Top Dutch Ovens for Under $200
Utilized for soups, stews, casseroles, meats, and much more, a dutch oven is a wise investment for anyone who spends considerable time in the kitchen, and you will certainly benefit from the tender-delicious meats and steaming bowls of soup that will be served. A standard dutch oven can sometimes be quite costly, but you have to consider that you may be cooking a large quantity of meals in the dutch oven, so not only will you not want to skimp, but it will be well worth it in the long run, as a well-made dutch oven will likely never need to be replaced. A fine selection of dutch ovens can be purchased for under $200.
Le Creuset is a well-known name in cookware, especially as they produce an extensive of dutch ovens, featuring a large selection of different sizes and colors to suit your needs and match your kitchen decor. Not too big, not too small, just right for an average family is the Le Creuset 5-Quart Oval French Oven. This dutch oven can be purchased in many different colors, and as it can hold up to five quarts, it is capable of cooking enough to feed a whole family, including 2nd and third helpings. Le Creuset coats their dutch ovens with extra coats of chip-proof enamel that does not affect the food cooking within and is easily cleaned in a dishwasher. The heavy, cast iron dutch oven is perfect for simmering, braising, saut�©ing, marinating, and even freezing food, and the tight fitting lid seals in heat, moisture, and flavor. The plastic knob on the the lid is safe in the oven up to 450 degrees F.
Roughly the same size and also available in a few different colors, the Emile Henry Flame Top 5-1/2-Quart Round Oven is another fine choice. The Emile Dutch Oven made of clay and can be used in the microwave as well as the stove or oven. The specially designed lid helps to distribute moisture and flavor evenly, helping to produce excellent, mouth-watering results. As the Emile Dutch Oven is made of clay rather than cast iron, it is also quite lighter than most dutch ovens, and is guaranteed not to crack or break due to high heat. The 5 1/2 quart capacity is more than capable of cooking large quantities of soup or stew, braising and broiling game birds and meats, and other wonderful cuisines.
Lodge is another name known for cast iron cookware, and it is no stranger to dutch ovens. Lodge produces an inexpensive line of cast iron dutch ovens without any decorative flair, but at a slightly higher price, it has recently unveiled its line of colorful enamel coated dutch ovens. Handcrafted quality and hand applied enamel is what you’ll receive with the Lodge Enamel 5 Qt. Dutch Oven. As with the previous dutch ovens, you can freeze, marinate, and cook with this dutch oven, and use it as a serving dish, helping to keep food hot long after cooking. Depending upon your tastes, you can purchase a Lodge Enamel Dutch Oven, or if you prefer a more rustic, old-fashioned style, the plain black cast iron dutch oven makes a wonderful addition to a traditional-styled kitchen.
All of the dutch ovens described here can be purchased in other sizes if necessary.
