Dutch Oven Cooking Basics

The Difference Between a Camp Oven and a Dutch Oven

When looking for cast iron cookware, specificaly dutch ovens, you will come across two types;  The Dutch Oven and the Camp Dutch Oven.  The only significant difference between these two ovens is the lid.  The Camp Dutch Oven has a lid that has a raised ridge along the outer edge - this prevents coals and ash from falling into your food since you generally place coals on both the top and bottom of these ovens to cook your food.  The ducth oven has a regular domed lid and is usually used inside an oven or over a heat source without coals being placed on top.  In this article we will use the term Dutch Oven to refer to both types of ovens.

• Lodge 12 Inch 8 Quart Camp Dutch Oven 
• Lodge 5 Quart Dutch Oven 
• Lodge 7 Quart Dutch Oven With Side Handles

Caring for Your Dutch Oven

Dutch ovens usually come pre-seasoned, however this wasn't always the case. Seasoning refers to the process of baking a coat of cooking oil or grease into the pores of the ovens' metal surface, which will prevent your oven from rusting.  If you do need to season or re-season a dutch oven this is usally done by first cleaning the oven, drying and then wiping a coat of cooking oil or grease all over the interior and exterior of the oven.  The entire surface of the oven should be covered.  The oiled oven should then be placed in a conventional oven or grill and heated at approximatly 350 degrees - manufacturers instructions will tell you the exact timing and temperatures for seasoning the oven.

Each time you use your oven, you will need to clean it. However you do not want to use soap on your dutch oven, clean it with hot water and scrubbing only. After the oven is cleaned and dried, you should apply a fresh coat of cooking oil to it and store it. If you do use soap on your dutch oven, you will need to re-season the oven to prevent rust.

Charcoal

When purchasing charcoal for your Dutch oven, you will want a charcoal that has a long burning time. Charcoal sold as match lightable or easy lighting tend to burn up too quickly for dutch oven cooking and are not preferred. Kingsford original charcoal is a good brand to use.

 Dutch Oven Recipes and Cookbooks

There are a variety of recipes and cookbooks available for dutch oven cooking.

• Lodge Dutch Oven Cooking Basics with Dian Thomas 
• Texas Treasury of Dutch Oven Cooking
• Lodge Field Guide to Dutch Oven Cooking

Dutch Oven Cooking Accesories

There are many accessories available for cooking with dutch ovens that can make your dutch oven cooking experience easier and more enjoyable. Lid lifters help you easily move hot lids dutch oven lids, lid stands give you a surface to put your lids while cooking outdoors.  Trivets, Totes and other accessories are also available.

• Camp Dutch Oven Lid Lifter
• Camp Dutch Oven Lid Stand