9 BEST NON-TOXIC DUTCH OVENS FOR SOURDOUGH BREAD, HEARTY STEWS, & ROASTS

Share & save for later!

This post is all about the best non-toxic Dutch ovens! 

A Dutch oven is one of the most versatile kitchen essentials you can own.

It’s great for baking bread, braising meat, simmering soups, slow-cooking stews, frying, preparing your favorite pasta sauces, and everything in between.

To cook healthy, delicious meals, not only do you need one that heats evenly and has great heat retention properties, but you also want one made with safe materials.

There are just too many options out there that can leach toxic substances into our food! 

In this blog post, I’ve rounded up the 9 best non-toxic Dutch ovens so you can cook hearty stews, roasts, and breads without all the chemicals. 

This blog post contains affiliate links which means that if you buy something through such links, I will get a small commission without any extra cost for you. Please read my Disclosure for more details. 

Are Dutch ovens non-toxic?

Unfortunately, most conventional Dutch ovens are made with unsafe materials that can leach toxic chemicals into our meals. 

Many Dutch ovens are made from ceramic or enameled cast iron, both of which can be safe materials if we opt for high-quality products.

However, in many cases, enameled cast iron and ceramic coatings can contain heavy metals such as lead and cadmium.

This is particularly the case for cheap or brightly colored products. 

Exposure to those can lead to negative effects on various systems of the body, including the immune, respiratory, digestive, neurologic, and cardiovascular systems.

Cadmium and lead may even have an estrogenic and carcinogenic function! 

However, enameled and ceramic-coated products aren’t the only problematic items.

Those made with a Teflon (or PTFE) non-stick coating should all be avoided! 

They can expose you to PFAS chemicals and release toxic fumes into the air when heated to high temperatures, leading to polymer fume fever. 

Some Dutch ovens are also made from uncoated aluminum, which is a neurotoxin associated with Alzheimer’s disease. 

Thankfully, many Dutch ovens are made with safe materials that do not leach toxic substances into our food!

Read more: Detox your home: How to make your home healthy?

What is the healthiest material for a non-toxic Dutch oven?

Here are different healthy materials you may want to look for when shopping for safe non-toxic Dutch ovens: 

• Bare cast iron: make sure to season it with an all-natural plant-based oil like flaxseed or grapeseed oil 
• Pure, lead-free ceramic 
• Stainless steel: a great option for people without nickel sensitivities
• Lead-free enameled cast iron: opt for high-quality products and choose brands that disclose that their products are free of lead and cadmium. If the brand doesn’t disclose anything but you still want to get one of its Dutch ovens, avoid bright colors (especially red and orange) and prefer lighter ones (white, cream…). 
• Lead-free ceramic coatings: make sure these are free of heavy metals and PFAS 

Always stay away from non-stick coatings made with PFAS chemicals! 

9 best non-toxic Dutch ovens for sourdough bread, hearty stews, & roasts

1. Smithey

Materials: Cast Iron

Smithey crafts high-quality USA-made cookware from cast iron and carbon steel.

It offers a beautiful non-toxic Dutch oven that is available in three different sizes: 3.5 qt, 5.5 qt, and 7.25 qt. 

This engravable piece features a vintage American Dutch oven design and is built to withstand the test of time so it can become an heirloom in your family. 

This Dutch oven is made from cast iron sourced and poured in the USA and has a chip-resistant polished interior surface that is naturally non-stick, so it’s super easy to clean. 

It comes with a multipurpose domed lid with channels to recirculate moisture and a stainless steel oven-safe knob. 

Smithey Dutch oven works on all cooktops from induction and electric to campfires and gas.

It also won’t scratch your stovetop and is designed to be as light as it can be. 

Plus, it’s backed by a lifetime guarantee!    

2. Xtrema

Materials: Lead-Free Ceramic

Xtrema sells different stock pots (sizes 1.5 to 5.5 qt) as well as two Dutch ovens (7.5 qt and 10 qt) made of 100% pure ceramic. 

Both the oval and round Dutch ovens are incredibly versatile, allowing you to do everything from baking bread to roasting meats.

They’re destined to become a family heirloom! 

These pieces are 100% non-toxic as they’re made from ceramic that is completely free of heavy metals, Teflon, PFAS, non-stick coatings, or metal cores. 

