Dutch ovens, especially the exquisite range of Le Creuset Dutch ovens and pots, are truly aspirational cookware. If you love hearty stews and slow-cooked casseroles, they’re the ultimate tool to ensure every meal is cooked to perfection. At Crate and Barrel, our Dutch oven brands include gorgeous, distinctive orange Le Creuset pots, as well as Lodge cast-iron Dutch ovens and budget options. Make your next meal extraordinary - add a Dutch oven to your kitchen today and experience the difference for yourself.

What is a Dutch oven?

As you would expect, they originated in the Netherlands in the 17th century, although cooking in cast iron pots has been around since, well, the Iron Age! The reason they are so popular is that these dishes use the thermal properties of cast iron to evenly distribute heat throughout the dish. This means there’s less chance of ‘hot spots’ that burn the food, and because they hold the heat so well, they are ideal for slow cooking.

Can you use a Dutch oven on an open fire?

Dutch ovens are suitable for both indoor and outdoor cooking. Because they are so robust, they can withstand the higher heat of an open fire as well as the more controlled heat of modern appliances. You can use your cast-iron Dutch oven on induction cookers, traditional ranges, in outdoor fire pits, and on gas cookers.

Oven-to-table chic

Premium-quality Dutch ovens, such as the iconic Le Creuset Dutch oven, don’t just perform well; they look gorgeous, too. That vibrant orange enamel finish is incredibly distinctive and is associated with quality cookware for both home cooks and professional chefs. That elegance means that a Le Creuset Dutch oven is smart enough to transfer your meal directly from the oven to the table. Just be sure to protect the surface of the table from the heat of the dish with raised table boards made from marble or wood, with the added protection of a table runner or tablecloth underneath.

Seasoning cast-iron cookware

Dutch ovens are designed to last for years, but you can help to protect your new Dutch oven cookware by ‘seasoning’ the pot – although this is only needed if the interior surface is not already lined with enamel or another non-stick coating. Seasoning a cast-iron pot involves baking a thin layer of oil onto its surface to create a protective, nonstick coating. To do this, ensure that the pot is completely clean and dry. Wipe a light coating of oil across the entire surface, then bake it upside down in the oven at high heat (around 230–250 °C / 450–480 °F) for approximately 1 hour. This will prevent food from sticking or burning in future. You only need to do this every few months to keep your Dutch oven or cast-iron skillet in top condition.

FAQs

What types of Dutch ovens are available at Crate and Barrel?

There is a great choice of quality Dutch ovens available at Crate and Barrel, including the iconic orange Le Creuset Dutch oven that no home should be without. These investment pieces are a perfect housewarming or wedding gift, or as a present for someone who loves cooking. Our Dutch oven brands emphasise quality and performance, so they’ll last for years to come, no matter how many times you use them every week.

How do I choose the right size and material for a Dutch oven?

Consider how many people you’ll be cooking for and choose your Dutch oven size accordingly. The more people there are at the table, the larger the oven you’ll need. For outdoor cooking, a cast-iron Dutch oven is more suitable, as it’s robust and designed for outdoor use. For a classic French farmhouse look, the quintessential Le Creuset Dutch oven, with its distinctive orange or blue enamelled exterior and white interior, is the perfect choice.

What cooking methods work best with a Dutch oven?

Dutch ovens are ideal for slow cooking. The heavy construction distributes and retains heat beautifully, ensuring an even cooking temperature throughout. Use Dutch oven cookware for browning meat, cooking soups and stews, making casseroles, and slow-cooking oven dishes.

Are Crate and Barrel Dutch ovens compatible with induction or other cooktops?

Crate and Barrel Dutch ovens can be used on induction and gas hobs and cooktops. You will need to be careful how you position them on induction tops, as they are very heavy and could potentially crack the surface if dropped.

How should I care for and maintain my Dutch oven for long-term use?

Always allow your enamelled Dutch oven to cool completely before washing to avoid ‘thermal shock’ that can crack the enamel. Bear in mind that a cast-iron Dutch oven will rust if left exposed to moisture, so dry it thoroughly before storing and pop a paper towel inside to absorb any moisture. Use gentle cleaning, and your Dutch oven should stay looking as good as new for years to come.