Looking for the best Dutch oven for bread baking?
We have some excellent options for you!
We’ve put together a rundown of some of the finest Dutch ovens available…
… any one of which could be a great choice for baking bread.
With any one of these fine pieces of cookware, you could soon be baking great artisanal bread like a pro!
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All You Need to Know About Dutch Ovens (for Baking Bread)
What is a Dutch oven?
Dutch ovens are heavy, cylindrical pots that have tight-fitting lids. Typically made of cast-iron, many of them have enameled surfaces that further add strength and durability to the pot. Some Dutch ovens may also combine a ceramic interior with an enamel coating.
Dutch ovens are some of the most versatile cookware around. Most can be used with equally satisfactory results on a stovetop as on a conventional oven, and some can even be used with induction stoves.
The one key characteristic of Dutch ovens is that they provide even and constant heating from various areas of the pot. This makes them very useful and versatile cookware that can handle a wide array of tasks. Although Dutch ovens are typically used for slow cooking processes such as making roasts and braising, they can just as easily be used for baking bread as well, due to the even and consistent heating.
Dutch ovens are especially effective for baking bread. The heat coming from all directions makes them act like stone hearths or pizza ovens, making it possible to bake bread of outstanding quality.
Types of Dutch ovens for baking bread
Dutch ovens typically come in two varieties: cast-iron and enameled.
Bare cast-iron models conduct heat extremely well, making them popular choices for heavy-duty cooking tasks. They can also withstand some pretty high temperature extremes, and even be used atop an open wood fire. That being said, special care must be taken with cast-iron Dutch ovens, and seasoning is essential for preserving their condition.
Enameled Dutch ovens may be made of iron, aluminum, or ceramic. Ceramic models can be just as effective at conducting heat as cast iron, and you could generally expect similar performance out of them. Enamel also has the advantage of requiring less care, although it may not be able to withstand high temperatures as well as iron.
How to choose the right Dutch oven for baking bread
For purposes of baking bread, there are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a Dutch oven.
For starters, it will have to be sufficiently-sized to hold bread even after it expands.
Cast-iron is always a good choice, as it allows you to bake bread using virtually any heating source. Ceramic enameled models may also be serviceable, although you do have to make sure that it can withstand temperature extremes.
A non-stick cooking surface is always nice to have. Your freshly-baked bread will likely push up against the interior walls of the Dutch oven, so some maneuvering might be necessary to get it out. With a non-stick surface, you can ensure that most of the bread remains intact rather than getting left behind on the walls of the pot.
Best Dutch Oven for Bread Baking
Our pick for best Dutch oven is the Le Creuset Signature French oven. A 5½-quart model made of rugged cast-iron, it delivers performance and capabilities that simply outclass most every other Dutch oven in this roundup.
Although its closest competitor does come close to providing comparable performance, the Le Creuset’s extremely durable and chip- and crack-resistant surface made it win out in the end.
We also especially like the generously-sized handles, the heat-resistant knobs, and the built-in lid stabilizers. Overall, the Le Creuset provides exceptional performance that is pretty hard to beat at any price.
Those looking for the ultimate in value should look no further than the Lodge 6-Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven. A proud addition to the respectable Lodge line, this one handles most every cooking and heating task without batting a pot lid. You could even marinate and freeze food in it, and expect the same reliability as you would when stove cooking.
Of course, it is when cooking that the strengths of the Lodge 6-Quart truly come to the fore. This can handle a wide variety of heating sources from gas and electric stovetops to induction with ease and efficiency, making for a supremely versatile unit. It can also be used in a conventional oven when baking bread, with remarkably consistent results. For sheer value for the money, the Lodge 6-Quart is the one to beat.
If you have been yearning for a Dutch oven but have held off because of the price, the Lodge L8DD3 Cast Iron Dutch Oven is the one for you. A budget model that provides pretty impressive performance and features, it can compare favorably with many higher-priced models.
