Vintage dutch oven markings

One-pot meals are simple and efficient ways to get food on the table. And one of our favorite ways to create a delicious dish is in a Dutch oven —consider this our love letter to the vessel. Plus, their large capacity up to nine quarts means they're the perfect piece of cookware for preparing dinner for your whole family or a group of friends. Here, we're sharing our favorite one-pot meals to make in a Dutch oven, such as Coq Au Vin , which is pictured here. One of the best things about Dutch ovens is that they're safe to use over high-heat and can be put in the oven, too.

With design details like roomy handles and a wide cooking area, it stands out from the other ovens we tested. This inexpensive Dutch oven aced every test, and its design rivals that of pricier models. You can comfortably grip the large handles even with mitts or towels, and the slightly curved base keeps food from getting trapped in the corners, unlike more angular ovens we tested. The Lodge, with its shorter sides and wider base, also allows steam to escape more easily than deeper-walled pots, giving you a better sear on meat and helping to concentrate flavors during cooking. Some cooks may want to invest in this exceptionally durable, high-quality pot. It has a durable coating, is the ideal size for most recipes, and has the roomiest handles of all the Dutch ovens we tested.

The cast iron trend has been heating up for well over a decade. Food used to be for sustenance. There seem to be a million more cooking shows than there were years ago. Many celebrity chefs prefer cooking with cast iron, and even endorse certain brands, so it makes sense people have jumped on the bandwagon, looking for cast iron at estate sales , in flea markets, and online. People are also getting savvier about what they put into their bodies and making healthier decisions.

Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission. Fed up with modern home appliances, a devoted community of antique appliance enthusiasts have given up on today's ovens, mixers, and toasters in favor of restored appliances from yesteryear. Their reasons are as varied as the products they buy.