If you are considering a high-quality Dutch Oven that is reasonably-priced, Cuisinart should be on your radar. In our opinion, the Contour Hard-Anodized 5-Quart Dutch Oven is the brand’s best overall option. The standard-sized model combines elegance and practicality to deliver a versatile cooking experience for many people, including chefs.

We’ve sifted through a dozen pots and come up with a roundup of the best Cuisinart Dutch Oven models to help make your buying decision a tad easier.

The Top Cuisinart Dutch Ovens Reviewed

	Product's name	Lid/Knob	Capacity	Best For	More Info
	Cuisinart Contour Hard Anodized 5-Quart Dutch Oven with Cover,Black	Flat tempered glass lid with stainless-steel rims; loop handle on lid	4.73 liters (4 to 5 servings)	Best Overall	See on Amazon
	Cuisinart Chef's Classic Enameled Cast Iron 7-Quart Round Covered...	Cast-iron lid; oven-safe knob on lid	6.62 liters (6 to 7 servings)	Best High-End Option	See on Amazon
	Cuisinart Chef's Classic Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Round Casserole with...	Heavy cast-iron lid; raised knob on lid	4.73 liters (4 to 5 servings)	Best Budget Option	See on Amazon
	Cuisinart Contour Stainless 5-Quart Dutch Oven with Glass Cover	Flat glass cover with stainless-steel rims; loop handle on lid	4.73 liters (4 to 5 servings)	Best Stainless Steel	See on Amazon
	Cuisinart 68I45-26 Induction Ready Hard Anodized 5-Quart Dutch Oven With...	Tampered glass lid with stainless-steel rims; oven-safe loop handle on lid	4.73 liters (4 to 5 servings	Best Shallow Option	See on Amazon
	Cuisinart Chef's Classic Enameled Cast Iron 3-Quart Round Covered...	Cast iron lid; raised knob on lid	2.83 liters (2 servings)	Best Small Capacity	See on Amazon
	Cuisinart CI755-30CR Chef's Classic Enameled Cast Iron 5-1/2-Quart Oval...	Cast iron lid; oven-safe raised knob on lid	5.3 liters (5 servings)	Best Oval Shape	See on Amazon

Find the Right Cuisinart Dutch Oven for You

The Contour Hard-Anodized 5-Quart Dutch Oven is a versatile pot, making it our best overall Cuisinart Dutch oven. The 4-liter capacity Dutch oven is a great choice for an average-sized family.

As the name suggests, the pot dons a meticulously contoured design, giving it an outstanding sleek appearance that can enhance your kitchen décor. The contour design is practical, too, as the top edge lets food flow out easily without creating a mess. It features secure loop side handles professionally riveted to provide maximum comfort when you carry it.

Cuisinart opted for a tempered glass lid for this model. The lid is fitted with stainless-steel rims to seal in moisture and flavor. With a hard-anodized aluminum core construction, this pot distributes heat evenly throughout its surface and heats up pretty quickly, so you don’t have to wait too long when cooking.

The pot offers cooking versatility, meaning you can use it on nearly all types of stovetops and it can go in the oven. It is also safe to use it under the broiler. But its use is not limited to hot surfaces alone. You can choose to store your food in the freeze using the Dutch oven as well.

If you are looking to invest good money on a high-quality Cuisinart Dutch oven, we recommend the Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast-Iron 7-Quart Round Covered Casserole. This option competes favorably with other high-end models from first-rate Dutch oven brands.

Whether you want a pot that will make stews with condensed broth or something that’s great for grilling and searing, this enameled cast-iron Dutch oven fits the bill. Its heat distribution and retention capabilities are exceptional. Also, it can go from oven to table, doubling as a stylish serving piece.

You can use this Dutch oven on induction stovetops, broiler, and it can go in the oven. The porcelain enamel exterior and interior don’t only give the pot an elegant look but also ensures durability. There’s no concern about the chemicals seeping into your food because the cooking surface will not impact the flavor of whatever you are cooking and won’t absorb odors.

