What does a Dutch oven look like?

A Dutch oven looks like a large, wide, deep pot with a lid. The pot has small handles on either side near the top instead of one long handle. The most common material is enamel-coated cast iron.

Dutch ovens are often used for braising, so the lid fits tightly to keep the steam and liquid inside the pot. The lids often feature the same enamel-coated material as the pots themselves rather than glass. With the enamel coating, the outside of the Dutch oven looks smooth and shiny. Dutch ovens typically come in 4- to 6-quart sizes and have tall sides, similar to large stock pots.