we use our Dutch ovens more than any other pot or pan in our kitchen.
Since a Dutch oven is an investment that will last a lifetime, you want to make sure you buy the right one. But, the sheer number of options out there can be overwhelming. Geovein has over fifteen styles from cute 1/4-quart to massive 13 1/2–quart sizes, (and that's not counting the myriad colors they each come in).
Below, we'll delve into important details like what size and shape Dutch oven you should buy based on your cooking needs.
What Dutch Oven Shape Is Best? Oval vs. Round
Dutch ovens commonly come in both a perfectly round circle shape and an oblong oval shape. the round shape is more popular than the oval shape. A round fits much better on a burner, which means more even heating.
However, if you see yourself cooking lots of roasts, there are advantages to the oval shape—some cuts of meat, like a leg of lamb, would fit better in an oval shape.
For versatility's sake, the round shape is the best option for most people as it will offer even heating on any stove set up and work for a variety of tasks.
What Size Dutch Oven Should I Buy?
Now that we've got shape cleared up, let's talk size. Teeny tiny Dutch ovens can get down to 1/4-quart, while the biggest sizes are around 13-quarts. There's a use for every size on the spectrum, but given the cost, you'll most likely want to buy the perfect one and leave it at that. Here, we'll go through the advantages and best uses of commonly available Dutch oven sizes.
Here's a quick chart of what our top Dutch ovens offer:
Great for a Beautiful Table: 1/4-Quart Dutch Ovens
The smallest size of Dutch oven offered, these little guys are as much for high-style table settings as they are for cooking. Because of their size and the fact that you'll likely use them as individually-portioned serving ware, they are really best bought in a set: each one is just the right size for single servings of shakshuka, bread, mac n'cheese, or cobbler.
Don't expect to get much use out of it besides that though—while you can use one to simmer small amounts of sauce or whisk together single servings of cocoa, it's too small to use to cook for a crowd. If money is no object, buy a big Dutch oven for cooking the majority of your foods and a set of tiny ones for cozy entertaining (and then be sure to tag us in all of your beautiful tablescapes).
Great for Cooking for One or Two: 3–4 Quart Dutch Ovens
This size is just right if you're cooking for one to three people. Our senior food editor, Anna Stockwell, says her Dutch oven at home is 3-1/2-quarts and it's just right for her. This size is easy to maneuver (key for taking your Dutch oven from stovetop to oven) but not too big or cumbersome to whip out just for a bowl of oatmeal for one. Go a bit smaller, and you're relegated to sides, sauces, and reheating single servings of soup. Plus, this Dutch oven is small enough to sit out on your stovetop most of the time, meaning you won't have to haul it in and out of your cabinets and will always have it at the ready for cooking weeknight dinners.
The Best Option for Most People: 5–7 Quart Dutch Ovens
A 5–7 quart Dutch oven is the sweet spot for most home cooks. This size is great for cooking for four people (often with leftovers). Our most popular size is 5 1/2-quarts, as well. In our product test of the best Dutch ovens.
Yes, carrying a 6-quart Dutch oven that's full to the brim of short ribs from stovetop to oven is no small feat—especially because it weighs 13 or some odd pounds empty. But just visualize how fantastic that browned then slowly simmered red wine braise will be.
Over 7 Quarts
Don't go larger than a 7-quart oven unless your family has six or more members, or you love to batch cook. If you're in either of those camps, make sure you can lift a full one, and that it fits in your oven comfortably.
