Best Induction Dutch Ovens in 2022

The Dutch oven is an essential piece of kitchen equipment, mainly because it can do much more than prepare stew. For example, you can use this deep-lidded pot for braising meat to baking bread.

If you have an induction stovetop, you may be wondering if it’s safe to use with your Dutch oven. The short answer is yes. Induction cookers are faster, safer, and more energy-efficient than the traditional gas or electric stovetop.

They are also perfectly safe for your Dutch oven if you pick a suitable model. Here’s our list of the best induction Dutch ovens regarding durability, usability, and budget.

Best Induction Dutch Ovens: Reviews

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven

Le Creuset’s iconic Dutch oven is both beautiful and durable.

Product Highlights

Design

The Le Creuset Dutch oven comes in a wide variety of vibrant colors, making it an attractive addition to the countertop. It also has ergonomic handles for easy handling.

The 7.25-quart version of the Dutch may be too large for your kitchen to accommodate, but there are also smaller sizes that may work better for your needs. Larger sizes up to 13.25 are also available for those looking to feed even more people.

The 7.25-quart cooker is weighty, but it’s not too cumbersome to handle. You can use it for cooking, serving guests, or storing food in the refrigerator. In addition, this Dutch oven is convenient because you don’t have to transfer food from one container to another.

Material

In 1925, Le Creuset made its original cast iron Dutch oven. Over the years, their products have only improved. Their signature Dutch oven has an enhanced enamel coating on the inside that prevents it from staining and becoming dull with age. In addition, the pot’s interior comes in a cream color that will let you see pretty quickly if your food is burning.

Although this pot is resistant to chip damage, it can crack if not looked after correctly. In addition, the cast iron and enamel materials can be somewhat brittle. It does, however, come with a lifetime warranty.

Performance

Le Creuset has done a fantastic job of making this Dutch oven both versatile and easy to use. Although it can only withstand temperatures of up to 500° Fahrenheit, you can still use it in the oven and stovetop. If you plan to regularly cook above 500° Fahrenheit, you can get a replacement knob made from oven-proof material. It will cost you an additional $20 but may be well worth the investment, as it will expand the versatility of your pot.

The 7.25-quart pot is spacious enough to accommodate a whole chicken, so it’s big enough for most recipe requirements.

What I Like

The Le Creuset signature pot is durable, spacious, and comes in many attractive colors. In addition, it has ergonomic knobs that make it easy to carry around and has a chip-resistant design.

What I Don’t Like

Although the pot is chip-resistant, its cast iron and enamel construction can be brittle. Le Creuset offers a generous lifetime warranty, but they will not cover any damage they consider caused by mishandling.

Pros

• Distributes and retains heat well
• Is versatile
• Attractive, durable design
• Ergonomic handles

Cons

• High price point
• Resin knob isn’t oven-safe above 500° Fahrenheit

Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven

The Amazon Basics Cast Iron Dutch Oven features a durable and attractive design ideal for various cooking applications. In addition, it comes in four colors and is backed by a one-year guarantee.

Product Highlights

Design

The Amazon Basics budget pots look similar to the colorful Le Creuset products splashed over Instagram. They have the same ombre effect, silver knobs, and sleek white interior. Amazon Basics Dutch ovens come in four colors, with a polished ceramic finish and loop side handles. It’s also big enough to serve everyone at a dinner party.

Material

This Amazon Basics pot is made from heavy-duty cast iron, allowing for even heat distribution and optimal cooking. Its enamel finish doesn’t react to food ingredients, so you can safely use this Dutch oven to marinate your dishes. However, the enamel can scratch or chip, so it would be best to avoid using metal utensils for cooking. The manufacturer recommends handwashing this product and avoiding citrus-based detergent to protect the glossy finish.

Performance

You can use this 7.3-quart Dutch oven for braising, baking, etc. It’s oven-safe up to 400° Fahrenheit and can be used on all cooking surfaces, including induction stovetops. You should, however, handle it with care to avoid scratching the cooker’s surface.

This versatile pot is ideal for one-dish meals, as you can use it for both sautéing and browning. It can also be used in the oven to finish off a roast. The Amazon Basics can go from stovetop to fridge and is easy to clean. A one-year warranty is included with your purchase to cover any unfortunate mishaps.

What I Like

This is a durable cast iron pot that you can use to prepare various dishes. It comes in four attractive colors and is almost indistinguishable from the more expensive Le Creuset Dutch oven. The Amazon Basics is a robust product that comes at an attractive price.

What I Don’t Like

The Amazon Basics Dutch oven is heavy and can be challenging to handle. It’s also not great at keeping food from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Pros

• Even heat distribution
• Good capacity for one-pot dishes
• Fitted lid for retaining flavor
• Eye-catching design

Cons

• Food can stick to the bottom
• Heavy design

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Dutch Oven

Lodge has made a name for itself in the cast iron product category. This Dutch oven features the brand’s trademark features and has an easy-to-clean enamel finish.

