Looking for the best Dutch oven for camping cooking? You've come to the right place! In this article, we will review some of the best Dutch ovens on the market and provide you with a buying guide to help you choose the perfect one for your needs.
Whether you are looking for a high quality cast iron oven for baking bread or one for Dutch oven cooking of Texas chili, we have got you covered. So, without further ado, let's get started!
How We Choose
Trying to find the best camping griddle for your needs can be a daunting task. With so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you? It can be tough to figure out what the best Dutch oven is for your needs.
With all of the different options available, it's hard to know which one is right for you. I have personally read thousands of reviews on Amazon to find the best Dutch oven for camping for all conditions.
After hours of research, I have compiled my findings into this comprehensive guide.
Products We Reviewed
Camp Chef Classic 10" Dutch Oven
Why We Love It
This 10-inch Camp Chef Classic Dutch Oven is perfect for cooking up your family's favorite recipes. Made from durable cast iron, it's designed for even heat distribution and long-lasting use.
The Dutch oven allows you to prepare heartier meals that are only achievable with cast iron cookware. With its four-quart capacity, this oven is perfect for smaller gatherings or large family get-togethers.
What You Should Know
Camp Chef is a leading manufacturer of top-quality outdoor cooking gear, and their True Seasoned Finish cast iron Dutch oven is one of their best products.
This oven is built to last, with a thick cast iron body that can withstand high temperatures and heavy use. The True Seasoned Finish provides excellent protection against rust and corrosion, and the built-in thermometer notch makes it easy to monitor the temperature of your food.
The convenient loop handle on the lid makes it easy to carry the oven from your campsite to your kitchen, and the metal bail handle on the kettle lets you hang the pot over a fire.
The flange on the lid also makes this oven perfect for cooking with charcoal briquettes or wood. Weighing in at 14 pounds, this Camp Chef Dutch oven is a durable and essential piece of camping equipment.
Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven, 8 Quart
Why We Love It
This deep camp Dutch oven from Lodge is the perfect choice for any outdoor cooking need. The flanged lid holds hot coals and inverts for use as a griddle, so you can sear, fry or grill any food to perfection.
The integral legs help to position the Dutch oven perfectly over hot coals, while the bail handle makes it easy to hang over a tripod for slow-cooked meals.
Made from durable cast iron, this 8 quart oven is sure to become a staple in your camping gear.
What You Should Know
Lodge is a well-known brand when it comes to cookware, and their Lodge Camp Dutch oven is no exception. This oven comes pre-seasoned using Lodge's own unique blend of 100% natural vegetable oils.
It has excellent heat retention and even heating, making it perfect for searing, sautéing, baking, broiling, braising, and frying.
It also has an 8 quart capacity, making it large enough to feed a crowd. The lid inverts to serve as a griddle for frying food, and the entire unit weighs just 19 pounds. The included Camp Dutch Oven Cooking 101 cookbook will get you started with their favorite Dutch oven recipes.
Whether you're cooking on the grill or over a campfire, the Lodge Dutch oven is a versatile tool that any cook will appreciate.
Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned 2 In 1 Cast Iron Set
Why We Love It
The Bruntmor 5 quart pre-seasoned heavy duty 2 in 1 cast iron camping Dutch oven and casserole with a lid is the perfect addition to your camp kitchen!
This versatile piece of cookware can be used for soups, stews, baking, roasting, frying, grilling, broiling, braising, and sautéing meats, vegetables, and more!
The Dutch oven is made of durable cast iron construction with a pre-seasoned finish that is easy to clean and provides even heat distribution.
The lid doubles as a skillet, so you can fry up some eggs or bacon for breakfast or grill some burgers for dinner!
The possibilities are endless with this handy kitchen tool.
What You Should Know
The Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned Dutch oven is a versatile cooking pot that can be used as a fryer or Dutch oven, while the lid can double as a skillet.
Made of cast iron, this Dutch oven and lid/skillet set are here to make cooking and cleaning effortless!
Due to its non-stick surface, this traditional cast-iron cooker set is effortless to clean since you don't have to scrub stuck-on food anymore!
