If you’re pondering whether your kitchen could benefit from a Dutch oven, I’ve got you covered. Our team of cooking and appliance experts has carefully curated a selection of top-notch alternatives to assist you in making an informed decision.
While a Dutch oven is undoubtedly a kitchen staple for many, it’s worth delving into the realm of other similar options that the market has to offer. We understand the appeal of a timeless, enduring design, but with the abundance of alternatives at your fingertips, it’s always worthwhile to explore different products.
Among these alternatives, you’ll find an array of versatile kitchen essentials that can revolutionize your cooking experience. From slow cookers to casserole dishes, skillets, and multi-cookers, these options have the potential to elevate your culinary creations and make the process of preparing delicious home-cooked meals a breeze. Follow Food and Meal‘s post about The 8 Best Substitutes for Dutch Ovens 2023 for more details.
If you’ve been deterred by the high cost of a conventional Dutch oven, find yourself limited by kitchen cabinet space, or simply feel the urge to try something different after using the same Dutch oven for years, our experts are here to guide you. They’ll walk you through a selection of their preferred Dutch oven alternatives, enabling you to make an informed choice that aligns with your kitchen setup and cooking preferences.
Multicooker
Multicookers are exactly as their name implies. These handy appliances can slow cook, sauté, air fry, steam, and in some cases, even sous vide.
In my comprehensive review, my expert tester showcased the incredible capabilities of this pot that truly excels in all areas. From roasting a succulent chicken to pressure cooking a flavorful curry and even air frying crispy bacon, this pot effortlessly handles a wide range of cooking tasks. While it may not possess the visually stunning appeal of renowned famous brands, it compensates with its affordability and unmatched versatility when it comes to delivering exceptional cooking performance. You can try some multicookers like as:
Instant hot pro
Material: Stainless steel
Color: Black Finish Type Matte
Product Dimensions: 13'D x 12.7'W x 12.8'H
Special Feature: Programmable
Pressure cook to save time and retain more flavor, or slow cook for traditional recipes.
With its elegant black exterior and an impressive array of presets and cooking functions, the Instant Pot Pro is designed to be the star of your kitchen. During our testing, we particularly admired the compactness of the 5.7-liter model, although there’s also an 8-liter option available for larger families. One common concern with pressure cooking is the release of high-pressure steam, which can sometimes splutter, depending on the machine. However, we experienced no such problems with the Instant Pot Pro, thanks to its innovative switch located to the side of the valve. This design feature allows you to maintain a safe distance while ensuring a hassle-free cooking experience.
Ninja Foodi-9-multi-cooker
Color: Stainless Steel
Finish Type: Chrome
Product Dimensions: 15.95'D x 13.9'W x 13.19'H
Special Feature: Programmable
Cook up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods
The Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 Multi-Cooker OP350UK is a sought-after option for individuals seeking the convenience of an air fryer and multi-cooker combined into a single appliance. As the most entry-level model in Ninja’s multi-cooker lineup, it strikes a balance between simplicity and intelligence. The user-friendly display panel ensures that even novice users won’t be intimidated. With a central dial, you can effortlessly switch between various cooking functions, and it also enables you to conveniently adjust cooking times and temperatures to suit your preferences.
Slow cooker
The slow cooker is an excellent tool for saving time in the kitchen. Simply chop up your ingredients, toss them into the cooker, and then forget about them for a few hours. When you come back, you’ll be greeted with a delectably cooked meal, perfectly prepared without any further effort.
While slow cookers may not offer the extensive range of functions found in a multicooker, they come with significant cost advantages. They are notably more affordable, particularly when compared to Dutch ovens. Remarkably versatile, slow cookers excel at preparing a wide array of dishes that you would traditionally cook in a Dutch oven. From hearty stews, comforting soups, and flavorful curries to mouthwatering chilis and slow-cooked meat delicacies like beef bourguignon and coq au vin, a slow cooker is an ideal companion for these culinary delights. You can try some slow cooker such as:
All-Clad Deluxe Slow Cooker with Cast-Aluminum Insert
Material: Aluminum
Product Dimensions: 14.2'D x 19.9'W x 11.3'H
Capacity: 7 Quarts
Holds 7 quarts of food, enough to feed extended family
Has an intuitive, easy-to-read LCD digital screen and large push-button controls
Offers easy-to-grip handles to take right to the table for serving
During our testing, we found that this 7-quart slow cooker, equipped with a removable aluminum insert, delivered a delectably rich and tender beef stew. It also successfully cooked chicken soup and pot roast to safe internal temperatures. However, we did observe that, unlike other models we tested, it tended to boil the broth for chicken soup, resulting in slightly overcooked meat and vegetables.