Product Highlights

Design

This pot prioritizes substance over style, meaning that it isn’t as elegant as the Le Creuset. However, it does come in various exciting colors, including indigo and lagoon. Despite its less-than-stellar appearance, this is still a perfect Dutch oven. It features wider handles that make it easy to carry and can also be used for food storage and serving.

The round bottom of the 7-quart Lodge oven makes for a smaller cooking surface, but there are many sizes to choose from, so you can always get a larger Lodge pot.

Material

The Lodge features a double layer of porcelain enamel that is easy to clean and chip-resistant. It has a white enamel interior but lacks the high-quality finish that you’d find in a more expensive Dutch oven.

While cast iron and enamel are incredibly durable, they can also crack and break if not properly cared for. As a result, it will be challenging to keep this pot looking its best over a long period. However, Lodge’s lifetime warranty will cover regular household use.

Performance

Although it might not look as great as the Le Creuset, it cooks just as well as the more expensive Dutch oven. The food browns nicely and doesn’t stick to the bottom.

What I Like

This is a good quality Dutch oven that can match the performance of more expensive brands. Its affordability is a big plus.

What I Don’t Like

The Lodge oven has a smaller cooking surface than its competitors. Unfortunately, the enamel is also not of the best quality.

Pros

• Affordable price
• Distributes heat well
• Easy to clean
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Low-quality enamel
• Small bottom

Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

If you are looking for a large Dutch oven, you should consider Cuisinart’s classic enameled pot.

Product Highlights

Design

Cuisinart’s Dutch oven has a small and sturdy construction, ideal for quick and easy browning. The bottom of the pot is almost 8 inches in diameter, making it larger than the Le Creuset.

Material

This cast iron pot is durable and distributes heat evenly. Its porcelain exterior adds rich color and style to any kitchen.

What I Like

The Dutch oven has an 8-inch diameter bottom, making it a big pot. However, it’s affordably priced and comes with a generous warranty.

What I Don’t Like

Even though it retains heat well, the handles of the Cuisinart get warmer as you cook. Unfortunately, this forces you to keep some potholders handy.

Take a look at this video review of the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast Iron Dutch oven.

Pros

• Durable design
• Distributes heat evenly
• Spacious 8-inch bottom
• Affordably priced

Cons

Handles get hot

Calphalon Classic Nonstick Dutch Oven

This Calphalon Dutch oven is an excellent option if you are looking for a non-stick pot.

Product Highlights

Design

This pot is made from 100% aluminum, and its exterior is double-layered to prevent it from getting stained. It’s also chip and stain-resistant, but you should avoid storing it when damp to prevent it from getting damaged.

Material

You can use this 5-quart aluminum container for both the stovetop and the oven. It features a built-in pour-spout and stainless steel handles that are part of its sleek design. In addition, they are coated in silicone, which helps keep them cool while cooking.

Performance

The Calphalon Signature pot features a PFOA-free interior that allows you to quickly brown your food items without worrying about them sticking to the bottom. It is also oven-safe and can be heated up to 450° Fahrenheit, even with a glass lid.

What I Like

As far as non-stick Dutch ovens go, this is one of the best. Because of its aluminum construction, you won’t have to worry about the non-stick feature being damaged by metal utensils or a hard scrub in the sink.

What I Don’t Like

The pot has a lightweight design that might not be ideal for slow-cooking.

Pros

• Non-stick feature
• Silicone handles
• Oven-safe design
• Built-in pour spout

Cons

Lightweight build

Buyer’s Guide

Despite how much Dutch ovens have changed since their early days, they remain incredibly versatile and are still one of our favorite pieces of cast iron cookware. However, with so many incredible brands on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed shopping for a Dutch oven. Therefore, we have put together this buyer’s guide with what we think are some of the best induction Dutch ovens in 2022 to aid you in decision-making. Check out the factors you need to consider before making your purchase.

Size

If you can only have one Dutch oven, we recommend choosing a round 5-to-6-quart vessel. This size is ideal for an average-sized family meal and comfortably fits a Sunday roast. Dutch ovens are available in sizes that range from about 0.5 quarts to 15 quarts, so it’s no problem if you’re cooking for one or ten. Here’s a chart that can help you decide what size Dutch oven is best for you.

Size (Quart)	Can Fit	Servings
0.5 – 2	Sides	1 – 2
2 – 4	1.5lb chicken	2 – 3
4 – 5	4lb chicken	3 – 5
5 – 6	8lb chicken	5 – 7
6 – 10	10lb chicken	8 – 14
13 – 15	15lb chicken	15 – 20

Materials

Induction stovetops use magnetic energy. That’s why cast iron Dutch ovens work so well with induction stoves, as they have magnetic qualities. However, these appliances are pretty heavy and can scratch the cooker’s surface. Place a paper towel or newspaper between the pot and the induction surface to prevent this from happening. You don’t have to worry about the paper burning, as the stovetop doesn’t produce enough heat. Other magnetic Dutch ovens, such as those made from graniteware, also work well with induction stoves.

