The Best Dutch Ovens for Camping Picks (2024)

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Do you need a Dutch oven to expand your fire cooking skills?

We have got you covered with the best models on the market and a detailed buyer guide to keeping you educated.

There are few people accustomed to cooking over a fire nowadays. At first, it can seem to limit your meal options, but with a high-quality Dutch oven, that is no longer true.

Pay attention to characteristics like :

  • Materials. Dutch ovens are made of either cast iron, anodized aluminum, copper, or carbon steel. Each has positives and negatives that we discuss.
  • Capacity. How many people do you need to cook for? If it can’t fit enough, it won’t be as useful.
  • Weight. Dutch ovens aren’t always packable. Pay attention to the weight before making the buy.

Our cast iron Dutch oven picks

ModelVolumeWeightMaterial
Lodge Camp 6qt / 5.7L 14lbs / 6.4kg Cast iron
Camp Chef Deluxe 12qt / 11.2L 28lbs / 12.7kg Cast iron
GSI Outdoors 8qt / 7.6L 4.5lbs / 2kg Anodized aluminum
AmazonBasics6qt / 5.7L 13lbs / 5.9kg Cast iron
Uno Casa 6qt / 5.7L 17lbs / 7.7kg Cast iron
Crucible Cookware 4.9qt / 4.7L 13.5lbs / 6.1kg Cast iron
Bruntmore 5qt / 4.7L 13.6lbs / 6.2kg Cast iron
ExcelSteel 6qt / 5.7L 19lbs / 8.6kg Cast iron

Lodge Camp Dutch Oven

Lodge Camp Dutch Ovens
Photo Credit : Lodge
  • Volume : 6qt / 5.7L
  • Weight : 14lbs / 6.4kg
  • Material : Cast Iron

This little dutch oven by Lodge Camp is ready to go right from the moment of purchase. It comes pre-seasoned.

It is made from cast iron, one of the most durable metals. It also distributes heat evenly when cooking for a long, slow cook. Move it around quickly with the handle and keep everything inside with the perfectly fitted lid.

Wash it like you typically would cast iron, with some hand wash, dry it, and rub in cooking oil. Even after cooking, it helps you out by having unparalleled heat retention. The Lodge Camp Dutch Oven is made in the USA.

What we like

  • Comes pre-seasoned so it is ready from the start.
  • Cast iron is extremely durable.
  • Heats evenly and retains heat for a long time.

What we don't like

  • More expensive than similar options.

Camp Chef Deluxe 12qt Dutch Oven

Camp Chef Deluxe 12-Quart Dutch Ovens
Photo Credit : Camp Chef
  • Volume : 12qt / 11.2L
  • Weight : 28lbs / 12.7kg
  • Material : Cast Iron

Camp Chef doesn’t believe in less than average camp meals. With their deluxe 12qt dutch oven, you have plenty of quality space to cook great meals.

This product is the Grand Canyon National Park commemorative edition of the Camp Chef ovens. It is made with heavy-duty cast iron, hence the extra weight. With a true seasoned finish, it lasts for more meals than you could count.

It has a built-in thermometer notch as well as legs to set it up safely. A lid and a built-in handle make it easier to move the Camp Chef Deluxe 12qt dutch oven around safely. Finally, a Dutch Oven Starter booklet is included with seasoning tips for those new to the art.

What we like

  • Large volume for plenty of meals.
  • Built-in thermometer notch helps monitor the food.
  • Included a starter booklet for more meal ideas and tips.

What we don't like

  • Heavier weight due to larger size makes it less packable.

GSI Outdoors 10” Dutch Oven

GSI Outdoors Hard Anodized 10in Dutch Ovens
Photo Credit : GSI
  • Volume : 8qt / 7.6L
  • Weight : 4.5lbs / 2kg
  • Material : Anodized aluminum

Although cast iron has its perks in terms of longevity, hard-anodized aluminum stands up to the test of time as well. It offers a high-performance option to the scene at ⅓ of the weight of a typical cast iron dutch oven.

This GSI Outdoors dutch oven is designed with a fitted lid and a bail handle for a smoother move around the fire. It is stackable with its well-designed dutch oven stand, although this is sold separately.

This dutch oven’s reduced weight makes it much easier for trekkers and backpacking travelers to carry with them. It is not designed with feet to keep it stable when it holds mostly liquid.

What we like

  • ⅓ of the weight of a typical cast iron.
  • Stackable design for extra meal prep if needed.
  • Fitted lid and handle make it easy to move.

