If you’d like to take your bread baking to a whole new level, investing in the best Dutch oven for bread baking bread is a must. After all, nothing tastes better than freshly baked bread!
Designed to be compact like an oven with a basic appearance, Dutch ovens results in loaves that come out are beautifully brown with a crispy, crackling crust and an airy center. Unfortunately, as good as they are, not all Dutch ovens are the same.
You need to look for one that has got enough head-space for your bread to rise but not too large at the same time, among other features. Because of this, we’ll be letting you in on the secret behind getting the best Dutch oven out there.
If you are looking to spend your hard-earned cash on something that won’t let you down, perhaps you should start by looking into either of these. Image Name Our Rating's Price Lodge 5 Quart Pre-Seasoned Pot with Lid and Dual Loop Handle AmazonBasics Dutch Oven, 7.3-Quart, Blue Cuisinart CI650-25BG 5 Qt Round Cast Iron Casserole, Covered
Best Dutch oven for baking bread
On to the main agenda, either of the Dutch ovens below is guaranteed to give you a variety of options ranging from the aesthetics to the size and ease of use without compromising performance whatsoever.
1. Lodge 5 Quart Pre-Seasoned Pot with Lid and Dual Loop Handle
First, it comes pre-seasoned out of the box with 100% vegetable oil. As such, there’s no need to worry about chemicals or synthetic coatings. It also has amazing heat retention and even heating capabilities.
As far as versatility is concerned, you’ll do more than just baking with this; it’s ideal for searing, sauté, braise, roasting, or frying your meals. It can be used in the oven, on the stove, grill, or over a campfire.
2. AmazonBasics Dutch Oven, 7.3-Quart, Blue
Considering it is made of heavy-duty cast iron, it should be able to ensure thorough heating for optimal cooking performance. Additionally, it’s oven safe up to 400 degrees F and the best part about it is that considering it has an enamel finish, it won’t react to food.
As far as handling it is concerned, it features loop side handles which makes transporting it easy. To add icing on the cake, the lid features a secure fit and because of this, you’re bound to get a crispy crust when baking bread in it.
3. Cuisinart CI650-25BG 5 Qt Round Cast Iron Casserole, Covered
Similar to the exterior, the interior is also made of porcelain enamel which makes it ideal for cooking. More so, the surface does not alter the flavor or retain the odors.
Since versatility is a priority when it comes to cookware, this one can be used on induction, halogen, ceramic, gas, and electric stovetops. Considering its also oven and boiler-safe, there’s no way you could go wrong with this cast iron oven.
4. 2 in 1 Enameled Double Dutch Oven & Skillet Lid
First, it has got a 5-quart capacity which is just the perfect size for baking bread. Additionally, the oven comes pre-seasoned so you can use it right out of the box. It’s also safe to use in the oven and has amazing heat retention.
A feature that makes this stand out from most in its class is that the lid doubles as a skillet. As such you’re bound to get versatility at its best. It’s also worth mentioning that there are integrated side handles on the base and lid for easy handling.
5. Lodge L8DD3 Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 5 qt
It comes pre-seasoned with 1% natural vegetable oil and the lid can be converted to a 1.25-inch skillet. In addition, both the lid and the base have independent handles. As far as heat retention is concerned, it’s one of the best and the same goes for distributing heat evenly.
Something else that makes this worth investing in is that it can be used in the oven, on the stove, grill, induction cooktops, or over a campfire.
What exactly is a Dutch oven?
From the reviews above, I’m sure you now have a clue about what a Dutch oven is, right? Well, even so, let’s have a closer look at what a Dutch oven is, shall we?
An easy way to put it is that a Dutch oven is a versatile cookware that can handle almost everything that the conventional ovens can. As such, they have been the preferred choice for baking for many for a long time. These ovens come with a heavy lid that functions to retain the steam which his why you end up with crispy loaves of bread.
There’s also a huge difference in design between the past and present Dutch ovens. The modern ones are normally made of cast iron that can either be enameled or bare. if bare, you’ll have to season it before use
Speaking of the differences, below are the pros and cons of the different types.
