9 Best Dutch Ovens For Sourdough Bread – Quick Guide [2023]

9 Best Dutch Ovens For Sourdough Bread. If you love making bread at home, using a Dutch oven can really make a difference. But it’s important to get a good quality Dutch oven if you want the best results. Whether you’re an experienced bread maker or just starting out, using a high-quality Dutch oven can help you make perfect bread with a crispy crust and airy texture every time. 

So, if you want to make your homemade bread even better, it’s a good idea to invest in one of the best Dutch ovens for bread baking.

Best Dutch Oven For Sourdough Bread: Finding the best Dutch oven for sourdough bread requires consideration of size, shape, and material. Cast iron options provide excellent heat retention and durability, while enamelled cast iron is also a good choice. 

The right pot size and secure lid are essential for creating a steamy environment that results in perfect crust and crumb.

9 Best Dutch Ovens For Sourdough Bread Reviews

In this guide, we will cover my best favourite Dutch Ovens for Sourdough. Check out my top 9 favourites! These ovens have been chosen based on their features, quality, and customer reviews. The ideal Dutch oven for sourdough bread should have the right size, shape, and material. 

So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, investing in one of these top-rated Dutch ovens can make a big difference in the quality of your sourdough bread.

1. Affordable Dutch oven: Lodge LCC3 Cast Iron Combo Cooker

Affordable Dutch oven: Lodge LCC3 Cast Iron Combo Cooker

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The Foundry Seasoned Shallow Skillet is an excellent addition to any kitchen. This skillet is perfect for people who enjoy cooking on all types of surfaces, including grills and campfires. 

It’s also oven-safe, making it a versatile option for all types of recipes. The skillet is pre-seasoned, so you can use it right out of the box without any additional preparation.

The 10.25-inch size of this skillet is perfect for cooking a wide variety of dishes. You can sauté vegetables, sear meats, fry eggs, bake desserts, and stir-fry to your heart’s content. The skillet is made in the USA, which means it is built to last and is of high quality.

Pros
  • Pre-seasoned and ready to use right out of the box.
  • Can be used on all cooking surfaces, including grills and campfires.
  • Oven-safe for added versatility.
  • Can be used for a wide variety of cooking methods and dishes.
  • Made in the USA with high-quality materials.es.
Cons
  • The shallow design of the skillet may not be suitable for cooking large portions.
  • May require additional seasoning to maintain non-stick properti

 

Sample Customer Review:

“This cast iron deep skillet is the perfect size for soups and sauces, sized for 2 or 3 people. It’s the same great quality as all the Lodge cast iron that I’ve got.”

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2. Emile Henry Ceramic Bread/Potato Cooker | Burgundy

Emile Henry Ceramic Bread/Potato Cooker | Burgundy

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The Emile Henry Flame Bread Loaf Baker is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality and versatile cooking option. This baker is made in France using all-natural materials and Emile Henry’s proprietary Flame technology, which ensures even heating and excellent cooking results.

This baker is safe to use in the oven, on top of the stove, or on BBQ grills, and it can be used in all types of ovens, including under the broiler. It can go directly from the freezer to the oven or microwave right to the table, making it a convenient option for busy cooks.

This baker allows for healthy cooking with low, slow cooking that brings out the best flavours. Its highly resistant glaze also allows for cooking with a minimal amount of fat, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious individuals. The baker has a capacity of 2.1 qt, which holds a 3-4 cup of flour recipe, bakes a 2-pound loaf, and weighs up to 30% lighter than many types of heavy cast iron or metal cookware.

Cleaning this baker is easy, as it is dishwasher safe, or you can hand wash it with soap and water. Additionally, the Emile Henry Flame Bread Loaf Baker comes with a 10-year warranty against manufacturing defects when used in a household environment.

Emile Henry Bread Pot

This Emile Henry Bread Pot is made of clay, which has two important characteristics. The first is that it can be heated up without the dough inside, without cracking. But be careful when putting the dough in because the pot is deep and you can easily burn your forearms. 

The second is that clay is delicate and can break if dropped. Although it can handle sudden temperature changes, dropping the lid or the pot can cause it to crack.

