Useful Tools: Dutch Oven

Useful Tools: Dutch Oven

There are many uses for this type of cooking vessel. You can make soups and stews, or you can also braise meats and veggies. Casseroles, one-pot mac-n-cheese, and baked beans also work well in this pot.

You should look for a pot that is wide and deep—that's my ideal shape, anyhow. Rather than the narrow, deep stockpot I also own, I like this Dutch oven because I have more room to work with on the bottom, for example, if I were browning up some onions. Not as tall as the stockpot, I can see what's going inside on a lot better, as well.

I bought this pot on sale at Macy's before Christmas, and although it says "multi-purpose pan" on the box, I consider it my ideal "Dutch oven" shape and size.


You probably don't want to go any smaller than a 5.5 quart size, considering how hard it is to make "a small pot of soup." Know what I mean?! LOL! Typical sizes are: 5.5-qt., 6-qt., 8.5-qt.

Look for metal grips and handles; this will allow you to put it in the oven. Some plastics are not oven-safe, or have limited heat-resistance. You have to BAKE those baked beans!

While the enamel-coated cast iron Dutch ovens may match your kitchen decor, they are HEAVY to begin with, before you even fill them, so keep that in mind.

You can expect to spend anywhere between $40 to $150 (or even up to $300!) for a good pot, but consider it an investment that will probably last you forever.

All in all, it is up to you which size and style is going to work best. Watch for sales and go to the stores and really look at the items before you buy something. I'd suggest viewing in person, and then buying online, if you want to take advantage of an online deal.

IN STORES:
Kohl's
Target
K-Mart
JC Penney
Sears
Macy's
Crate & Barrel
Bed Bath & Beyond

ONLINE:
Bed Bath & Beyond
Crate & Barrel
Cooking.com
Chef's Catalog
Sur La Table
Williams-Sonama
Food Network Store