Best Bushcraft Dutch Oven: Top Picks for Outdoor Cooking

Bushcraft cooking is all about using natural resources to create delicious meals in the great outdoors. One essential tool for any bushcraft cook is a Dutch oven. Dutch ovens are versatile cooking vessels that can be used for baking, roasting, and stewing. They are particularly useful for outdoor cooking because they can be used over an open fire or on a camp stove.

When it comes to bushcraft Dutch ovens, there are a few key things to consider before making a purchase. The first is size. You’ll want to choose a Dutch oven that is large enough to cook for your group but not so large that it’s difficult to transport. The second is material. Dutch ovens can be made from cast iron, aluminum, or stainless steel. Each material has its pros and cons, so it’s important to choose one that suits your needs.

After researching and testing several bushcraft Dutch ovens, we’ve identified the best options on the market. These Dutch ovens are durable, versatile, and perfectly suited to outdoor cooking.

Best Bushcraft Dutch Ovens

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who loves to cook, a bushcraft Dutch oven is a must-have in your gear collection. These versatile pots are perfect for cooking over an open fire or on a camping stove, and they can handle everything from stews and soups to bread and desserts. In this roundup, we’ve compiled a list of the best bushcraft Dutch ovens on the market to help you find the perfect one for your next camping trip.

La Cuisine 4110MB Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven

If you’re in the market for a high-quality Dutch oven, the La Cuisine 4110MB Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The patented Sure-grip, wide-angle wedges profile handles make it easy to carry and transport.
• The seamless Stainless Steel Lid Knob is durable and easy to grip.
• The Super Tough Internal Matte Black Enamel Coating is scratch and stain-resistant.

Cons

• It’s a bit on the heavy side, which can make it difficult to move around.
• The price point is higher than some other Dutch ovens on the market.
• The 2.1-quart size may be too small for larger families or cooking needs.

This Dutch oven is perfect for anyone who loves to cook. The patented Sure-grip, wide-angle wedges profile handles make it easy to carry and transport, while the seamless Stainless Steel Lid Knob is durable and easy to grip. Additionally, the Super Tough Internal Matte Black Enamel Coating is scratch and stain-resistant, ensuring that your Dutch oven will look great for years to come.

One potential downside to this Dutch oven is that it’s a bit on the heavy side, which can make it difficult to move around. Additionally, the price point is higher than some other Dutch ovens on the market, so it may not be the best choice for those on a tight budget. Finally, the 2.1-quart size may be too small for larger families or cooking needs.

Overall, the La Cuisine 4110MB Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven is an excellent choice for anyone who loves to cook. It’s durable, easy to use, and looks great on any stovetop. If you’re in the market for a high-quality Dutch oven, this one is definitely worth considering.

Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven

This is a great dutch oven for anyone looking to cook outdoors or indoors.

Pros

• Even heat distribution and retention
• Easy to clean
• Large capacity for serving 4-6 people

Cons

• Hand wash only
• Enamel doesn’t have non-stick function
• Rusts easily if not taken care of properly

This dutch oven is perfect for tossing pasta, frying chicken, or making soup. It heats evenly and retains heat well, making it great for cooking stews and roasts. The side handles make it easy to move from the stove to the oven, and the fitted lid keeps moisture and heat inside.

One downside is that it must be hand washed, but it’s easy to clean with a gentle scrub and hot water. Another downside is that the enamel doesn’t have a non-stick function, so food may stick if not properly oiled. Lastly, the dutch oven may rust if not taken care of properly, so it’s important to dry it thoroughly after washing and store it in a dry place.

Overall, the Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven is a great investment for anyone looking for a durable and versatile cooking pot.

Lodge EC6D13 Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

If you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy Dutch oven for your bushcraft cooking needs, the Lodge EC6D13 Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is a great option.

Pros

• The porcelain enamel coating makes it heat tolerant and impervious to water and other consumables, making it perfect for outdoor cooking.
• The 6-quart capacity is perfect for cooking for a small group or family.
• The Lodge family has been producing high-quality cast iron cookware since 1896, so you can trust the craftsmanship of this product.

Cons

• The Dutch oven is quite heavy, so it may not be the best option for backpacking or hiking trips.
• Some users have reported issues with the enamel chipping or cracking over time.
• The price point may be higher than some other Dutch ovens on the market.

This Lodge Dutch oven is a reliable and classic option for anyone in need of a good bushcraft Dutch oven. The porcelain enamel coating ensures that it can withstand high temperatures and is easy to clean, making it perfect for outdoor cooking. The 6-quart capacity is perfect for cooking for a small group or family, and the Lodge family’s long history of producing high-quality cast iron cookware means that you can trust the craftsmanship of this product.

If you’re planning on doing a lot of backpacking or hiking, the weight of this Dutch oven may be a concern. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the enamel chipping or cracking over time, so it may not be the most durable option on the market. However, if you’re looking for a reliable and classic Dutch oven for your bushcraft needs, the Lodge EC6D13 Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is definitely worth considering.