The temperature of Baking Bread in the Emile Henry

This Emile Henry Bread Pot can be used in an oven heated up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. When heating it up empty, don’t go higher than 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The bread is baked at the same temperature, 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The manufacturer suggests baking with the lid on for 35-45 minutes, then taking the lid off for an extra 5 minutes if you want a brown crust.

Pros
  • Made in France using all-natural materials and Emile Henry’s proprietary Flame technology.
  • Safe to use in the oven, on top of the stove, or on BBQ grills.
  • Healthy cooking with low, slow cooking that brings out the best flavours.
  • The highly resistant glaze allows for cooking with a minimal amount of fat.
  • 30% lighter than many types of heavy cast iron or metal cookware.
  • Easy to clean.
  • Comes with a 10-year warranty against manufacturing defects when used in a household environment.
Cons
  • May not be suitable for cooking larger loaves of bread.
  • May require additional seasoning to maintain non-stick properties.

 

Sample Customer Review:

“We are new to baking bread. The first two loaves of this thing came out beautifully. Try the no knead bread recipe in the box. It’s been delicious while we wait for our sourdough starter to be ready for making sourdough.”

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3. Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Round Casserole, 26 cm – Cerise

Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Round Casserole, 24 cm - Cerise

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Le Creuset has a lot of different Dutch ovens to choose from if you want a modern one. They make them out of strong cast iron and cover them in enamel that comes in lots of colours. You can pick a more normal colour like black, grey, or white, or something fancier like “Bluebell purple” or “Caribbean blue”. They all look nice and will fit in any kitchen. 

Le Creuset is famous for making really good Dutch ovens that are well made. The round one I’m talking about has a 5 ½ quart size and a flat bottom. The handles are bigger than most other pots and there’s a big handle on the lid too, which makes it easy to move around. These pots are very good because they cook things evenly and you can use them for lots of different types of food.

Pros
  • Wide range of colour options to choose from.
  • High-quality construction and materials ensure long-lasting durability.
  • Perfect heat distribution for even cooking results.
  • Large handles and a large lid handle for easy handling.Versatile cooking options.
Cons
  • The enamel coating may chip or fade over time.
  • Cleaning requires gentle sponges to avoid removing the coating
.

 

Sample Customer Review:

“Well let’s get that question out of the way…a resounding YES. With Les Creuset, you get what you pay for. We’ve stopped buying other pots and pans because they simply don’t last… these do!

The LE CREUSET Signature Enamelled Cast Iron Round Casserole Dish with Lid is incredibly versatile, we use it to make bread, stews, roast a whole chicken etc I could go on but there are too many. I would definitely recommend this and indeed any other Le Creuset.”

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4. Lodge Cast Iron Serving Pot Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven, 5-Quart

Lodge Cast Iron Serving Pot Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven, 5-Quart

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If you are looking for a versatile and high-quality cooking pot, the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven is definitely worth considering. This pot is made from strong cast iron and has a 5-quart capacity, which is a great size for cooking family meals.

The pot also comes with a lid that can convert into a 10.25-inch skillet, which gives you even more cooking options. The loop handles on the pot are easy to grip and provide secure control, even when wearing oven mitts.

One of the best things about this pot is its ability to retain heat and cook food evenly. It’s pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil, which helps to create a non-stick surface and gives it a great flavour.

The Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven is very versatile and can be used to sear, simmer, bake, broil, braise, roast, fry, or grill. It can be used in the oven, on the stove, on the grill, or even over a campfire. It’s also great for use with induction cooktops.

One thing to note is that due to the seasoning process of the product, the surface can sometimes flake and reveal a brownish colour beneath. However, this brownish colour is not rust but caramelised seasoning baked onto the iron itself, and it disappears with use.

Pros
  • Large 5-quart capacity.
  • The lid can convert into a skillet.
  • Loop handles provide secure control.
  • Unparalleled heat retention and even heating.
  • Versatile – can be used for a variety of cooking methods.
  • Pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil.
  • Works with induction cooktops.
Cons
  • The surface can sometimes flake due to the seasoning process
.

 

Sample Customer Review:

“I have been using cast iron for decades & I absolutely love them! This post is perfect. Super high quality. I’ve read a lot of comments by folks who clearly don’t know cast iron—— ignore them & get this. The more you use & continue to oil it, the better it will be. The only downside for me is the top. 

