Do I need a Dutch Oven

[quailberry]

Well, I've been hinting and hinting for a dutch oven for my birthday, but do I REALLY need one - or shall I just keep on making do with other pots/pans. Can someone tell me why a dutch oven is a necessity in certain circumstances??

Thanks so much.

[zackaboo]

First off, welcome to the boards! :)

Personally, I love my Dutch Oven and use it all the time. Do you absolutely need one? It depends on what you would use it for. I frequently use mine for soups and stews when another heavy-bottomed pan would do the same function. However, in the fall and winter I also use it for several recipes which require braising on the stovetop first and then transferring to the oven. It is nice to be able to do that all in one pot. For me, it is an essential item in the kitchen, but I am sure that many people do just fine without one.

[sneezles]

First off, welcome to the boards! :)

Personally, I love my Dutch Oven and use it all the time. Do you absolutely need one? It depends on what you would use it for. I frequently use mine for soups and stews when another heavy-bottomed pan would do the same function. However, in the fall and winter I also use it for several recipes which require braising on the stovetop first and then transferring to the oven. It is nice to be able to do that all in one pot. For me, it is an essential item in the kitchen, but I am sure that many people do just fine without one.

Ditto the welcome and the advice!:D I couldn't have survived without my Le Creuset 5.5 qt Dutch oven these past 30 years!

[gabbyh]

Welcome quailberry,

Not only do you NEED a dutch oven, you need a Le Creuset dutch oven...see the thread below...if you search the topic, you'll find many more threads:

http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?t=83947&highlight=Creuset+dutch+oven

And yes...this board will cost you lots of $$$ :D

~Gail

[lindrusso]

However, in the fall and winter I also use it for several recipes which require braising on the stovetop first and then transferring to the oven. It is nice to be able to do that all in one pot.

I was just going to say the same thing. I just made CL's Dirty Rice recipe from the October issue. It was nice to be able to make it all in one pot.

I especially like these kinds of recipes on our busy nights. There are some nights when it's impossible for us all to eat together, so we eat in shifts. I can throw something like this in the oven, leave to take one our sons to practice, and let it cook until DH gets home to take it out - then he has dinner ready to eat with our other son. Unlike something simmering on the stovetop that I wouldn't want to leave unattended, I know it will be okay in the oven.

And since I don't often find crockpot recipes that I really like, this is a nice option.

[Angelsfan]

I have been thinking about purchasing a dutch oven as well. I read the thread that gabbyh provided. It seems that everyone loves Le Creuset's dutch ovens, but I don't know if I am ready to spend that much money :) . I have seen dutch ovens at TJ Maxx and stores of that nature in the past, usually they were around $80. Is that a good price? Are there any other brands that you trust that I should look out for?

-Heather

[sneezles]

I have seen dutch ovens at TJ Maxx and stores of that nature in the past, usually they were around $80. Is that a good price? Are there any other brands that you trust that I should look out for?

-Heather


Yes, that's a good price if it's enameled cast iron. My 30+ old one is really starting to show signs of wear and tear but it would kill me to have to pay today's prices. So I'd look for a cast iron enameled piece with a tight fitting lid and the handle on the lid needs to be oven safe.

[Angelsfan]

Yes, that's a good price if it's enameled cast iron. My 30+ old one is really starting to show signs of wear and tear but it would kill me to have to pay today's prices. So I'd look for a cast iron enameled piece with a tight fitting lid and the handle on the lid needs to be oven safe.


Thanks Sneezles :) !

[quailberry]

....For the welcome and for the advice... I'll keep it on the list - but may have to treat myself!!! :)