Best enameled cast iron Dutch ovens

Top pick: Le Creuset 7¼-quart round Dutch oven. It's the one to buy if you want a lifetime pot: even heat, a light interior so you can see fond browning, and the widest range of sizes and colours to match. The 5½-quart is the classic all-rounder if you cook for two to four; the 3½-quart suits bread, sides and small batches.

Who the others suit:

• Made In 5-quart — best-rated of the bunch and a solid step down in price from Le Creuset.
• Lodge 5.5-quart — the value workhorse; heavy, plain, cooks like the expensive ones.
• Overmont / IMARKU 5-quart — starter pots for a first Dutch oven or a second one for holidays.
• Lodge 7.5-quart — big-batch chili, braises and stock for a crowd.

Skip the 13¼-quart Le Creuset unless you regularly cook for a crowd — it's enormous and heavy.