The ovenproof loop handles of the Lodge L8DD3 are a nice touch, making the pot much easier to lift and handle. The pot is capable of remarkably even heating, and it even has a high dome lid that gives it greater capacity than is immediately apparent.
As you gain more appreciation for how useful a Dutch oven can be in your kitchen, you will likely want to upgrade to a more fully-featured–and undoubtedly pricier–model. Nevertheless, the Lodge L8DD3 will continue to serve you for a long time to come, and it will likely continue to become an integral part of your kitchen set.
In this buying guide we cover Dutch ovens in total, so don’t be worried if you haven’t found the one you wanted above.
But first, let’s take at some recipes you can try with your new Dutch Oven.
Recipes for Dutch oven bread baking
No-knead Dutch Oven Bread
- 3 cups flour (all-purpose or bread flour)
- ¼ teaspoon yeast
- 1 ¼ teaspoon salt
- Additional flour for dusting
Combine all the flour, yeast, and salt. Add 1 5/8 cups of warm water. Mix until sticky. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and set aside to rise for 12 hours.
Knead the dough into a ball and set aside again for another two hours. You could also dust the dough with the flour and leave it to rise some more for about 15 minutes, adding cornmeal or wheat bran if you wish.
Place an empty 8-quart Dutch oven in the oven and preheat it at 450°F. Remove the pot from the oven and place the dough ball in it. Bake for half an hour with the lid on, and continue baking with the lid off until the bread is nice and brown.
4-Ingredient Artisan Bread
- 3¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons sea salt
- ½ teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1½ cup warm water
Whisk all the dry ingredients together in a bowl. Add the water gradually, and stir with a wooden spoon until all the ingredients are combined thoroughly. Shape the dough into a ball.
Transfer the dough to a large bowl. Cover it with cling wrap and let it rise until it has doubled in size. This could take as long as 12 to 18 hours.
Preheat your Dutch oven in the oven set to 450°F for about half an hour.
Place the dough on a floured surface, folding the corners under to make a ball. Place it in a square of parchment paper and dust it with more flour. Cover it with cling wrap again, and set it aside for another 15 minutes.
Score an ‘X’ at the top of the dough with a sharp knife. Lightly spritz the top of the dough with water.
Remove the Dutch oven from the oven and place the dough into it. Put the lid on and bake the bread in the oven for half an hour. Take the lid off and bake for another 15 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Cool the bread for at least half an hour before you slice it.
Sourdough No-Yeast Bread
- 150 grams active fed starter
- 250 grams warm water
- 25 grams olive oil
- 500 grams bread flour
- 10 grams sea salt
- Finely ground cornmeal
Combine the starter, water, and olive oil in a bowl and whisk thoroughly. Add flour and salt then knead the mixture until the flour is fully absorbed. Set dough aside for half an hour.
Afterwards, shape the dough into a rough ball. Cover it with cling wrap and set aside to rise to double its original size.
Cut the dough into two sections. You could also leave it whole to make a single loaf if you wish.
Dust your Dutch oven with some cornmeal. Place the dough in the oven and set aside to rise until it is puffy.
Preheat your oven to 450°F.
Just before placing the dough into the oven, make a 2-inch slash on top with a sharp knife.
Place the Dutch oven into the oven with the lid on, and take the temperature down to 400° F. Bake for about 20 minutes then continue baking with the lid off until the bread is golden brown.
The 10 Best Dutch Ovens for Bread Baking
Bruntmor Cast Iron Heavy Duty Pre-Seasoned Double Dutch Oven
The Bruntmor Double Dutch Oven for baking bread is a pre-seasoned cookware made of heavy-duty cast iron. A remarkably durable and versatile example of quality kitchenware, it is actually a two-piece set consisting of a pot and a lid that performs double-duty as a skillet.
With this pair, you can make everything from stews to bread and so much more. The cast iron construction ensures lasting durability that is even more impressive considering the price. It is pre-seasoned as well, so you can put it to use in your kitchen immediately. With so many uses for the Bruntmor Double Dutch Oven, it is certain to become an indispensable part of your kitchen arsenal.