I love the idea of it, I just don’t like the rivets on the lid because they are a pain to clean (although I understand their purpose). Still, this set is magnificent.”

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5. Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Oval Dutch Oven, 8 Qt, 

 Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Oval Dutch Oven, 8 Qt

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If you’re looking for a high-quality Dutch oven, Le Creuset’s Signature Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven is a great option. This Dutch oven is made of enamelled cast iron, which provides superior heat distribution and retention, allowing for even cooking. 

The light coloured smooth interior enamel allows you to easily monitor the cooking progress, while the tight-fitting lid is specially designed to circulate steam and return moisture back to the food. The ergonomic knobs and handles make it easy to lift and move the Dutch oven, and the stainless steel knob is safe at any oven temperature.

One of the best things about this Dutch oven is that it’s ready to use right out of the box, with no seasoning required. The easy-to-clean and durable enamel resists dulling, staining, chipping, and cracking, and it’s safe for the dishwasher and metal utensils. It’s also compatible with all cooktops and oven-safe up to 500°F.

Heating and Baking Temperature

One important thing to remember is that the pan can be heated up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, but the lid can only be heated up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. So when you bake with the lid on, you should use a temperature of 425 degrees Fahrenheit instead of the 450 degrees Fahrenheit that you might have expected. 

After you remove the lid, you can increase the temperature to 450 degrees Fahrenheit to finish baking until the crust turns the brown colour you want.

Pros
  • Superior heat distribution and retention.
  • No seasoning is required.
  • Easy-to-clean and durable enamel.
  • Light coloured smooth interior enamel for easy monitoring of cooking progress.
  • Ergonomic knobs and handles for easy lifting.
  • Stainless steel knobs are safe at any oven temperature.
  • Compatible with all cooktops and oven-safe up to 500°F.
  • Safe for dishwashers and metal utensils.
Cons
  • The Le Creuset brand is known for being expensive, so this Dutch oven may not be in everyone’s budget.

 

Sample Customer Review:

“This brand has a well-deserved reputation. The pots are heavy to lift, but perhaps for that very reason they hold heat uniformly and well. All we have done with ours so far has turned out excellent, and we hope to continue to use it for many years.”

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6. Crock Pot 109475.02 Artisan Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 7 quarts, 

Crock Pot 109475.02 Artisan Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 7 quarts

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If you’re looking for a versatile Dutch oven, the Crock Pot Artisan Oval Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is a great option. With a 7-quart capacity, it’s perfect for slow cooking, simmering, braising, baking, and more. The durable cast iron construction ensures that heat is distributed evenly and retained well, making it great for cooking all kinds of dishes.

The Dutch oven features a beautiful teal ombre colour with a matching lid that adds a touch of style to your kitchen. The porcelain enamel finish is naturally non-stick, making it easy to clean up after cooking. However, it is recommended to wash it by hand to ensure its longevity.

Pros
  • Versatile can be used for slow-cooking, simmering, braising, baking and more.
  • Large 7-quart capacity.
  • Durable cast iron construction distributes and retains heat evenly.
  • Beautiful and stylish design with a matching lid.
  • A porcelain enamel finish is naturally non-stick and easy to clean.
Cons
  • Hand-wash recommended.
  • May be heavy and cumbersome to handle for some users.

 

Sample Customer Review:

“My husband and I have started bread making and canning this year and we needed something to bake our bread in. We ordered this from an Amazon warehouse, with a small paint chip in the lid other than that it was in perfect condition. We are in love with this and the colour is so much better than the pictures.”

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7. Commercial Staub Cast Iron Dutch Oven 5-qt Tall Cocotte

Commercial Staub Cast Iron Dutch Oven 5-qt Tall Cocotte

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The Staub Cast Iron Cocotte is a high-quality cooking vessel that is perfect for making soups, stews, braises, and even deep-frying. It has a large 5-quart capacity, making it ideal for cooking tall bone-in cuts, layered dishes, and desserts that rise. The slim profile ensures that it doesn’t take up too much stovetop space and stores efficiently.

The textured black matte enamel interior ensures exceptional browning and heat retention and distribution, requiring no seasoning. The smooth enamel bottom works on all stovetops, including induction, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen.

