High maintenance
- Also, it is not safe for microwave cooking
- Also not recommended for outdoor open flame cooking
This Dutch oven from Lodge is multi-functional cookware. Firstly, it works well for cooking and serves the purpose of a casserole too.
You will see that it works great for slow-cooking recipes. It is made from cast iron and alloy steel, a durable material that is pre-seasoned to make it ready for use.
This Dutch oven helps in retaining the heat of the food for long hours and gives even heating to your food. Above all, it is available in stylish shape and attractive colors which make it an ideal choice for Indian households.
Material: Alloy steel
Capacity: 0.38 Liters
Temperature Rating: 315 Degree Celsius
Features
- Pre-seasoned
- Multi-functional
- Skillet cover
- Retains heat
- Tight-fitting lid
Pros
- Pre-seasoned with oil
- Can also be used with a variety of heat sources
- Apt for slow-cooking food items
- Good heat retention
- Even heating
Cons
- On the contrary, it is expensive
Made with enameled cast iron, this Dutch oven caters to all your cooking needs. It works well on the gas top and in the oven. You can also serve food in this Dutch oven and it is one of the best Dutch ovens in India.
It has an irresistible look. Additionally, it has chip-resistant enamel inside which prevents the food from sticking while cooking.
The heat retention quality of this Dutch oven helps in retaining the moisture. This keeps food tasty and tender for long hours. Above all, it is dishwasher safe and easy to clean. If you’re looking for a quality Dutch oven, then you must check this one by Le Creuset. With a capacity of 7.25 Quarts, it is a great addition to your kitchen appliances. However, the only drawback is that it is quite expensive.
Material: Cast Iron
Capacity: 7.25 Quarts
Temperature Rating: 500 Degrees Fahrenheit
Features
- Enameled cast iron
- Dishwasher safe
- Large loop handles
- Stainless steel knob
- Built-in-lid stabilizers
Pros
- Resistant to chipping, flaking
- Easy to clean
- Also compatible with a stovetop and oven
- Tight-fitting lid
- Ergonomic handles
Cons
- On the contrary, it is expensive and heavyweight
- Metal knobs do not last for long
You can cook from stews to stocks easily with this Dutch oven that is designed to work well with gas, electric, and glass stovetops. This Dutch oven has 2-layers, PFOA-free non-stick layer that is durable in long run.
It is made from hard-anodized aluminum and eco-friendly material. Hard-anodized aluminum gives durable cooking to the surface as it remains resistant to rust and corrosion.
This Dutch oven also has a tempered glass lid for easy and daily use. It has measuring marks inscribed on the inner surface. Moreover, it is dishwasher safe and you can conveniently use it for cooking.
Material: Aluminum
Capacity: 5 Quarts
Temperature Rating: 450 Degrees Fahrenheit
Features
- Hard-anodized aluminum
- Tempered glass lid
- Oven-safe
- Also features a dual non-stick layer
Pros
- 2 PFOA-free non-stick layers
- Easy pouring of liquids like broth, soup, or brew
- Clear measuring marks
- Durable glass lid
Cons
- Handles get heat-up quickly
When it comes to cooking biryani, curries, gravy, or, steamed rice, then this Dutch oven is a perfect choice. It comes with a 5-liter capacity and has a wide bottom.
The Dutch oven is made with 100% food-grade stainless steel. It also has heavy-gauge induction bottom that can be used on induction or gas stoves.
Bakelite knob and handles are heat-resistant. This helps in preventing the transfer of heat from the utensil to the handle. You can easily lift the Dutch stove or glass lid without burning your fingers. The best thing is that it is priced fairly and you can consider getting this.
Material: Stainless steel
Capacity: 5 liters
Features
- Made from food-grade stainless steel
- Also comes with an Induction bottom
- Bakelite ear handles
- Glass lid
Pros
- Heavy-gauge induction bottom
- Bakelite handles and knob on the lid
- Oven-safe
- 5-liter capacity
Cons
- On the contrary, it is heavyweight
- Steel quality is also not up to the mark
Are you looking for the best Dutch ovens in India? Then, you should check out L10D03 by Lodge as it also comes with a spiral handle bail and an iron cover. It is an ideal kitchen appliance that will make your cooking job easier.
Whether you want to cook soups, stews, or anything else, you can comfortably do it in this Dutch Oven. With a capacity of 7 Quarts, it is certainly one of the best Dutch ovens in India.
However, the only drawback is that it is not dishwasher safe. Moreover, it is an expensive option that may not suit the budget of every Indian household. Hence, you should consider these aspects and buy this if it meets your requirements.
Material: Metal
Capacity: 7 Quarts
Temperature Rating: 400 Degrees Fahrenheit
Features
- Metal Body
- 7 Quarts capacity
- Comes with a spiral handle bail
Pros
- Efficient and sleek design
- Durable material
- Huge capacity
Cons
- On the contrary, it is expensive and heavyweight
Crock Pot is another brand that you can trust for superior quality products. They have such vibrant colors and designs which are trusted by millions worldwide. Firstly, it is a durable and multifunctional Dutch oven that will help you create flavorful dishes.