Design, Specs, and Usability
The Bruntmor Double Dutch Oven has a pre-seasoned, coated surface that ensures non-stick operation. No chemicals are used in its manufacture, so you get only the taste of your food without health risks or unpleasant flavors.
According to Bruntmor, this Double Dutch Oven actually gets better the more you use it. Seasoning it after use is about the only thing you will have to do in the way of maintenance, and you could expect it to provide years and years of reliable service. The lid and pot can withstand some pretty extreme temperatures, and the cooking surface itself is very easy to clean.
What others are saying
The Bruntmor Double Dutch Oven has been proven useful for a wide variety of tasks, but many users especially appreciate its effectiveness for baking bread.
One user managed to make a perfect loaf on her first try, with succeeding attempts being met with equal success. For this particular user, the oven’s ability to bake bread evenly was one of its biggest strengths. This user also found the resulting bread to be easy to remove from the pot, with no scraping necessary.
The option to use the lid as a sauté pan was another welcome feature for many. One user did suggest making the lid handle more distinguishable from the pot handles, which would help reduce the risk of accidents.
Read customer reviews @ Amazon
Bottom-line
At the price the Bruntmor Double Dutch Oven is going for, it is an excellent choice for anyone looking to purchase their first Dutch oven. Although you might yearn for a pricier model down the line, the Bruntmor will continue to be a useful piece for many years to come.
Calphalon Classic Nonstick Dutch Oven
The Calphalon Classic Dutch Oven for baking bread is a 7-quart model that has a highly-effective non-stick cooking surface. A host of useful features are provided that not only saves you considerable time and effort in the kitchen, but makes cooking a joy as well.
The pot is made from hard-anodized aluminum that ensures durability as well as quick and even heat transfer. The interior is coated with a non-stick dual layer that makes cleanup fast and easy, while it prevents food from sticking to the cooking surface.
The Calphalon Classic is a great choice for most cooking, boiling, and simmering tasks. You will also find it to be an especially useful piece for baking bread.
Design, Specs, and Usability
A great deal of thought has clearly gone into making the Calphalon Classic as efficient as possible. The interior has a series of helpful measuring marks that ensure precise measurements and speeds up the time it takes to prepare food.
Along with the pour spouts that prevent messy spills, there is also a tempered glass lid that conveniently comes with straining holes. These holes enable you to quickly drain liquid and get back to cooking as soon as possible.
Other features such as the non-stick dual layer come as standard with many Dutch ovens. Nevertheless, they definitely help make the Calphalon Classic a much more useful and efficient kitchen tool.
What others are saying
Those that have purchased the Calphalon Classic especially enjoy the convenience of having a skillet with a matching lid. The Classic has proven to be an especially popular choice among those that have long wanted to invest in a Dutch oven, but didn’t necessarily want to spend a lot of money for it. And with its superb value for the price, it has certainly earned its share of satisfied users.
Many users were quite surprised at the effectiveness of the non-stick surface. It has held up remarkably well even when used every day, and cleanup was fast as well as easy.
Read customer reviews @ Amazon
Bottom-line
The Calphalon Classic is a convenient and handy Dutch oven that should suffice for most uses. Although it isn’t the fanciest or most fully-featured model around, it does provide a host of welcome features that cooks and chefs of all levels will find useful. A superb choice for most any kitchen, this is a great starter Dutch oven that you will continue to find use for even after you upgrade to a pricier model.
Cuisinart CI755-30CR Chef’s Classic Dutch Oven
The Chef’s Classic CI755-30CR for baking bread is only one in Cuisinart’s long line of quality cookware. A part of the brand’s formidable legacy, it is a 5 ½ quart cast iron Dutch oven that has a durable enameled surface. It is a remarkably versatile unit that can be used for everything from searing to simmering and slow braising, and even grilling.