The digital controls provide a range of options, including settings for slow cooking on low, high/low, and high heat, along with a programmable 20-hour timer. Once the cooking is complete, the five-hour automatic “keep warm” setting maintains your dish at an ideal serving temperature. Both the insert and the unit feature riveted handles, enabling easy transportation together or separately. As an added bonus, this model is versatile enough for browning, steaming, and cooking rice. It’s important to note, however, that the insert is not dishwasher safe.
BLACK+DECKER 7-Quart Digital Slow Cooker
Material: Stoneware
Product Dimensions: 14.09'D x 17.32'W x 9.65'H
Capacity: 7 Quarts
Item Weight: 14.87 Pounds
Is Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Built-In Lid Holder - Keep countertops clean and stir & serve without holding the lid
In our testing, the Black + Decker 7-Quart Digital Slow Cooker proved itself adept at preparing slow-cooked beef roast on both low and high settings, as well as a chicken soup on low. The beef stew it produced had a flavorful and consistent broth, although the meat was slightly drier compared to other models we evaluated.
This updated version of the slow cooker retains the standout features of its predecessors, such as an easy-to-use control panel, spacious side handles, and a secure locking lid. In addition, the brand has introduced new additions like sous vide capability and an included temperature probe to prevent overcooking. With its accessible price point, this model offers a fantastic opportunity for newcomers to explore the world of slow cooking (and even venture into sous vide territory) without breaking the bank.
Tagine pot
Not only do traditional tagine pots add a touch of charm and character to a kitchen with their beautiful presence on the stove or shelving, but they also excel at cooking ingredients, similar to a Dutch oven.
With their distinctive rounded base and tall cylindrical lid, tagine pots are perfectly suited for creating flavorful stews and sautéing meats and vegetables.
Renowned in Moroccan cuisine, these classic pots are typically crafted from earthenware, adorned with exquisite colorful glazes or patterns. However, there are also contemporary designs available, crafted from alternative materials like aluminum, offering a more modern twist on the traditional tagine pot.
Below, is my favorite tagine pot.
Berghoff Ron 3-Piece Stoneware Tajine Set
The cast iron retains heat very well and easy to clean.
Among our featured tagines, the Berghoff Ron 3-Piece Stoneware Tajine Set stands out as the only one comprising more than two pieces. This set includes a ceramic-covered stock pot, a steamer insert, and a tagine cover. The stoneware’s glossy white finish adds an elegant touch, and the entire set is microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe.
What sets this set apart is the inclusion of a steamer insert, which allows for the simultaneous cooking of various items like couscous and fish in separate compartments. Unlike traditional steamers with flat lids, the conical shape of the top provides an enhanced steam environment, elevating the cooking experience.
Pottery Barn Sienna Terracotta Tagine
Classic cookware in the Moroccan tradition
Drawing its name and inspiration from the pottery of Tuscany, the Sienna Terracotta tagine effortlessly combines functionality and aesthetic appeal. Crafted from white glazed stoneware, this tagine seamlessly transitions from the oven to becoming a captivating centerpiece on your dining table. Adding a touch of contrast, the bowl and lid rims feature a sliver of terra-cotta.
With its warm and earthy feel, this tagine exudes a sense of rustic charm, while also capable of complementing a modern setting. Thanks to its glazing, the Sienna tagine does not require seasoning and is conveniently safe for use in the dishwasher and microwave. It offers both practicality and visual appeal, making it an excellent addition to your culinary collection.
Oven-proof skillet
Chef John, the cooking expert and owner of Food and Meal, shares, “Many of the recipes I make require a Dutch oven, so it’s a staple in my kitchen. However, I only purchased one less than a year ago. Previously, I used a non-stick skillet in the oven, and it was actually a good alternative, especially for braising. You just need to adjust the temperature slightly lower and make sure the skillet you use is oven-safe, deep, and heavy-duty.”
Below, is my favorite oven-proof skillet.
