Best Cast Iron Dutch Oven For Camping – Top 6 Picks

For understanding the importance of Dutch you don’t need to be a pro chef; a frequent traveler or camping geek would also know the importance of Dutch oven. It is the only kitchen vessel that can do wonders on almost all heat sources whether it’s baking, frying, boiling or braising.

This is why today we are pursuing some of the best cast iron Dutch oven for camping to help the camping nerd enjoying their favorite meals on the go.

List of Best Cast Iron Dutch Oven For Camping – 6 Shortlisted Products

What is Dutch Oven and How to Use It?

A Dutch oven is a heavy duty pot mostly made of cast iron. Designed with domed lid or sometimes flanged lid they are perfect for stewing, simmering, browning, braising and frying different ingredients.

You can also prepare soups and use it for boiling vegies or pasta. Since they are mostly made of durable yet sturdy cast iron they can go directly from the stovetop to the oven while maintaining temperature exceptionally well.

Though Dutch ovens are considered best camping cookware for open fire but they are also safe to be used on various cooking surfaces such as grill, gas, induction and oven.

Dutch ovens are more like stockpots but relatively have broader base with much shorter but thicker and sturdy walls that conducts heat evenly and retains it for longer time so that the ingredients get perfectly braise, brown, sauté and simmer.

The best thing about Dutch oven is their flanged lids with pronged horns with raised walls that not only helps coals to stay but also works as griddle to fry various foods.

There are many brands known for their quality Dutch ovens such as Le Creuset, Staub and how can we forget some of the best Lodge cast iron Dutch ovens that stays for life long serving in our kitchen.

How to Use your Cast Iron Dutch oven Pot?

Just like any other cookware there are certain techniques that help you get the most out of your Dutch oven. Following are some techniques that will surely offer you some amazing cooking results.

• While making sauces and liquid meals always keep the lid slightly opened that allows evaporation this will prevent boil over. 
• If you are making soups and chicken broth then completely covered the lid.
• For deep searing ingredients, the best way is to heat the pot first then add some oil before adding meat or ingredients. This will prevent the oil from overheating and the ingredients from getting burned.
• If you are cooking in your house using oven then put the lid on to keep in the moisture.
• Since Dutch oven are made of cast iron they are great at conducting and retaining heat for long time so you need to keep the heat in control and prefer slow cooking method.

Why Cast Iron Dutch Oven Preferred Over Other Materials

• Cast iron Dutch oven is considered as the best camping cookware for open fire due to its efficiency to work on any stovetop, grill, even on campfire.
• It is perfect for variety of cooking techniques such as sautéing vegetables, frying eggs, making bacons, baking cookies and grilling steaks. 
• Cast iron is a durable and long lasting material that is indestructible can handle heat efficiently from various heat sources.
• Cast iron Dutch oven is simple to use and doesn’t take any efforts to keep it in shape except just hand wash and manual dry.
• Cast iron Dutch oven is incredible at heat conductivity and retention and perfect for slow cooking.

What to Look Before Choosing Best Cast Iron Dutch Oven For Camping?

Selecting the best cast iron Dutch oven for camping is not that tricky all you need to know is the basic requirements and the cooking style you prefer to cook. 

Seasoned and Enameled Cast iron

Speaking of cast iron Dutch ovens, there are two choices one is seasoned and the other is enameled cast iron. If you are a frequent traveler and loves to cook outdoor then a traditional and seasoned cast iron Dutch oven is the best option for you.

Traditional cast iron pots are sturdier than enameled cookware the reason is they can withstand intense heat. The rough texture of seasoned cast iron makes them perfect for various cooking techniques; however, they require careful maintenance, cleaning and seasoning.

On the other hand enameled cast iron Dutch oven offers natural non stick properties and requires effortless cleaning. But that doesn’t mean that the coating cant chipped or flaked so extra handling skills may require to keep your cookware for longer time. 

Size

If you are budget constraint then a round 5 to 6 quarts Dutch oven is perfect for making different quantities of meal.

It is the most commonly used size that is perfect for making big batches of soups and sauces or light enough for carrying. However, if you have a large family then 7 to 8 quarts Dutch oven would be sufficient.

Top 6 Best Cast Iron Dutch Oven For Camping

Follwing are some of the best

1.Cast Iron 5 Quart Dutch Oven For Camping

This ultra durable Dutch oven is made from raw cast iron and comes pre-seasoned offers you an enjoyable head start without any hazardous concerns.

