Original Article: Best Camp Dutch Oven – Top 5 of 2020
Article by: Brandon Hunt
If there’s one thing that epitomizes camping it’s the smells.
Smells? You ask.
Stay with me moment.
Think of your fondest camping memory. Chances are high your favorite memory connects to a scent. The memory triggering power of smell has been well studied.
Cooking and sharing food is one of the most valued experiences of life. Think about it a moment. You will find most human events center around food.
There’s something unique and special about preparing food over an open flame in the midst of mountains and forests. Through all the years of history, there’s been one indispensable item for outdoor meal preparation…
The Camp Dutch Oven!
The iconic black cast iron pot practically settled America. The dutch oven was an integral part of history, with many handed down as heirlooms. A well-cared-for dutch oven can last decades. Like whiskey or a good story, a camp dutch oven gets better with age. With repeated use the flavors from food season the cast iron, adding subtle and unique tastes to each batch of food.
Obviously, due to its size and weight, you’re not going lug a dutch oven with you on a backpacking trip. No, my friend, the dutch oven is hardware strictly for camp use. The kind of camping where you drive out to a built-up campsite and hunker down for a few days and enjoy the outdoors.
Nothing brings people together in friendship like food, especially when mouth-watering food is ladled right out of a camp dutch oven.
A Brief History of the Dutch Oven
If you are like me, you always assumed the dutch oven was invented, and so named by the Dutch. Based on the name it makes sense.
In truth, the history is…slightly fascinating. More mundane actually. But at least you’ll have some facts to impress people as you share stories around the fire.
In the beginning of cookware, some form of iron kettle existed. It existed under different names and cultures. The iron pot was placed directly on the coals, with more coal piled on the lid to cook the food evenly.
It wasn’t until the eighteenth century that the “Dutch Oven,” as we know it today, was formalized with a patent. An Englishman by the name of Abraham Darby is credited with the first patent on the dutch oven. Darby wasn’t the “inventor.” He had heard that Holland possessed superior metalwork. So he traveled there to study how they cast brass vessels using dry sand molds. Darby perfected his own techniques using cast iron. By the mid-eighteenth century, his pots were being shipped to the American Colonies. Because of their casting origin, many people continue to think that was how the dutch oven name came to be.
Some people believe the name derives from Dutch traders who sold the cast iron pots all over the colonies. It’s believed people began calling them dutch ovens after the Dutch traders.
So, there you have a brief history on the camp dutch oven. The next time you cook with one, remember… you’re participating in a little bit of history. From colonial hearth fires to the cattle drive camp, the dutch oven was there feeding the people who tamed the West and settled America.
5 of the Best Camp Dutch Ovens
Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven, 8qts
The name of Lodge has a long history (over 112 years) of providing durable cookware. For cast iron outdoor products, Lodge is the premier brand name. The family-owned company proudly declares its commitment to quality, American made products. The Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven handles all your cooking needs. The three integral legs allow for great positioning over coals for better heat control. The flanged lid effortlessly holds coals on top. You can use this oven on a grill as well. Whether you want to sear, saute, bake, broil, braise, or fry, you can do it all with this mighty pot. Say you desire a slow cook, simply suspend the pot from a tripod using the sturdy bale wire handle. If you’re the camp cook and you’re looking for durable hardware, then the Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven is the one for you.
FEATURES
- 8qt capacity
- Pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil
- Made in U.S.A
- Flanged lid for coals
- Includes a dutch oven cookbook
- Rugged and tough
- Lasts for years
- Easy to clean
- Multi-purpose cooking
- Heavy-duty gauge bale wire for hanging over fire
- Price
Camp Chef 6qt Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Camp Chef is another one of those brand names synonymous with outdoor cookware. On price alone, I think this brand of camp dutch oven competes well with Lodge. So, if price is a concern, or maybe you are new to dutch oven cooking, then a Camp Chef might be the right choice for you. The great thing about this dutch oven, aside from quality materials, is that it’s double seasoned for a great finish. The lid on this pot also serves a dual role, flip the lid over onto its three legs for use as a skillet and you’re ready to fry. This cast iron oven fits into the middle range of dutch oven choices. You can feel good about the price and the quality of the product.
FEATURES
- Cast Iron
- Double seasoned finish
- Lid lifter included
- Ready to use
- Durable
- Starter book included
- Great price
- Strong wire handle for suspended cooking
- Possible seasoning issues
Overmont Camp Dutch Oven
The Overmont Camp Dutch Oven is an all-around oven. The three integral legs on both the pot and the lid allow the pot to sit evenly over hot coals. You can flip the lid over and use it as a skillet for frying. Heat is distributed throughout the oven, held in by the tight-fitting lid, making it ideal for deep frying, searing and baking. Additionally, Overmont guarantees their iron pots are not coated with toxic chemicals, ensuring a safe non-stick surface. Made of high quality cast iron, the dutch oven will last a lifetime, if cared for. Like the Camp Chef brand, the Overmont has a great price and is easy for the novice dutch oven cooker.
FEATURES
- All around dutch oven
- High quality cast iron
- Lid lifter included
- Not coated in toxic chemicals
- Legs on lid to use as skillet
- 1-year warranty
- Easy to clean
- Multi-use outdoor and indoor
- Price
- 6qt size may actually be a bit smaller
Texsport Cast Iron Dutch Oven
If you’re looking for a smaller pot to start with, or to add to your current dutch oven line-up, Texsport offers a 4qt (1 gallon) dutch oven. This is a simple, unadorned, rugged cast iron pot. Do you prefer smaller meals or gatherings? This pot is perfect for creating succulent dishes for two to four people. The deeply flanged lid holds a good amount of coals for all-around heat distribution. Like other dutch ovens, the Texsport will endure the years due to proper care and cleaning. Also, unlike other brands, a sturdy lifting handle is included with this dutch oven. If you’re looking for a smaller camp dutch oven, something you can pack without hassle, then this 4qt pot is ideal.
