If you are into camping, you know that your cast iron Dutch oven gets its use. These are great for making a variety of foods in the campfire. Or for making soups and savory dishes. The Lodge Dutch oven is no different, it is made of heavy-duty cast iron metal that heats slowly and evenly. Lodge is the only line of cast iron that is made in the US. The Dutch ovens boast about their great easy release finish and a durable as any cast iron pan is.

There is special care taken to the Cast iron pans. These pans are not dishwasher safe and need to be seasoned ahead of time. However, this is perfect for the common camper, as there typically are not dishwashers available on the campsites. And, most people don’t use soap on their cast iron pans a well, less to worry about packing. Be sure it gets dried immediately and thoroughly and seasoned before storage. This means to rub oil onto it using a paper towel for storing.

Using a Lodge Dutch Oven

As with any cast iron pans, the lodge Dutch oven evenly distributes the heat from the bottom up to the sidewalls. It offers a dome lid that helps keep in the moisture while cooking. It can be used to sear meat at high temperatures or keep something warm for a long time. And, there are different styles of the Lodge Dutch oven, some are made for the campfires as well. And, they have pretty enamel coated Dutch ovens as well. Depending on what you are looking to get out of your Dutch oven, depends on what Lodge Dutch oven option you choose.

The lodge Dutch oven’s come in a variety of beautiful color choices. Some color options are a bit pricier than others, however, they are options. However, they are built to last and will last if maintained for generations to come. And, due to the enamel coating that is used to produce these colors, they don’t have to be seasoned. Get the same warming and searing power of a cast iron without all the fuss of keeping it seasoned and separate from other cooking pans.

Baking with your Dutch Oven

Are you looking to bake with your Dutch Oven? Do you need to heat it up before putting the ingredients in? The basic cast iron option is the best choice for this, however, the enamel options will work as well. Do not heat it empty if it has an enamel coating. This will make the enamel pop off and ruin your Dutch oven. But, you can pre-heat it for baking, simply fill it with water about 1/2 way. When it is warmed up, dump the water and put in your ingredients. Artisan style bread makers should stick to the original cast iron design for the best results.

The most important thing is to enjoy the Lodge Cast Iron Dutch oven. There are so many uses for a cast iron Dutch oven. And, they are certainly a go-to for campers, as they are easy to cook in and make one pot meals.