dutch ovens or an alternative for them

[cdm]

I have all these yummy sounding recipes that use dutch ovens. Whats a good brand or alternative? Also, arent they hard to scrub clean? Some beef stew would taste soo good-its chilly here in California

[sneezles]

A Dutch oven is a style of pan and doesn't necessarily have to be difficult to clean (ie is doesn't have to be cast iron). Le Crueset has different sizes for Dutch ovens that are enameled cast iron. I have 2 sizes and have used them for about 20+ years. Depending on the recipe you can start is on top of the stove and then transfer to a roaster with a cover.

[Leslie w]

Le Creuset makes some nice dutch ovens but the larger ones can be really heavy to lift. I think dutch ovens were more popular years ago, my mother has several from her grandmother, when women stayed home and had the time to simmer food all day. I love my antique dutch oven, not only does it do a great job with braising and simmering but it receives a lot of compliments when people see it on my stove. You could probably find a really nice dutch oven in an antique shop or at a flea market for a great price. In the meantime a 6 or 8 qt stockpot w/ oven proof handle would be an adequate substitute. But you want something with some weight to it to prevent your food from scorching.

[donleyk]

cdm,

I have a cast iron dutch oven that I really enjoy cooking with. We camp almost year round and use it every day until the really warm weather. If it is seasoned properly and it is hot before you add food, it isn't difficult to clean, however, it is fairly heavy and I only use it for cooking outdoors (because of the legs).

[luv2cook]

I got an All-Clad 5 1/2 qt dutch oven for Xmas. It's great and easy to clean with about 5, 10 min. of soaking - or better yet, use it as a dish pan when you're cleaning up!It also has a domed lid which I think affects the cooking in some way, I imagine...
OH. Surprisingly, it's pretty light - lighter than a frying pan...

[This message has been edited by luv2cook (edited 01-29-2001).]