The Chef’s Classic is designed for maximum heat retention and efficient heat distribution. You therefore get the same consistent performance whether you use it on a stovetop, a broiler, or in an actual oven. They can even be placed on the dinner table as serving pieces, making them more versatile than your average Dutch oven.
Design, Specs, and Usability
The Chef’s Classic has a porcelain-enameled exterior that makes it attractive as well as durable. It is available in a range of stylish colors, making them well-suited to any kitchen décor.
But more than good looks, the Chef’s Classic also offers superior performance that makes it an indispensable piece of kitchen equipment. The cast iron material in particular gives it excellent heat retention capabilities, and makes it suitable for use with induction stovetops. The porcelain-enameled interior for its part ensures even cooking, without absorbing odors or affecting the flavor of food.
Other features such as the wide handles (also made of cast iron) and the oven safe knob make for a handy and endlessly versatile piece of kitchenware.
What others are saying
Users find that the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic offers an excellent combination of features and functionality at a great price. For one user, the weight of the set is just perfect, and it was much easier to handle than other Dutch oven brands.
The same user did warn about using excessively high heat with the Chef’s Classic, as the enamel coating can cause food to burn and stick. This could usually be prevented by applying less heat and coating the cooking surface with oil before placing the food in.
Read customer reviews @ Amazon
Bottom-line
The Cuisinart Chef’s Classic provides pretty impressive performance at much less cost than brand name Dutch ovens. Care should be taken to prevent food from burning and sticking, but this particular model isn’t any more finicky than other brands, and is a pretty good buy.
Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 5½-Quart French Oven
From Le Creuset comes this 5 ½-quart French (or Dutch) oven for baking bread that combines traditional features and modern innovations in a durable and versatile piece of cookware. Designed for comfort as well as functionality, it distributes heat evenly and effectively keeps moisture locked in. This results in flavorful meals with all the nutritional content retained.
Like all Le Creuset cookware, this pot is handcrafted in the company’s own foundry located in Fresnoy-Le-Grand in northern France. Used in restaurants as well as homes all over the world, Le Creuset cookware is widely-known for its quality and durability.
Design, Specs, and Usability
The Le Creuset 5 ½-quart French oven features a hard wearing exterior that is coated in enamel. Amazingly resistant to cracking and chipping, it comes in a variety of colors that perfectly complement any kitchen décor. The interior is also enamel-coated, and is equally resistant to chipping while providing superior protection from food stains.
The sand color of the interior provides visual contrast from your food, so you know how the cooking is progressing at all times. This reduces incidences of sticking and burning, so food comes out looking as good as it tastes.
Other features include oversized handles, heat resistant composite-material knobs, and built-in lid stabilizers. These give the Le Creuset 5 ½-quart French oven the look and feel of a truly high-quality piece of kitchen equipment.
What others are saying
One thing that many users noticed about the Le Creuset is how lightweight it was compared to other cast iron pots. Despite its obviously robust build and construction, users have found it to be a lot easier to manage than other cookware of the same material.
Many users have used this quite successfully for making bread over a stovetop, but it is just as effective at cooking whole chickens and roasts. Bread comes out nice and soft, with an evenly-colored golden crust that is the earmark of finely-made artisanal bread.
Some users did balk at the price of the Le Creuset. However, most have found the investment to be well worth it considering the quality of the pot.
Read customer reviews @ Amazon
Bottom-line
The Le Creuset 5 ½-quart French oven is the one to get after you have tried other Dutch ovens and are ready to make a serious investment. The cost might give you reason to reconsider to be sure. But this is one Dutch oven that will pay for itself many times over in the coming years. The Le Creuset 5 ½-quart model is our top pick for best Dutch oven you can buy.
Lodge 17L12CO3 6 quart Cast Iron Camp Dutch Oven
The Lodge 17L12CO3 for baking bread is known in some circles as a “camp stove”, which should give you some idea as to its ruggedness and durability. A remarkably well-made piece of cookware, it certainly looks the part. At first glance, you can immediately tell that that it can withstand pretty heavy usage and come out unscathed.