Types of Dutch ovens
Bare cast iron ovens
This type of oven is mainly preferred because of its longevity. In addition to durability, however, the cast-iron ovens are capable of withstanding high temperatures and as such can be used in different cooking applications.
However, …
The problem with bare cast iron is that it is non-stick. Because of this, you’ll be forced to season it before use. To save yourself the hassle when getting your first Dutch oven, you could select a pre-seasoned one.
Besides the seasoning, just like any other cast iron cookware, this one too needs special care and cleaning for the iron to maintain its integrity.
Enameled cast iron ovens
An alternative to the bare cast iron would be the enameled ones. These come with a core that is made of either metal or ceramic since the latter is amazing in conducting heat as well.
The advantage of enamel over cast iron is that it’s just as durable but does not give in to leaching or rusting. Even better, with an enameled oven, you won’t need to season it, and if you’re lucky you can get one that is dishwasher safe.
As good as they are, enameled cast iron Dutch ovens have their down side as well. Besides being more expensive than bare cast iron, the enamel coating can chip. In addition to this, they come with non-metal knobs in most cases and cannot be used at the highest temperatures.
Factors to consider when choosing a Dutch oven
Now that you know the types of Dutch ovens present, it’s also important that you know what defines the best of the best. Here goes…
The handles and lid
Baking bread is demanding of high temperature and as such, you’ll need the lid to keep the steam inside for the bread to bake evenly. In addition to this, you’ll need a safe handle which should not heat up even when the oven is heated up.
Ease of use
Maintenance and easy usage should not be a problem in the best Dutch oven. For starters, it should have amazing heat conduction and the lid should have a perfect fit. When it comes to cleaning up after use, dishwasher-friendly ovens stand out to be the best.
Build quality and design
If you want something that’ll last with the least maintenance practices, you should go for the enameled ovens which are more expensive. If you’re okay with seasoning your oven before use and don’t mind the hassle that comes with cleaning it, bare cast iron would be a good choice.
Depth and size
It’s best to ensure that the oven is deep enough for the loaf to rise properly without being flattened out. At the same time, be mindful of the capacity such that it’s able to meet your preferences.
Which one is best for baking bread?
I’d go for bare cast iron since despite being demanding on cleaning and all the seasoning, it doesn’t have a temperature limit, lasts long, can be used indoors and outdoors plus it can be preheated. Enamel, on the other hand despite having low maintenance non-stick is easily susceptible to damage and will eventually wear down.
Best size Dutch Oven for baking bread
The size is the first thing you should consider when buying a Dutch oven. This is normally dependent on how large the bread grows when it’s baked. Generally speaking, I’d recommend that you go for an oven whose volume is 3-4 times larger than the loaf you are baking.
Pro tips on taking care of your Dutch Oven
How about we have a look at how you can best take care of the bare cast iron and enameled Dutch oven? After all, they are much better if they last long.
For enameled cast iron Dutch oven, observe the following.
- Don’t pre-heat them
- Ensure you observe the max temperature limit
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking
- Only hand wash them
Here are some expert tips on maintaining bare cast iron Dutch ovens:
- Season them often
- When not in use, keep them dry
- Ensure you use parchment paper to keep the seasoning intact
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can you bake bread in enameled cast iron?
Yes you can, just ensure you observe the temperature limit
How big of a Dutch oven do you need to bake bread?
It depends on the size of bread you are baking but mostly 5-7 quarts does the trick
How do I make my bread crust crispy?
Preheat the oven with the Dutch oven inside then after you place the loaf, cover the Dutch oven with its lid
Is enameled cast iron better than cast iron?
if the frequent seasoning is a problem, enameled cast iron is a much better option
What temperature do you bake bread at?
The lean dough is baked at an average of 190-200 degrees Fahrenheit while the heavier dough is baked at 180-200 degrees Fahrenheit
What is the best cast iron Dutch oven?
Two of the best brands include Lodge and Le Creuset especially when you want a good enameled cast iron Dutch oven.
Final verdict
Well, it’s been a good review and unfortunately, it’s time to call it a day. From the above reviews and buying guide, you’ll get the best Dutch oven for bread baking bread oven whether you are looking for an enameled one or one with bare cast iron.
Above everything else, ensure you observe all the recommended maintenance practices to keep it in the best shape.
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