Secondly, it has enameled cast iron which even makes it ideal for slow cooking. Above all, it is compatible with gas, ceramic, electric, and induction stovetops. It is one of the best Dutch ovens in India as it is equipped with various innovative features.
Additionally, it is even dishwasher safe which makes it an ideal choice for Indian households. The clean and rust-free material further adds to its capabilities and efficiency.
Material: Cast iron
Capacity: 7 Quarts
Temperature Rating: 500 Degrees Fahrenheit
Features
- Enameled cast iron
- Superior build quality
- Convenient design
- Rust-free
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Sturdy and durable material
- Also compatible with gas, ceramic, electric, and induction stovetops
Cons
- However, it is expensive
Cuisinart is a well-known brand and has been dealing with a wide range of kitchen appliances for years. If you’re looking for a quality Dutch oven, then you must check this one by Cuisinart. The premium non-stick interior provides an ideal surface for healthier and long-lasting cooking.
Secondly, it features tempered glass covers which increases the durability and performance of the Dutch oven. The best thing is that you can use it on the stovetop, under the broiler, in the oven, or also in the freezer.
This is one of the best Dutch ovens in India which also comes with steady handling for extra comfort. The presence of hard-anodized aluminum also ensures even heating.
Material: Aluminum
Capacity: 5 Quarts
Temperature Rating: 500 Degrees Fahrenheit
Features
- Steady handling
- Hard anodized aluminum construction
- Non-stick interior
- Also comes with tempered glass covers
Pros
- Huge capacity
- Spreads heat evenly
- Also eliminates hot spots
Cons
- It is not dishwasher safe
Here’s another one on our list of the best 10 Dutch Ovens in India. Firstly, it is a 3.3-liter enameled cast iron Dutch oven. It can be used for various purposes, including cooking, baking, broiling, roasting, and braising.
Secondly, the presence of the metal bail handles ensures that the food remains hot for longer. It also spreads heat evenly for all kinds of foods.
Additionally, it features two loop side handles, which makes it easier to hold and carry. It is even dishwasher safe and you can wash it easily. The Dutch oven is compatible with oven, stovetop, and induction. After washing, you should dry it properly to maintain the overall look of the Dutch oven.
Material: Enameled Cast Iron
Capacity: 3.3 liters
Features
- Enameled Cast Iron
- Features loop side handles
- Metal bail handles
Pros
- Compatible with all types of heat sources, including gas, electric, ceramic, oven, and induction
- Convenient
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- However, it is heavyweight
The Dutch Oven by Meyer is one of the best Dutch ovens in India as the brand also offers a free lifetime warranty. It is completely toxin-free and there are no chemicals/ enamels on the coating. Moreover, it is made of high-quality cast material which helps in spreading the heat evenly.
It also comes with a canvas grip which provides a firm grip for handling. Above all, it is suitable for all cooktops, including induction. Therefore, you can consider buying this and adding a great appliance to your kitchen.
Material: Cast Iron
Capacity: 4.6 liters
Features
- Cast iron
- Spreads heat evenly
- Retains heat longer
- Totally toxin-free
Pros
- No chemicals on the inner or outer surface
- Suitable for a variety of cooktops
- The brand also offers a lifetime warranty
Cons
- However, users have complained about the quality issues
Things to keep in mind before buying a Dutch oven for cooking purposes
A modern Dutch oven can be used for cooking, baking, or serving purposes. It is compatible with gas top, induction, and, oven. A Dutch oven is used for making soups, stews, roasting food, frying delicacies, and baking bread.
This oven comes in three categories: bare cast iron, enameled cast iron, and, stainless steel Dutch oven.
Types of Dutch Ovens
- Cast iron is known best for its heating properties as it gives even heating to the food and makes food tender. It is also safe to use at high temperatures which makes it compatible with many cookware appliances. If maintained properly, a good cast iron Dutch oven lasts for a longer period.
- Enameled Dutch oven comes with a ceramic coating that is also a good conductor of heat. It is very easy to clean and has a non-stick coating that prevents the sticking of food to the surface. It is amongst the most preferred Dutch Ovens in many households for cooking safely.
- Stainless steel Dutch oven comes with a heavyweight flat-bottom that cooks the food evenly. However, it does not act as a non-stick as it is crafted from 100% hard-anodized steel that is rust and corrosion-proof. You can also cook food on medium heat while using this Dutch oven as it has higher chances of burning up food if cooked on a high flame.
One of the highest benefits of cooking in a Dutch oven is that it can be easily shifted from a stovetop to an oven. You can use this technique for cooking meat products that need high temperature cooking for browning the meat and then low temperature cooking for bringing in tenderness and even cooking.
Though a Dutch oven is meant for cooking any kind of food item. However, a few items should not be cooked in it. You should certainly avoid cooking acidic and citrus foods like tomatoes or lemon. You should also avoid cooking sticky foods like caramel, desserts with sugary sauce.
Here are some important factors to consider while you’re looking for the best Dutch ovens in India for your kitchen.
