If you've been putting off making sourdough because you don't have the right gear, this cast iron dutch oven is the thing that'll actually get you baking. The thick cast iron walls hold heat like nothing else, which means when you put your dough in, it stays hot and traps steam — that's what gives you that gorgeous, crispy crust you see at fancy bakeries. But it's not just a bread pot. This thing handles slow braises, hearty stews, roasts, and more. Chuck it on any cooktop — gas, electric, ceramic, or induction — and it handles all of them, plus it's oven-safe up to 260°C.

The enamel coating on the inside is smooth and non-reactive, so you're not getting any metallic taste in your food and cleanup is pretty easy after a big cook. At 3.8L it's a solid size for most households — enough for a decent loaf or a slow-cooked meal that feeds the family. It comes in a clean white finish that looks great going straight from the oven to the table, which always earns points when you're hosting.

This is genuinely great value for a cast iron dutch oven, and you can find it over at Simpledeals along with heaps of other kitchen finds. If you'd rather spread the cost, you can grab it on Afterpay too. Comes with a one-year warranty, so you're covered if anything goes sideways.