For extra convenience, Cuisinart made this model dishwasher-safe, so you don’t have to worry about the hassles of cleaning.

Keep in mind, though, this Dutch oven is rather heavy for its size. But it is a great buy for the price and quality if you don’t mind the weight.

The Chef’s Classic Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron 5-Quart Round Casserole is an excellent entry-level Cuisinart Dutch oven. You should consider this model if you’re looking to spend less money on a high-quality pot.

This simple-looking yet functional piece of cast-iron Dutch oven features large, sturdy loop handles on the pot’s steep sides. While it is slightly thin on the sides, the bottom is very thick like other good-quality cast-iron Dutch ovens. This makes for precise heat distribution and retention.

You can use this pot on all stovetops, including induction stovetops. Also, it is oven-safe and you can use it under the broiler. You can take camping, too, because it works amazingly well on campfires and grills.

It comes with a heavy cover that fits nicely on the pot. The sheer weight of the lid keeps it intact on the pot, effectively sealing it. With a highly raised knob, opening the cover is effortless.

As a pre-seasoned cast-iron Dutch oven, you get a healthier pot that is ready to go in the oven right out of the box. Although it costs significantly lesser than many similar-sized Dutch ovens, it offers great cooking versatility. You can use it for braising, baking, sautéing, and searing.

For a lightweight, standard-sized Cuisinart Dutch oven, consider buying the Contour Stainless 5-Quart model. This elegant and sleek stainless-steel pot doesn’t only enhance the look of your kitchen but its design is also practical.

First, the smooth curved top edges ensure that you don’t create a mess when you empty the pot. Also, the pot is fitted with a pure aluminum-encapsulated bottom that heats up very quickly. This quality enables heat to distribute evenly and makes for consistent results every single time.

Wide, ergonomic loop handles provide enough room for a secure, comfortable grip. You don’t have to worry about getting burned if you touch the stay-cool handles because they won’t get hot when you use the pot on a stovetop.

Monitoring your food is also very convenient with this model, thanks to the transparent glass cover. The sleek glass is flat and features stainless steel rims that lock in moisture and flavor. It is tempered glass, so it won’t break easily. Plus, you don’t need to remove the lid before using the pot in an oven or broiler.

If you are concerned about synthetics finding getting into your food, the cooking surface of this model doesn’t react with food.

The Induction-Ready Hard-Anodized 5-Quart Dutch Oven is your best bet if you are in the market for a wide Cuisinart Dutch oven that can handle a variety of dishes.

Hard-anodized construction combined with a thick stainless-steel induction bottom ensures superior performance when it comes to fast heating with excellent heat distribution and retention. As the name suggests, you can use this on induction tops and other heat sources not exceeding 500^oF.

A unique feature of this Dutch oven is the fill lines. You can quickly measure foods and liquid to avoid a boil-over. The nonstick interior ensures easy food release. Also, the tempered glass lid enables you to easily monitor what you are cooking without opening the pot. But if you need to lifte the cover, a convenient loop handle makes it pretty straightforward to do so.

At only 6.1 pounds, the Dutch oven is not too heavy, even when filled to the brim. Carrying it between surfaces is a breeze, thanks to the wide ergonomic handles that provide ample room for a secure and comfortable grip.

Size is another reason this model works for many people. With a 4.73-liter capacity, you can use this pot for an average-sized family.

A small-capacity Cuisinart Dutch oven, such as the Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast-Iron 3-Quart Round Covered Casserole, would be an excellent choice for those who live alone or have a small family. With a 2.83-liter capacity, this pot can cook a meal for two persons.

Although it is a small pot, its cast-iron construction means it does an incredible job of distributing heat evenly. It can also retain heat for long periods, whether you use it on stovetops, oven, or broiler.

This enameled pot features wide loop handles and a lid that fits nicely to keep flavor and moisture in. It won’t absorb odor or impact flavors, so you can confidently cook with it.

