In the depths of winter, when it's dark, cold and grey outside, all I want to eat is comfort food, which requires just a few kitchen staples. One of the best Dutch ovens is an absolute essential for one-pot dishes such as casseroles, soup recipes and bakes. Investing in the best can be costly (although the highest quality pieces and heirloom brands should last a lifetime), but if you're looking for more of a quick-fix seasonal solution, I've found just the thing – IKEA's VARDAGEN pot with lid.
This enamelled cast iron pot is exactly what's needed for whipping up warming winter dishes, batch-cooking for the freezer, and is really affordable option compared to alternatives from heritage cookware brands.
There's a lot to love about this pot. For starters, it's made from enamelled cast iron, which is wonderful for heat distribution and retention, making for even cooking, while the lid keeps the steam in the pot to keep your roasts succulent.
The IKEA VARDAGEN pot is also suitable for all cooktops, including induction, and you can put it in the oven, too. The enamelled cast iron doesn't require any specialist treatment either (which can be a commitment when it comes to caring for the best cast iron cookware, to keep it in tip top condition) – the only downside is that it can't go in the dishwasher, but I think I can live with that for the incredible price.
I'm also a big fan of the blue-grey color as it fits well in both modern and traditional kitchen setups, plus it feels just as luxe as some of Le Creuset's classic shades (if you're as indecisive as me our guide on how to choose a Le Creuset shade according to your birth month could help).
While you really can't beat a Le Creuset or Lodge Dutch oven for performance and longevity (many last decades and can be passed down through generations), IKEA's version comes with a 15-year limited warranty, so if you work out what it will cost you per use, we're taking a few cents. I don't know about you, but I'm sold.
Shop More Cookware for Cozy Winter Dishes
This taller, matte black version of IKEA's VARDAGEN pot is ideal for making family-sized batches of soups, stews, and casseroles – serve it straight to the table with some other soup serving essentials.
In the versatile oyster shade, this classic 5.5 quart Dutch oven is the ultimate addition to your winter cooking arsenal. It does come at a price, but our reviewers rated this as the Best Dutch oven overall in their tests.
It's hard not to be simply won over by the gorgeous look of this piece – who wouldn't want it gracing their stove? But it's also a hard-working piece of cookware that is ideal for everything from soups to pasta bakes.
Part of IKEA's Scandi-inspired KLIPPFISK collection, this non-stick pot features a glass lid and solid rubberwood handles for a stylish finish, as well as useful spouts and strainers for serving.
Exclusive to Macy's, this modern and eye-catching Dutch oven will be a welcome addition to any contemporary kitchen with a substantial 7-quart capacity. It comes with a matching braiser, too.
Chef and award-winning restaurateur, Bobby Flay, has partnered with cookware brand, Greenpan to create this 5.5 quart Dutch oven which is highly versatile, and can withstand temperatures up to 500F.
Looking for more affordable, yet stylish cookware? We recently wrote about IKEA's KLIPPFISK cookware range, which includes a Scandi-inspired Saute pan, frying pan, and lidded pots for stylish winter cooking.
