How To Pick The Best Dutch Oven For Deep Frying | Unrivaled Guide 2022

When you’re in the mood for a quick French fry or donut, nothing works better than a thick-bottomed enameled Dutch oven. Dutch ovens fry better than any other cast-iron pot.

To use a Dutch oven safely, always remember to heat it slowly, not on high heat. Also, remember when heating oil to the desired temperature to avoid burning the pan and to maintain constant heat.

Dutch ovens can be used on or in the cooker. It can be used to bake, sear, braise, steam, simmer, fry, sauté, and roast all kinds of foods. Dutch ovens come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, so there’s something for everyone; there’s even one for one with an 8-ounce capacity!

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Best Dutch Oven For Deep Frying

Types of Dutch Ovens

Cast iron

This material is the material of choice for top Dutch oven brands because of its excellent heat retention and heat dissipation properties. In addition to being durable, cast iron can be used on most cooktops, including induction, and can be used directly over an open flame, such as a barbecue grill or campfire. Cast iron pans are seasoned after each use to improve the surface condition. However, they are not suitable for acidic cooking, as acids can react badly with the pan material, sometimes causing “off” flavors. Unbaked cast iron pans should be hand washed without detergent (which may remove the seasoning) and re-greased before storage. With proper care, these pans will last almost a lifetime.

Cast enamel

This is a very popular material for Dutch ovens and brings a rustic European design element to the kitchen. This oven is made of cast iron and features a glass-like enamel coating bonded to the metal, making it rust-resistant and requiring no surface seasoning. This material is ideal for all types of foods because, unlike bare cast iron, it does not react. This type of cookware is also suitable for a variety of cooktops, including induction. The light enamel interior is easily visible, but can be cleaned with a gentle scrub with a non-abrasive cleaner such as Bar Keepers Friend.

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Ceramic

This type of cookware is generally more affordable than glazed cast iron, but can equally beautify the aesthetics of your kitchen. It is also made of high-fired clay, which means it contains no PFOA or PTFE, is non-reactive, and is resistant to thermal shock. However, they are more susceptible to chipping and breakage than cast iron ovens. Not all ceramic cookware can withstand an open flame, so look for ceramic Dutch ovens (with induction discs if necessary) that can be used on a stovetop. The gentle heating properties of ceramic are ideal for slow cooking and enhancing flavors. Most ceramic pans are oven safe up to about 500 degrees F and can be easily cleaned by hand or in the dishwasher.

Stainless Steel

While traditional Dutch ovens are made of cast iron, Dutch oven-shaped containers are also available in stainless steel, a durable and non-reactive material commonly used in cookware. Stainless steel Dutch ovens can withstand daily use and are easy to maintain. However, they do not retain heat as well as their cast iron counterparts. In any case, these pans are ideal for people who have trouble lifting and storing heavy cookware or removing it from the cooker or oven.

Cast aluminum

This is another Dutch oven that is lighter than cast iron. This oven is made by pouring molten aluminum into a mold, making it harder and stronger with less warping and breakage. Cast aluminum can be used on electric or gas stoves and ovens, has a higher thermal conductivity than stainless steel, and is naturally non-stick. This material is generally very low maintenance, as it can be soaked in water and washed in the dishwasher and does not require seasoning to maintain its surface.

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Best Dutch Oven For Deep Frying | Comparison Table 2022

Best Dutch Oven For Deep Frying | Reviews 2022

How To Choose The Best Dutch Oven For Deep Frying | Ultimate Guide 2022

Sizes

Dutch ovens range in size from 1/4 pint (great for individual servings of onion soup or cobbler) to 13 quarts (perfect for braising chili or pork belly for a large crowd). Large enough to hold a whole chicken or bake a two-pound loaf of bread, some dishes can easily feed a family of four with leftovers. When choosing the size of your oven, it is better to go too big than too small. It is much easier to cook a small amount of food in a large pan than a small pan full. Also, Dutch ovens are quite bulky, so whichever size you choose, you will need to make sure you have enough storage space.

Price

Unglazed cast iron will cost less than $100 for a generously sized one. High-end French-made cast-iron enamel ovens are considerably more expensive, averaging $250 to $350 for a 6-liter model. If you are on a budget, you can get a high-quality 6-quart cast-iron enamel Dutch oven for about $50, and it will still perform well when it comes to cooking, stewing, and making soups and stews. Other materials vary in price depending on their place of production and weight, with imported cast aluminum and stainless steel generally being less expensive than their European counterparts.

Warranties

Many major manufacturers offer warranties against defects in materials and workmanship. Le Creuset and Lodge offer perpetual warranties, while Emile Henry and Staub, for example, offer 10- to 30-year warranties. These warranties may exclude damage caused by improper use, thermal shock, drops, or normal wear and may be void if used in a commercial kitchen. Before purchasing, check the terms of the manufacturer’s warranty and coverage to ensure that it meets your needs.

Lid

The lid of your Dutch oven is very important. A tightly closed lid will keep meat from drying out and prevent stews and sauces from evaporating too quickly. Most Dutch ovens have lids made of the same material as the rest of the container, but you may find Dutch ovens with tempered glass lids that allow you to visually check your food. Lid shape is a matter of preference, but a domed lid with a smooth interior keeps moisture away from the sides of the oven, while a flat lid has an uneven interior that directs condensation directly into the pot for automatic cleaning.

Control Knobs

Although stockpots are generally waterproof, the lid handles (knobs) may have a heat threshold below 400 degrees (such as Le Creuset’s classic black polymer knobs). If these non-metallic knobs are heated beyond the limit, they will crack and the hot lid will not come off. You can buy replacement oven-grade stainless steel knobs and replace them yourself, or simply choose a model that already has metal knobs and handles that can withstand high temperatures.

