The Cooks' Den » Dutch Ovens http://www.thecooksden.com Cooking Tools - Gear for Cooks and Chefs Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:49:11 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Tramontina Dutch Oven Cast Iron Cookware | Covered Casserole Dish, No Seasoning Required http://www.thecooksden.com/tramontina-dutch-oven-cast-iron-cookware-covered-casserole-dish-no-seasoning-required/ http://www.thecooksden.com/tramontina-dutch-oven-cast-iron-cookware-covered-casserole-dish-no-seasoning-required/#comments Sat, 05 Mar 2011 19:33:42 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=11987 Tramontina Dutch Oven Cast IronThis cast iron Dutch oven by Tramontina has been getting a lot of attention over the past year or so. After getting praised by "America's Test Kitchen" as the top-rated Dutch oven casserole dish by their test cooks, its popularity has soared. The Tramontina Dutch Oven's performance surpassed popular cookware brands like Le Creuset and Lodge, which are often more expensive. Cooks are looking to Tramontina to get the best bang for their buck.

The versatility of a Dutch oven in the kitchen is a great asset when cooking, and the Tramonina Dutch oven lives up to expectations. It's useful for simmering soups and stews, slow cooking, braising, roasting, sauteing, baking, and even frying. The pot itself comes in 3.5- or 6.5-quart varieties in either red or black. The sides have loop handles, and the heavy lid is fitted with a stay-cool knob handle.

A common drawback for Dutch oven users, especially those new to the method, is the need to pre-season cookware before use. It can be a tricky thing to figure out at first. However, with the Tramontina Dutch oven, no pre-seasoning is needed. The cast iron dish is coated with a porcelain enamel interior instead, so those looking for the versatility of a Dutch oven can get it all with Tramontina without having to worry about the perfect way to pre-season it.

While the list of the Tramontina's positive features is quite long, there are a few cautions to keep in mind. This Dutch oven is not ideal for cooking on the stovetop any higher than on a medium setting. Otherwise, there's a risk of voiding the included limited lifetime warranty if problems arise. Also, the enamel must be treated with care. One tip is to wash the dish by hand immediately after use; don't soak it in water prior to washing, or the enamel may absorb the water and start to crack.

The Tramontina Dutch Oven is a better value than its competitors due to its equal performance and lower price, but it isn't entirely low maintenance. If treated with care, it will perform well for years in the kitchen.

It's also very comparable to the Le Creuset French Oven, another highly-praised model by numerous chefs.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/tramontina-dutch-oven-cast-iron-cookware-covered-casserole-dish-no-seasoning-required/feed/ 0 Lodge Logic Dutch Oven | Cast Iron 4 Quart Camping Cookware http://www.thecooksden.com/lodge-logic-dutch-oven-cast-iron-4-quart-camping-cookware/ http://www.thecooksden.com/lodge-logic-dutch-oven-cast-iron-4-quart-camping-cookware/#comments Tue, 01 Dec 2009 23:02:59 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8621 Lodge Logic Dutch Oven This is the Dutch oven I remember from my scouting days. Heavy duty, it can stand up to the roughest use and create dishes from simply fantastic slow roasted meals to thick, hearty stews. Dutch ovens offer versatile cooking options from frying to baking, making it possible to take along one pot for all your needs.

If you aren't miles out in the woods, you can use your fireplace or charcoal to do the cooking. The short legs on the bottom help keep the pot stable when loaded down with food. Make a long, slow barbecue dish with a unique flavor. When you use the cooking hole method, the cooking truly is "set it and forget it" until you're ready to help yourself to dinner.

The lid can be used as a griddle. It has a flanged shape that will keep your eggs or batter from running over the edge. The interior holds enough for a crowd of kids, several hungry adults, or to have leftovers for the next day. Don't be afraid of the cleanup, either. It is simple, and even the most stubborn food succumbs under a nylon brush or a little boiling water (just add it to the pan and set the oven back on the coals).

Compare with this slightly larger, pre-seasoned Lodge Dutch Oven.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/lodge-logic-dutch-oven-cast-iron-4-quart-camping-cookware/feed/ 1 Calphalon One Casserole Pot | Cast Aluminum Nonstick 7 Quart | Dutch Oven Stockpot http://www.thecooksden.com/calphalon-one-casserole-pot-cast-aluminum-nonstick-7-quart-dutch-oven-stockpot/ http://www.thecooksden.com/calphalon-one-casserole-pot-cast-aluminum-nonstick-7-quart-dutch-oven-stockpot/#comments Sat, 17 Oct 2009 13:58:57 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8285 Calphalon One Casserole Pot The heavy cast aluminum Calphalon One Non-Stick Casserole is equally suited to oven and range top cooking, with a tempered glass cover and a four layer non-stick interior coating that's guaranteed for life if used properly.