Crock-Pot Artisan Round Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

If you are looking for a versatile and durable Dutch oven that can handle slow-cooking, simmering, braising, baking, and more, then the Crock-Pot Artisan Round Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is a great choice.

Pros

• The durable cast iron construction retains and distributes heat evenly, allowing for perfect cooking results every time.
• The porcelain enamel finish is easy to clean and naturally nonstick, making it a breeze to maintain.
• The 5-quart capacity is perfect for cooking for small to medium-sized families or groups.

Cons

• The Dutch oven is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to handle for some users.
• The non-stick coating may wear off over time with frequent use.
• The price point is higher than some other Dutch ovens on the market.

In my experience, the Crock-Pot Artisan Round Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. The cast iron construction ensures even heat distribution, which is essential for perfect cooking results. Additionally, the porcelain enamel finish makes it easy to clean and maintain, which is a big plus in my book.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Dutch oven is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to handle for some users. However, this is a common issue with cast iron cookware, and it is a small price to pay for the excellent cooking results you get with this Dutch oven.

Overall, I highly recommend the Crock-Pot Artisan Round Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven for anyone looking for a high-quality and versatile Dutch oven that will last for years to come.

Crock-Pot Artisan Oval Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

If you’re looking for a versatile and durable dutch oven that can handle all your cooking needs, then the Crock-Pot Artisan Oval Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Durable cast iron construction retains and distributes heat evenly
• Porcelain enamel finish is easy to clean and naturally nonstick
• Perfect for slow-cooking, simmering, braising, baking and more

Cons

• Hand wash recommended
• Ceramic coating chips easily
• Minor pitting and staining in the interior after a month

This dutch oven is perfect for roasting, slow cooking, simmering, sautéing, baking and more. Its cast iron construction ensures that heat is distributed evenly throughout the pot, which means that your food will cook evenly and come out perfectly every time. The porcelain enamel finish is easy to clean and naturally nonstick, which makes it a breeze to maintain.

One downside is that the manufacturer recommends hand washing, which can be inconvenient for some users. Additionally, the ceramic coating can chip easily, which may be a concern for some users. Finally, some users have reported minor pitting and staining in the interior after a month of use.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality dutch oven that can handle all your cooking needs, then the Crock-Pot Artisan Oval Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is an excellent choice. Its durable construction, nonstick finish, and versatility make it a must-have for any kitchen.

Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven

If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile Dutch oven for your next camping trip, the Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven is a great choice.

Pros

• The deep design of the oven makes it perfect for cooking stews, casseroles, and other campfire favorites.
• The pre-seasoned cast iron provides excellent heat retention and distribution, ensuring that your food is cooked evenly and thoroughly.
• The included Camp Dutch Oven Cooking 101 cookbook is a great resource for those new to campfire cooking.

Cons

• The oven is quite heavy, which may be a concern for those who are backpacking or hiking to their campsite.
• The cast iron requires some maintenance to keep it in good condition, including regular seasoning and hand washing.
• The flanged lid can be a bit tricky to use as a griddle, especially if you’re new to campfire cooking.

Overall, the Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven is a great investment for anyone who loves outdoor cooking. Its high-quality construction and versatile design make it a must-have for any camping trip.

Mueller DuraCast 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven Pot with Lid

This is a great investment for anyone who wants to take their cooking to the next level.

Pros

• The cast iron pot combined with the enamel finish allows you to fry and sauté, sear, slow cook, stew, braise, boil, deep fry, roast, broil and bake!
• The high-gloss enamel finish provides superior rust resistance and a natural non-stick interior that will enhance over time.
• The elegant design is supported by wide, sturdy handles and a stainless steel knob on the lid for easy handling.

Cons

• It is heavy and may be difficult to move around.
• It may take some time to get used to cooking with cast iron.
• The price may be a bit steep for some.

If you are looking for a versatile and durable dutch oven, then the Mueller DuraCast 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven Pot with Lid is definitely worth considering.

This dutch oven is perfect for cooking a variety of meals, from a delicious pot roast to gourmet macaroni and cheese. The natural heat retention of the cast iron pot combined with the enamel finish allows you to fry and sauté, sear, slow cook, stew, braise, boil, deep fry, roast, broil and bake!

The high-gloss enamel finish provides superior rust resistance and a natural non-stick interior that will enhance over time. The elegant design is supported by wide, sturdy handles and a stainless steel knob on the lid for easy handling.

One downside to this dutch oven is that it is heavy and may be difficult to move around. It may also take some time to get used to cooking with cast iron. Additionally, the price may be a bit steep for some.

Overall, if you are looking for a high-quality dutch oven that will last for years, then the Mueller DuraCast 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven Pot with Lid is definitely worth considering.