Stainless steel Dutch ovens can be something of a mixed bag. Although some can work with induction hobs, those made from nickel alloys would not be suitable for these stovetops. That’s because the material isn’t magnetic. You can instead pick one made from an iron alloy. If you’re unsure about the compatibility of your Dutch oven, try performing a magnetic test. The same goes for aluminum cookware. Copper and ceramic Dutch ovens are also not suitable for these modern stoves.

If you plan to keep your non-magnetic Dutch oven, you can get an induction disk. This metal plate is a transfer mechanism between the induction stovetop and the Dutch oven.

Shape

Most traditional Dutch ovens come in round or oval shapes. If you’re planning on using them for various dishes, such as soups and stews, a round oven might be ideal, as it will be more versatile. However, if you’re planning to cook large cuts of meat, such as turkey legs, a more oval shape might be the way to go, as it’s a little roomier. Oval Dutch ovens are shallower and broader than their round counterparts. However, they don’t distribute heat as evenly.

In addition to being round or oval, the slope of the sides of the oven also matters. A few models have sloping sides, which reduce the base area for browning meat. On the other hand, straight sides seem to be more spacious.

Lids and Handles

Some Dutch ovens come with unique lid designs that enhance the dish’s taste. For instance, if the underside of the lid is covered with metal spikes, the moisture will seep back into the food and keep it moist. Some also have raised rings that help also keep the food moist.

When it comes to lids, ensure that you can safely transport and lift the Dutch oven. To do this efficiently, choose a pot with a larger handle. This will provide a better grip and more room for the potholders.

Color

A Dutch oven is made to last a lifetime. This means that the pot you pick will probably be with you for a long time. It’s therefore essential to choose a color that you like and will stand the test of time.

It’s also important to consider the interior color of your Dutch oven. They typically come in black or a lighter color like cream or tan. The lighter the interior of a Dutch oven, the better it allows you to see into the cooking vessel. It also lets you monitor the color of the food that you’re preparing. This is important because browning often means flavor. In contrast, a dark interior Dutch oven can make it hard to tell the color of the food.

A light-colored interior will change over time due to the cooking process. High heat can also cause the pan to crack, a common issue with Dutch oven interiors. It doesn’t affect the pot’s performance, but some people dislike the appearance of these cracks. With a dark interior, these cracks won’t be as visible.

Dark interior Dutch ovens are also more durable than lighter ones. They will keep their appearance fresh and clean even after use. You can turn on the oven hood light to improve visibility inside the pot.

FAQ

Will A Dutch Oven Work On an Induction Cooktop?

Yes, Dutch ovens are generally considered to be ideal for induction cooking. This is because most of them are made from cast iron, which is magnetic. Induction stovetops work by passing electricity through coils that then create magnetic waves. These waves generate the heat necessary for cooking. Magnetic pots like those made from cast iron can be used with induction cookers. However, you should ensure that the Dutch oven you buy is compatible with this technology.

Will Cast Iron Scratch an Induction Cooktop?

Your cast-iron Dutch oven can scratch your induction cooktop because of its weight and sometimes bumpy surface. Induction stovetops are made from materials that can scuff easily, so it’s essential to be careful when using your cast iron pot. Avoid moving it unnecessarily, and place a paper towel between the pot and the stovetop. You don’t have to worry about the paper igniting, as the induction system doesn’t produce enough heat for this to happen.

Can You Use a Cast-Iron Dutch Oven On a Glass-Top Stove?

Yes, you can use your Dutch oven on a glass-top stove. A glass-ceramic stovetop contains a nucleating agent that creates a surface more durable than regular glass. This means that it can handle your cast iron pot. However, you still need to be careful, as the stovetop isn’t indestructible.

Can You Use a Dutch Oven On an Electric Stove?

Like the ones made from cast iron, some Dutch ovens can be used on electric stoves. When placing these pots on a direct heat source, it’s essential to ensure that the temperature isn’t too high, as the metal pot could scorch you.

Certain types of Dutch ovens shouldn’t go on electric stovetops. For example, pots made from ceramic or stoneware can crack when heat is applied only to one area, so they should be placed inside the oven and not on the cooktop.

What Can You Make With a Dutch Oven?

Dutch ovens are wonderfully versatile. They can be used for various types of cooking, such as braises, casseroles, and soup. You can also use them for preparing no-knead bread and sourdough. In addition, most cast-iron Dutch ovens are oven-safe, so they can also be utilized for roasts and certain desserts.

Final Verdict

Dutch ovens are incredibly versatile and can be used to prepare various dishes. The Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven is our top pick for anyone looking for a great buy. It is made from durable cast iron and features an enamel coating that provides a non-stick surface. It retains heat and distributes it evenly while cooking. Moreover, the Le Creuset comes in various attractive colors and has a rather generous lifetime warranty. One drawback is that it can be a little pricey.

If you are looking for a budget-friendly alternative, you should consider the Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven.