Are you contemplating whether your kitchen is in need of a Dutch oven? To help with your decision-making, I have curated a collection of the very best Dutch oven alternatives.
As someone who has spent countless hours testing recipes and cookware, I’ll be the first to say – a Dutch oven is iconic. When I reviewed the famous Le Creuset range, I concluded that their signature Dutch oven is one of the most versatile, durable pieces of non-toxic cookware that money can buy. But not everyone has the budget for one.
Luckily, there are plenty of smart Dutch oven alternatives that can deliver equally impressive results for lower prices. Whether you’re braising short ribs, simmering a rich ragu, or baking a crusty bread, the right tool doesn’t have to be cast iron with a French pedigree.
These are some of my favourite stand-ins – each tried, tested, and capable of holding its own on the stove or in the oven. From slow cookers to casserole dishes, skillets and multi-cookers, these Dutch oven alternatives can transform how you cook in the kitchen.
What is a Dutch oven?
The Le Creuset Dutch Oven in Thyme on my stove at home
A Dutch oven is a heavy, rounded cooking pot, usually crafted from coated cast iron, that can be used on both a stovetop and in the oven. Accompanied by a matching, tight-fitting lid, these traditional pot designs have been used for cooking for hundreds of years. They are often used for stews and soups, but really, they can be used to create all manner of recipes, from roasted meat to homemade bread.
Kitchenware icon, Le Creuset, is the most famous Dutch oven brand, known for their luxurious and colorful designs. I've put many of their products to the test here at Homes & Gardens; the Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven (see below) is voted our best Dutch oven overall. It is the one I use as home and I can confirm that this pot is definitely worth the hype.
However, Dutch ovens from brands such as Le Creuset (and their rival brand, Staub) can be quite expensive, so before you commit to a purchase, we're here to take you through our list of the very best Dutch Oven alternatives that can work just as well in your kitchen.
What can I use instead of a Dutch oven?
Whether you've been put off by the price tag of a traditional Dutch oven, have limited cabinet space, or have been using the same Dutch oven for years and are ready to switch up your cookware, let's take a look at the best Dutch oven alternatives for your needs.
1. Slow Cooker
A cheesy casserole in the Crock-Pot slow cooker
A slow cooker is ideal for low, slow, hands-free cooking. You can quickly chop up your ingredients, throw them in the cooker, and forget about them for a few hours, returning to a perfectly-cooked meal.
Slow cookers can’t perform as many functions as a multicooker, but they’re much cheaper, and certainly a fraction of the price of a Dutch oven. You can cook exactly what you would in a Dutch oven; a slow cooker is perfect for stews, soups, curries, chillies and slow-cooked meat dishes, such as beef bourguignon and coq au vin.
I think your best bet is a basic but effective Crock-Pot, available at Target (see below). It’s inexpensive and gets the job done without any fuss.
2. Instant Pot
Yogurt parfait desserts and pasta sauce, made in the Instant Pot Rio
Instant Pot is the most famous, well-loved multi-cooker brand. Just like the name implies, you can cook in multiple different ways and enjoy quick-simmered curries, risottos, and meat dishes almost instantly.
My recommendation is the Instant Pot Rio (see below), currently ranking #1 in our tests of the best Instant Pots. This pot can genuinely do it all – pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, and keep your food warm. While it's not as nice to look at as a charming Le Creuset or rustic Staub, it’s much cheaper at under $100.
3. Cast Iron Skillet
Field Company skillet with a roasted chicken and vegetables
Cooking expert, Laura Bais, owner of Julie Cafe Bakery says, 'Many of the recipes I make require a Dutch oven, so it's a staple dish in my kitchen. However, I only purchased one less than a year ago. Before, I used an oven-proof skillet, and it is a really good alternative – especially if you need it for stews. You just have to slightly adjust the temperature so it is a tad lower, and ensure that the skillet you use is oven-proof, deep, and on the heavier side.'
