Swooning over a cast iron bread oven? Here are the best ones!
A good cast iron bread oven may be the difference between sourdough and sour-don’t 😂. We’ve spotted this Le Creuset one trending all over social media, but $300 feels like a bit much– wasn’t the point to save money making sourdough?
Cast iron does prove to have substantial benefits though, if you’re hoping for the perfect texture, rise, and color every time. So we’ve rounded up these luxury alternatives to help you save some dough.
Check out our top 8 cast iron bread oven picks:
1. If it’s color you’re after, pay less than a third of the price and choose from these 7 pretty options.
2. This cast iron bread oven comes pre-seasoned and has over 29,600 5-star reviews!
I had never ventured into bread making and read that the heavy Dutch oven with a lid is a secret to crunchy crust bread that is soft and pillowy on the inside. The very first simple recipe I used for no–knead bread in this Dutch oven turned out like a high-end steakhouse bread ball. I was blown away and kept saying, “I made that!!!” The finished bread turned out of the Dutch oven without leaving as much as a crumb behind. I now am a bread maker thanks to this amazing piece of American-made iron cookware.
This Dutch oven is very handy. It’s great for an oven, stove top, or over a camp fire. It’s pre–seasond so I didn’t have to do that. Everything cooked in this has tasted so…good. I highly recommend this Dutch oven. I love the fact it cleans up easily. I will be purchasing another very soon.
3. Even our team-fave brand Our Place, has an heirloom-quality Dutch oven for less than Le Creuset (and it comes with accessories too!)
4. Tons of reviewers say this affordable cast iron Dutch oven is PERFECT for sourdough!
It seems to be high quality. I’ve baked 6 loaves of sourdough in it and it works perfectly. The blue color is beautiful.
Perfect for baking homemade sourdough bread! Thanks, Walmart
Love this Dutch oven great for baking sourdough bread!!!
5. Larger families might want to opt for this 6qt. full capacity Dutch oven instead.
6. Or grab this highly-rated Dutch oven like Lina owns!
7. This bread oven looks way more expensive than the price tag and is SO stunning!
8. We’re BIG fans of Drew Barrymore’s line and this Dutch oven is no exception.
Great Dutch Oven, it is nice and heavy and retains the heat well. I have used it to great success for both sourdough bread, a smoked ham, and as a deep-fryer.
Still feel like you need a Le Creuset? Here’s the deal:
Why is cast iron best for baking sourdough?
Most sourdough requires a high heat – up to 500°F and cast iron can handle up to the 600° range. Plus, it retains and distributes heat exceptionally well for an even bake.
A cast iron Dutch oven also includes a lid which is required for steam to form and the generous 5-quart gives the loaf plenty of room to rise.
Take your baking to the next level with these tasty recipes:
