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Cuisinart Chef’s Enameled Cast Iron Casserole
This dutch oven can do it all.
A Dutch oven just might be the most important—and versatile—cooking vessel you can own. Dutch ovens can go on the stove and in the oven, making them ideal for braising meat; cooking soups, stews, and sauces; boiling water; frying; and even baking bread.
Cuisinart 7 Quart Chef’s Enameled Cast Iron Casserole
RECOMMENDED - BEST BUY
With an exceptionally broad cooking surface and low, straight sides, this 7-quart pot had the same advantageous shape as the Le Creuset. It was heavier but not prohibitively so. The looped handles were comfortable to hold, though slightly smaller than ideal. The rim and lid chipped cosmetically when we repeatedly slammed the lid onto the pot, so it's slightly less durable than our winner.
We maintain strict objectivity in all testing.*
COOKING ★★★
EASE OF USE ★★½
DURABILITY ★★½
KEY: GOOD ★★★ FAIR ★★ POOR ★
Cuisinart 3 Quart Round Covered Casserole
RECOMMENDED - BEST BUY
This Dutch oven delivered well-cooked rice, meatballs, and pear crisp. Its light-colored interior helped us easily monitor browning. Two small drawbacks: The pot had a smaller cooking surface and taller sides than the Le Creuset model, which meant that we could fit fewer meatballs, and its handles were not as large as the Le Creuset’s, so moving the hot pot around took a little more care. However, we still think that this is a great pot at an even better price.
We maintain strict objectivity in all testing.*
COOKING ★★★
EASE OF USE ★★
DURABILITY ★★★
KEY: GOOD ★★★ FAIR ★★ POOR ★
Details
Cutting Edge Dimensions: 7.25 x 1 in
Induction Compatible: Yes
Interior Color: Light
Material: Enameled cast iron
Item Number: ATKCD
Item Weight (including lid): 7 - 16 lb
Shipping
How We Tested Dutch Ovens
We surveyed the options and chose a range of widely available Dutch ovens. We put them through a litany of tests, rating each pot on the quality of its food, how easy it was to use and clean, and how durable it was. At the end of testing—after a whole lot of cooking and eating—we concluded that all these pots are capable of making good food, but some were much easier to use.
Winning Traits
- Large looped handles for a more secure grip
- Made of enameled cast iron
- Broad, light-colored cooking surface
- Highly durable and resistant to chipping
- Lower sides that are straight or gently flared
* OBJECTIVITY FIRST, LAST, AND ALWAYS.
America’s Test Kitchen does not accept advertising and conducts equipment tests without the knowledge of product manufacturers. Exclusive equipment offers are sourced only after the test results have been published in our magazines and on our websites.