The non porous on stick surface is made sleek and greasy by absorbing oil into its cast iron surface that helps it become resistant against flaking, scratching and chipping.

This versatile vessel offers you to cook you favorite meals by braising, stewing, boiling or sautéing on different temperatures.

The portable camp stove is perfect for slow cooking even in oven or on grill or campfire.  The flanged lid with high walls holds charcoals easily and can be used as griddle to fry or sauté ingredients by inverting.

The sturdy and firm legs stand evenly over the campfire without any glitch.

The bumps on the inner side of the lid promote circulation of water vapors to keep the moisture locked to maintain the flavor of your ingredients.

The black enameled non porous surface absorbs excess oil to offer you healthy foods.  The large handle with silicone clip helps to hold it without any mittens and comfortably hangs over open fire without damaging.

This seasoned cast iron Dutch oven is made with Camp Chef Advantage Cast Iron offers optimal cooking results on numerous heat sources including oven, stove, grill and campfire.

2. Uno Casa Dutch Oven For Camp

This durable and longevity cast iron Dutch oven provides unparalleled heat retention and spreads heats evenly across the surface so that your food cooked with perfection.

The pre-seasoned surface makes it easy to clean, maintain and food release. The best thing is that it not only cooks uniformly but keeps it hot for hours so that the food stays fresh.

Mostly people use it for slow cooking. The naturally non stick properties help offer beautiful brown crust with exceptional release. 

The 6 quarts Dutch oven is perfect to prepare meal for a big family gathering, party or camping trip to serve a sizzling meal that would make your event memorable.

Provided with a dual functional lid that is designed to hold coals so that you able to heat it up from all the directions; moreover, that lid is invertible and gets double as well as the size of a griddle.

The durable handle on the lid offers you to hang it over camp fire while the sturdy legs allows it to stand still over the campfire to help you prepare your meals without any fear of falling or splattering. 

The manufacturer has also provided a heavy-duty polyester tote bag so that you can transport it easily to your camping site without any hassle.

There is also a recipe book provided to the customers online so they can download or read online to prepare meals on the go.

Cleaning up this huge Dutch oven is breeze; since it is naturally non stick  you can just scrub off the food residue rub it with chainmail cleaner using warm water but do not air dry clean it. Always dry it with a soft towel before storing.

3. Lodge 5 Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven

This classic yet sturdy Dutch oven from Lodge is made in USA. Lodge is a brand that is known for its experience in providing high quality products with aesthetic design and durability.

This 5 quarts pre-seasoned Dutch oven is great for prepping various meals in a sufficient quantity on the go.

If you are looking for something versatile yet incredible that does not only great at heat distribution and retention but also is great at maintaining then this Dutch oven is the right pick for you.

A rightly seasoned tool makes the difference in your cooking; this pre-seasoned cast iron Dutch oven is perfect to sear, fry, sauté, simmer, braise and roast.

Since Lodge season its coatings with pure 100% vegetable oil so it is completely free from any toxic elements and the more you use the better the better the seasoning gets of iron.

The all-natural seasoning ensures easy release of ingredients that enhanced after each use and is quite easy to clean.

Since it is brutally tough for various style of cooking that includes on the oven, stove top, grill or over the campfire; but it is recommended to hand wash with mild soap or warm water and later manual dry to keep save it from any possible rusting.

Features with a flat bottom it can sit comfortably on the stovetop or on any surface while the domed lid keeps the moisture inside so the meal remains fresh for long.

Large loop handles allows easy handling and carrying with oven mittens.

4. Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven

This versatile ready to use 8 quarts Lodge Dutch oven is perfect for campers, travelers, and backpackers.

This deep Dutch oven is a multi functional staple that is perfect for slow cooking and compatible to almost all heat sources.

With its sporting style and elegant black color this just not looks great but also evenly distributes heat from the base to the walls of the cookware and retains it for longer period of time so that your delicious food stays warm for a long time.

Seasoned naturally by baking oil into the pores of the iron surface that prevent it from rusting and further provide safe yet healthy non stick performance.

Lodge uses soy based vegetable oil that is free from animal fats. Moreover, if you ever find it losing its non stick properties you can restore it by re-season it again.

This natural non stick coating ensures easy food release and quick yet effortless clean up.

Whether you are a home cook, frequent traveller, or like to spend weekends on camping trips; this deep Dutch oven works great on gas, induction, electric cooktops, grill, open fire and even on coals.