What we don't like

  • No legs for stability make it precarious with some soups.

AmazonBasics Enameled Dutch Oven

AmazonBasics Enameled Dutch Ovens
Photo Credit : AmazonBasics
  • Volume : 6qt / 5.7L
  • Weight : 13lbs / 5.9kg
  • Material : Cast iron

Perhaps you don’t only want something to use in the middle of the forest. When it rests in your home kitchen, it is better to have something more aesthetically pleasing. AmazonBasics offers just that with their glazed outer layer over sturdy cast iron.

This dutch oven does not have a bucket handle, but it does come with two side handles for safer movement. It is safe to use heat up to 400°F and distributes all of that heat evenly.

Be aware that the enamel is not non-stick and can be hand washed only. The handles on the AmazonBasics Enameled Dutch Oven will still be very hot when moving, so always use protection.

What we like

  • Nicer colors for better aesthetic value.
  • High heat tolerance of up to 400°F.
  • Even heat distribution makes for a better cooking experience.

What we don't like

  • No non-stick option on top of enamel coating.

Uno Casa Camping Dutch Oven

Uno Casa Camping Dutch Ovens
Photo Credit : Uno Casa
  • Volume : 6qt / 5.7L
  • Weight : 13lbs / 5.9kg
  • Material : Cast iron

Uno Casa has created their dutch oven specifically for camping. Although it is one of the heavier options for such a small product, it is extremely useful over a fire.

They have optimized the design for over a campfire. It has a bucket handle attached to the sides, longer legs than most to stand it up in varied terrain, and a useful steel lid lifter to safely remove the lid.

The lid on the Uno Casa Camping Dutch Oven is one of the most ergonomic aspects. It can hold coals on top with its rimmed edge to cook the top of the food inside. It can also be taken off and inverted to make a mini griddle. They include a Dutch Oven Recipe Book as well.

What we like

  • Longer legs designed for steady campfire placement.
  • Steel lid lifter for safe lid removal.
  • Incredible lid design as a lid, coal holder, and griddle.

What we don't like

  • Heavier than other similarly-sized products.

Crucible Cookware Dutch Oven

Crucible Cookware Dutch Ovens
Photo Credit : Crucible
  • Volume : 4.9qt / 4.7L
  • Weight : 13.5lbs / 6.1kg
  • Material : Cast iron

Crucible Cookware Dutch Oven has a much simpler design than other products on the list. It is sturdy cast iron as well.

This dutch oven doesn’t have a bucket handle or legs. It is equipped with side handles. They are still the cast iron material, so always use protection when moving it around. It does also come with a lid with a top handle.

It is safe to use the Crucible Cookware Dutch Oven in cooking temperatures up to 540°F. Only hand wash this product to avoid rust and season it after each use. They include a cast iron cookbook with your purchase and the safety of a 1-year money back guarantee.

What we like

  • Equipped with side handles for a quick move.
  • Increased cooking temperature to handle unruly campfires.
  • 1-year money back guarantee adds purchase protection.

What we don't like

  • No bucket handle or legs for additional stability.

Bruntmor 2-in-1 Dutch Oven Set

Bruntmore Heavy Duty 2-in-1 Dutch Ovens
Photo Credit : Bruntmore
  • Volume : 5qt / 4.7L
  • Weight : 13.6lbs / 6.2kg
  • Material : Cast iron

Bruntmore’s dutch oven set might not be created specifically for a campfire, and it doesn’t mean that it won’t perform well outside. It might damage some of the enamel, so practice extra caution.

Made from cast iron and coated with a decorative enamel, this dutch oven is oven safe, and it is recommended to hand wash it. Its heat retention and even heating are just as good.

The 2-in-1 addition to the Bruntmor Dutch Oven Set denotes the lid’s ability to act as a skillet and cook another part of the meal beside the dutch oven. It is domed to fit in more food, but this also increases interior space.

What we like

  • Better aesthetic than only cast iron finish.
  • Oven lid doubles as a skillet.
  • Domed design allows for more interior space.

What we don't like

  • Not designed for a campfire.

ExcelSteel 6qt Dutch Oven

ExcelSteel 6qt Dutch Ovens
Photo Credit : ExcelSteel
  • Volume : 6qt / 5.7L
  • Weight : 19lbs / 8.6kg
  • Material : Cast iron

ExcelSteel has designed their dutch oven for use both inside in an oven or outside over a campfire. It is purely cast iron and needs to be seasoned regularly for a maintained flavor.