The Lodge offers unparalleled versatility, which is impressive even considering how versatile Dutch ovens generally are. The flanged lid can be used as a griddle and can even be used to hold hot coal. Built-in legs are provided so that the pot itself can be set atop a wood fire.
Design, Specs, and Usability
Even for such a rough-and-rugged piece of cookware, the Lodge 17L12CO3 is capable of pretty sophisticated performance. The metal used in its construction is further enhanced by its superior mold tolerance. This ensures even heating with consistent results when cooking a variety of dishes.
Just how capable the Lodge is at handling campfire or hearth usage is indicated by the heavy gauge wire bale fitted atop the pot. This is a convenient feature that enables placement over a fireplace or a wood fire outdoors.
The Lodge is also fitted with a useful lid that can be used as a griddle simply by turning it over. The lid is flanged as well, so you could place hot coals over it for even and consistent results when baking bread.
What others are saying
Lodge cookware has achieved a favorable reputation among longtime users, and the 17L12CO3 is no exception. Users especially like the versatility of a unit that can handle everything from baking to simmering and braising, and even frying.
Much of this versatility is attributed to the durable cast-iron construction, which allows for use with a wide variety of heating sources. Most users are accustomed to using their Dutch ovens on stovetops as well as in actual ovens of course. But the fact that the 17L12CO3 can be used over an open fire without being the worse for wear has won it major points among outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
Read customer reviews @ Amazon
Bottom-line
The Lodge Camp Dutch Oven very nearly made it as our top pick for superior value in Dutch ovens. Even if we ultimately gave the plum award to another entry, the 17L12CO3 is definitely worthy of serious consideration if you are looking for a versatile and durable Dutch oven.
Lodge 6-Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven
When it comes to form and function, the Lodge 6-quart Dutch oven for baking bread has a significant edge over other models. Even among other Lodge offerings, the 6-quart model stands apart for its unbeatable combination of performance, functionality, and good looks.
Enameled cast-iron construction ensures this pot’s ability to handle most every task with ease. Even for tasks that you wouldn’t normally rely on a Dutch oven for, the Lodge 6-quart simply outperforms most other models in its price range.
Dutch ovens are of course known for their excellent heat retention properties, and the Lodge 6-quart is no different. With its ability to heat food evenly, it is perfectly suited for baking breads or roasting meats for hours.
Design, Specs, and Usability
Like most of Lodge’s Dutch ovens, the 6-quart model is designed to handle a wide range of cooking and heating tasks. But it is also capable of a variety of non-cooking applications, including marinating and even refrigeration and freezing.
The cast iron body of the 6-quart is coated with colored porcelain enamel, making pre-seasoning unnecessary. The combination also makes for a durable and versatile vessel that can be used over gas or electric stovetops, as well as ceramic and induction stoves. You could even pop the Lodge 6-quart into a conventional oven and get consistent results every time.
What others are saying
The Lodge 6-quart has earned considerable praise from those that prefer to use a Dutch oven for baking bread. Its most avid users especially appreciate the quality construction and the reassuring weight of the pot. Some users did find it a bit heavy, although this is generally seen as an acceptable trade off considering the durability and performance that they get from the unit.
One user who relies on the 6-quart exclusively for baking artisanal bread reports being able to get results comparable to baking in a brick oven. The non-stick cooking surface was also a major selling point for this user, who cited easy cleanup as one of its most welcome features.
Read customer reviews @ Amazon
Bottom-line
The Lodge 6-quart Dutch oven provides such exceptional value for money that it easily makes it as our top pick for best value in Dutch ovens. Even if you spend on a considerably higher-priced model, you would be hard-pressed to get similar performance and capabilities. The Lodge 6-quart is definitely a serious contender in the Dutch oven stakes.
Lodge L8DD3 Cast Iron Dutch Oven
The L8DD3 is another in Lodge’s extensive line of quality Dutch ovens for baking bread. Like most other Lodge Dutch ovens, this one offers superior durability and performance capabilities that you would expect to find only in the costliest units.
