Dutch oven size

[Remax gal]

What is a good size for a dutch oven? One that will fit perfectly in the oven and also good for outdoor use? I would like to get the biggest size that will fit in the airstream oven. Any suggestions?

[cameront120]

You'd need to measure the insides of your oven to determine the answer to that question. Once you know those dimensions, you can go to the Lodge website and see what size would fit best.

[Ultradog]

Tough to answer that question as there is no standard size oven.
In fact, my 75 doesn't even have an oven. Never did.
One thing you might consider as you plan for your rig.
Weight adds up fast!
A pound here a few ounces there...
Maybe consider a Corning Ware type dutch oven as I'm sure it would weigh significantly less than an old cast iron one.

[TinShack]

Originally Posted by Remax gal

What is a good size for a dutch oven? One that will fit perfectly in the oven and also good for outdoor use? I would like to get the biggest size that will fit in the airstream oven. Any suggestions?

Looks like you don't have a trailer yet, so if you want to use a dutch oven in the trailer oven you may want to hold off and measure the trailer oven when you get one. Some dutch ovens have domed lids, some flat-recessed lids, some have feet others do not. The ones with the flat lids are better for campfire or charcoal cooking as you can put coals on the lid for more uniform heat, but you do sacrifice some internal space. These almost all have feet too, which may not work well in the trailer oven. Check out the Lodge website to see what they make. Be sure to check the Dutch ovens AND the Camp ovens, but if you want to buy one I would shop around as the prices on the Lodge site are very high. I got mine for about half the price of what they are selling them for. Seasoned Cast Iron

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Remax gal

What is a good size for a dutch oven? One that will fit perfectly in the oven and also good for outdoor use? I would like to get the biggest size that will fit in the airstream oven. Any suggestions?

To take a slightly different tack from the previous respondents, if you're looking at indoor/outdoor use for a trailer you haven't even bought yet, get the smallest Dutch oven you can. That's more convenient for indoor use, plus smaller equates to "easier to store in transit." You can always trade up later if you find you've got room— both in your oven and in your cabinets— for a larger one.

[cameront120]

Trade? Cast iron cookers never get rid of a good piece, just add to the collection. I'm up to 22 pieces so far and mine is a small collection compared to some people.

[RUMSHIP]

If you want to learn about cast iron cookware, contact the Panman. Panman.com. He has been collecting and selling for 40 years. After writing 3 books, few collectors can compare.

[TinShack]

Originally Posted by cameront120

Trade? Cast iron cookers never get rid of a good piece, just add to the collection. I'm up to 22 pieces so far and mine is a small collection compared to some people.

I have about 12 pieces not counting lids and includes my first piece which is a 6" fry pan. My Dad bought for me when I was 10 years old to use on Boy Scout camping trips. That was 48 years ago. It resides in the Airstream and is my favorite piece!

Remax gal, the interior of the gas oven in my Airstream is about 15"w x15"d x9"h if that helps you. I cooked a 14lb turkey in it on Thanksgiving.

[Foiled Again]

Shopping for cast iron. Find an old fashioned small hardware store if you're buying new. It's a LOT less expensive than a chi-chi kitchen store.

But an even better place to acquire cast iron is in the second hand market - thrift stores and yard sales. Just make sure that if the piece has legs they are big sturdy ones, and that if it has a lid, that the lid fits tightly. When you find one in the thrift store for $6 that you just bought at Walmart for $56 you'll get it.

Of course you'll almost certainly want to re-season the second hand ones.

Paula

[Remax gal]

Great advise and I sure appreciate it! We are purchasing the 27FB Eddie Bauer - actually coming off the production line TODAY!!!! I believe the oven is either 15 or 17" - I will have to go back and check my notes. Quart wise - I wasn't sure what this equated too, but the advise regarding domed lid vs flat lid and feet vs no feet is good advise! Actually - everything I heard was great advise. You are all a great bunch of people and I sure appreciate it! My "True Love" will be with me soon!

[wahoonc]

Can't have just one...

Aaron

[karenjude]

Laura, if you need any dutch oven inspiration check out Maggie's posts on the Alumalina 2014 thread. She's been making breads in her dutch oven - both in the oven and outdoors using coals. She's posting pictures of her different creations - they look fabulous!

Congratulations on your new baby!