Few restrictions apply to the casserole's use -- plastic or wooden utensils that won't damage the interior are recommended, and the pot shouldn't go in an oven hotter than 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The lid is rated a little lower than that at 450 degrees. Hand washing is required, since the cast aluminum can degrade in a dishwasher.

This deep and strongly built cooking pot is perfect for any Dutch Oven style recipe, as well as pot roast and stew. The stout stainless steel pot handles are attached to the anodized aluminum casting with four steel rivets each, so there's no doubt this pot can stand up to a heavy load.

The non-stick aspects of the pot extend even to difficult foods like sticky rice and caramel. Foods that ordinarily would bond to the pan bottom and require scraping lift out of the Calphalon One. I believe there's a little catch to this, though -- the company advises that thorough cleaning between uses is essential. Any oily residue allowed to dry on the pan will allow foods to stick. Pre-heating to the right cooking temperature before adding cooking oil to the pan is also a necessary habit.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/calphalon-one-casserole-pot-cast-aluminum-nonstick-7-quart-dutch-oven-stockpot/feed/ 0 Heuck Dutch Oven | Red Cast Iron Porcelain 5 Quart 33030 http://www.thecooksden.com/heuck-dutch-oven-red-cast-iron-porcelain-5-quart-33030/ http://www.thecooksden.com/heuck-dutch-oven-red-cast-iron-porcelain-5-quart-33030/#comments Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:13:19 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8165 Heuck Dutch Oven My first experience with Dutch oven cooking was as a Girl Scout, cooking in the ground, in the dirt. At the time, I had no idea about the properties of cast iron. All I knew was that I was starving after a busy day of activities, and our dinner was waiting in a hole! Earlier in the day, we'd built a hot fire that burned down to coals, set the oven on top of them, then covered the whole area over and marked it. What resulted was a thoroughly cooked, uniquely flavored dinner. We were appreciative, in part because we made it with our own hands and in part because we'd waited all day, anticipating the enjoyment of that food.

The Heuck version is much fancier than our plain cast iron pot. It has a porcelain enameled interior and exterior which is quick to clean. You'll need that if you don't have a troop of girls to assign to scrub duty. It won't hold over odors or flavors and is capable of being used in the oven, on the stove, and with all heat sources, including induction and ceramic top ranges. The pan can also be nicely deglazed to create gravies and sauces. The Dutch Oven holds its warmth to serve and later can be refrigerated to keep leftovers.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/heuck-dutch-oven-red-cast-iron-porcelain-5-quart-33030/feed/ 0 All Clad Cast Aluminum Dutch Oven Set | Stainless Steel Lid w/ Oven Mitts 5.5 Quart http://www.thecooksden.com/all-clad-cast-aluminum-dutch-oven-set-stainless-steel-lid-w-oven-mitts-55-quart/ http://www.thecooksden.com/all-clad-cast-aluminum-dutch-oven-set-stainless-steel-lid-w-oven-mitts-55-quart/#comments Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:50:45 +0000 Lora http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4597 All Clad Cast Aluminum Dutch Oven Set All Clad's Cast Aluminum Dutch Oven, made of heavy gauge cast aluminum, offers excellent heat distribution, an important factor whether using the Dutch Oven to braise meat or simmer soups. The set includes the 5.5-quart capacity Dutch Oven, a stainless steel lid, and two red All Clad oven mitts which will come in handy when transferring the Dutch Oven from stovetop to tabletop.

While the Dutch Oven may be used at the table to serve food from, it is not the most attractive Dutch Oven out there. Of course, it also doesn't have the price tag that comes with a more attractive Dutch Oven. (Think Le Creuset. Or Copper Fusion Cookware from Chantal.)

But how important is appearance? And is appearance the only difference between All Clad's Dutch Oven and other more expensive Dutch Ovens out there?

Most, if not all, Dutch Ovens offer a nonstick interior for easy cleaning. Some, like the All Clad offer a nonstick exterior as well.

Dutch Ovens are made from a variety of materials ranging from heavy gauge aluminum to cast iron to porcelain. Enameled cast iron, which is what Le Creuset uses for its 5.5 Quart Dutch Oven, has been recognized as one of the best materials available for cookware. Enameled cast iron retains heat and promotes even cooking at low heat; this ensures that the best flavor is brought out from the ingredients. But like its added attractiveness, the bonuses to construction with these materials also comes at a cost-- about three or four times the cost of the All Clad.

