The kitchen is a place of variety and versatility. Whether you're someone that absolutely loves coming up with new recipes and trying the many flavours of the world, or you're someone who just wants to make quick, easy meals to keep you going, the kitchen is build for experimentation and life. Because of that, it's good to have the right tools at your disposal, and the Dutch Oven is a perfect fit.
At Cookery Essentials, we're passionate about providing the best cookware and kitchenware from across the globe straight to Australian kitchens. So, today, we're going to take a little dip into the world of Dutch Ovens and see what makes them such a kitchen staple.
What Are Dutch Ovens?
To describe a Dutch Oven simply based on its construction and design is deceptively simple, as part of its appeal is its very minimal design. Put simply, a Dutch Oven is a sturdy, lidded pot with a thick-walled design. They can come in many different materials and sizes, including enamelled varieties similar to this enamelled French Oven from our pot range, and most popular, the cast iron options which are very common in quality cookware.
More specifically with cast iron, Dutch Ovens are commonly made from "seasoned" cast iron, which is a cast iron variety that has been coated with carbonised oil. This process, referred to as "polymerisation", is how you get the classic non-stick black coating on pans. As anyone who has had to clean a pan without that non-stick coating can tell you, it is an absolute lifesaver, and one that aids considerably in the versatile nature of Dutch Ovens.
What Are Dutch Ovens Used For?
The short answer of what these particular pots are used for is slow cooking, but there's a lot more to it than that. After all, many foods benefit from the slow cooking process, and the heavy-lidded, thick-walled design of a Dutch Oven makes them fantastic for practically all of them. From breads and meats to sauces, stews, and soups, a quality Dutch Oven can really open up a whole new world of taste and flavour within your kitchen.
How to Maintain a Dutch Oven
This will change slightly depending on the material the Dutch Oven is made from, but we will assume that you've purchased a wonderful Enamelled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, or a cocotte, for the purposes of this breakdown.
Steps For Maintaining Your Enamelled Dutch Oven
- Wipe down the outside of your Dutch Oven and the lid with a soft cloth and mildly soapy water.
- Take a non-abrasive sponge and gently scrub the interior.
- Lightly wipe down and allow to dry before placing in storage.
This will allow you to extend the life of your Dutch Oven and its enamel coating. Remember, it's important not to use anything too abrasive on the coating as it will wear down over time and lead to wear and damage that impacts the integrity of the piece. This is why many of the products at Cookery Essentials come with specific instructional best practices for taking care of your new kitchenware.
Is There a Difference Between French Ovens & Dutch Ovens?
Technically speaking, Dutch Ovens and French Ovens are the same yet different, with the French Oven being the French variation on the Dutch Oven's design. The French Oven tends to offer a slightly different form factor, being smaller and heavier, whilst also being the enamelled variety of the generally cast-iron. Much of our range would technically be considered French Ovens, or cocottes, due to their enamelled coatings. The more you know!
Shop With Cookery Essentials For Your Pots, Pans & More
So, have we convinced you of the wonders of Dutch Ovens? Why not explore the Cookery Essentials range for a full selection of cast iron cookware, pans, pots, and accessories? See why Cookery Essentials is a top name in Sydney cookware today!