Featuring exceptional craftsmanship, they’re made by ceramic artists and are built to last for generations. 

Xtrema’s Dutch ovens can be used on the barbecue, over a fire, in the microwave, in the oven, and on the stovetop, and are even dishwasher-safe. 

They’re also scratch-resistant and stain-proof and provide excellent thermal retention and even heating.

Not to mention they’re California Prop 65 compliant and sold with a 10-year warranty. 

3. Field Company

Materials: Cast Iron

Field Company’s Dutch ovens are available in sizes 4.5 qt and 7 qt, and you can get them individually or in a set with a skillet or with a griddle and a skillet. 

Both Dutch ovens are made in the USA from 100% cast iron sourced from American recycled iron vendors.

The brand pours its cast iron using green sand castings, just like renowned vintage cast iron manufacturers. 

What’s more, the Dutch ovens come pre-seasoned so they have a naturally non-stick finish and you can use them immediately.

To season them, Field Company stays away from harmful chemicals and engineered coatings and only uses grapeseed oil. 

You’ll also love that they’re sold with a self-basting lid to ensure braises and roasts cook evenly.

Plus, they’re compatible with all stovetop burner types, including induction, and you can safely cook with them over the campfire or in the oven! 

4. Alva Cookware 

Materials: Lead-Free Enameled Cast Iron

Alva Cookware offers a 5 qt round non-toxic Dutch oven, a 6 qt oval model, as well as one sold with a bamboo steamer insert.

No matter which you opt for, they’re all made of indestructible cast iron with a natural, scratch-resistant enamel coating.

The brand crafts them using recycled materials and sustainable practices and makes sure its enamel doesn’t contain any heavy metals, PFAS, or other harmful substances. 

Whether you’re baking, braising, or stewing, all three Dutch ovens deliver excellent heat distribution and retention, meaning that your meals will be evenly cooked every time.  

They’re also very easy to clean and feature an elegant, eye-catching bronze knob on the lid. 

5. ZWILLING

Materials: Stainless Steel, Enameled Cast Iron, Lead-Free Ceramic Coating

ZWILLING has a huge collection of Dutch ovens from brands like Staub, Demeyere, or BALLARINI, as well as a few of its own. 

I particularly recommend those made of stainless steel by Demeyere!

These are available in a few different sizes and are dishwasher-safe.

They’re crafted in Belgium and feature a 7-layer construction providing excellent heat distribution and retention. 

The stainless steel Dutch oven by ZWILLING is another great option that is 100% non-toxic.

It’s made with a naturally non-stick ceramic coating that is free of heavy metals, PFAS, and more!

If you prefer enameled cast iron pieces, check out those sold by Staub.

This brand is known to make its cookware without lead, cadmium, and PFOAs, and you’ll get to choose from a wide range of lovely colors. 

There are even some models featuring a unique shape like an artichoke, a tomato, or a pumpkin, and several others boast intricate details on the lid or on the knob!

6. Caraway

Materials: Lead-Free Enameled Cast Iron, Stainless Steel, Lead-Free Ceramic Coating

Non-toxic cookware brand Caraway offers three different 6.5 qt Dutch ovens, all of which are very aesthetically pleasing.

Its stainless steel model features a durable, lightweight 5-ply steel construction and is designed to distribute heat evenly.

The brand also has one made with a non-toxic ceramic-coated interior, which makes cooking and cleaning afterward incredibly easy.

If you’re looking for a cast iron Dutch oven, Caraway has you covered with its Dutch oven built with a 3-layer enamel coating.

This one is ideal for baking bread or slow-cooking stews, and it requires no seasoning.

It’s crafted with recycled materials and is scratch-resistant.  

No matter which one you choose, all of them are compatible with induction, electric, and gas stovetops.

They’re also completely free of heavy metals, PFAS, and other toxic substances like mercury or antimony. 

Not to mention you can get them in a variety of lovely colors that will brighten up your kitchen! 

7. All-Clad

Materials: Stainless Steel

All-Clad sells two 5.5 qt Dutch ovens made from high-quality 18/10 stainless steel.

One of them features a tri-ply construction and a polished stainless steel finish while the other has a unique five-ply construction with an elegant brushed finish. 

These Dutch ovens have a round bottom that facilitates stirring without sticking, and they come with a domed lid to retain moisture.

