What Is a Dutch oven?

A Dutch oven is any large, heavy pot that is suitable for stovetop or oven use. So your deep 7-quart stockpot could be a Dutch oven, as long as it has an oven-safe lid and can go straight to the oven from the stove.

But when talking about Dutch ovens, most people really mean the extra-heavy cast iron, enameled pots typified by Le Creuset and Staub. These hard-working pots are the corner piece of the fall and winter kitchen, ideal for slow-simmered soups and braises, as well as other favorite hearty meals.

5 Great Dutch Ovens

Here's a look at a few different Dutch ovens. I personally own several of these and use them constantly. What's your favorite size or brand of Dutch oven? Got any tips? Share them below!

• 1. Le Creuset 3.5-Quart Wide Oval French Oven, $130 at Chef's Catalog — Many people buy enormous Dutch ovens, and while the big ones have their place, I love my modestly-sized Le Creuset even more. Its extra-wide base lets me brown meat right in the pot, then add tomatoes or broth to make a normal-sized batch of soup or stew. Read more about why I like this pan here.

• 2. Lodge 6-Quart Lodge Color Enamel Dutch Oven, $50 at Amazon — But if you want a larger pot, Lodge's terrific prices and quality just can't be beat. A 6-quart size is good for soups, stews, braises, breads, and more, and this particular pot is a great deal.

• 3. Paula Deen Signature 5-qt. Covered Oval Casserole, $50 at Target — Here's something a little off the beaten track: A Dutch oven from the queen of the South herself, Paula Deen. I included this one because of its low price and its interesting styling. Let's face it — most Dutch ovens look more or less the same, apart from their color and some minor styling differences. This pot is rather beautiful, and good for the oven-to-table work that most Dutch ovens perform.

• 4. Staub 4 1/4-quart Oval Dutch Ovens, $160 at Cutlery and More — I enjoy my oval Dutch oven quite a lot; I think the shape is a little more elegant, and it also cradles a roast chicken perfectly. I have a Staub Dutch oven, which is by far the most pricey piece of cookware in my cupboard, but honestly it's worth every penny. Cleans up beautifully, works hard, looks good.

• 5. Calphalon Enamel Cast Iron 8 Quart Dutch Oven, $139 at Amazon — If you are in the market for a really, really big Dutch oven, then the price on this 8 quart pot from Calphalon is a fine deal. Calphalon makes affordable Dutch ovens, and their service is supposed to be good too.

Some Dutch oven shopping tips: • Cast Iron Cookware: Enameled or Bare - A store guide for shopping for cast iron cookware. • Also remember: Check TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross for good deals on off-brand (and name brand) Dutch ovens. It's a great place to pick up something for less. • Also check Amazon around the holidays; there are often deep discounts then. • And finally: Remember that any heavy pot with a lid can act as a Dutch oven. I often make no-knead bread in a stainless steel, oven-safe pot, instead of my cast iron Dutch ovens. Just make sure the pot is oven-safe and as heavy as possible.

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