Lodge Logic's 7 quart Dutch Oven, on the other hand (or should I say other burner), costs about the same and offers the durability and heftiness of cast iron. But I don't know that I'd serve directly from it either.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/all-clad-cast-aluminum-dutch-oven-set-stainless-steel-lid-w-oven-mitts-55-quart/feed/ 0 All Clad Dutch Oven Set w/ Oven Mitts | Nonstick Cast Aluminum 5.5 Quart http://www.thecooksden.com/all-clad-dutch-oven-set-w-oven-mitts-nonstick-cast-aluminum-55-quart/ http://www.thecooksden.com/all-clad-dutch-oven-set-w-oven-mitts-nonstick-cast-aluminum-55-quart/#comments Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:52:24 +0000 Lora http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=5043 All Clad Dutch Oven Set w/ Oven Mitts All Clad's Cast Aluminum Dutch Oven, made of heavy gauge cast aluminum, offers excellent heat distribution, an important factor whether using the Dutch oven to braise meat or simmer soups. The set includes the 5.5-quart capacity Dutch oven, a stainless steel lid, and two red, All Clad oven mitts, which will come in handy when transferring the Dutch oven from stovetop to tabletop.

While the Dutch Oven may be used at the table to serve food, it is not the most attractive Dutch oven out there. Of course, it also doesn't have the price tag that comes with a more attractive Dutch oven. (Think Le Creuset. Or Copper Fusion Cookware from Chantal.)

But how important is appearance? And is appearance the only difference between All Clad's Dutch Oven and other more expensive Dutch ovens out there?

Most, if not all, Dutch ovens offer a nonstick interior for easy cleaning. Some, like the All Clad offer a nonstick exterior as well.

Dutch ovens are made from a variety of materials ranging from heavy gauge aluminum to cast iron to porcelain. Enameled cast iron, which is what Le Creuset uses for its 5.5 Quart Dutch oven, has been recognized as one of the best materials available for cookware. Enameled cast iron retains heat and promotes even cooking at low heat; this ensures that the best flavor is brought out from the ingredients. But like its added attractiveness, the bonuses to construction with these materials also comes at a cost-- about three or four times the cost of the All Clad.

Lodge Logic's 7-quart Dutch oven, on the other hand (or should I say other burner?), costs about the same and offers the durability and heftiness of cast iron. But I don't know that I'd serve directly from it either.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/all-clad-dutch-oven-set-w-oven-mitts-nonstick-cast-aluminum-55-quart/feed/ 0 Lodge Dutch Oven Cookware | Porcelain Enameled Cast Iron 6 Quart http://www.thecooksden.com/lodge-dutch-oven-cookware-porcelain-enameled-cast-iron-6-quart/ http://www.thecooksden.com/lodge-dutch-oven-cookware-porcelain-enameled-cast-iron-6-quart/#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:16:00 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/lodge-dutch-oven-cookware-porcelain-enameled-cast-iron-6-quart/ Lodge Dutch Oven Cookware Forget having to perform the process of seasoning your cast iron. The durable double layer of porcelain enamel resists chipping and does not retain flavors or odors, so you can cook any number of dishes and be assured only their true tastes will come through. The hefty lid fits tightly to seal in moisture and nutrients as you cook.

Cast iron heats well, holds that heat and offers superior heat distribution from all sides. The knob on the lid is safe to 400 degrees. Hand washing is recommended, but as there is no exposed cast iron to handle (porcelain covers even the black rim), cleaning is very easy. Store your food in the same vessel, as the Lodge Dutch oven can go into the refrigerator or freezer.

This enameled porcelain pot is a solid one-pan cooking, storing, and serving solution. Safe for most cooktops, you can cook in the pan and take it right to the table for an attractive presentation, then keep your leftovers in the same dish and anticipate an easy cleanup when you're through. With only one pan to clean from all that use, you won't mind washing it by hand. This is a quality piece of kitchen equipment that will serve your family for a long time.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/lodge-dutch-oven-cookware-porcelain-enameled-cast-iron-6-quart/feed/ 0 Simply Calphalon Chili Pot | Dutch Oven | Aluminum Nonstick 5 Quart http://www.thecooksden.com/simply-calphalon-chili-pot-dutch-oven-aluminum-nonstick-5-quart/ http://www.thecooksden.com/simply-calphalon-chili-pot-dutch-oven-aluminum-nonstick-5-quart/#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:08:09 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=2992 Simply Calphalon Chili Pot When you have a family or need to prepare a large batch of food, even if you only do so a couple of times a year, nothing is more helpful than having a go-to pan which can handle the job. The Simply Calphalon five quart Chili Pot is that pan. The interior is a double coated nonstick surface, making it possible to cook with very little oil or butter. The coating also means that chili, pasta, any of your creations, will not stick and they won't react with the pan. The pan is oven safe to 400 degrees, so you can bake deep dish items like casseroles inside and not battle burned on cheese when you clean up.