[Lily&Me]

Originally Posted by cameront120

Trade? Cast iron cookers never get rid of a good piece, just add to the collection. I'm up to 22 pieces so far and mine is a small collection compared to some people.

Mmmmm, love my cast iron.

You want one with legs and a recessed lid for outside, one with a smooth bottom and domed lid for inside, imo.

A 12" 5-6 qt for outside would cook most anything. Could go to 8 qts for inside, and also use as a stock pot. There are some beautiful ones on sale right now.

I would go into Walmart, Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops, etc., who have lots of offerings. Look at them, pick them up and check them out. Then decide,

Have fun!


Maggie

[Remax gal]

Originally Posted by karenjude

Laura, if you need any dutch oven inspiration check out Maggie's posts on the Alumalina 2014 thread. She's been making breads in her dutch oven - both in the oven and outdoors using coals. She's posting pictures of her different creations - they look fabulous!



Congratulations on your new baby!

I have seen some of Maggie's posts and you are correct - they look amazing! Great job Maggie!! Thank you both!

[rodsterinfl]

I would highly recommend this if you are cooking for up to four:

Lodge Combo cooker - also You need cast iron for camping cause you can also cook on a grate. This one is special because it multi-tasks. I used it to make that fudge cake at a rally (baking dish) and have cooked breakfast on it (frying pan) and have used it on a grill to fry bacon - so far. It has a smooth bottom and domed lid in "dutch oven" mode.

Amazon.com: Lodge LCC3 Logic Pre-Seasoned Combo Cooker: Kitchen & Dining

Maggie, have your tried one of these out yet? It is just great for me or when I bring a few people along. It doesn't work with a tripod(without grate) but it works with a Billy Bob grate:

http://www.billybobcampfirecooking.com

Also, check this out:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dutch-Oven-C...item2336205909

[Lily&Me]

Wow! Very cool stuff!

If I had one of those nifty cooking grates, I would have an excuse to buy one of those gi-normous skillets.


Maggie

[Mockinbrd]

Originally Posted by Remax gal

Great advise and I sure appreciate it! We are purchasing the 27FB Eddie Bauer - actually coming off the production line TODAY!!!! I believe the oven is either 15 or 17" - I will have to go back and check my notes. Quart wise - I wasn't sure what this equated too, but the advise regarding domed lid vs flat lid and feet vs no feet is good advise! Actually - everything I heard was great advise. You are all a great bunch of people and I sure appreciate it! My "True Love" will be with me soon!

I like a larger Dutch oven -- and yes, the domed lid is an issue for my small convection oven. So, I un-screw the knob and put the knob on the inside of the Dutch oven and attach it with the screw that comes with the Dutch oven. Just reverse the lid knob. Put it on the Inside of the Dutch Oven. Then, it the Dutch oven fits. And Then you still have a little something to lift off the heavy lid (the threaded long screw). I use this method with my Mario Batallia, Le Creuset, and Wofgang Puck Dutch Ovens. It works well. I wish you luck and many fun Outings in your new Eddie Bauer.
Oh, by-the-way, the Amazon web site sometimes will give the dimensions of each individual Dutch oven. A big help.
Or you can do what I did -- LOL -- take a ruler to the Le Creuset kitchen store and measure the height of various containers.

[TinShack]

Rodster, That CI pan combo is pretty cool and would be wonderful for an owner of a small AS that likes the iron but not the weight. They could have a fry pan, sauce pan and DO in just two pans. Love the Billy Bob unit too. I might have to look into that if my tripod ever wears out!

Getting ready to roast some chicken in my 8qt Lodge.

[GCinSC2]

CA Streamer,

Nice setup and a DO is a neat addition to the chefs tools. But if its a DO you want then ain't nothing quite like a Camp DO. Feet, flanged lid. Its got magic all ready cast into it, wave your spoon over it and out it comes. Only thing them feet don't get along with an oven rack too well.

Gary

[Remax gal]

Originally Posted by CA Streamer

Rodster, That CI pan combo is pretty cool and would be wonderful for an owner of a small AS that likes the iron but not the weight. They could have a fry pan, sauce pan and DO in just two pans. Love the Billy Bob unit too. I might have to look into that if my tripod ever wears out!

Getting ready to roast some chicken in my 8qt Lodge.

Now that's what I call cookin'! Looks awesome!!