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

If you’re looking for a versatile, durable, and high-quality Dutch oven, the Lodge Cast Iron Serving Pot Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The lid easily converts to a 10.25-inch skillet, providing even more cooking options.
• The loop handles make it easy to lift and control, even when wearing gloves.
• The pre-seasoned cast iron provides unparalleled heat retention and even heating, making it perfect for a wide range of cooking methods.

Cons

• The pot is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to transport or handle for some users.
• The surface can sometimes flake during the seasoning process, which may be off-putting to some users.
• The pot requires some maintenance to keep it in good condition, including hand-washing and oiling the surface after each use.

The Lodge Cast Iron Serving Pot Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven is a versatile and durable cooking tool that can be used for a wide range of cooking methods, including searing, sautéing, simmering, baking, broiling, braising, roasting, frying, and grilling. It’s safe to use in the oven, on the stove, on the grill, or over a campfire, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor cooking.

The pot is made from high-quality cast iron, which provides excellent heat retention and even heating, ensuring that your food cooks evenly and thoroughly. The lid easily converts to a 10.25-inch skillet, providing even more cooking options and making it easy to cook multiple dishes at once.

The loop handles make it easy to lift and control the pot, even when wearing gloves, and the pre-seasoned cast iron provides a natural, easy-release finish that improves with use. However, the pot is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to transport or handle for some users, and the surface can sometimes flake during the seasoning process, which may be off-putting to some users.

Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile, durable, and high-quality Dutch oven that can be used for a wide range of cooking methods, the Lodge Cast Iron Serving Pot Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven is an excellent choice.

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven

If you’re looking for a versatile, high-quality Dutch oven, the Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The enameled cast iron construction delivers superior heat distribution and retention for even cooking.
• The easy-to-clean and durable enamel resists dulling, staining, chipping, and cracking.
• The tight-fitting lid is specially designed to circulate steam and return moisture back to the food.

Cons

• This Dutch oven is quite expensive compared to other options on the market.
• The 7.25 qt. size may be too large for some users.
• The Dutch oven is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to move around the kitchen.

This Dutch oven is perfect for slow-cooking, braising, roasting, baking, frying, and more. The light-colored smooth interior enamel allows easy monitoring of cooking progress, and the ergonomic knobs and handles are designed for easy lifting. Plus, the stainless steel knob is safe at any oven temperature, and the Dutch oven is compatible with all cooktops and oven-safe up to 500°F.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality Dutch oven that will last for years and produce superior results, the Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven is an excellent investment.

Stansport Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven

If you’re looking for an affordable and high-quality Dutch oven for your camping trips, the Stansport Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven is a great option.

Pros

• Made of durable and long-lasting cast iron
• Pre-seasoned for immediate use
• Perfect size for one or two people

Cons

• May be rough on the inside surface
• Some users have reported issues with lid fit
• No legs for easy placement on coals

This Dutch oven is perfect for those who want a reliable and affordable option for their camping trips. Made of cast iron, it is durable and long-lasting, ensuring that it will be a camping companion for years to come. It is also pre-seasoned, which means you can use it right away without having to go through the seasoning process yourself.

The size of this Dutch oven is perfect for one or two people, making it a great option for solo camping trips or for couples who love to camp together. However, some users have reported that the inside surface may be rough, which could make cleaning a bit more difficult. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the lid fit, which could be a concern for those who want to ensure that their food is cooked evenly.

Overall, the Stansport Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven is a great option for those who want an affordable and reliable Dutch oven for their camping trips. It may have some minor issues, but its durability and pre-seasoning make it a great option for those who want to enjoy delicious meals while enjoying the great outdoors.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best bushcraft dutch oven, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:

Material

The material of the dutch oven is an important factor to consider. Cast iron is a popular choice as it is durable and retains heat well. However, it can be heavy and may require seasoning. Aluminum is lightweight and easy to clean, but it does not retain heat as well as cast iron. Stainless steel is also an option, but it may not distribute heat evenly.

Size

Dutch ovens come in various sizes, so it’s important to choose one that suits your needs. Consider the size of your group and the amount of food you plan to cook. A 10-inch dutch oven is a good size for a small group, while a 12-inch dutch oven is suitable for larger groups.

Lid

The lid of the dutch oven should fit snugly to keep heat and moisture inside. Look for a lid with a lip or flange that allows you to place coals on top for even cooking. Some dutch ovens also come with a thermometer hole in the lid.

Handles

The handles of the dutch oven should be sturdy and easy to grip. Look for handles that are made of heat-resistant material and are securely attached to the pot. Some dutch ovens also come with a bail handle for easy transportation.

Accessories

Some dutch ovens come with accessories such as a trivet, lid lifter, or carrying case. These accessories can make cooking and transporting the dutch oven easier and more convenient.

In summary, when choosing the best bushcraft dutch oven, consider the material, size, lid, handles, and accessories. By taking these factors into account, you can find a dutch oven that meets your needs and helps you cook delicious meals in the great outdoors.