Additionally, the Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned Dutch oven is pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, making it ready to use right out of the box.
So if you're looking for a durable and easy-to-use cooking pot, then the Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned Dutch oven is the perfect choice for you!
Uno Casa 2in1 Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Why We Love It
Do you love spending time outdoors, but hate having to lug around a bunch of different pots and pans? The Uno Casa 2in1 Cast Iron Dutch Oven is the perfect solution for you!
This versatile pot can be used as a Dutch oven or a 10-inch skillet, so you can easily switch between recipes without having to take up valuable space in your camp kitchen.
With the Uno Casa 2in1 Cast Iron Dutch Oven, you can bake delicious bread, sauté onions and peppers for your next fajita night, or even make mini pan pizzas for the whole family. The possibilities are endless!
And thanks to the heavy-duty construction, you can be sure that this pot will last you for years to come.
What You Should Know
A Dutch oven is a type of pot that is typically made from cast iron. It has a smooth finish that helps it to absorb seasonings very well, making it a great option for those who want to create delicious and flavorful meals.
Dutch ovens are also non-stick, meaning that they will not cause your food to stick to the surface while you are cooking.
Additionally, Dutch ovens distribute heat evenly across their surface, ensuring that your food cooks evenly.
Finally, this Dutch oven comes with a silicone trivet mat and 2 potholders, which protect you and your surfaces from the heat of the pot.
If you are looking for a pot that can help you to create beautiful and tasty dishes, then this Dutch oven may be the perfect option for you.
ExcelSteel Dutch Oven w/Handle & Leg Base
Why We Love It
Welcome to the ExcelSteel Dutch Oven with Handle and Leg Base. This is the perfect tool for cooking up a delicious meal around the campfire.
With its slow-cooking capabilities, you can create a variety of different dishes that will please everyone in your group.
Whether you're looking to boil, bake, fry, or roast, this Dutch oven will help you create the perfect meal every time.
And thanks to the leg base, you'll be able to keep your food off the ground, ensuring that it cooks evenly and stays clean.
So don't wait any longer, check out thie ExcelSteel Dutch Oven today and start cooking up some unforgettable memories!
What You Should Know
This ExcelSteel Dutch Oven is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used for baking, braising, roasting, and more. This 6-quart Dutch oven is made from tough cast iron and features a tight-fitting lid to keep in flavor.
The handle makes it easy to carry and hang over a fire, and the Dutch oven is long-lasting and durable. It weighs 18 pounds.
Buyers Guide
How do I choose a Cast Iron Dutch Oven?
The earliest Dutch ovens were found outdoors more often than in the kitchen. How can we cook in the Netherlands without using Dutch cookware?
There are many advantages to cooking in a Dutch oven. During camping, the whole cooking process is possible in a pot.
Conserving the precious hours to enjoy a relaxing camp trip, cast-iron Dutch ovens are an absolute essential on any camping trip unless you are hungry and need food.
Factors to Consider When Looking For A Good Dutch Oven
Lids
Most camp Dutch ovens will have a lid that will allow for stacking the coal on top. Even in a situation where you don't plan to stack coal onto the surface, the possibility exists that this can happen if you need to.
Piling coals on the lid can ensure a smooth cooking process especially for baking.
Reversible lids that can be griddled can be useful since panfrying eggs is inefficient in a large-depth cooking pot. It will save needing extra kitchenware.
Manufacturers add a little depth at the lid with ribs over them, which allows a flipping of lid on the legs. It's possible to combine a Dutch oven with a cooking grill!
Material
Cast iron has been favored for Dutch ovens and for good reason. In addition to being extremely durable it also boasts excellent nonstick properties when properly prepared.
Cast iron is heavier and requires frequent cleaning and seasoning. Dutch ovens are surprisingly inexpensive and available to all those seeking alternative products.
While beautiful and ideal to cook with in-home kitchens, an enamel Dutch oven is not suitable as an outdoor Dutch oven. It can crack under the high temperatures of a camp fire. Aluminum Dutch ovens are an ideal substitute for cast iron.
Size
What's a good Dutch-made food? What's the smallest oven in the camper? Well, this varies depending upon who cooks.
