Dutch oven meals fit for even the most discriminating of palates. When deciding on a Dutch oven, there are a few important guidelines that you should keep in mind. There are two types of ovens, cast iron or aluminum, and both have some advantages. The aluminum ovens weigh lesser than their cast iron counterparts and they require not be cured like the iron ones. You can also use the aluminum Dutch ovens on open fires or even bury them underground. The cast iron Dutch oven on the other hand is better at retaining heat and also distributes it well compared to the aluminum ones. There are some important areas that you must focus on when buying the Dutch oven.

 

The first is to only buy the Dutch oven at http://www.treksw.com/cast-iron-dutch-oven-recipes/ that has legs. You will find that some are manufactured with flat bottoms and these are difficult to use. Ensure that the three legs attached are not broken, cracked or bent. Check out the fit of the lid before you buy the Dutch oven. It should lie flat with the lip of the oven all the way around and there should be no gaps. The casting of the metal is the other important factor especially around the rim. This is so as there are no areas that produce hot or cold spots during cooking and cooling. If there is a big variance, the oven is more likely to crack.

 

The lid has to have a loop handle and cleanly attached to the center. The wire handle that is usually attached to the oven itself should be easily movable and strong enough to use for carrying or hanging a heavy pot. Once you have the oven, it must be cured and the process is to keep the oven from rusting or producing any interior coating. However, after each subsequent use and cleaning, you maintain and strengthen the cure by wiping a very light coat of oil.  To learn more about ovens, visit http://www.ehow.com/how_4964887_dehydrate-food-oven.html.

 

You will need all the usual utensils required for cooking such as spoons, forks and spatulas. Remember when picking the utensils, that you choose items that are made of wood, plastic or Teflon. This is because metal utensils scrape the curing off and you will have to re-cure often. You will also need a pair of loose-fitting leather gloves long enough to cover the wrists. A lid lifter is also important and there are a number of designs that you can choose from.