10 Best Dutch Ovens in the Philippines 2022 | Le Creuset, Cuisinart, and More

A Dutch oven is a versatile piece of cookware usually made of cast iron capable of doing many things. Dubbed as the pot that can do it all, a Dutch oven eliminates the need for multiple pots and pans. It also matches well with most stovetops including induction ones.

It can bake, roast, broil, braise, and even deep-fry your dishes. It is perfect if you want to cook a whole chicken or bake bread. You can even slow cook soups and stews. Think of it as an analog version of a multicooker.

In contrast to most modern cookware, a Dutch oven can last you a lifetime, it is not something easily replaced. Some even pass it onto their grandchildren, which also explains its hefty price tag, as essentially, it is a lifetime investment.

Popular brand Le Creuset is considered a prized Dutch oven for its tried and tested quality as well as the painstaking effort put into each and every pot. It also comes with a lifetime warranty. 

A Dutch oven is a key cookware in your kitchen that you didn't know you need! Remember that they don't come cheap as they are made of quality materials.. Here are the things you should consider before making the splurge. 

Dutch ovens are made of a number of materials. However, not all of them are built the same. Ideally, you want one that is made to last several uses. You also have to take into account ease of use as some materials are heavier than others. Read on to find out what suits you best and what it is appropriate for your cooking needs.

A majority of Dutch ovens are made out of cast iron. This is because cast iron is able to retain the heat for a long time, giving it slow cooker features. It is also durable as it can last you for generations if given the right amount of care. If you want the full Dutch oven experience, we recommend you stick with cast iron. 

Cast iron Dutch ovens can either be bare or enameled. Moreover, you can choose between a bare cast iron that is seasoned and unseasoned. It is great for searing meat and disperses iron to foods- adding to its flavor. It is also naturally non-stick. The more rustic ones are even used for camping as they can go over live coals!

An enameled cast-iron Dutch oven is usually lined with a coating of porcelain. This makes it non-stick and does not require any seasoning. It also provides much even heat distribution. These are available in a variety of colors, which add a modern touch to their timelessness. 

A ceramic Dutch oven is significantly less heavy than cast iron, which makes it a lighter option. Ceramic is also a good conductor of heat. It heats up quickly and is able to retain it well. It also has a great non-stick coating, so you don't have to worry as much about clean up. Ceramic can also be used as enamel in both aluminum and cast iron Dutch ovens. 

Stainless is an affordable option if you want a Dutch oven. It also does not require any special treatments and is easy to maintain as it does not rust. If you are looking to try Dutch oven recipes, you could use them in a pinch.

However, it is not as good when it comes to retaining heat as it is thinner, which means you might need to use more fuel. And it does not have an airtight lid as cast irons do.

Another material that falls on the more modern end of the spectrum is aluminum. It is a great choice for those who cannot lift heavy cast iron cookware.

Aluminum could come in bare and have a non-stick coating. That is why it is recommended to wash them gently to avoid scratching the surface and to use non-abrasive utensils such as wood or silicone spatulas.

The right size would depend on how many people you are going to cook for. Dutch ovens can be as small as ¼ quart or 1-2 servings, which can only house side dishes and sauces. The largest one ranges from 13-15 quarts or 15-20 servings, which could fit a whole turkey.

If you want an in-between size that can feed two people as easily as it can accommodate a small crowd, then we suggest going for 5-7 quarts or 5-7 servings. It is the common size of Dutch ovens and it is just right for the average Filipino household.

Dutch ovens could either come in a round or oval shape. The right one would depend on your preference and what kind of dishes you would make.

Round Dutch ovens fit on most burners; therefore you would be assured an even heat distribution. Round pots are also deeper, which are great for sabaw dishes like bulalo.

Oval shapes are able to accommodate larger meals but it is shallower. Its long shape also poses a challenge to fit onto the average stovetop. But it is great if you are slow-cooking or roasting dishes with lots of vegetables, as there is a lot of room – even for a whole chicken!

Keeping in mind our buying guide, we present you with our 10 best Dutch ovens. No doubt you'll find one or two that will match your style!

**Prices may vary depending on the website and their campaign period**

This Company Pot Roast by Food Network's The Barefoot Contessa is great for any sort of get-togethers. Take a break from your usual sarsa dishes and try this recipe by Ina Garten.

Ingredients:

• 1 (4-5 lbs) boneless beef chuck roast, tied
  
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• All-purpose flour for dredging
  
• 2 cups carrots, chopped
• 2 cups celery, chopped
• 2 cups leeks, chopped 
• 2 cups yellow onions, chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
• 2 cups red wine
• 2 tablespoons Cognac or Brandy
• 1 can whole plum tomatoes in purée 
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 chicken bouillon cube
• 3 branches fresh rosemary
• 3 branches fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature

Procedure:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
   
2. Pat beef dry with a paper towel. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 ½ teaspoon pepper. Dredge the beef in flour. 
3. In a Dutch oven, pour 2 tablespoons olive oil and sear the beef for 4-5 minutes until nicely browned. Flip onto the other side and sear for another 4-5 minutes. Don't forget to sear the ends. Transfer to a large plate.
   
4. Pour 2 more tablespoons olive oil into the Dutch oven. Add carrots, celery, onions, and garlic, and cook for 5-10 minutes until it is tender but not browned. Season with salt and pepper. 
   
5. Add wine and cognac and bring to a boil. Add the canned tomatoes, chicken stock, and bouillon cube. Tie the fresh herbs together and place them on the sides of the pot. Bring it to a boil and cover.
   
6. Place in the oven for 2 1/2 hours, until the meat is fork-tender or until the meat has an internal temperature of 160 F. Turn down the heat to 250 F to let the sauce simmer. 
   
7. Remove the roast and transfer to a cutting board. Discard the herb bundle. Pour half the sauce and vegetables into a blender and purée it until it is smooth. Add it back into the pot and let it simmer over low heat. 
   
8. Mix 2 tablespoons flour and butter in a bowl with a fork. Stir the flour and butter mixture into the sauce and simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Taste for any adjustments to the seasonings.
   
9. Remove the strings from the roast and slice it. Serve it with the sauce spooned over it. 
   

A Dutch oven is a versatile cookware to have in the kitchen but it can be quite expensive. Here are other affordable alternatives that are just as indispensable in the kitchen and easy on the budget too!

Even with all the innovative and modern cookware options coming up in the market, a Dutch oven’s versatility and resilience are what makes it last over time. It is the answer if you are looking for an all-purpose pot that could take you through most kitchen techniques. In this regard, it lives up to its name as the pot that could do it all.

Author: J. Cuizon

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