A large cast iron Dutch oven is perfect for cooking a large meal or feeding a crowd. These heavy-duty pots are great for slow-cooking, braising meats, and making soups. The thick walls and tight-fitting lid of a large cast-iron Dutch oven help distribute heat evenly, making it ideal for simmering and baking. Their size also makes them perfect for baking bread or making large batches of chili.
The lower sides, which flare outwards, are another essential design component. The outward flare makes it easy to toss omelets, pancakes, and other dishes directly from the pan to a plate.