Cooking with cast iron means you get a durable material that lasts for a long time. This dutch oven does not have legs. It does have a bucket handle as well as small side handles and a lid handle.

The lid has a convenient, well-fitted lid that enables you to lock in the heat and cook everything inside evenly. ExcelSteel Dutch Oven should never be washed in a dishwasher.

What we like

  • Durable material from cast iron.
  • Well-fitted lid allows you to lock in heat.
  • Bucket handle helps easy movement.

What we don't like

  • Heaviest product on the list.
  • No legs for stable campfire placement.

Camping Dutch Ovens Buying Guide

Dutch ovens can do wonders when it comes to expanding your camping diet. They aren’t a typical addition to a backpackers bag of gear due to their weight. Otherwise, they are an excellent consideration for families, car campers, or multi-day hikers.

These are 3 things to think about before buying your dutch oven for camping.

Dutch oven materials

Dutch ovens are most commonly made from cast iron. However, there are other options when it comes to this handy piece of cookware.

Cast iron

Cast iron is the best material for most people that want a dutch oven.

It is quite heavy. However, it makes up for it by being one of the hardiest and long-lasting metals available. It can withstand high temperatures, exemplified by the Crucible Cookware Dutch Oven that can safely reach 540°F.

Cast iron can have an enamel coating on the outside to add aesthetic value. Something like this is useful if you intend to keep it on hand in your home kitchen. Both the AmazonBasics Enameled Dutch Oven and the Bruntmor 2-in-1 Dutch Oven Set have this type of coating. It can reduce its tolerance to heat and its non-stick characteristic.

Anodized aluminum

The next most common metal for a dutch oven is anodized aluminum. The GSI Outdoors 10” Dutch Oven is made from this material. It is not as hardy as cast iron, but it is much lighter, weighing 4.5lbs compared to 13lbs for a similar size cast iron.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel is more durable than cast iron and is similar to stainless steel when comparing weight. It does not retain heat very well and can end up distributing it unevenly if not on an even surface. Campfires can make cooking with carbon steel dutch ovens difficult.

Copper

Copper is another option when it comes to these products. It is sturdy, but won’t last nearly as long as cast iron or anodized aluminum. It is much lighter than cast iron, though.

Liquid capacity

The amount of liquid that a dutch oven can hold is what determines the serving size you get from it. You want to choose a dutch oven with the capacity to feed your group quickly, or at least in balanced rounds.

Both diameter and depth affect the volume, which directly corresponds to the number of servings. For example, a 6qt oven, like the Lodge Camp Dutch Oven, has an approximate diameter of 12”. It serves between 12 to 14 people maximum.

On the bigger end of the spectrum, as we see in the Camp Chef Deluxe 12qt Dutch Oven, it feeds closer to 22 to 28 people. If you don’t have a very large party, having one as big as this can be oversized.

Overall weight

When doing any camping, even from the car, weight matters. You still have to move your supplies from one location to the next.

Since cast iron is most frequently used as the material, a dutch oven is considered a heavy piece to add to a camping set. It can be worth it if you plan your meals accordingly.

Some of the heavier sizes are shown by the Uno Casa Camping Dutch Oven at 17lbs and the ExcelSteel 6qt Dutch Oven at 19lbs.

A cast iron option won’t typically weigh under 10lbs. Hard anodized aluminum can weigh 5lbs or less for the same 6qt size.

FAQ

Do I need to season the dutch oven before using?

Some dutch ovens are sold preseasoned. If the seller does not verify this, you should do it before using it for the first time. Seasoning your dutch oven helps protect it from rust and aids in creating the nonstick surface this material is known for. Seasoning before the first use also helps to get rid of contaminants from the factory.

Are the accessories included with my purchase?

There are in the sale of some dutch ovens and others there are not. Almost all dutch ovens come with a specially fitted lid. The lid is essential since they are known for their heat retention, and without the right lid, it is dramatically reduced. Some ovens are sold with tongs for lid removal, handles, and even a tripod hanger.

Can I use the dutch oven on a stovetop?

Cast iron is sufficient, no matter the heat source. If you intend to use it on a stovetop, use an enameled cast iron dutch oven. If you use one without an enamel, it can scratch and damage your stovetop. Control the temperatures carefully as well, so you do not scorch it.

Amanda Williams

Amanda Williams is a writer, plant-nerd, and outdoor enthusiast. She has traveled extensively, around the U.S., throughout Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Everywhere she treks, she takes time to enjoy the outdoors. John Muir is her hero. She aspires to inspire people to live better as he did.