The trend toward double-duty lids that can be used as a skillet is definitely a welcome one, and Lodge has seen fit to follow suit. The domed lid is of course essential for baking bread and simmering roasts for hours, but it can be just as useful when flipped over and used as a sauté pan. And being made of heavy-duty cast-iron, the pot conducts and retains heat exceptionally well.
Design, Specs, and Usability
Clearly designed for functionality and convenience, the Lodge L8DD3 features ovenproof loop handles that aid in lifting and handling. But it is also a product of state-of-the-art technology, which is apparent in its flawless performance. The metal body is subjected to a precision manufacturing process, giving it excellent mold tolerances and ensuring even heating.
The high dome lid is of course one of the oven’s best features. The design is pretty ingenious in the way that it increased the pot’s capacity. Furthermore, it can be flipped over to serve as a very functional skillet.
What others are saying
Unsurprisingly, the Lodge L8DD3 is quite an excellent pot in which to bake bread. A number of buyers utilize it regularly for this very purpose, including one user who has found two ways to bake bread in it. One method involves the use of parchment paper, which lifts up the dough to the pot’s cast iron bottom. The other method utilizes the bottom’s shallower section, which results in impressive scoring of the loaf.
New users especially like that the oven comes pre-seasoned, which is sufficient for most uses. Some users did season it again lightly prior to use, getting even more satisfactory results.
Read customer reviews @ Amazon
Bottom-line
At the price the Lodge L8DD3 is going for, it is easily one of the best deals around in the Dutch oven market. Capable of providing excellent performance that even higher-priced models would struggle to compete with, it easily makes it as our top pick for best budget Dutch oven option.
Staub Round Cocotte
Those looking to step up to a state-of-the-art Dutch oven would do well to look into the Staub Round Cocotte for baking bread. Several notches up from its nearest competitors, it provides excellent performance that will leave you no doubt as to where you have spent your money on. For although the Staub cocotte is one of the priciest Dutch ovens available on the market, it does provide unbeatable value and performance and features that you simply won’t get with any other model.
The Staub cocotte can just as easily be used for baking bread as for slow cooking stews. With spectacularly consistent results every time, the Staub is a worthy contender for the title of one of the best Dutch ovens on the market.
Design, Specs, and Usability
The Staub has a pretty hefty lid that provides a snug and secure fit over the pot. This lid helps retain moisture, preventing your food from drying out and becoming tasteless. The spikes that you see on the lid actually keeps moisture locked in, so food always comes out juicy and flavorful.
The pot is oven safe to temperatures of up to 900°F if you keep the lid off. If you do opt to use it with the lid, you could expect it to withstand temperatures of up to 500°F without any problems.
Other features that make the Staub stand out from other models are the nickel steel knob, the smooth enamel bottom, and the interior matte finish that results in even browning.
What others are saying
Users of the Staub cocotte are especially impressed at the quality of its construction. Although expensive, it does have a reassuring heft and robustness that most would only expect from a premium product.
The sheer size of the pot also earns points among users that need to cook sizeable portions. One user regularly whips up more than two gallons of soup with the pot, which is more than enough for even the biggest and hungriest groups.
Some users did complain about the weight of the pot. However, most consider this an acceptable tradeoff for such a hardy and durable Dutch oven.
Read customer reviews @ Amazon
Bottom-line
The Staub Round Cocotte could just as easily have made it as our top pick for best Dutch oven available. Even if it didn’t make the top spot however, we have no qualms about recommending this to anyone looking for a Dutch oven that they could rely on for years.
Tramontina 6.5-Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven
The Tramontina 6.5-Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven for baking bread is an impressive piece of cookware that delivers exceptional performance at a very reasonable price. The enameled cast-iron material ensures even heating and excellent heat retention with a wide variety of foods and cooking styles. You could just as easily use this for baking breads as for simmering a roast for hours, and except marvelous results every time.