Features wit loop handle that adds convenience with heavy gauge wire bale that comes handy when its about hanging it over the campfire.

The three legs perfectly stands over the hot coals without causing a glitch and maintaining perfect space. 

The durable lid with snuggly fits and  carries the coals efficiently so that you can use it for a perfect baking, roasting and stewing experience.

5. Keledy Dutch Oven With Lid

This KeledyDutch oven made especially for campers; however, it is perfect to be used indoors.

Made of rugged cast iron it offers premium grade heat distribution and retention making it ideal for slow cooking.

Many Dutch ovens are only made to be used indoors but this heavy grade Dutch oven is perfect to be used on any cooking surface including gas, electric, induction, grill, oven and even on campfire.

The pre-seasoned surface is 100% safe and healthy as a non stick surface that is free from toxic elements and hazardous like any other traditional non stick coatings that loses its efficiency over time but thanks to Cast iron it gets better as long as you carefully use and maintain.

This is why manufacturers recommended hand washing it and store it with a layer of oil rubbed against its surface.

Since it is 8 quarts it spreads over a space and is much suited to prep bigger meals for your campfires; however, it is available in 5 quarts as well. Though it can be used indoor but the design is made for campfires specifically like the wire bale helps to hang it over the fire. 

The flat lid is provided with a sufficient handle that can be easily picked even with oven mittens.  The lip of 1 to 2 inches on the lid helps in carrying coals or you can even use it as a fry pan.

6. Camp Chef Classic Deep Dutch Oven

Unlike any other traditional Dutch ovens this Camp Chef Dutch oven is known as the best camping cookware for open fire; for its affordable price and incredible performance.

This 6 quarts, 12 inch Dutch oven is well made, perfect for even cooking longer retention of heat to prepare food that is perfectly cooked and stays fresh for quite some time.

Featured with a straight lid that is 2 inches deep and has legs so you can use it directly on the hot coals just like a frying pan by turning it over for browning meat, preparing bacon; moreover, the flange on the lid helps to carry coal accurately and increases the air flow for healthier and evenly prepared ingredients.

The built in thermometer notch on the lid allows you to keep a check on the temperature so that you get to know the inside temperature of the Dutch oven without even removing the lid.

The convenient loop handle allows you to pick up the lid safely with mittens on. If you have just planned your first camping trip then you this could be the best cast iron Dutch oven for camping for its affordability and performance.

Conclusion

The cast iron Dutch ovens we discussed above are not only the options available in the market; however, we selected the best cast iron Dutch oven for camping.

That can endure high heat of campfire and outdoor cooking or grilling.

The above Dutch ovens and camp ovens we discussed are no doubt the best by all means but even if we have to choose one then we would suggest you to go for Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven [Buy On Amazon] that is known for its absolute durability, longevity and performance; stands as the best Lodge cast iron Dutch oven among the other cookware vessels of the brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Dutch oven for outdoor cooking/camping?

So far Lodge stands apart for introducing the best cast iron Dutch oven pots in the market.

Both Lodge deep camp Dutch oven [Buy On Amazon] and 5 quart cast iron Dutch oven are the best Lodge cast iron Dutch ovens known for their durability and exceptional performance.

Is a Dutch oven best camping cookware?

Cast iron Dutch oven for outdoor cooking or camping is great; as they are highly durable heat resistant and perfect for slow cooking.

Moreover, if it is properly cared for will last for many years. Cast iron Dutch oven pots are also good at heat conductivity and retention.

How do I choose the best cast iron Dutch oven for camping?

The first and foremost thing to consider while buying the Dutch oven for outdoor cooking is to choose the right size.

If you mostly go on a trip along with your family of 4 members then 4 quarts is enough for you; however if you have a large family or group of friends you can add more quarts.

Moreover, a Dutch oven that is required for camping must be durable, good at heat conductivity and retention. 

What is the best size camp Dutch oven?

If you have a small family or going out two persons on a camping trip3 to 4 quarts Dutch oven can be the best camping cookware for you.

A large Dutch oven provides much space for variety of meals. If you have to prepare serving for 4 to 6 persons then a 12-inch Dutch oven could be your best camping cookware to prepare proper meals other than just prepping starters. 

Is a Dutch oven the same as a camp oven?

The main difference between a Dutch oven and camp oven is that the Dutch oven has domed lid while the camp oven has flat lid that has raised edges and can be used as a griddle if needed for frying many different foods.