Coating
Normally, a Dutch oven is either coated with a ceramic layer or is also available without any coating. Many brands boast of using the chemical-free surfaces of Dutch ovens for cooking purposes. But, not all of them are reliable in long run. Therefore, you should always go for a well-known brand before zeroing in on your final choice for a Dutch oven.
A well-known brand or a manufacturer will keep the promise of a safe coating that will not go against your health while you cook the food in a Dutch oven on daily basis.
Budget
A good branded Dutch oven comes with a higher price tag as it has a heavy-built body and it remains durable for years. It is certainly costlier than normal non-stick cookware. There are many brands and fancy Dutch ovens available in the market. You need to look at your requirement while buying a Dutch oven for your cooking needs.
Do not run after overpriced and stylish Dutch ovens. You should compare the features and look for a durable one that will last for a long.
Maintenance
If you can put up with the daily maintenance of your Dutch oven, then go ahead with a cast-iron Dutch oven. If you do not have time to spend on the maintenance of your Dutch oven, then go for an enameled Dutch oven.
- A cast-iron Dutch oven requires proper seasoning with oil before every use and then again it needs re-seasoning from time to time. You have to clean it up right after use as you can’t leave it with water inside for hours. This will lead to the formation of rust and corrosion.
- This is not the case with an enameled Dutch oven as it is easy to maintain and clean as well. It does not require any pre-seasoning with oil for cooking. Moreover, it can be easily cleaned with a soft sponge, liquid soap, and water.
Non-Stick Coating
An enameled Dutch oven comes with a non-stick coating but a raw cast iron Dutch oven does not have any coating inside. But a cast-iron Dutch oven has an advantage over the enameled Dutch oven as it gets a non-stick surface naturally over some time.
A cast-iron Dutch oven gets this coating because its seasoning is done on regular basis before use. However, the coating of an enameled Dutch iron might chip off after some time and it will lose its non-stick surface. This will never be a case with a cast-iron Dutch oven
Size
If you are buying a Dutch oven for the first time, then you might experience some confusion in choosing the one for yourself. A Dutch oven of 5-6 quarts is ideal for your kitchen. It provides wide space for cooking and it is also ideal for a family of 4-5 people.
For outdoor parties, barbeque parties, and, large gatherings, a 14-quart Dutch oven is perfect. You can easily bake bread in a 5–6-quart Dutch oven. Therefore, you should consider the size before making the purchase.
Lid
When choosing a Dutch oven, you have to pay attention to the design of its lid. It is a very important factor as the lid has to be tight-fitted for an even distribution of heat and moisture while your food is cooking.
If you have to add additional oil or juices to the meat or lamb roast then a self-basting lid Dutch oven is a perfect oven. This also helps in retaining the moisture and taste of the food keeping it tender.
Shape
A Dutch oven comes either in round or oval shape. A round shape is considered by many when comes to the selection of a Dutch oven for cooking purposes. A round Dutch oven fits well on the gas top and helps in giving even heating to the food. A round-shaped Dutch oven also has more depth than the oval-shaped one.
A round-shaped Dutch oven has more space so you have more choices when it comes to choosing different recipes for your daily meal.
Weight
Normally, a Dutch oven is heavy as it is made from cast iron but it shouldn’t be too heavy to lift. It should be easy to move a Dutch oven from one place to another. Also, a glass cooktop or an induction is not meant for a heavy-weight pan. Therefore, it is not a good idea to drag a heavy Dutch pan on the surface of induction or a glass cooktop.
Handle
Choose a handle that has ample space to hold while cooking or shifting your Dutch oven from one place to another. Go for loop handles that are easy to hold and an added canvas on the handle will be an added advantage. This helps in keeping your grip firm as you hold a Dutch oven.
A handle should be strongly attached to the body of a Dutch oven. It should not be loose-fitted. Normally a Dutch oven comes in a unibody design, so there is no screw or joint in the Dutch oven to hold the handle.
Temperature
A Dutch oven is very sensitive to drastic temperature changes. There might be a crack or surface damage to it during sudden temperature changes. Never expose the hot surface of a Dutch oven to sudden cold water. Let it cool down for a while and then start with the next batch of cooking.
Cleaning
Cleaning plays an important role in maintaining the life of your Dutch oven.
- An uncoated cast iron Dutch oven must be washed with a mild and minimum quantity of soap. Use a nylon brush to scrape food leftovers. Dry the pot completely immediately after washing by using a towel or paper tissue. After drying it out, season it with some oil to prevent rust to develop on the surface of your Dutch oven.
- An enameled Dutch oven should be washed from the inside by using your hand. You can either use a dishwasher to wash it or use a mild dishwasher and a nylon brush to clean its surface. If you wish you can leave it on its own to dry up or take a towel to dry its surface.
Now that you are aware of all the factors and reviews about a Dutch oven, you can easily make up your mind to buy one for yourself. Just go ahead and make it a part of your kitchen for that happy and sumptuous meal. To summarize, we will suggest you consider these critical aspects while you’re making the decision of buying the best Dutch Ovens in India.