Surprisingly for such a versatile unit, the Tramontina is quite affordably priced. Combining the best elements of traditional Dutch oven design and modern technology, this is a worthy addition to any kitchen set.
Design, Specs, and Usability
The effectiveness of this pot is largely due to the enameled cast-iron material used in the body. This material is used in the finest Dutch ovens available on the market, and it gives the Tramontina the ability to retain heat exceptionally well. It also ensures even heating no matter the source of heat, so foods come out tasty and flavorful whether you are baking bread or slow simmering a stew.
The cooking surface is coated with PFOA- and PTFE-free porcelain enamel. This ensures non-stick operation and food that tastes just as you intended without any off-flavors. The lid itself has ridges that effectively baste the food, so there is never any risk of dry, flavorless dishes.
What others are saying
Most purchasers of the Tramontina seem well satisfied with the unit. The even and consistent performance is among its most appealing traits, and many have lauded its ability to make short work of even the most complicated dishes.
The price also gave many users reason to rejoice, especially since the pot looks so attractive. One user was sufficiently impressed to purchase several pieces in different colors, citing how affordable they were compared to other brands.
One user realized just how useful this Dutch oven was after inadvertently leaving food cooking for too long. Although this incident resulted in inedible stew that had to be thrown out, the resulting burnt residue was surprisingly easy to clean.
Read customer reviews @ Amazon
Bottom-line
The Tramontina is a reasonably-priced Dutch oven that can handle a pretty wide range of tasks. Although merely serviceable rather than spectacular, it could easily handle most of your needs for a reliable Dutch oven until you are able to shell out the cash for a pricier brand.
Westinghouse WFL3CC Seasoned 3 Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven
The Westinghouse WFL3CC is a pre-seasoned Dutch oven for baking bread with a generous three-quart capacity. Made of extremely durable cast-iron, it is fully capable of handling even the most demanding kitchen tasks.
The seasoned material not only provides a dependable, non-stick cooking surface, but prevents rust buildup as well. This is one Dutch oven you could rely on to provide flawless performance for years, even with daily use.
Like all Westinghouse products, the WFL3CC provides unparalleled versatility and functionality. You could use this to bake bread one day and cook up a hearty stew the next. And with its even heating capability, consistent results can be achieved every time.
Design, Specs, and Usability
The Westinghouse WFL3CC is actually two products in one. In addition to the sizable three-quart pot, you also get an equally durable lid that can be flipped over to serve as a handy skillet. You could therefore use the entire combo for everything from baking gorgeous artisanal loaves to tasty stews, and do all your sautéing in between.
The WFL3CC can withstand a wide range of temperatures, so you could just as easily pop this in the oven and get the same dependable performance as you would on a stovetop. Easy grip handles also make it a convenient solution for most cooking needs.
What others are saying
Bread makers are especially impressed at the WFL3CC’s ability to cook up temptingly delicious bread. Especially well-suited for traditional no-knead recipes, the pot rewards users with fragrant-smelling bread with excellent texture and a thick golden crust.
Some users did find the pot and lid combo to be just a tad bit too tall for use on a convection oven. But this minor issue was easily dealt with by replacing the lid with parchment paper and a pizza stone.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of this Dutch oven is how well-made it is. The unit’s construction is especially impressive for the price, and most users seemed thoroughly satisfied with their purchase.
Read customer reviews @ Amazon
Bottom-line
At its current list price, the Westinghouse WFL3CC is pretty hard to fault. There are certainly many more fully-featured Dutch ovens out there, but this one compares favorably to all but the best of them. For the price, the WFL3CC provides serious bang-for-the-buck.
Final thoughts
As you can see, there is a vast array of quality Dutch ovens available on the market today. Practically every one of the models reviewed above can be counted on to provide reliable service. In most cases, it is simply a matter of choosing the one with the features and capabilities you need at the price you are willing to pay.
If you haven’t yet discovered just how useful a Dutch oven can be, now is as good a time as any to find out. After you have put your Dutch oven to use a few times, chances are that you will wonder how you ever lived without one!