Dutch ovens are some of the most versatile cookware in any kitchen. From braising to stewing to sautéing and boiling, they can handle just about any cooking function.
However, getting a durable and quality pot may seem elusive for many home cooks as the cookware from high-end brands is very expensive.
Introducing the Misen 7-quart Dutch oven that’s on a mission to make quality cookware available to every household at affordable prices.
In this guide, we’ll go in-depth and tell you all you need to know about the Misen Dutch oven and how it stacks up against other premium cookware brands.
Let’s dive in.
Features of The Misen Dutch Oven
1. Material: 5-ply construction for long-lasting durability
If your greatest desire is to have a Dutch oven that can last a lifetime and still carry out its cooking duties efficiently, then the Misen Dutch oven may just be the best you can get.
The design of this pot features two very solid materials. The first is cast iron. Cast iron is probably the most durable and sturdy cookware material you can get.
The cast iron layer confers even heat distribution, conduction, and retention on the Dutch oven; making it cook your food fast and evenly. It also makes the piece durable enough to last a lifetime.
But the manufacturers didn’t stop there.
They bonded the cast iron core to four layers of premium enamel (the hardest enamel you can possibly find).
What this does is that it gives your cookware extra durability and protects it from scratching, chipping, and cracking.
The four enamel coatings are sprayed evenly (down to 0.2 mm) over the cast iron core to make sure there are no imperfections in the design.
This is unlike other cheap Dutch ovens where the enamel coating is mostly hand-dipped.
2. Metal-utensil safe: designed to withstand impact
In a “Ball Drop test,” Misen dropped a 2-pound metal ball from a height of 3 feet into the Dutch oven severally to demonstrate its durability and resistance to chipping and scratching.
Surprisingly, this premium cookware did not scratch, chip, or flake.
When other Dutch ovens were tested, many cheap brands flaked and chipped on the first trial. It also out-performed some of the top brands; many thanks to its four enamel coatings.
3. Versatile: serving your various cooking needs
One of the top features we love about the Misen Dutch oven is its versatility.
First, home cooks love Dutch ovens because of their versatility but Misen took their cookware’s functionality a step further.
So whether your cooking needs are braising steak, boiling stew, sautéing vegetables, barbecuing grill, or simmering, you’ll be able to use this product for cooking just about everything. That’s because this Dutch oven comes with a lid that doubles as a grill pan.
So you’ll be getting two cookware in one when you get this Dutch oven. How sweet! While the tight-fitting grill-top lid will lock in your food’s moisture and flavors, it’ll also do a great job when you decide to use it as a grill pan.
And if you’re grilling with the grill-top lid while you’re sautéing your vegetables, you can still use the air-tight silicone lid that comes with this package as your Dutch oven cover.
The silicone lid is made from platinum-grade silicone and is PFOA-free and oven-safe.
But if you don’t want the grill-top lid, Misen also provides a traditional knob-style lid you can get instead. Both options have the silicone lid.
4. Heat-resistant: oven-resistant and compatible with all stovetops
If you’re looking for a pot that can withstand high heat so you can easily finish your cooking in the oven, the Misen Dutch oven has got you covered.
The Misen Dutch oven and its grill pan are oven-safe up to 500° F. And they’re compatible with electric, gas, and induction cooktops.
The platinum-grade silicone lid is also safe to use in the oven; however, we’re not so sure of the amount of heat it can withstand.
Check out our list of the best oven-safe skillets.
5. Budget-friendly: very affordable Dutch oven
One of the drawbacks of premium Dutch ovens is that they’re very expensive. Some brands like the Le Creuset and Staub have starting prices of around $400.
But because of Misen’s direct-to-consumer model, they’re able to offer their cookware (with all its premium features) at a fraction of the prices many other premium brands charge – $165.
6. Nearly non-stick Dutch oven: easy to clean
Another feature we love is that the smooth enamel coating is nearly non-stick. So you’ll be cooking healthy meals as it won’t leach harmful chemicals into your food.
Secondly, the Misen Dutch oven won’t scorch your meal, and it’s easy to clean. Simply soak it in warm water and scrub the residue off.
Although Misen claims their pot is dishwasher-safe, we advise you only hand-wash it to keep it durable in your kitchen cabinet for a long time.
Also, check our round-up of the best non-stick pans without Teflon.
7. Spacious cooking surface for feeding large families
The large base features a wide cooking area that’s 1 – 2 inches wider than many other cookware of the same size.
This gives you ample space for searing steaks and browning foods to feed many mouths.
8. Wide handles for easy handling
Misen also thought it wise to design wide ergonomic handles that your handles can easily fit in even when you’re using mitts.
9. Excellent review ratings
So far, the reviews on the Misen website have been nothing short of amazing. All the customers seem to be satisfied with their purchase as there haven’t been any complaints so far.
