Is Your Dutch Oven Actually Oven-Safe? Here's What To Look For

There's nothing worse than discovering that your Dutch oven can't handle high heat while it's in your actual oven. Typically, the reason for this is the materials used for the lid or handles are often made of plastic, which can only withstand temperatures between 160 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit (depending on the type of material) before melting and emitting harmful chemicals. Dutch oven lids made from glass may also not be oven-safe unless they are tempered. Untempered glass can only withstand temperatures around 300 to 390 degrees Fahrenheit before cracking or exploding.

Instead, seek out dutch ovens crafted from materials like bare or enameled cast iron, ceramic, stainless steel, or a combination. These can withstand oven temperatures up to 400 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the brand. Additionally, make sure that the lid and handles are also made of metal, ceramic, or, in some cases, phenolic resin, a durable plastic primarily used by Le Creuset for the lid knobs on some of its Dutch oven products. Its Signature black phenolic knob is safe in temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you're cooking with a Le Creuset Dutch oven with its Classic phenolic knob, it's not oven-safe beyond 390 degrees Fahrenheit. (And how do you tell them apart? The Classic knobs are imprinted with Le Creuset's name and logo, while the Signature knob feature just the name.)

If you're using a bare or enameled Dutch oven, another oven hazard to be aware of are the 5-inch silicone lid spacers that typically come with the pot; these prevent chipping and rust-causing moisture when stored (especially when using this space-saving storage method). The spacers are not oven-safe and should be removed before cooking to prevent a messy pot and oven and a smelly house.

If you're using an oven that can exceed 500 degrees Fahrenheit, such as a wood-fired oven, a Dutch oven made of bare cast iron that's been seasoned is one of the only oven-safe options in this instance. Cast iron cookware brands like Lodge manufacture dutch ovens that can withstand up to 650 degrees Fahrenheit. 

For traditional cooking and oven use, renowned brands like Staub, Le Creuset, Caraway, GreenPan, and All-Clad offer Dutch ovens made entirely of materials suitable for these purposes. While these brands or similar quality dutch ovens are on the pricier side, there are affordable, oven-safe Dutch ovens available that deliver the same results, and if well-maintained, can last a lifetime. However, there are also several brands at major retailers or online that sell inexpensive cookware labeled as Dutch ovens, but are not actually oven-safe due to the materials used. Before purchasing or using a Dutch oven in the oven, ensure it's entirely oven-safe by reading the specifications provided with it or checking the manufacturer's or retailer's website