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Dutch Oven Wars: Cast Iron vs Ceramic

Dutch Oven Wars: Cast Iron vs Ceramic

May 28, 20146651Views

Dutch ovens have been in use for hundreds of years, but their real American allure stems from the days of the Wild West. Anyone holding a dutch oven can easily imagine themselves as a cowboy, preparing to cook dinner over an open flame. The dutch oven has expanded from its humble ancestry, and is now available in ceramic models. Both ceramic and traditional cast iron dutch ovens fill different niches.

Cast Iron Dutch Oven

cast iron dutch oven over campfire
Photo from Melody Ayres-Griffiths/Unsplash

The traditional cast iron oven is nearly indestructible. It can be stowed in the kitchen, dragged to the campground, dropped, tossed, or even be placed directly in a fire. Cast iron thrives on such abuse. Once properly seasoned, the surface is nearly non-stick. To preserve the seasoning, cleanup is simple. Wipe the cast iron with a paper towel or rag, and it will be ready for the next meal.

However, this paragon of cooking versatility is not without its drawbacks. Cast iron is heavy, and while dropping it may not harm the oven it will harm whatever it lands on. Because it is bare metal, cast iron is likely to rust if the metal should get wet. Cast iron also should not be washed, which can be a blessing and a curse. Truly dirty cast iron may need to be scoured with an abrasive brush or even placed in a fire to burn off filth. Once cleaned, cast iron must be re-seasoned before use.

Ceramic Dutch Ovens

ceramic dutch oven on stove
Photo from Edgar Castrejon/Unsplash

Ceramic dutch ovens are more fragile and not as versatile as their cast iron cousins. They are far more prone to chips and breakage, and so must be handled more carefully. They must also be washed after every use, but more care must be taken with the smooth surface.

Despite this, ceramics also offer advantages. There is no need to season a ceramic oven. When deep cleaning is needed, they are easier to clean than cast iron. They tend to be less heavy and therefore are easy to handle and store. Some who cook in cast iron have concerns over cooking acidic foods such as tomatoes, but there are no such concerns when using ceramic.

We hope you can use this information to choose which type of dutch oven is right for you!

Featured Image from Cooker King/Unsplash