Do not believe - bigger is better either? Some of these monsters require more than two people to carry.
Dutch ovens can be measured in quart capacity and range between 2.5 quarts to 20 quarts.
However, to make it possible to stir without making a mess, it is recommended using two thirds of the capacity.
Handling
A regular Dutch oven can be quite heavy. You want an effective, solid handle so you don't drop it, or so you don't burn yourself.
Since you probably use an open fire during camping, the heat up time needed will be shorter. The looped hook handle can be used to carry the oven and hang above a camp fire if necessary.
Be careful though, as with most pots, even handles can be very hot. Use non-slip gloves to protect your skin and use a lid lifting device if necessary.
Legs
Most Dutch ovens are usually three-legs, so they are easy to cook with flexibility. With a Dutch oven that has legs the cooktop won't need a tripod.
The leg helps it stand in a campfire without touching the embers and provides a little distance to maintain a uniform heat flow. While you can put a flat Dutch oven without legs easily on coal, you risk a few unpleasant spots.
Weight
When choosing which items can fit in a camping bag, weight is a critical consideration. The average campfire Dutch oven is about 15 pounds whereas larger Dutch ovens can weigh up to 45 pounds.
Purchasing multiple smaller Dutch cooking appliances can help you avoid excess weight. But the whole process can cause problems to cook. Aluminum Dutch ovens provide other ways to avoid the weight.
Dutch oven accessories
Although not 100% necessary there is a range of Dutch oven accessories which help ease the camping cooking process.
A Tripod
When cooking in an uncovered oven a tripod should be used. Most have hooks on the chain to adjust cooking height, but tripods come in different types. Check your tripod height. Read reviews.
Dutch Oven Lid Lifter
As soon as I realized how hard I'd have it holding my lid on a Dutch oven, I figured having a lid lifted on the lid would help. The small tool is able to lift the oven lid.
BBQ Tongs
Using tongs you can easily put warm coal on to the Dutch oven. Always use tongs long enough to go in the charcoal chimney. Most of us like to use 16 inches or so.
Dutch Oven Cooking FAQ
People are often unsure about which are the best camping Dutch ovens. There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a cast iron Dutch oven, and it can be hard to figure out which is the right one for you.
We've put together this guide to answer the most common questions people have about Dutch ovens for camping.
By understanding the principles of camp fire cooking and the different types of Dutch ovens and their benefits, you'll be able to choose the best one for your needs.
Which Dutch oven is best for camping?
There are a lot of great Dutch ovens for camping, but my favorite is the Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Dutch Oven. It's durable, versatile, and affordable.
The Lodge Dutch Ovens are great for simmering, searing, or baking up a feast while camping. You could also consider the Overmont Camp Dutch Oven for a small Dutch oven or Texsport Dutch Ovens as excellent value buys.
What is the best size Dutch oven to buy for camping?
When choosing a Dutch oven for camping, you'll want to consider the size of the oven, as well as the type of fuel that it uses.
For smaller gatherings, a 6-quart Dutch oven should be sufficient. If you're cooking for a larger group, you'll need an 8- or 10-quart oven.
Dutch ovens come in both charcoal and gas varieties. If you're using a charcoal grill, be sure to get a Dutch oven that's specially designed for use with coals. Gas grills can use either an outdoor stove or an attachment that sits on top of the grill.
Is a Dutch oven good for camping?
Yes, a Dutch oven can be a great tool for camping, especially if you do a lot of cooking over an open fire. The Dutch oven is a heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid that helps to trap heat, making it great for slow-cooking things like stews and roasts.
Because they're made of thick cast iron, they're also good at holding onto heat even after being taken off the heat source, meaning you can cook your food and then let it sit for a while without worry about it getting cold.
And, of course, because they're so tough and durable, Dutch ovens are perfect for outdoor cooking where things might get knocked around a bit.
Can you use an enamel Dutch oven camping?
An enamel Dutch oven can be used for camping, but it must be used with caution. Enamel is a glass-like material that is applied to metal cookware. This protects the metal from rusting and makes it easier to clean.
