And if you don’t have one,it’s crucial that you get one.

It can travel from your stove to your oven and back again.

It’s low-maintenance and virtually indestructible.

One-Pot Italian Sausage & Kale Pasta

But, you say, they’reexpensive.

Yes, it’s true that some are quite expensive.

What Is a Dutch Oven?

Vegetable Stock with Kitchen Scraps

What Can I Make in a Dutch Oven?

This pot can cook a casserole or a whole chicken.

(Most all cast-iron Dutch ovens are oven-safe; check your manual for temperature limitations.)

Whole-Wheat Sourdough Bread

Cast-iron Dutch ovens are also the cooking vessel of choice for sourdough and no-knead bread.

What bang out of Dutch Oven Should I Buy?

Pictured recipe:Vegetable Weight-Loss Soup

Which Size?

Vegetable Weight-Loss Soup Recipe

For most people, going with a 6- to 8-quartDutch ovenis a safe bet for most occasions.

Enameled or Not?

How Much Will I Have to Spend?

Sausage, Brussels Sprout & Potato Soup

Ourbest-tested Dutch ovenis $100, and another top pick is $70.

But see to it you read the fine print to understand what’s covered and what isn’t.

How Do I Care For My New Dutch Oven?

That’s not hard to do if you care for it.

Cast iron is slow to warm up and equally slow to cool down.

If your Dutch oven has an enamel coating, avoid scratching it with abrasive cooking and cleaning tools.

If it’s not coated, don’t leave it wet for prolonged periods of time.