FEATURES
- 4qt capacity
- Rugged cast iron
- Tight-fitting lid
- Resistant to chipping and warping
- Price
- Size great for 2-4 people
- Easy cleaning
- Weighs 13 lbs
- Not pre-seasoned
- Rough coating
- Waxy coating needs to be removed
Camp Chef 12qt Seasoned Dutch Oven
Seeing that I just covered a smaller camp dutch oven, let’s go to the opposite end of size. If you’re the kind of camper who likes to go big on meals, then Camp Chef has your back. With a 12qt pot, there’s no meal size you can’t conquer. Like so many other ovens, the lid on the 12qt pot sports three legs for use as a skillet when flipped over. The lid also has a convenient loop handle for easy removal. This oven is also prepared with a true seasoned finish, making it ready for use as soon as you receive it. As I said, this pot is a large meal kind of pot, or dessert if you prefer. So if you are a seasoned dutch oven meal maestro yourself, and you’re looking for a larger pot, Camp Chef has the one. Also, the price for the size is quite good, and not that much more than their 6qt oven.
FEATURES
- True seasoned finish
- Built-in thermometer notch
- Lid legs for skillet use
- Lid lifter included
- Starter book included
- Capacity
- Good price for size
- Durable and long-lasting
- Multi-use
- Rough interior
- Weighs 24 lbs
1 Tip for Buying a Camp Dutch Oven
Yep. Just one tip. From appearance alone, you could assume that all dutch ovens are the same in form and function. And you’d be right…essentially. Even within the same brand, and made with the same process, each oven might be slightly different. That little difference could affect the way the pot cooks.
Every brand claims top-quality production. But can you really trust that every single massed produced item is top quality? What you can count on with mass production is that some flaws will inevitably arise in some dutch ovens.
Now, here is my one tip. I have said this before in other posts. Whenever possible head out to the closest outdoor/sports store, whether that be Sportsmans, Cabella’s, or Bass Pro Shop. That way you can inspect the goods for yourself and spot any flaws. Inspecting camp dutch ovens in person lets you determine if the finished coating or cast iron has any flaws.
Whenever camping you should have the best gear with you. The last thing you want is faulty gear while out in the wild.
Seasoning and Caring for a Dutch Oven
Seasoning is necessary when using cast iron products. The oil is baked into the pores of the iron to prevent rust, and provide that natural non-stick surface. Many of the camp dutch ovens today already come pre-seasoned. That being said some people like to treat their cast irons with additional seasonings, up to six treatments at the least.
So, let’s go over…
How to Season your Dutch Oven
You can season your camp dutch oven either inside in the oven, or outside on a grill if you have one. Some people claim it’s easier to season outside. But whatever method is best for your situation, go with that.
If you have a dutch oven that is not already seasoned, it will likely have a waxy coating on it to prevent rust. Obviously the wax coat will need removing, which will be taken care of with the initial seasoning.
Here’s how to season your cast iron pot:
- Heat your oven or grill to 350 to 400 degrees.
- If this is the initial seasoning, this is the only time you use soap on cast iron. Use a scouring pad or steel wool brush to remove all coatings down to the metal. (Again this is the one time to use soap, unless you are re-seasoning cast iron.)
- Rinse and dry completely with paper or cotton towels.
- Once dry apply a thin rub of solid vegetable shortening outside and inside of the dutch oven. You can also use the cooking oil of your choice.
- Place the dutch oven upside down in the oven (you might want to place tinfoil below to catch any drippings in the oven) or on the grill.
- Bake the dutch oven for an hour. Turn off the oven or grill and let the pot cool for at least 30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven with mitt and allow it to further cool until you can pick it up by hand.
- Store in a cool dry place.
- Repeat the seasoning process three to six times, until you are happy with the color and the sheen.
There may come a time –like years ahead– that you will want to re-season your dutch oven. Simply follow the same seasoning process.
A Quick Word on Cleaning
Cleaning your camp dutch oven is quite simple.
Remember, don’t use soap to clean out any food. With proper seasoning your dutch oven should have a non-stick surface, making it easy to clean. Usually, you can scrape out the food. Any foods that produce grease or fat will actually continue to add to the seasoning of your dutch oven.
To remove any stubborn food, boil some water in the pot until the food loosens, making it easier to scrape out the residue.
Dry your dutch oven immediately and apply a thin layer of oil while it is still warm. And then store the pot in a cool dry place. Never place your cast irons in a dishwasher.
Simple, right? Follow these rules for care and cleaning and your camp dutch oven will last years…long enough for you to pass it on.
Final Thoughts
Whenever I head out for a camping trip, it’s the food I look forward to the most. A meal prepared over a campfire draws people together, laughing and sharing stories. And for some reason, the open flame and the aroma of smoke and food locks those moments in memory.
So, if you want to create special memories with family and friends, do it through food. With a camp dutch oven you will give those people in your life something worth remembering. The best thing about a dutch oven is that you can use it camping or at home.
The best season (in my opinion) for a dutch oven is early Autumn. It feels right to use a dutch oven when the air is cool and crisp and the smell of a campfire seems to carry on the wind for miles, and the heat from coals encourages people to gather around. Seasons pass swiftly. So get out shopping now and find yourself a camp dutch oven that will last for many seasons to come.