The cute pot comes in rich cardinal red color with a durable finish that complements any modern kitchen décor. Like other larger models, this one too is versatile, allowing for different cooking methods, including grilling, braising, simmering, searing, and sautéing. Plus, you can use it for cooking and serving.

There is no need to worry if you get a defective product. Cuisinart backs this model with a limited lifetime warranty so you can shop confidently.

An oval-shaped Dutch oven is an ideal choice for cooking large poultry, and the Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast Iron 5.5-Quart Oval Covered Casserole is an excellent option in this category.

The elongated shape of this pot can accommodate large beef cuts and poultry. There is no need to worry about synthetics getting into your food because the porcelain enamel interior won’t affect your flavors or cooking.

You can be sure of excellent heat retention because of its cast-iron construction. In addition to being oven-safe, you can use this pot with a variety of heat sources, including induction stovetops and broiler.

The Dutch oven features sturdy handles that are wide enough to let your fingers get a firm grip for easy conveyance. It comes with a cast-iron lid with a sizable knob. Unlike some models, the knob is oven-safe, so you don’t need to unscrew it before it goes in the oven.

It goes from oven to table, so you can use it both for cooking and serving. Although this product is dishwasher-safe, hand-washing is recommended to preserve the finish and rich color.

Cuisinart Dutch Ovens Buying Guide

What to Look for When Buying Cuisinart Dutch Ovens

Choosing a Cuisinart Dutch oven goes beyond picking the first eye-catching product you see. Some of the important factors to think about when buying Dutch ovens include the construction material, the number of people you cook for, and how you plan to use the pot. If you are completely new to Dutch ovens, it is usually best to start with a standard-sized cast-iron model, as these options can be scaled up or down, depending on your need and they are compatible with nearly all heat sources.

The following are specific things to keep in mind when shopping for Cuisinart Dutch ovens.

Material

Cuisinart Dutch ovens are available in a few different materials, including cast-iron and stainless-steel or aluminum.

Cast-iron models are a great choice if you plan to predominantly use your Cuisinart Dutch oven for slow cooking. Stainless steel options can heat up too quickly and might not be the best for slow cooking.

Capacity

Regardless of how cheap a pot is, you won’t save money by getting a smaller Cuisinart Dutch oven when you have plenty of mouths to feed. Instead, it will take you more time and effort to cook several meals for everyone. That’s aside from the energy bill you will incur at the end of the month.

On the other hand, no matter the elegant design and features, you will be throwing away money if you buy a larger-capacity pot when you live alone or cook for only two to three persons. Cooking with a big Dutch oven when the food can barely cover the bottom is not economical, to say the least.

Consider the number of people you plan to cook for before investing in any Dutch oven. While this is not an exact science, a 1-quart capacity Dutch oven will cook a meal for one person. If you have a family of four or five, consider getting a standard-sized pot, which ranges between 5- and 7-quart. The more the number of people you plan to use the pot for, the bigger the capacity you should buy.

Lid

Cuisinart Dutch ovens come with a couple of different cover designs. A cast-iron lid is typically heavier, meaning it will sit snuggly on the pot. This is an ideal choice if you are looking to use the Dutch oven mostly for baking. This type of cover usually has a knob. Consider choosing one with an oven-safe knob, so that you don’t need to unscrew it before placing the pot in an oven.

Some stainless-steel and hard-anodized models have lids made from tempered glass. Tempered glass is durable enough to withstand everyday use. It has the advantage of letting you monitor what you are cooking without opening the pot. This is particularly true if you buy a see-through type. Instead of a knob, glass covers typically have loop handles, making it easier to lift them off the pot.

Glass lids are usually not as heavy as cast-iron covers. Therefore, if plan to buy a Cuisinart Dutch oven with a glass lid, consider choosing one with stainless-steel rims. This feature will increase the sealing to trap moisture flavor.

Pot Handle

The handles on a Cuisinart Dutch oven are important for two major reasons. First, they determine how easily (or not) you can haul the pot around. Secondly, the handles can affect whether you can grab the Dutch oven during cooking on a stovetop without a thick towel or oven mitt.

