A Dutch oven is a thick, usually cast iron cooking pot that has a lid. It is sometimes called a 'camp oven'. Dutch ovens are sometimes also made of aluminum. The aluminum Dutch ovens require no seasoning and they weigh much less. The aluminum Dutch ovens do not however, retain heat as well as the cast iron ovens. Most Dutch oven aficionados will only use cast iron ovens and will snub their noses at the aluminum Dutch ovens.

Modern Dutch ovens are designed to use on the stove top or in the oven. The bottoms are smooth and often the exteriors are enameled.
Americans 'season' their Dutch ovens just as they do with other cast iron cookware. This consists of an initial scouring with hot and soapy water to remove the protective coating they are manufactured with. After this first scouring, to clean them after use, no soap it used. When the Dutch oven dries, it is given a thin coat of vegetable oil that prevents the interior from rusting. The oven is then heated slightly so that the oil bonds to the metal.

A newly seasoned Dutch oven should not be used to cook acidic foods such as tomatoes or vinegar. This type of food will damage the new seasoning. Instead, the newly seasoned Dutch oven should only be used to cook foods that are high in fat or oil like bacon, chicken, sausage, or be used for deep frying food.

When storing a Dutch oven, it should be freshly oiled and stored in a clean and dry cupboard with the lid slightly ajar so that air circulates and it will not smell and taste like rancid oil. If the Dutch oven must be put away with the lid on, then a paper towel should be put inside to absorb moisture.

Dutch ovens typically vary in size anywhere from 8 inches to 22 inches in diameter. The most commonly used Dutch ovens are in the 10, 12 and 14 inch size. The larger Dutch ovens are great for cooking for large groups of people, but are difficult to move and handle.

Meats cooked in a Dutch oven are delectable with a flavor and aroma that you cannot acquire using any other method of cooking. You should always brown the meat first before placing it inside the oven. This seals in the natural juices and gives the meat a more appealing appearance when served.

Best Dutch Ovens

The Ultimate Dutch Oven Company sells some of the very best Dutch ovens as does Lodge Manufacturing who produces the most extensive selection of quality cast iron cookware on the market.

All great chefs would not live without a good quality Dutch oven. The Dutch oven is often a much-cherished center piece of many family kitchens across the United States and Europe.

Dutch ovens are ideal for baking during a camping trip or other outdoor excursions. They are simple to operate and use.

Dutch Ovens on Sale