Dutch Ovens

Shop online for French Ovens, Dutch Ovens and Cast Iron Casseroles

A French or Dutch oven is a thick-walled cooking pot with a tight-fitting lid, ideal for making stews, roasting meats or even baking bread. Dutch ovens are typically made of seasoned cast iron, while the more popular French oven tends to be made with enamelled cast iron, which removes the need to season the pot regularly and makes it easier to clean. Incredibly durable, this low-tox cookware is perfect for special events or everyday meals. We stock the best Dutch ovens in Australia in a wide range of colours, a must-have for any kitchen.

French oven vs Dutch oven

While the Dutch oven and French oven (French Casserole) may look similar in appearance and function, there are some key differences between these two types of cookware. The Dutch oven was traditionally made of cast iron, while the French oven or "cocotte" is made of enamelled cast iron. Dutch ovens have a wider, flatter shape, while French ovens have a rounder shape with higher sides. Both can be made of enamelled cast iron, but some brands offer traditional cast iron options for their Dutch oven design. Both retain and distribute heat well, but the taller sides of a French oven make them better for dishes with more liquid, like soups or stews. 

What to consider when purchasing a Dutch oven

When purchasing a Dutch oven pot, consider the material, size, and shape before choosing. 

The best Dutch ovens by material

The most popular Dutch ovens are the cast iron oven and the enamelled cast iron oven. Cast iron Dutch ovens are known for their excellent heat retention and durability, while enamelled cast iron options like the options from French cookware brands Le Creuset, Staub or Chasseur offer the added benefit of a non-reactive and easy-to-clean cooking surface.with enamelled coatings that prevent rust without needing to season and easy cleaning. Raw cast iron by the likes of American brand Lodge, for example will require seasoning but can also be used on higher temperatures as they don't have enamel coatings. 

Most popular dutch oven sizes 

Dutch ovens come in various sizes, ranging from small to large capacities. Choosing the right size depends on your cooking needs, a small dutch oven is suitable for individual portions or small households. Smaller dutch ovens range from a 1.7L to 3L capacity. Larger dutch ovens are ideal for preparing meals for bigger gatherings or families and are most commonly 4L and above.

Most common dutch oven shapes

It's also essential to take into account the shape of the pot when making your purchase decision. Round dutch ovens are best for stews and soups, while an oval dutch oven will work well for roasts and poultry dishes, particularly those like lamb shanks that are longer in length than width. 

Dutch oven brands we trust and love

• The Le Creuset Dutch oven is renowned for its iconic design, vibrant colours, and exceptional heat retention, making it a premium choice for professionals and home cooks alike.
• A Lodge Dutch oven is a reliable and affordable option, known for its durable cast iron construction and even heat distribution, ideal for slow cooking and hearty meals.
• Combining elegance & practicality, a Chasseur Dutch oven features an enamel coating, superior heat retention, and stylish design, perfect for both cooking and serving. It is also a more affordable option than its French counterparts. 
• The Staub Dutch oven is highly regarded for its superior craftsmanship, exceptional heat retention, and self-basting lid, ensuring flavorful and tender results with every use.

How to use a Dutch oven

Using a Dutch oven may seem intimidating at first, but it's actually quite easy. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, these tips will help you make the most of your Dutch oven. 

1. First, if your dutch oven is made of raw cast iron, make sure to season before using it. This involves coating the inside with oil and baking it in the oven for about an hour to create a non-stick surface. For enamelled cast iron dutch ovens, we suggest adding a bit of cooking oil to prevent food sticking.
2. When cooking with your Dutch oven on the stovetop, use low to medium heat and avoid sudden temperature changes. Preheat the pot before adding food, and be careful not to overfill and create spills. 
3. To use your Dutch oven in the oven, preheat it along with the oven. Place food in the pot and cover it with its lid before placing it back in the hot oven. The heavy lid helps trap moisture and flavour inside while cooking.
4. Dutch ovens are perfect for slow-cooking stews, braises, soups, and roasts. To achieve optimal results, always maintain low heat throughout their preparation time; this ensures that all flavours meld together nicely while keeping meat tender.
5. When cleaning your dutch oven, never use soap or harsh chemicals, as they can strip away the seasoning layer over time. Instead, let it soak in hot water and use gentle dish detergent, clean using a gentle sponge or brush, and then let it dry completely before storing. We do not recommend placing it in the dishwasher as that can remove the patina on raw cast iron and damage the coating on enamelled cast iron cookware.

Additional cookware to complement your Dutch oven

• Saucepans
• Stockpots
• Pressure cookers
• Frying pans
• Casserole dishes
• Cookware Sets

FAQs

Should I buy a raw cast iron or enamelled dutch oven? 

It depends on your budget and preference. If you are unfamiliar with seasoning cookware are not limited by budget, we'd recommend an enamelled cast iron dutch oven as its easier to use day to day, simple to clean and is offered in a range of beautiful colour options to suit your style and taste. A raw cast iron dutch oven is better suited for those who like to cook outdoors on campfires and are familiar with the seasoning process to prevent it from rusting and ensuring food doesn't stick when cooking.

Why are dutch ovens made in France so expensive? 

The reason such cookware is expensive is due to the process involved in manufacturing each piece. Each dutch oven is made with a unique mould and requires a lot of steps to produce like applying the layers of enamel and finishing each by hand. Brands like Le Creuset invest heavily in R&D with decades of experience improving their coatings, optimal weight and thickness and shapes to ensure the best cooking performance and durability without being too cumbersome to handle. 

Why should I buy a Dutch oven at Kitchenware Australia?

Apart from being rated the number one kitchenware shop on independent review site ProductReview.com.au, we pride ourselves on our expansive range, knowledge and service. Our customer service team own various dutch ovens that they use weekly at home while also undergoing continued training by the respective cookware brands we stock to ensure we are up to date with the latest products in the market as well as any updates to lines that we sell. Lastly, we have over a decade of experience in serving customers like yourself, so we know how to best to answer your questions and ensure we can recommend you the best cookware products to suit your needs.