Definition: A Dutch oven is a heavy cooking pot with a tightly fitting lid that is good for braising. Dutch ovens are also excellent for making soups and stews.
A Dutch oven (compare prices) can be used either on the stovetop or in the oven. Dutch ovens are usually made of cast iron. Cast iron Dutch ovens need to be seasoned before using, like other cast iron cookware. Because they can withstand extremely high heat, cast iron Dutch ovens can also be used for deep-frying.
In addition to the plain cast iron types, there's also the enameled cast iron Dutch oven. An enameled Dutch oven is easier to clean than plain cast iron, and there's no worry about rust. They also come in different colors.
Cast iron is a poor conductor of heat, so it takes a long time to get hot, but it retains that heat for a long time. That's what makes Dutch ovens ideal for braising meat.
A Dutch oven (compare prices) can be used either on the stovetop or in the oven. Dutch ovens are usually made of cast iron. Cast iron Dutch ovens need to be seasoned before using, like other cast iron cookware. Because they can withstand extremely high heat, cast iron Dutch ovens can also be used for deep-frying.
In addition to the plain cast iron types, there's also the enameled cast iron Dutch oven. An enameled Dutch oven is easier to clean than plain cast iron, and there's no worry about rust. They also come in different colors.
Cast iron is a poor conductor of heat, so it takes a long time to get hot, but it retains that heat for a long time. That's what makes Dutch ovens ideal for braising meat.