The heavyweight, tight-fitting lid retains moisture, and spikes on the lid create a rain-forest effect, which evenly returns juices back onto the food. It is oven safe up to 500°F and is dishwasher safe, although hand washing is recommended.

The temperature of Staub Cast Iron

This Dutch oven from Staub is incredibly strong and can handle a wide range of temperatures. The nickel steel knob on the lid can be heated to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and the pot itself can be heated up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit. The lid is specially designed to keep moisture inside and has spikes to create a rainforest effect. 

However, you should avoid heating it up empty because it’s made of enamelled cast-iron. But you can still use it to bake great sourdough bread with a crispy crust and chewy crumb.

Pros
  • Large capacity and slim profile.
  • Textured black matte enamel interior ensures exceptional browning and heat retention and distribution.
  • Smooth enamel bottom works on all stovetops, including induction.
  • Heavy weight, tight-fitting lid retains moisture and returns juices back onto the food.
  • Oven safe up to 500°F.
  • Dishwasher safe.
Cons
  • Hand washing is recommended, which may not be convenient for some users.

 

Sample Customer Review:

“Bought this in black. Just beautiful. Cleans up super easily. I hand wash as I never use a dishwasher. So, I don’t know what it will look like if it is cleaned in a dishwasher. No chips on this product like the other Staub set I ordered and returned. Absolutely perfect and cooks like nothing I have ever had.”

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8. Bayou Classic 7477 6-qt Cast Iron Oval Fryer

Bayou Classic 7477 6-qt Cast Iron Oval Fryer

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The 16.75-inch reversible griddle lid is a versatile tool for cooking large batches of breakfast, burgers, grilled sandwiches, fajitas, and more. With dimensions of 16.75-in length x 8.9-in width x 3.7-in depth, it provides ample space to cook for a crowd.

The griddle lid is designed to distribute heat evenly, ensuring that your food is cooked uniformly. This feature makes it easy to fry food perfectly, achieving optimal frying results. It can be used on an outdoor gas cooker or indoors on a dual burner stovetop, giving you the flexibility to cook wherever you like.

One of the most significant benefits of this griddle lid is that it is seasoned to ease cleaning and prevent rust, making it more durable and long-lasting. It is perfect for use in kitchens, backyards, camps, tailgating, scouting, festivals, church socials, and company cookouts.

Pros
  • Large cooking area, perfect for cooking for a crowd.
  • Reversible griddle lid for versatility in cooking.
  • Even heat distribution for uniform cooking.
  • Can be used both indoors and outdoors.
  • Durable and long-lasting due to being seasoned.
Cons
  • Maybe too large for small households.
  • May take longer to heat up due to its size
.

 

Sample Customer Review:

“I bought it for baking bread but it has become an all around champion! From frying chicken to spring rolls and baking bread it is awesome. Then the lid fits two gas stove burners and on the making pancakes and French toast or hashbrowns and eggs! Exceptionally happy with the product! It has maintained its non-stick quality through it all.”

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9. Best Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven, 10 Qt

 Best Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven, 10 Qt

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The 10-Quart Deep Camp Dutch Oven is versatile and reliable cast iron cookware that is perfect for campfire or fireplace cooking. It measures 14 inches in diameter and 5 inches deep, making it ideal for cooking large meals for your camping or outdoor adventures.

One of the best things about this Dutch Oven is that it is made of seasoned cast iron, which means it’s ready to use right out of the box. This makes it easy to start cooking your favourite recipes without the hassle of seasoning the pot first.

The cast iron lid is designed to invert, so you can use it as a griddle for cooking pancakes, eggs, and other breakfast foods. This feature adds even more versatility to this already versatile Dutch Oven.

Another great thing about this Dutch Oven is that it is made in the U.S.A. This ensures that you are getting a high-quality product that is built to last.

Pros
  • Large size is great for cooking big meals.
  • Made of seasoned cast iron for easy use.
  • An inverted lid can be used as a griddle.
  • Made in the U.S.A.
Cons
  • Heavy and bulky, may not be suitable for backpacking or hiking trips.
  • Cast iron can be prone to rust if not properly cared for.

