A Dutch oven is a basic piece of cooking gear that’s been around for decades. It’s made from cast iron and is typically shaped like a deep, wide pot with a lid on top and handle on the side. Other than the Best Dutch Ovens on the Market standard length and width, the shape of this pot changes depending upon what function it’s meant to serve. They can be used in many different ways, but most often they are used as the main cooking vessel for stews or soups in the slow cooker style.
Many outdoor cooking enthusiasts swear by a Dutch oven for preparing their meals. They may also be used for baking purposes and are perfect for baking breads and cakes. Nowadays, Dutch ovens come in several different varieties from cast iron or enameled cast iron to aluminum or stainless steel. With so many choices out there, the main thing to consider is what you plan to use your Dutch oven for most often. If you’re going to be mostly using it as a slow cooker or in the oven, then you’d probably be better off with something like an enameled cast iron pot or a stainless steel version. For smoker enthusiasts, cast iron Dutch ovens are a perfect alternative to their traditional cooking vessel.
Why Use A Dutch Oven?
Why not use a slow cooker or just a regular pot? Well, it’s because of the taste and the texture. Slow cookers soften the outside of your food while cooking it, which can make it mushy if cooked for too long. Dutch ovens, on the other hand, retain their shape and allow you to cook them for longer periods of time without ending up with super soft food. You’ll get a better consistency and texture from food cooked in a Dutch oven versus foods that were cooked in other types of cooking vessels. The same thing goes for roasting or baking. You can have a much more consistent cooking experience when using a Dutch oven as opposed to other cooking vessels.
Cast iron Dutch ovens serve their function the best amongst all the different types of Dutch ovens. They are the most durable and are able to withstand high amounts of heat without breaking or warping. In fact, cast iron is considered by many foodies as a healthier alternative to other cooking methods such as aluminum, glass or plastic. It’s also less likely to contain harmful chemicals like PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), which is used to make non-stick cookware more resistant.