Whether you’re looking for the best kitchen knives, skillets, and kitchen appliances, we’ve got unbiased, well-researched, comprehensive guides for you here.
Pros
- It’s made from four layers of durable, premium enamel coating.
- It has a cast iron core for even heat distribution, retention, and conduction.
- The Misen cookware comes with a lifetime warranty and a 60-day trial period.
- It’s got a wider cooking surface than many other same-sized pots.
- It’s oven-safe up to temperatures reaching 500° F.
- The cooking area is virtually non stick so your food doesn’t stick to its bottom.
- The pot is versatile to cater to most of your cooking needs.
- It’s got a grill-top lid that doubles as a grill pan.
- It is metal utensil-safe and resistant to scratching, chipping, and cracking.
Cons
- It’s not dishwasher-safe, so we recommend handwashing.
- It’s still more expensive than other cheaper options (but well worth it).
What’s Included in The Misen Dutch Oven Set
The Misen Dutch oven comes in four colors giving you a range of options to choose from to spruce your kitchen – blue, green, red, black, and grey.
The oven set comes with;
- A Misen 7-quart Dutch oven
- A grill-top lid or knob-like traditional lid (depending on your preference)
- An extra universal silicone lid.
Buying Guide: Factors to Consider when Choosing The Best Dutch Ovens
Home cooks and professional chefs love Dutch ovens primarily because of their versatility.
But there are a couple of factors other than its versatility you should put into consideration when deciding on the Dutch oven brand that will suit your cooking needs. And we’re going to deal with those in this section.
Finish
Basically, you can find two finish choices for Dutch ovens; stainless steel, seasoned cast iron, enamel-coated cast iron, and ceramic.
But the cast iron Dutch ovens (seasoned cast iron and enameled cast iron) tend to be very popular due to their durability.
A seasoned cast iron Dutch oven will be best for you if you often cook outdoors. They can withstand very high temperatures and are more durable than cast iron cookware.
Their construction also makes them great for searing steaks. But you’ll have to season them often and they’re more difficult to clean.
Enameled cast iron Dutch ovens, on the other hand, are best suited for cooking on stovetops. They don’t require seasoning and are easier to clean as the enamel coat is glossy and almost nonstick.
However, the enamel coating is not resistant to scratching, chipping, and cracking. So you’ll want to avoid using metal utensils and dropping your lid with force on these models as they may not be able to withstand the impact.
Due to these issues with enamel-coated cast iron cookware, Misen made an upgraded Dutch oven. Their model features four layers of premium enamel (the most durable enamel coat) for more efficiency in the kitchen and resistance to pressures other Dutch ovens can’t withstand.
Size, shape, and handle
5- to 6-quart Dutch ovens are good for cooking for a few people. But if you have a large family or you usually host friends, you’ll be better off with a piece of cookware that’s around 7- to 8-quart.
The Misen 7-quart Dutch oven goes a step further in providing you more cooking space by having an interior that’s 1 to 2 inches wider than other models.
While round shapes may seem like the most popular choices for Dutch ovens, you can get one that’s octagonal.
So if you want something more unique, you may opt for the octagonal-shaped cookware. Although, the round kitchenware tends to be more versatile.
Another important factor to consider is the size of the pot’s handles. You’ll need handles that will allow you to securely lift your pot with either your bare hands or mitts. The Misen 7-quart Dutch oven affords you this safe grip.
Price
One of the most important factors people consider when buying a Dutch oven is its cost.
Pots from premium brands can cost around $300 and above. You can also get cheaper options for less than $100. But don’t expect these pots to be as durable as those from the big boys.
So Misen stepped in to design a Dutch oven that’s affordable and can match (or even surpass) the quality of premium brands. This is because they sell directly to you and don’t use middlemen.
Theirs cost $165; a fraction of the hefty price slapped by premium brands on their products.
Interior design
Basically, you can have two kinds of coatings; light interiors and dark interiors.
The lighter interior-coated pot lets you monitor the progress of your cooking. And sometimes, they tend to be more beautiful.
However, these types of Dutch ovens may discolor with time, and they may show scratches and cracked lines.
With darker Dutch ovens, you may find it difficult to monitor your cooking as the bottom spots a dark hue. But these pots are good for hiding scratches and cracks.
Discoloration, if any, is also not very visible. So they tend to look as good as new even after using them for years.
Conclusion
The Misen 7-quart Dutch oven is definitely a (more like two) cookware you should have in your kitchen. Its versatility will make it replace some other cookware sitting on your kitchen counter. And its durability will see it serve you for many years to come.
You can test-drive this pot for 60 days and return it if you’re unsatisfied. But from the excellent reviews on their website, we doubt you’ll return yours.
