The Dutch oven is one of the most versatile pieces of kitchen equipment that you can invest in. It’s great for searing, braising, browning, and simmering or boil-cooking food. You can use it on its own or as a pot when camping or cooking outdoors. Dutch ovens are also perfect for slow cooking your favorite dishes while you do other things like work or just relax. In this article, you will find tips to look for the Best Dutch Ovens in Best Sellers.

If you’re new to using a Dutch oven, or even using a new one for the first time, here are some tips and tricks that you’ve likely never considered before. Most importantly, use them from the start so you can get great results from your investment and avoid future questions about why the food wasn’t properly cooked.

1. Cleaning Tips

The hard exterior of a Dutch oven is made from clay and is easy to clean. Just use a sponge or soft brush on your sink to remove debris and burned bits of food. Use soap if you need to scrub it off, but take care not to damage the porous surface.

Before you clean your Dutch oven, however, be sure to let it cool down. If not, the hot surface can leave a mark on the sink or scratch the surface of the countertop.

2. Choose a Dutch Oven with Care

Whether you’re buying your first one or buying another one, here are some factors to consider when looking for a good Dutch oven:

• Capacity – How much food will your kitchen support? A smaller one will be great for individual servings and for uses like browning meat for stews and braises. Medium sized ones are ideal for family meals and when cooking for large groups of people. Larger ones can be used easily for multi-day long recipes and they’re also great for long-term storage.
• Material – Choose a Dutch oven with a thick bottom and a flat, smooth exterior finish. A thinner base is better for all-out baking, but it may crack if the temperature gets too hot on the stovetop. It’s also less desirable for stewing and braising, although you can use it in those applications by reducing the cooking time.
• Construction – The bottom of your oven should be made from heavy-duty enameled cast iron or stainless steel to prevent rusting from occurring. On the top, you should be able to find a tight-fitting lid that fits properly to the size of your Dutch oven.
• Lid and Oven – The lid should fit snugly without gaps or openings. This way, you’ll be less likely to use a lid that’s too small and cause it to collapse while you’re cooking in it. It also needs to be non-stick so that food slides right off of it when you take it off of the oven after cooking.