 

Sample Customer Review:

“Lodge quality is the best. This kettle can be used to cook a number of foods. I gave it a median score on easy to clean as anyone with cast iron knows it has to be cared for in proper fashion to keep it at its best. I’d buy lodge cast iron products again.”

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Factors to Consider Before Buying Best Dutch Ovens For Sourdough Bread

To choose the best Dutch oven for making sourdough bread, we will discuss the important features of the Dutch oven specifically for baking sourdough bread. These features will be listed below.

Material: There are three types of pots for cooking: cast iron, clay, and enamelled cast iron. The cast iron ones can be heated up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit without any food inside, and they are very durable. 

So you can take them with you anywhere without worrying about breaking them. The clay pots are more fragile and can break easily if dropped.

Size: When it comes to budgets, I suggest buying a larger 8 or 9 quart Dutch oven if you have a big family and need to cook a lot of food. An 8 quart pot can make 6-8 servings, so it’s a good size to consider.

For a smaller family of four, a 5-quart Dutch oven is a good choice. Even the Lodge Combo Cooker Cast Iron can bake a loaf of bread made with 5 cups of flour, which is enough for a family of four.

The Emile Henry Bread Pot/Potato Pot is the smallest Dutch oven, with a capacity of only 4-4.5 cups of flour. It’s perfect for 2 or 3 people.

Shape and Lid: It’s important to choose a Dutch oven with a round shape because it helps the food cook evenly. A tight-fitting lid is also important because it traps steam inside the pot, which helps create a crispy crust on the food. The lid should have a handle so it’s easy to lift off the pot.

Heat Resistance: When choosing a Dutch oven for baking bread, it’s important to make sure it can handle high temperatures of at least 450°F (232°C). This will help make sure your bread comes out just right.

FAQs:

Q1. Which Dutch oven is best for sourdough bread?

These are some of our favourite Dutch ovens that we recommend for baking sourdough bread:

  • Challenger Bread Pan.
  • Lodge Cast Iron Combo Cooker.
  • Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven, 5.5 qt.
  • STAUB Cast Iron Round Cocotte, 5.5-quart, Black Matte.
  • Bayou Classic 7477 6-qt Cast Iron Oval Fryer.

These Dutch ovens are excellent for baking sourdough and we highly recommend them.

Q2. What size Dutch oven is best for sourdough bread?

Using a 5-quart Dutch oven is a good idea because it can hold any size of bread dough. This means the dough has enough space to grow and expand while baking. It can fit round or oval-shaped bread loaves. 

If you like making larger sourdough loaves, the 5-quart Dutch oven is a great choice because it gives the bread enough space to grow and expand.

Q3. What is the best temp to bake sourdough bread?

To bake bread using a Dutch oven, place the dough and the pot in the centre of a cold oven. Set the oven to 450°F, turn it on, and set a timer for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the lid and let the bread bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until it turns dark golden brown.

Q4. Does the size of a Dutch oven matter for sourdough?

The size of the Dutch oven you choose is important because the bread dough will increase in size as it bakes. For a white sourdough loaf, it’s recommended to choose a Dutch oven that is at least four times the volume of the dough to give it enough room to grow and expand while baking.

Q5. What is the secret to good sourdough bread?

When you bake sourdough bread, it’s really important that the mix you use to make it is healthy and active. If it’s been sleeping in the fridge, take it out and feed it a few times in a warm room so it starts to rise and fall within a day.

Conclusion

The best Dutch oven for sourdough bread baking is the one that fits your needs and budget. A high-quality Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid is crucial for creating steam that enables bread to rise, and develop a crispy crust and perfect texture. 

The recommended size for baking bread is a 4- to 6-quart Dutch oven. Cast iron, enamelled cast iron, and ceramic Dutch ovens are great options to consider. 

While there are many excellent Dutch ovens on the market, the Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven, the Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven, and the Staub Cast Iron Cocotte are among the top choices for baking sourdough bread. 

Ultimately, with some research and experimentation, you can find the best Dutch oven for your sourdough bread baking needs.

We hope you will be well aware of the Best Dutch oven for Sourdough Bread by reading this comprehensive guide. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below.

2 thoughts on “9 Best Dutch Ovens For Sourdough Bread – Quick Guide [2023]”

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