Things To Consider When Selecting a Dutch Oven

By:Charles Kassotis

Cooking with a Dutch oven can by a rewarding and delicious experience. The food is generally tasty, as the oven is a slow cooker that allows the food to sit in its own juices and flavors. Most people think of Dutch ovens as pots that one uses outdoors and while camping. While this is true, there are also Dutch ovens that are ideal for indoor cooking on stoves or in ovens. Sometimes these Dutch ovens are called “bean pots.”

One of the first things you need to decide when choosing your Dutch oven is what kind of material it is made up. Dutch oven pots come in two types: cast iron and cast aluminum. There are some basic differences between the two kinds. Many people like aluminum pots because they are lighter and easier to care for. They weigh half as much, and you can use soap and water to clean them. When you use cast iron, it is important to season the Dutch oven before you use it. This is when you use oil or animal fat to harden in the pores of the cast iron and form a protective barrier against rust. You should never clean a seasoned cast iron Dutch oven with soap because the soap will dissolve the seasoning.

There are drawbacks to aluminum, however. It cannot take as much heat. If you have too many coals, or if the pot is resting on some of the coals, your aluminum oven can melt. The other drawback is that they do not retain heat as well. If the day is windy, then your pit made from aluminum will not be able to maintain a constant temperature. Additionally, because the aluminum heats up so much faster that the cast iron, you are more likely to burn your food. Additionally, a cast iron Dutch oven will retain its heat even after you remove it from the hear source, keeping your food warm. Aluminum cools much more quickly.

Whether you choose cast iron or aluminum, though, there are some important things to look for when you are selecting a Dutch oven. First of all, you should make sure that the oven is well made. You want the bail to be uniform all the way around, and you want the lid to fit snugly onto the pot. It should be uniform and form a seal to keep the heat and the flavor in. A ridge on the lid will keep coals from fall off the tops, and keep ashes from falling into the food.

Another thing to look for is what kind of legs your oven has. A “bean pot” will not usually have legs. It is meant to sit on stove top or in the oven. The outdoor Dutch ovens, however, usually have three legs. You want to make sure that they are a good height (short and stubby will put the bottom of the pot on the coals) and thick. Skinny legs can puncture the bottom of the pan, collapsing, when heavier food are in them.

Digg del.icio.us Blink Stumble Spurl Reddit Netscape Furl

Article keywords: dutch oven, market, buy, advice, material, iron, aluminum, cooker, pot, oven, food

Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com

For more information on different kinds of pots, kettles, and pans, visit The Pot N’ Kettle

Top Food and Drink Articles
1). Convection vs. Conventional Ovens... What's The Difference? By : Debbie Dragon If you are in the market for a new oven and you’ve already begun shopping for one, you’ve probably noticed that there are a few different types. Two of the most popular oven types are conventional and convection, and many newer ovens have the option of cooking food in either fashion depending on the set mode. The difference in these two types of ovens is the way in which the heat in the oven is dispersed during the cooking process.
2). Fish Oil - It’s Health Benefits & Risks By : John H. Rogers As the name implies, fish oil is oil that is removed from the tissues of oily fish and is often recommended as part of a healthy diet program. Many nutritionists recommend that individuals each fish at least once a week, but emphasis must be placed on the importance of avoiding fish that contain certain harmful contaminants. In avoiding predatory fish, such as sharks and others, individuals will prevent the consumption of unhealthy substances which can accumulate due to the fish’s predatory lifestyle.
3). How To Eat Fresh Vegetables – Ideas for Working More Veggies By : Robb Ksiazek Fresh, uncooked veggies are so healthy and it’s important to work them into your meal plan somewhere. The majority of American’s don’t eat enough v
4). Let's NOT Talk Turkey By : Kristin Johnson The carving. The leftovers. The endless stuffing. Actually, you love the stuffing, cranberries and turkey trimmings. However, it's been se
5). Diners - An American Icon By : Barbara Wangelid The definition of a diner is typically a narrow structure resembling a railroad dining car with the interior containing a service counter with stools
6). Honey – Important Health Facts! By : Anita Morris Honey is the most known apicultural product, it is a substance that the bees produce through a complicated process of elaboration, where they absorb the nectar and deposit it in their stomach, then go back to the beehive to deliver it, throwing up repeated times; this way ferments, acid and albumen are added to the nectar. It contains most of the essential mineral elements that our system needs.
7). Homemade Ice Cream - Easier Than You think! By : Scott Byers If you are looking for some great fun and a delicious treat any time of year, you will want to know about making homemade ice cream. This is a fun thing to do alone or with someone else. No matter what you are doing or what the temperature is outside, you will want to have some homemade ice cream for a great snack or treat. You will love making it along with eating it as well.
8). Save Money on Groceries: Part I By : Jon Martin One universal of humanity, no matter who you are or where you come from, you have to eat. Unless you grow your own food, you will have to go to t
9). Advising on the best sourced help concerning bar supplies. By : Tom Advising on the best sourced help concerning bar supplies. When you're after high-class information about bar supplies, it'll be complex unscramb
10). The Best Way to Use Low-Carb Control By : Melissa White The benefits of low-carb dieting are easy to see and make clear why so many are choosing a low-carb way of life. For example, there isn't any coun

New Food and Drink Articles
1). Do Aphrodisiac Foods Exist By : Kadence Buchanan Many of us have heard that sea-food excite the human senses or that walnuts and honey are the best aphrodisiac. But do certain types of food affect the human erotic impulse?
2). Fast Food No Nos By : Della Franklin The pitfalls of eating fast food and some suggestions on how to lessen the damage.
3). Studies That Show The Benefits Of Dark Chocolate On Blood Pressure By : Gregg Hall Good news for dark chocolate lovers. Eating dark chocolate can now help lower blood pressure. A recent study was done by specialists in the US that says, dark chocolate will actually help in lowering your blood pressure.
4). How To Eat Good Quality Food While Traveling By : Gregg Hall When you are traveling whether on the road or airport hopping finding good food to eat at a reasonable price is an important consideration. When you are traveling eating out at fancy restaurants can take you over your budget in a hurry.
5). A Look At Some Of The Most Famous French Chocolate Makers By : Gregg Hall French chocolate is one of the most popular types of confection in the world. It is used in many tasty treats such as chocolate mousse and the ever popular chocolate eclair.
6). The Organic Buffet By : Della Franklin New trend of heating organic foods at a buffet.
7). When Considering To Buy A Gas Grill Keep These Things In Mind By : Gregg Hall Some people still choose to use charcoal grills, but these can be messy to clean and take time to heat up enough to cook on. This is why many people now opt to buy gas grills.
8). The Perfect Gift: Fresh Fruit By : Jessica Deets No matter the occasion and no matter the recipient, fruit baskets are appropriate. Fruit baskets can be anything but ordinary with a little planning.
9). Cooking Tips For Outdoor Chefs By : Bob Alexander Tips on how to light charcoal for barbeque cookouts and live to tell about it! Safety tips for the novice and experienced griller both. Delicious cooking ideas for smoking meats.
10). Fish Oil - It’s Health Benefits & Risks By : John H. Rogers As the name implies, fish oil is oil that is removed from the tissues of oily fish and is often recommended as part of a healthy diet program. Many nutritionists recommend that individuals each fish at least once a week, but emphasis must be placed on the importance of avoiding fish that contain certain harmful contaminants. In avoiding predatory fish, such as sharks and others, individuals will prevent the consumption of unhealthy substances which can accumulate due to the fish’s predatory lifestyle.