Ergonomic handles are great, even if they are not stylishly contoured. It is best to choose a Cuisinart Dutch oven with wide handles, as these will allow your fingers to go through the loops easily and give you a secure grip.

Consider how you want to use the pot. Do you want to cook on a stovetop? If so, a stay-cool handle will be more convenient because you won’t need an oven mitt to grab it as you stir ingredients.

If you plan to predominantly use the pot in an oven, a stay-cool handle doesn’t really make any difference because you will need an oven mitt or thick towel anyway.

Usage

Cuisinart Dutch ovens are usually versatile, allowing you to use them on nearly all stovetops. However, you want to keep an eye out for compatibility with certain heat sources, such as induction stovetops, broilers, and extreme oven temperatures.

While most models can withstand temperatures of up to 500^oF in the oven, it is usually best to check for the pot’s specific heat rating before using it in an oven. Also, make sure the Dutch oven is broiler-safe before putting it under a broiler.

Some other models allow you to store food in the freezer while others can double as serving dishes.

Factor in all these before choosing the best Cuisinart Dutch oven that meets your specific needs.

Seasoning

Traditionally, Dutch ovens are cast-iron pots that require seasoning to prevent food from getting stuck on the cooking surface. Seasoning also ensures that the pot’s bottom doesn’t burn while cooking. The downside to this is that you have to season the pot always to maintain it. But on the good side, you won’t run the risk of exposing your food to synthetic nonstick cooking surfaces.

If you prefer cast-iron pots (because they are healthier) but want to avoid or drastically minimize seasoning, consider choosing a pre-seasoned Cuisinart Dutch oven, such as the Chef’s Classic Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron 5-Quart Round Casserole. Pre-seasoned pots use safe, natural oils (such as vegetable-based oil), so there is no need to worry about getting exposed to potentially toxic chemicals.

Some other Cuisinart Dutch oven models come with porcelain enamel coating. These usually require less seasoning and offer the benefits of cast-iron pots.

Most aluminum or stainless-steel Dutch ovens usually come with a nonstick surface, so you don’t need to season the pots before use. You may want to consider these options if you don’t want to deal with the hassles of extensive seasoning upkeep.

Weight

Cast-iron is your best bet if you prefer something with heft. That’s because cast-iron Dutch ovens are typically heavier than aluminum and stainless-steel options. Weight offers the advantage of making the pot sturdier. This is especially true if the pot and the lid are all made from cast-iron. However, this might not be the best choice for you if you have problems lifting heavy items.

Stainless-steel Dutch ovens offer plenty of lightweight options that are easy to carry about. These will typically heat up very fast, though, so you need to keep an eye on the precise heating instructions if you choose to go with lighter models.

Shape

The most common shape you will find for a Cuisinart Dutch oven is round. This seats well on most burners and allows for proper heat distribution. However, an oval shape Dutch oven is usually more suitable for cooking large poultry or longer meat cuts. Oval pots are also great for shallow cooking.

If you plan to use the pot mostly in your kitchen oven, the shape won’t matter much in terms of heat distribution.

Dishwasher-Safe

Convenient cleaning is always a great idea but not all Dutch ovens are safe to clean in a dishwasher. Make sure it says “dishwasher-safe” on the product description, or else you will likely damage the pot’s coating if you put it in a dishwasher.

In any case, hand washing is usually recommended, even for dishwasher-safe models. That’s because washing by hand can prolong the lifespan of the cookware.

FAQs for Cuisinart Dutch Ovens

Conclusion

Clearly, the Cuisinart Contour Hard-Anodized 5-Quart Dutch Oven takes the lead with its stylish design and practical features. It is ideal for most families and works well for nearly all stovetops. If you prefer a cast-iron Cuisinart Dutch oven, we recommend the Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast-Iron 7-Quart Round Covered Casserole.

But because the size can be too big for some households and you may not want to spend so much money on a single piece of cookware, you might want to consider the Chef’s Classic Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron 5-Quart Round Casserole, a standard-sized cast-iron model that happens to be our budget pick.