However, enamel can chip if it is dropped or knocked against something hard. If you are using an enamel Dutch oven for camping, be sure to avoid scraping it against rocks or other hard surfaces.
Additionally, avoid placing it directly on a campfire; instead, use a metal trivet or stand to support the pot.
Finally, make sure the lid fits snugly on the pot to prevent steam from escaping and chips from flying off when you open the lid. With proper care, an enamel oven can be used in most situations.
What's the difference between a Dutch oven and a camp oven?
A Dutch oven is a round, heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid. It is made of cast iron and has a flat bottom so that it can be set on a stovetop.
A camp oven is also made of cast iron but it has a convex or domed bottom, which allows it to be placed over hot coals for cooking.
Camp ovens are usually rectangular in shape and they come in different sizes. They also have legs that fold out so that they can stand up by themselves. Camp ovens are perfect for cooking stews, soups, roasts, bread and cakes over an open fire.
Is there a lightweight Dutch oven?
Actually, there is! It's made by a company called BK Cookware. It is really lightweight and perfect for cooking when you're out camping or hiking. It's also really easy to clean because it's made with a non-stick coating.
Can you put a Dutch oven on open fire?
If you're looking to cook with a Dutch oven over an open fire, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, it's important to choose the right size Dutch oven for your needs. The size of the oven will determine how long it takes to heat up and how much food you can cook at once. Smaller Dutch ovens are better for individual meals or side dishes, while larger ones are better for feeding a crowd.
Once you've chosen the right size Dutch oven, it's time to prepare your fire. If you're using charcoal, aim for a moderate heat so that your food doesn't get burnt on the outside while still staying raw on the inside.
If you're using wood, make sure the flames are dying down before you start cooking, as you don't want your food to get smokey.
Once your fire is ready, it's time to place your Dutch oven on the grate. Make sure the oven is level so that your food cooks evenly.
If you're using a charcoal fire, you'll want to place the Dutch oven on the side of the fire where the coals are hottest.
If you're using a wood fire, you can place the Dutch oven directly over the flames.
Now it's time to start cooking! Depending on what you're making, you may need to add more charcoal or wood to keep the fire at a consistent temperature.
Just keep an eye on your food and adjust the heat as needed.
When your food is done, carefully remove the Dutch oven from the fire and enjoy!
Can enameled cast iron go over a fire?
It's not recommended to use any enameled cast iron cookware over an open flame. Cast iron will heat up evenly and can sustain a very high temperature, so it's great for cooking on the stovetop. However, if it's taken over an open flame, the enamel can crack and the cast iron can warp.
Does a Dutch oven have to be cast iron?
No, a Dutch oven need not be cast iron. In fact, nowadays there are all sorts of materials used to make Dutch ovens, including aluminum, ceramic, and even enameled cast iron.
However, the most traditional and popular type of Dutch oven is still made from good old-fashioned cast iron.
Why is this? Well, many people believe that cast iron is the best material for cooking in a Dutch oven. Cast iron heats evenly and slowly, which helps to prevent hot spots and scorching. It also retains heat well, so your food will stay warm longer after the pot has been taken off the heat source.
And finally, it's just plain tough. You can drop a cast-iron on the floor - may break a toe but the pot remains undamaged.
Are Le Creuset Dutch ovens heavy?
There's no doubt that Le Creuset Dutch ovens are heavy. They're made of cast iron, which is a very dense material.
A 5-quart Le Creuset Dutch oven weighs about 22 pounds (10 kg). The weight is one of the reasons these pots are so good at retaining heat. It also makes them quite difficult to lift when they're full!
So, if you're wondering whether a Le Creuset Dutch oven is too heavy for you, it really depends on your strength and how much you're willing to cook with it. If you think you can handle the weight, then go for it! These pots are definitely worth the investment.
Best Dutch Oven for Camping for You
So, if you are looking for a Dutch oven that will keep your campfire cooking at it's peak then the best option for you is to go with any of the Dutch ovens recommended in this article.
All of them have received great reviews and will surely meet your needs.
Make sure to consider all the factors mentioned before purchasing an oven so that you can make an informed decision and enjoy an excellent camp dinner during your next outdoor adventure!