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature 9-Inch Skillet
Blair, a cooking enthusiast, swears by the Le Creuset enameled cast iron skillet for her culinary endeavors, particularly when it comes to her cherished recipes like old-fashioned southern cornbread. This skillet excels at distributing and retaining heat, ensuring exceptional cooking performance. With its 9-inch size, it creates the ideal thickness for her cornbread, and by preheating the cast iron pan, she achieves a delightfully crispy crust—a component she considers the highlight of the dish.
Smithey Ironware No. 12 Cast Iron Skillet
Exquisitely crafted in the United States, this captivating skillet is not just a kitchen tool but a cherished family heirloom that can proudly adorn your kitchen hooks. When it comes to preparing larger dishes like vegetarian baked ziti, it’s Blair’s ultimate go-to choice. The skillet’s generous width and diameter offer a significant advantage, making cooking a breeze. Blair particularly appreciates the added convenience it brings, allowing her to cook the vegetables, sauce, and pasta all in one skillet, simplifying the cooking process and enhancing efficiency. With its timeless beauty and practicality, this skillet truly shines in the kitchen.
Roasting pan
When it comes to cooking meat, a roasting pan outshines a Dutch oven. Although it may lack versatility, a well-designed roasting pan truly elevates the flavors of whole birds, hams, and beef joints, thanks to the optimal circulation of hot air around the entire cut of meat.
In addition to their superior performance, roasting pans also offer practical advantages. They are lighter in weight, making them easier to handle, move around, and store. Furthermore, roasting pans tend to be more budget-friendly, offering cost savings compared to Dutch ovens.
Cooks Standard 14 by 12 Stainless Steel Roaster
Size is 14-inch by 12-inch to fit in all types of convection ovens, roaster pan is 3 inches deep
V-shaped stainless steel rack allows for even browning, faster cooking, and collecting liquids/fat
The Cooks Standard 14-inch by 12-inch Stainless Steel Roaster impressed our test kitchen with its remarkable durability and elegant design. The smaller size of this roaster ensures easy handling, and its solid construction using mirror-shiny stainless steel leaves nothing to be desired.
In terms of performance, this roaster excelled in family dinners and even dessert preparations. During our potato roasting test, the tubers achieved a perfect browning and effortlessly released from the roasting pan. Cleaning was a breeze, thanks in part to its convenient size, which made it easier to handle. This aspect also proves advantageous when considering storage options.
Farberware Nonstick Steel Roaster with Flat Rack
it’s easy to clean
When it comes to value and performance, our top pick for a roasting pan is the Farberware Bakeware Nonstick Steel Roaster with Flat Rack. It effortlessly handles traditional roasting tasks, allowing you to cook vegetables alongside your protein. The food turns out tender and crispy, and the pan’s nonstick surface makes cleaning a breeze.
Stock pot
If you’re looking for a stove-top cooking alternative to a Dutch oven, a stock pot, also known as a soup pot, is an excellent option. It’s perfect for preparing larger batches of soups, broths, and sauces. In fact, you can even use a stock pot to make bread instead of a Dutch oven.
While not all stock pots are oven-safe due to varying materials, their high sides and lid make them a popular choice as a substitute for a Dutch oven, thanks to their similar structure and design.
Air fryers have become a must-have kitchen appliance in modern households. They are incredibly popular and often considered an essential tool for everyday cooking. Affordable, convenient, and user-friendly, air fryers offer a more economical alternative to using the oven or stovetop. The best air fryers are versatile, allowing you to fry, roast, bake, and more, making them capable of preparing a wide variety of meals with ease.
This basic stainless steel stock pot (below) is my best buy.
Cuisinart 12-Quart MultiClad Pro Stainless Stock Pot With Cover
Rims are tapered for drip-free pouring
The Cuisinart MultiClad Pro boasts a solid construction with riveted handles, a well-fitting lid, and triple-ply stainless steel cladding. The stainless steel layers encase an aluminum core, providing excellent heat distribution throughout the pot. The wide and flat handles offer great comfort and ample space for hands covered in oven mitts. With its efficient heat management, this pot reduces the risk of burning your food.