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Handles

Because the entire Dutch oven gets hot during use, it is important that the handle be easy to hold without the risk of burns. The looped handles on the sides of the vessel should be wide enough to hold even a pot stand and strong enough not to crack or bend when carrying a heavy pot of soup or stewed meat. Wire handles are often used on camping ovens. They are useful for placing over an open fire or lifting to rotate and adjust over hot coals. Make sure the wire handles are made of hardened galvanized steel and are strong enough to support the weight of the pot and contents without breaking.

Heating Capacity

Traditional unglazed cast iron kettles are built to withstand use on any cooktop or over an open flame. Unglazed cast iron can generally be heated to over 500 degrees F, hot ceramic to about 500 degrees F, and glazed cast iron to about 450 degrees F, which will begin to damage the glazed coating. Stainless steel and cast aluminum should be used at medium to low temperatures. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guide for maximum heat settings for Dutch ovens.

Accessories

For home use, Dutch ovens do not require many accessories. However, if you are using the pot directly from the cooker or oven to the table, you will want to invest in a good trivet that will fit the shape of your oven and keep it slightly elevated from the table. Because cast iron retains heat so well, the trivet will not damage the table because it will release heat even after it is removed from the cookware. It is also advisable to have a thick potholder to avoid burns. For camping-style Dutch ovens, a lid lifter is recommended to allow the lid to be rotated, moved, and removed even with hot coals on it.

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Shape

There are two common shapes of Dutch ovens: round and oval. The round shape is the most popular, and it heats evenly over a single burner, is deep, and is suitable for gentle stirring. Oval ovens are typically shallower and wider than round ovens and are suitable for cooking long pieces of meat. On the stovetop, oval ovens do not transfer heat as evenly as round ovens, but if the oven is preheated before use, the difference is barely noticeable.

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Material

Most Dutch ovens are made of cast iron, with or without a glazed surface, but ceramic, stainless steel, and aluminum ovens are also available. Cast iron retains heat very well, making it an ideal material for slow recipes, which Dutch oven cooking excels at. Aluminum distributes heat well, but does not retain heat as well.

As for coatings, enamel and ceramic make life easier. They are easier to clean than cast iron, which requires seasoning. Of course, they are non-stick and easy to degrease and clean.

Features

Ideally, a Dutch oven lid should fit snugly over the pot, allowing some steam to escape while allowing soups and stews to simmer. Some manufacturers, including Staub, have a protrusion under the lid to allow evaporated moisture to drip off onto whatever is being cooked.

Also consider the handle of the pan. They should be strong enough to safely grip a large oven mitt (don’t forget yours, as handles get hot during cooking).

You should think about the small knobs at the top, as some non-metallic knobs have a lower heat threshold than the rest of the pan (like Le Creuset’s classic black polymer knobs). Look for replacement knobs made of oven-safe stainless steel, or choose a Dutch oven with oven-safe knobs.

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How To Pick The Best Dutch Oven For Deep Frying | Video Explanation

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you use a Dutch oven?

Dutch ovens are very versatile, which opens up a lot of possibilities. Most Dutch ovens can be used in cookers, ovens, and (depending on the finish) over an open flame or barbecue grill.

What can you do with a Dutch oven?

Dutch ovens are ideal for stews, soups, and meat stews that simmer for long periods of time because of their ability to maintain even heat over a long period of time, and can also be used as a baking chamber.

Can a Dutch oven boil water?

Cast iron heats slowly and does not boil as quickly as aluminum or stainless steel pots, but it can be brought to a boil.

Can I fry in a Dutch oven?

Yes, cast iron’s ability to maintain a constant temperature and the depth of the Dutch oven’s silhouette make it the perfect vessel for frying.

Why use a Dutch oven instead of other cooking utensils?

It can be used for a variety of cooking styles and can easily go from stovetop to oven. Many Dutch ovens are also attractive enough to be used as serving dishes, adding a rustic, elegant touch to your table.

Can I put my Dutch oven in the dishwasher?

That depends. Most cast iron enamel ovens are dishwasher-safe, but they tend to take up more space, so hand washing may be easier. Unbaked cast iron (called “raw” or “unglazed”) is not dishwasher-safe because water and detergent will remove the seasoning. See this guide for more information on caring for your cast iron dough.

Can I put a cold Dutch oven in the oven?

Sudden changes in heat can damage cast iron and cause it to crack. If your Dutch oven is cold (e.g., it has been in the refrigerator), bring it to room temperature or warm it gently on the stove before placing it in a hot oven. You can place a cold/room temperature Dutch oven in a cold oven and let it preheat at the same time.

Can I use my Dutch oven on the stove?

Yes, one of the main attractions of Dutch ovens is their versatility. A cast-iron Dutch oven “can handle high heat, whether on the cooker, in the oven, on the grill, or in the flame,” says Skogen. Inexpensive brands and those with enamel or ceramic exteriors can be used in most, if not all, cookers, but care should be taken to avoid scratching the exterior.

What kinds of recipes can you make in a Dutch oven?

The possibilities are endless. There are classic stews such as coq au vin, pot roast, and ratatouille. But this is just the tip of the Dutch oven iceberg. Dutch ovens are great for stir-frying.” It retains heat perfectly, and the temperature doesn’t drop as low as stainless steel, so the outside gets crispy.”

Skorn’s husband is a fourth-generation farmer, and the Dutch oven is the ideal tool for a large crowd. She says, “It retains heat so we can take chili, roasts, and stews to the field and serve hot meals hot for the workers.” At your next potluck, make macaroni and cheese or lentil stew in a Dutch oven and take it straight to the site for a cute and practical presentation.

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