Topic: Best Dutch Ovens for Camping in 2022 (Read 129 times)
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Key Features
Why It Made the Cut
The Camp Chef model excelled in the baking test and was the only brand that offered the built-in thermometer notch in the lid.
Pros
Cons
Product Description
Maintaining a constant temperature in a dutch oven is important if you’re counting on perfectly browned biscuits when you remove the lid, and that’s exactly what the Camp Chef Classic Dutch Oven produced during the baking test. The thermometer notch on the Camp Chef makes checking the internal temperature of this Dutch oven possible without having to remove the lid, so you don’t have to release any heat or steam during the cooking process. I placed a meat thermometer into the notch to monitor the temperature. By adjusting the number of charcoal briquettes under the dutch oven, as well as the ones on the lid, I was able to consistently bake biscuits that were fluffy in the middle and golden brown on top when I maintained a temperature of 225 degrees for 30 minutes.
The Camp Chef also came in second place in the pre-seasoned finish test, which left the bottom of the pot clean when I removed the biscuits, and it also co*es with a reasonable price. This dutch oven does run a little shallow for a 10-inch, but if baking is your main priority, this one should impress you.
Key Features
Why It Made the Cut
The Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven has an exceptional pre-seasoned finish on all surfaces, and its durable construction lends a hand to its incredible heat retention.
Pros
Cons
Product Description
Lodge cast-iron cookware has been made in America since 1896, and it’s no wonder they have been in business so long. They produce some of the best cast-iron on the market and the Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven is no exception. The sheen from the factory seasoning immediately stood out, especially co*pared to the others in my test. I was also pleased to see that all surfaces, inside and out, were equally treated and seasoned.
The seasoning on the Lodge passed the searing test beautifully on a roast without it sticking to the bottom. And it produced a nice, crisp brown on all sides of the roast. Although its durable construction does make it a bit heavy, the thick walls proved vital in heat retention, which easily placed the Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven in first place for this test. To ensure that you can find the right size to meet your needs, Lodge offers sizes that range from as small as 2-quarts to as large as 10-quarts for their Deep Camp collection. So, if you have an impromptu camping trip and don’t have time to season your Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven, you can feel confident that it’ll get you by until you have a chance to properly season it.
Key Features
Why It Made the Cut
The Ozark Trail Cast Iron Dutch Oven is an excellent entry level dutch oven that offers above average quality at a below average price.
Pros
Cons
Product Description
The Ozark Trail Cast Iron Dutch Oven is the most affordable brand I tested by far. While the spring handle made it difficult, but not impossible, to hang from a tripod, it was more cumbersome to remove it from the hanger than it was to put it on. However, the spring handle proved helpful when I moved the dutch oven safely by hand. The handle’s stainless construction also ensures that it won’t rust or corrode.
This model did well in the heat retention test, co*ing in third place. For anyone wanting to use a cast-iron dutch oven for camping but is reluctant to pay over $30, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better option. And, since it can be found in the camping section of Wal-Mart, you will likely be able to pick one up close to home.
Key Features
Why It Made the Cut
The Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned Flat Bottom dutch Oven co*es with an exceptional manufacturer seasoning and performed the second best during the heat retention test.
Pros
Cons
Product Description
The Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned Flat Bottom Dutch Oven fell just short of outperforming other models in most of the tests, which is why I gave it the runner-up award. Its durable construction made it the heaviest of models that I tested, but like the Lodge, that quality ranked it high in the heat retention test.
While it didn’t co*e in first during any of the tests, it still performed well and did have a great out-of-the-box factory seasoning. Though, the coarse interior casting makes it a bit more difficult to clean after cooking or baking in it. Still, this dutch oven performed well enough that I see it as a viable option that I had to include.
It is not reco*mended to use enamel-coated dutch ovens over an open flame, because the extreme temperatures can cause the coating to crack and chip off.
To clean a dutch oven while camping, it’s best if you start the process by removing any remaining food before it dries to any surfaces. It’s best to use hot water and a sponge, but you can use a mild soap diluted in water to hand wash your cast-iron dutch oven. But concentrated soaps and those containing citrus can damage the seasoning and should be avoided. When using soap, make sure to rinse thoroughly, so that there’s no residue left on any surfaces. Next, co*pletely dry the pot and lid by using paper or cloth towels to remove any water. Before storing, make sure to wipe all surfaces with a thin layer of oil.
You can use a dutch oven without legs over a fire using a few different techniques, especially since you won’t be using your camping stove for this one. Suspending the pot from a tripod stand is one option if you’re able. Another way you can do this is by using a trivet, a short stand that sits over the coals so that a flat bottomed Dutch oven can be suspended over the coals.
The price of a dutch oven varies depending on the brand, size, and style. But the majority of average-sized dutch ovens usually cost between $30 and $100.
When it co*es to deciding which dutch oven best suits your outdoor cooking needs, here are a few things to consider.
Size
When you’re trying to determine what size dutch oven you need for camping, it’s generally accepted that you will get one serving per quart. Meaning, that a 5-quart dutch oven can serve five guests while an 8-quart would acco*modate eight. But, knowing how many servings you can expect isn’t the only reason to consider the size. For example, if you’re wanting to slow-cook wild turkey legs from this spring, you may want to consider a larger option that provides enough room to fit larger cuts of meat. So, you’ll want to also consider what types of food you plant to cook as well.
Lid Design
Most dutch ovens have similar lid designs, but if you want to get the most out of your purchase, buying one with a lid that doubles as a skillet should be something to consider. Not to mention, this also eliminates the need to pack an extra skillet and saves room in your camping box. If you’re planning on cooking a large roast, a lid with a more concave surface on the inside will acco*modate this better than a flatter one.
Weight
While your dutch oven’s weight doesn’t play as important of a role when the camp location lies just a few steps away from where you parked, if you’re backpacking or canoeing in, weight beco*es an important factor. There were some inconsistencies between the weights listed on their websites and the weight I found when I weighed each product. For that reason, I recorded the weights I actually weighed in the Key Features section for each product, rather than the manufacturers’ weights.
With the versatility offered by the best dutch ovens for camping, meals enjoyed with friends and family around a campfire can transform your fire-side meal. Just decide which one best fits your needs and get to cooking.
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