For an avid home cook, a Dutch oven is an indispensable cookware in your kitchen. Making soups, stews, and braises is more convenient when you have a reliable slow-cooking pot.
Considering you can also use a Dutch oven on the stove or in the oven, making bread or roasting meats is also less of a hassle.
But with its weight and material, will a Dutch oven work on a glass-top stove?
To answer your question, this article will look into the types of Dutch ovens you can use on a glass-top stove. As a bonus, we’ll also give you some recommendations on the best brands to help you find a suitable unit for your kitchen.
What is a Dutch oven?
A Dutch oven is a type of casserole dish that comes with its own tight-fitting lid. It’s often made from cast iron with a vibrant enamel coating – so you can choose a fitting hue to add a pop of color to your kitchen.
A good-quality Dutch oven can cost a pretty penny, but its price can be worth it since it’s multi-purpose cookware.
Its thick walls and hefty weight make it ideal for heavy-duty cooking since it retains heat well. Plus, you can use it on the stovetop and in the oven, so it’s perfect for daily use since it can handle almost any type of cooking method.
Are Dutch ovens always cast iron?
Traditional Dutch ovens have an unfinished cast iron build because of their durability and excellent heat retention. The only downside is you have to season them regularly to maintain their non-stick and protective layer.
Modern Dutch ovens consist of enameled cast iron since they provide the same benefits as traditional versions, but you won’t have to season them to keep them non-stick.
But if you want a more affordable option, ceramic, aluminum, or stainless steel Dutch ovens are also available in the market. They’re lighter than cast iron pieces, making them easy to transport. The only downside is that they don’t have the same heat-retaining abilities and are not as durable.
Is Dutch oven safe for glass top stove?
A Dutch oven is entirely safe to use on a glass top stove, as long as you’re mindful not to drag it across the surface because of its weight and material. You can also prevent scratches from forming by dusting off any sugar or salt crystals from the burner.
If you spot any spills on the stovetop or bottom of your Dutch oven, make sure to clean them immediately since they can burn and cause the cookware to fuse to the burner.
Also, be careful not to drop your Dutch oven or its lid on your cooktop if you don’t want to crack the surface due to the weight of the cookware.
What kind of Dutch oven can you use on a glass top stove?
Although the surface of a glass cooktop is durable, you still want to be careful with the types of cookware to use if you want to maintain its pristine condition. If you’re thinking of getting a Dutch oven, here are a few types you can consider:
Can you use an enameled Dutch oven on a glass top stove?
If you tend to avoid using certain cookware on your glass-top stove because you fear creating scratches and marks, but the functionality of a good Dutch oven is making you reconsider, you might be wondering:
Can I use enameled cast iron on a glass cooktop?
Yes, you can use an enameled cast iron Dutch oven on a glass-top stove. Its enamel coating smoothes out its exterior, lowering the chances of creating scratches on the burner.
But as discussed above, you still need to be careful about moving your Dutch oven around the surface of your stove to prevent any marks. Its weight can also be heavy, so gently place your cookware on the stovetop to avoid breaking the glass.
Can you use a cast iron Dutch oven on a glass-top stove?
Using a cast iron Dutch oven on a glass cooktop is a bit tricky because of its rough exterior. But if you need to use one, you must practice precautions similar to using an enameled Dutch oven – such as not dragging it around the surface and cleaning up spills and splatters immediately.
But if you want to keep it safe, choose other Dutch ovens made from lighter and smoother materials.
Can you use a ceramic Dutch oven on a glass top stove?
Ceramic Dutch ovens may not be as popular as enameled cast iron ones, but they’re also a good option for your glass stovetop.
Since they’re made from clay, they’re lighter than their cast iron counterparts, so you won’t have to worry about breaking your glass stovetop. But considering their exteriors aren’t as smooth as enameled cast iron, you’ll want to lift them if you want to transfer them to another burner instead of sliding to prevent scratches.
What pans should not be used on a glass top stove?
Technically, you can use any type of cookware material on a glass-top stove. You just need to be cautious about using heavy pots, like Dutch ovens, since they’re more likely to break the glass if you accidentally drop them on the burner.
You should also avoid dragging around pots with rough bases, like cast iron, ceramic, or stoneware, since they’re more prone to creating scratch marks on the surface.
Their thick walls will also take a while to heat up on your stove. But once they do, they tend to retain the heat for a while. Transfer them away from the stove to prevent it from cracking.
Pans with rounded bottoms won’t also be functional on a glass stove since it’s difficult to balance them upright. So make sure to get cookware with flat and solid bases to ensure even heating.
Can you use a Le Creuset Dutch oven on a glass top stove?
If you stay current on the latest cookware, you know Le Creuset is one of the top go-to brands for enameled cast iron Dutch ovens.
They have a wide array of color and size options available, making you want to collect them all.
Their Dutch ovens are compatible with any heating source, including a glass-top stove, induction, or grill. But refrain from using them in a microwave oven.
If you want your Le Creuset unit to last, make sure to match it with the same burner size to maximize its efficiency and prevent its side and handles from damage. Although their Dutch ovens can withstand temperatures up to 500°F (260°C), cook it on medium to low heat and only use it at high temperatures for boiling water.
Can you use Pampered Chef cast iron on a glass-top stove?
Pampered Chef has a 6 quart (5.7 Liters) enameled cast iron Dutch oven that’s safe for use on a glass-top stove. It can also withstand temperatures up to 500°F (260°C), making it ideal for slow cooking and baking.
Although it’s only available in one color, it’s a more budget-friendly option worth checking out. One of its key features is that its lid contains bumps that help redirect condensation down to your food to keep it succulent and flavorful.
What is the best Dutch oven for glass top stove?
Settling on a good-quality Dutch oven can be challenging with the number of brands in the market. So to help you narrow down your options, here are a few selections that can fit any budget:
1. Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
The Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is the gold standard if you want a quality Dutch oven at a premium price.
Part of its charm is it has over 20 color selections available, so you can indeed find the right hue to fit your kitchen. They also have several shapes and sizes in their collection, so their prices can vary.
Users like its durability and reliability for cooking various dishes since it has even heat distribution and is easy to clean. Expect that it has a hefty weight, and its enamel coating tends to chip over time.
Their cookware does have a lifetime guarantee, so you can contact the manufacturer if you need to replace your unit. But their customer service can be a hit or miss since some users said receiving their new units took a while.
2. Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
For quality cookware that has a more attainable price point, the Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is the perfect dupe. It also has over 17 color swatches to choose from, made possible with porcelain enamel coating.
It also holds well for heavy-duty cooking, and its cleanup is a breeze. But its body and lid chip after a few uses – even with careful storage and maintenance.
Also, know that Lodge makes their Dutch ovens in China or Vietnam. If this is a deal breaker for you, you might be better off choosing other brands.
3. Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
For an even more budget-friendly option to get you started on your cooking journey, the Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is the perfect pick. It only has 11 color selections, but they’re just as vibrant as the other brands.
It’s oven safe for up to 400°F (204°C), so you may not be able to bake bread in it at high temperatures. But it does the job of cooking braises and soups.
Except its lid doesn’t seal tightly since it drips condensation out of the lid – which could burn and leave marks on your glass stovetop if you don’t wipe it away immediately. Like other brands, it also has the tendency to chip after a few uses but with the added issue of rust spots.
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