Everything you need to know about Dutch ovens

My Dutch ovens are the workhorses of my kitchen: I use them to sear, simmer, roast, fry, and bake. It seems like there is nothing these beauties can’t do. However, when I was a novice cook I was unfamiliar with Dutch ovens and had no idea of how to use this type of cookware. If I had read an article like this one by Becky Krystal in the Washington Post early in my culinary journey, I would have purchased a Dutch oven much sooner.

The article covers the ins and outs of Dutch ovens, providing information on their history (it’s murky and may or may not involve the Netherlands), reasons why you should consider buying one if you don’t already have one, tips on what size is right for you, and how to choose the type of Dutch oven that suits your style of cooking.

While Le Creuset is the most well known brand, there are other options including some that won’t wreak havoc on your bank balance but still provide excellent results. New brands are popping up that aim to provide quality pans at an affordable price, although you might not find as many color options with these.

The article also includes tips on how to take care of your investment. Some of us Dutch oven enthusiasts have been told that we go overboard in the quantity of pans that we buy, but I contend that the best number of Dutch ovens to have is one more than you currently own.