The Field Company Skillet is a staple in my kitchen. I love the sturdy, all-American quality – I'm sure I will pass it down to the grandkids one day. Field Company feature in our guide to the best non-toxic cookware, too.
Laura Bais is a cooking expert and owner of Julie's Cafe Bakery. Her love of cooking and food started from a young age, influenced by the recipes taught to her by her Grandma, which she now shares with the world.
4. Tagine Pot
Our Place Tagine in Olive & Clay in a modern kitchen
Traditional tagine pots can not only sit beautifully on a stove or on kitchen shelving, bringing in beautiful charm and character to a space, they have been designed to cook ingredients in the same way as a Dutch oven.
Featuring a rounded base with a tall, cylindrical lid, tagines are perfect for keeping moisture in stews and creating tender meat and vegetables. A classic tagine pot is usually crafted from earthenware, finished with a beautiful, colorful glaze or pattern. However, you can also purchase more modern designs, made from metals such as aluminium.
Personally, I use an Our Place Tagine Lid, which goes on top of the Always Pan I use for everyday cooking. It's a convenient, inexpensive way to level up your cookware.
5. Roasting Pan
When it comes to slow-cooked meat, a roasting pan may be a better option than a Dutch oven. While it’s not as versatile, whole birds, hams, and joints of beef are all much tastier in a shallower roasting pan. This design can hold all the cooking juices, while promoting crispy browning on top.
The best turkey roasting pans also have large, sturdy, riveted handles which are easier to get a solid grip on – important when you're loading heavy meats in and out of the oven. If you're looking for an affordable option, I love the Blue Carbon Steel Roasting Pan from Made In Cookware.
6. Casserole Dish
Casserole dishes are perfect for oven-baked dishes such as hearty casseroles, pasta bakes, gratins, pot pies and breads. Unlike Dutch ovens, they aren't quite deep enough for curries, stews, or soups, and they tend to be made from stoneware rather than cast iron.
If this sounds suitable for your needs, you can't go wrong with a heritage Le Creuset casserole dish. The tight-fitting lid seals in moisture, so your meals will be tender, and the pretty colors make statement pieces that brighten up your kitchen.
7. Stock Pot
A stock pot, also known as a soup pot, is a great Dutch oven alternative to consider for stove-top cooking, ideal for making larger quantities of soups, broths and sauces.
Depending on the material, not all stock pots can be used in the oven, but their similar structure and design featuring high sides and a lid, make them one of the most popular substitutions for a Dutch oven. This basic stainless steel stock pot (below) is a good buy.
FAQs
Does using a Dutch oven make a difference?
A good-quality Dutch oven can be a real investment piece, and if treated and used properly, can last a lifetime.
Due to the quality of the coated cast iron material used to create Dutch ovens by brands such as Le Creuset, the designs are often regarded as more successful than other pots and appliances, as the material embodies superior insulation properties that can maintain internal temperatures while cooking, allowing for the pots to create a wide range of dishes with ease.
However, as we have explored in this piece, there are several Dutch oven alternatives that have been proven by the experts to provide similar results. If you love to cook it is always worth testing a variety of products to see which ones match up best with your cooking habits, requirements and recipes that you cook regularly.
What's the difference between a Dutch oven and a cocotte?
Cocotte is simply the French term for an enameled Dutch oven. You'll see this word used by brands like Staub, whereas Le Creuset tend to stick to the Americanized name.
The word 'cocotte' is also commonly used to describe tiny Dutch ovens. I have come across some sweet designs in flower, tomato, and pumpkin shapes. Mini cocottes are perfect for serving individual portions of soufflé, soups, or chocolate fondants, but you can also use basic porcelain ramekins, like these from Amazon as an alternative.
Although a traditional Dutch oven will always be regarded as a more luxurious, one-pot-does-all kitchen appliance, there are many other designs that offer just as much versatility for cooking at home.
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