Cook N Home 12-Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot with Lid
If you tend to forget using oven mitts while handling hot pots, the Cook N Home stockpot’s rubbery grips can provide added protection against painful burns. This stockpot features a bottom disc made of stainless steel and aluminum cladding, which is sufficient for most cooking needs. However, it’s important to be more vigilant as food may scorch more quickly compared to our top pick. Please note that the 12-quart version of this stockpot is currently sold out. Nevertheless, the 12-quart version of our recommended 16-quart stockpot is available and comes at a budget-friendly price of under $100.
Air fryer
Air fryers have become a must-have kitchen appliance in modern households. They are incredibly popular and often considered an essential tool for everyday cooking. Affordable, convenient, and user-friendly, air fryers offer a more economical alternative to using the oven or stovetop. The best air fryers are versatile, allowing you to fry, roast, bake, and more, making them capable of preparing a wide variety of meals with ease.
This basic stainless steel air fryer (below) is my best buy.
Ninja Air Fryer Max XL
The ceramic basket is both nonstick & dishwasher safe.
The Ninja Air Fryer Max XL, with its 5.5-quart basket-style design, proved to be the top performer in our comprehensive air fryer test. It excelled in all aspects, earning the highest scores for ease of use. Its user-friendly interface, featuring intuitive buttons and a clear owner’s manual, made operation a breeze. The air fryer basket smoothly slid in and out, allowing for effortless handling. We particularly appreciated the removable tray and the ceramic interior, which ensured a nonstick cooking experience. The tray securely fits onto the bottom of the basket, eliminating concerns about it slipping out when transferring food onto a plate. Both the basket and tray are dishwasher safe, offering easy cleaning, and can also be hand washed without any hassle.
Dash Compact Air Fryer
Help reduce added fat by 70-80%
Half the weight of a standard fryer
For individuals or beginners looking to explore air frying, the Dash Compact is a solid choice. With a capacity of 2 quarts, it efficiently prepares single servings of food. Its compact size ensures it takes up minimal counter space, while the smaller basket simplifies the cleaning process. While the dial timer may require some adjustment for precise programming, and the temperature options are limited, we still consider the Dash a great option. Its maximum temperature of 400°F suffices for air frying a wide range of foods. Additionally, its vibrant assortment of colors sets it apart from other air fryers on the market. The aqua color, showcased here, is particularly appealing.
Casserole dish
When it comes to oven-baked dishes like casseroles, pasta bakes, and pot pies, casserole dishes are the perfect choice. However, unlike Dutch ovens, many traditional casserole dishes made of glass or ceramic cannot be used on the stove.
Fortunately, there are alternatives like the casserole dish, which is crafted from cast aluminum with a ceramic non-stick coating. This versatile pot functions similarly to a Dutch oven, allowing you to use it both on the stove and in the oven for boiling, baking, steaming, and braising. It offers a more modern option for those seeking the convenience of a Dutch oven with the added benefit of stove-top compatibility.
MasterClass 4-litre cast-aluminium casserole dish
Upon first glance, the MasterClass dish resembles a cast-iron casserole pot, but to your surprise, it is incredibly lightweight when you pick it up.With its deep design, we recommend placing it between your oven shelves in a cold oven, allowing for easy rearrangement if needed during cooking.
When it comes to browning chicken legs, there was no sticking thanks to its non-stick base, which heated up quickly and evenly. Plus, it is PFOA- and BOA-free, making it a great choice for chemical-free cooking. The dish features a self-basting lid that effectively keeps moisture circulating within the casserole, resulting in tender and flavorful dishes. While its oven-safe limit is up to 200°C, it may not be suitable for extremely high-temperature cooking. It excels in low and slow cooking.
One of its notable advantages is its lightweight construction and dishwasher-safe properties, offering great convenience. Additionally, it comes with a 25-year guarantee for added peace of mind.
Staub 2.2-litre cast-iron Cocotte
Smooth enamel bottom, providing constant and optimum performance
The Staub Cocotte is not just a casserole dish, but a statement piece that adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen. Its stunning design is as captivating as the delicious meals you can create in it. If you’re willing to invest in a classic casserole pot, the Staub Cocotte is a small yet exquisitely crafted option that is built to endure.
With a diameter of 24cm, this dish is similar in width to standard pans and can fit snugly in most cupboards without taking up too much space.