The lid is tempered glass, allowing you to watch as you cook and keep moisture in your dishes. The exterior is a brushed finish, hard anodized aluminum. The handles are stainless steel with comfortable silicone grasps and are riveted in place. Each pan is protected by a ten year warranty from Calphalon.

This is a nice all around pan, able to work as a skillet for browning items before adding in stock. It's great to be able to go from the stove to the oven, using a single pan to prep ingredients and then bake. We like to use our pot for old fashioned popcorn for movie night. Other people seem to agree, this pan almost never leaves the stove.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/simply-calphalon-chili-pot-dutch-oven-aluminum-nonstick-5-quart/feed/ 0 Le Creuset French Oven | Red Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Cookware 7-1/4 Quart http://www.thecooksden.com/le-creuset-french-oven-red-enameled-cast-iron-dutch-cookware-7-14-quart/ http://www.thecooksden.com/le-creuset-french-oven-red-enameled-cast-iron-dutch-cookware-7-14-quart/#comments Tue, 27 Jan 2009 04:20:26 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/le-creuset-french-oven-red-enameled-cast-iron-dutch-cookware-7-14-quart/ Le Creuset French Oven Le Creuset has been handcrafting cookware in Northern France since 1925. Their quality and workmanship show in products such as the French oven. The basic design of this oven (some use the term Dutch oven) has been in use for centuries, so you know it is effective.

Le Creuset uses their cast iron, which provides excellent heat retention and distribution, and combines it with an enameled coating which won't react with food. Together they give the user a surface which serves any number of cooking purposes, but won't retain flavors or odors.

You can even bake in the pan, use it in the oven or on the stovetop. Store your leftovers in the same dish: it's safe for the refrigerator or freezer. The lid fits securely and its plastic knob is oven safe to 450 degrees. While the French oven is dishwasher safe, the company recommends you hand wash for best results.

The weight is part of the effectiveness of the French oven. It is heavy, but that is the iron, ready to keep in enough heat to ensure that seconds, maybe even thirds, are still warm and flavorful. You'll want to avoid using metal utensils, metal scrub pads, or harsh cleaners on the surface.

Universally pleased, customers liked the range of dishes they could prepare and the many types of cooking they could perform with the product, often with it serving as the sole cooking vessel. This pot may be more expensive than you're used to, but you're buying a product which will last and which the company stands behind with their generous warranty.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/le-creuset-french-oven-red-enameled-cast-iron-dutch-cookware-7-14-quart/feed/ 1 Lodge Pre-Seasoned Dutch Oven | Cast Iron Cookware, Logic 5 Quart http://www.thecooksden.com/lodge-logic-cast-iron-dutch-oven-5-quart-pre-seasoned-cookware/ http://www.thecooksden.com/lodge-logic-cast-iron-dutch-oven-5-quart-pre-seasoned-cookware/#comments Wed, 14 Jan 2009 07:26:41 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/lodge-logic-cast-iron-dutch-oven-5-quart-pre-seasoned-cookware/ Lodge Logic Cast Iron Dutch Oven Aah, cast iron. It is really heartening to see that the durable cookware that fed the pioneers is still with us. You can thank the Lodge company for that. This Dutch Oven is the perfect vessel for chilis, casseroles, soups and the like. You'll want to avoid cooking highly acidic foods like tomato sauces in it though. The iron reacts and makes your food taste a bit like a tin can.

There are several benefits to cast iron cookware. Durability, heavy even-heating surface, stovetop to oven usability, performance improves with use. Did I mention durability? These things are bulletproof. Not to mention actually adding the nutrient iron to foods cooked in them. Huh? Can your fancy cookware boast that?

These cast iron pots are not nearly as high maintenance as folks seem to think. There is however a learning curve to taking care of them. Cast iron needs to be seasoned the first few times its used by coating it inside and out with vegetable oil and heated thoroughly to bake the oil into the iron. The folks at Lodge have already begun this job with their line of pre-seasoned cookware, such as this Dutch Oven. Notice I said begun. You need to continue the process and follow the instructions to never use soap or harsh scrubbing pads when cleaning the cast iron surface, lest you remove the seasoned finish.

The one thing that has always bugged me about these- They need bigger handles. A cast iron pot is heavy to start with, filled with hot food it can be a real challenge to lift and carry with those weeny little loops on the sides. C'mon Lodge, give it up, and grow those ears a bit. Please?

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