They also boast flared edges for drip-free pouring and are fully bonded to the rim to ensure durability.

Not to mention they heat evenly and are resistant to warping!

All-Clad’s Dutch ovens are compatible with any stovetop and are oven and broiler-safe up to 600°F.

Plus, they’re backed by a lifetime warranty and are made in the USA, in Pennsylvania. 

The brand also has an enameled cast iron Dutch oven as well as one made with a non-stick coating.

However, I don’t recommend those as it’s unclear whether the enameled one is lead-free and the non-stick model contains PTFE chemicals. 

8. DaTerra

Materials: Lead-Free Ceramic Coating

DaTerra’s Vesuvio Dutch oven offers an 8 qt capacity and is perfect for baking bread and preparing sauces or chili and everything in between. 

It is made with an all-natural ceramic coating that doesn’t contain any lead, cadmium, PTFE, or PFOA.

This induction-friendly non-toxic Dutch oven can transfer seamlessly from the stovetop to the oven and can withstand temperatures up to 450°F. 

It heats quickly and evenly, and cleaning it is a breeze. 

DaTerra sells it with an airtight see-through oven-safe lid made of tempered glass and silicone.

This Dutch oven is also made in Italy, features cool-touch handles, and is scratch-resistant.  

9. LODGE

Materials: Cast Iron 

Lodge creates American-made cast iron and carbon steel cookware, including a round non-toxic Dutch oven with a 7 qt capacity. 

This piece is a must-have in the kitchen as it allows you to roast, sauté, sear, braise, simmer, fry, and bake, all in one place.

Whether you use it on the stove or the grill, in the oven, or over a campfire, it always delivers even heating and unparalleled heat retention! 

Its handles provide a secure grip, and the included lid features self-basting tips. 

This Lodge Dutch oven comes pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil, so it has a great easy-release finish that gets better with use. 

Lodge also has a large selection of enameled cast iron Dutch ovens, but these (particularly the red and orange models) might contain heavy metals. 

Final thoughts on the best non-toxic Dutch ovens

I hope you’ve found this article about the best non-toxic Dutch ovens helpful and that you could find a model you love cooking with. 

We all love homemade bread and hearty stews, but preparing them in a conventional Dutch oven may leach harmful chemicals into our food. 

Thanks to these brands, we can cook in one made with healthy, safe materials! 

If you enjoyed this article, make sure to check out: 

• 11 best non-toxic cookware brands selling the safest pots and pans
• 10 best non-toxic bakeware brands to bake delicious goods without any of the bads
• 8 best non-toxic slow cookers & crock pots for healthy, tasty meals
• 8 best non-toxic rice cookers without Teflon for mouth-watering, fluffy rice
• 7 best non-toxic air fryers for healthier cooking
• 8 best non-toxic waffle makers without Teflon for a healthier breakfast
• 7 best non-toxic blenders to transform your smoothie game
• 10 best non-toxic loaf pans for health-conscious bakers
• 5 best non-toxic bread makers without Teflon for healthy homemade bread
• 10 best non-toxic & wooden cooking utensils for a safe kitchen
• 8 best non-toxic & wood cutting boards that cut out harmful chemicals
• 8 best non-toxic mixing bowls to mix, stir & whip safely
• 9 sustainable, non-toxic dinnerware brands to elevate your dining experience
• 9 best non-toxic silverware & flatware brands for a safer table
• 10 unique handmade ceramic mugs you’ll want to add to your collection
• 17 best non-toxic coffee makers without plastic for healthy brewing
• 11 best non-toxic tea kettles worth whistling at (electric & stovetop)
• 12 organic & fair trade chocolate brands for an ethical treat
• 15 eco-friendly alternatives to aluminum foil for cooking, baking & storage
• The best eco-friendly alternatives to Ziploc bags
• 12 best non-plastic, non-toxic food storage containers to keep your food fresh
• 11 organic kitchen towels for a clean, eco-friendly kitchen

Which non-toxic Dutch oven pot have you decided to get? 

Please leave a comment! 

Don’t forget to share this blog post with your friends so they can find the least toxic Dutch ovens on the market too. 

Looking for more non-toxic & sustainable brands? Check out the Ethical & Sustainable Brand Directory!

It features conscious brands in various categories, from home goods and furniture to fashion and clean beauty!

Share & save for later!