During our testing, we seared four chicken thighs on its matte black cooking surface and initially experienced some sticking, even with a layer of oil. However, the dish is designed to develop a natural non-stick patina over time, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Thanks to its cast iron construction, the Staub Cocotte effectively holds and evenly distributes heat across its surface. The generous height of the dish allows for optimal simmering of your casseroles.
A notable feature is the small picots beneath the lid, which effectively guide condensed moisture back into the casserole, enhancing the flavors. While the handles are not heatproof, their practical shape provides a secure grip, making it easy to lift the dish in and out of the oven.
Does using a dutch oven make a difference?
Investing in a high-quality Dutch oven can truly be a wise decision, as it has the potential to become a lifelong asset in your kitchen when properly cared for and utilized.
Renowned brands like Le Creuset excel in crafting Dutch ovens from coated cast iron, a material known for its exceptional insulation properties. This quality sets Dutch ovens apart from other pots and appliances, enabling them to maintain consistent internal temperatures during cooking. As a result, these versatile pots can effortlessly create a wide array of delicious dishes.
Nevertheless, as we have explored in this article, there exist alternative options to Dutch ovens that have received the stamp of approval from experts. If you are passionate about cooking and spend a significant amount of time in the kitchen, it is always worthwhile to experiment with various products and determine which ones align best with your cooking style and recipe repertoire.
FAQs about Substitutes for Dutch Ovens
Q1: What can I use as a substitute for a Dutch oven? A1: Depending on the recipe, alternatives to Dutch ovens include slow cookers, large heavy-bottomed pots, and oven-safe casserole dishes. Choose a vessel with a tight-fitting lid and suitable heat resistance.
Q2: Can I use a regular pot as a substitute for a Dutch oven? A2: Yes, a regular heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid can work as a substitute for a Dutch oven in many recipes. Ensure it is oven-safe and can withstand the required temperature.
Q3: Are there any limitations to using a substitute for a Dutch oven? A3: Some substitutes may not retain heat as effectively as a Dutch oven, potentially affecting cooking times. Additionally, substitutes may lack the same insulation, leading to uneven heating.
Q4: Can a slow cooker be a good substitute for a Dutch oven? A4: Yes, a slow cooker can be a suitable substitute for certain recipes that involve slow braising or simmering. Adjust the cooking times as slow cookers may differ in heat intensity.
Q5: What type of pot is best as a substitute for a Dutch oven? A5: A large, heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid, preferably made of materials that distribute heat evenly (such as stainless steel or cast iron), can be an effective substitute for a Dutch oven.
Q6: Can I use a casserole dish as a substitute for a Dutch oven? A6: Yes, an oven-safe casserole dish with a lid can serve as a substitute for a Dutch oven, especially for baking or slow-cooking recipes. Ensure the dish is made of materials that can withstand the intended cooking temperature.
Q7: Are there any adjustments needed when using a substitute for a Dutch oven? A7: It’s advisable to monitor cooking times and adjust as needed when using substitutes. Some vessels may heat up or cool down faster than a Dutch oven, requiring attention to prevent overcooking or undercooking.
Q8: Can I use a cast-iron skillet as a substitute for a Dutch oven? A8: While a cast-iron skillet is not a direct substitute, it can be used for certain recipes. For example, it’s suitable for searing and then transferring to an oven-safe pot or casserole dish for further cooking.
Q9: Are there recipes that specifically require a Dutch oven? A9: Some recipes, particularly those involving slow braising, benefit from the even heat distribution and insulation provided by a Dutch oven. In such cases, a substitute may not yield the same results.
Q10: Can I use a Dutch oven substitute for baking bread? A10: Yes, many substitutes, such as a covered oven-safe pot or a covered casserole dish, can be used for baking bread in lieu of a Dutch oven. Ensure the substitute vessel can handle the desired baking temperature.
I'm Kelly Atkinson, with a passion for dissecting the world of home goods. My reviews stem from thorough testing and a love for sharing detailed insights. Each piece I write offers a glimpse into my explorative journey, aiming to guide readers to informed choices with authenticity and precision, making every review a blend of exploration and expertise.
I'm Mark Zoch, a culinary expert, Production Manager at Hana Hotel Travel Company, and the proud founder of "The Dinner Dude." My journey, shaped by personal and familial health struggles, has also led me to become a renowned health coach in Houston, where I'm dedicated to transforming lives through tailored nutrition and wellness programs.