Info Hub: Kitchen

DUTCH OVENS: WHAT IS IT AND HOW TO COOK WITH ONE

A Dutch oven is a popular and versatile kitchen tool that has been around for centuries. They are durable cast iron pots available in several shapes and sizes and equipped with tight-fitting lids to trap steam in an effort to retain heat. 

This article will introduce you to what a Dutch oven is, how to maintain one and how to use it to simplify your cooking routine.

On an activated burner on a Maytag Cooktop is a Dutch oven simmering a chili. On the nearby counters are a mortar and pestle and an oil bottle

WHAT IS A DUTCH OVEN?

Hefty and made of cast iron, Dutch ovens look like a stock pot. They have a tight-fitting lid and are versatile, allowing for easy transfer between the stovetop and oven, or vice versa, removing the need for multiple pots. They are designed to withstand high temperatures and, thanks to their thick walls and tight-fitting lid, can keep an even heat.

Most Dutch ovens can be separated into two categories: 

  • Enamelled, which is coated with a smooth, nonporous enamel that is available in several colours. 
  • Traditional, sometimes referred to as seasoned, are black or gray and instead of an enamel coating they have a textured finish.

WHAT CAN I USE A DUTCH OVEN FOR?

You can use a Dutch oven to roast a chicken, simmer a hearty stew or bake a fresh loaf of bread. Ultimately, there isn’t much that a Dutch oven can’t do. Its tight-fitting lid ensures that steam can’t escape the pot, making it an ideal cooking instrument for soups, stews, braises and roasts that call for a moist-heat cooking method.

You can move most Dutch ovens from the stovetop to the oven and vice versa. This means you can sear a piece of meat in a Dutch oven on the stovetop and then place it in the oven to bake until it's cooked through and tender.

A kitchen with a Maytag Induction Cooktop, a Maytag Dishwasher and a Maytag Double Wall Oven. Various items like a pepper shaker and jars are on the counter.

HOW TO USE A DUTCH OVEN

Using a Dutch oven typically varies based on whether it's an enamelled or traditional cast iron model. Learning how to effectively use your Dutch oven can help you create your favourite dishes while ensuring it’s always ready for when you need it next. 

Follow these steps to learn how to prepare, use and clean your Dutch oven. It’s best to always consult your model’s user manual for specific information on how to use and care for your Dutch oven.

SUPPLIES

  • Nylon brush
  • Dishtowel
  • Vegetable oil (only for seasoned cast iron models)
  • Enamelled or seasoned cast iron Dutch oven
: An icon with three dotted lines that separate further near the bottom.

STEP 1: ALWAYS RINSE A NEW DUTCH OVEN

Before you make your first dish with a Dutch oven, thoroughly rinse and dry the pot and lid using hot water. This should help rinse away any residue that accumulated during the manufacturing process. 

You should never use soap on seasoned cast iron Dutch ovens as you risk removing the seasoning that was initially applied.

An icon of a bottle of oil

STEP 2: APPLY A LAYER OF VEGETABLE OIL

If you have a traditional cast iron Dutch oven, spread vegetable oil over the entire cooking surface to “season” the pot. This can also help protect the material and form a non-stick surface that is easy to work with. If you’re cooking with an enamelled Dutch oven, you can skip this step but keep in mind that using vegetable oil or cooking spray may make cooking and cleaning much easier.

An icon of a Dutch oven with three steam lines above it.

STEP 3: ADD INGREDIENTS AND GRADUALLY INCREASE THE HEAT 

Regardless of whether you plan to cook on a stovetop or in an oven, you should never heat an empty enamelled Dutch oven. Doing so could crack the enamel. 

The preferred method is to add ingredients to your Dutch oven, and then heat it gradually until it reaches its desired temperature. Dutch ovens are adept at retaining heat and don’t often require the use of a high-heat setting. Another benefit of gradual heating is it can help you closely monitor your cooking temperatures.

icon of a hand on a dish cloth.

STEP 4: WASH YOUR DUTCH OVEN

After you’re done using your Dutch oven, remove it from either the burner or oven and let it cool completely. For a seasoned Dutch oven, try using hot water and a stiff nylon brush to scrape off any food residue. Next, towel dry the Dutch oven to help avoid rust. You can also heat the Dutch oven over low heat to evaporate the remaining water. Lastly, add a light coating of oil to the Dutch oven before placing it in storage.

For an enamelled Dutch oven, you should hand wash with warm soapy water and scrub with a scraper or nylon pad. Be sure to dry it completely before putting it away. If stubborn food residue remains, you can try filling it with water and bringing it to a boil to help loosen food particles before scraping it. This method can work for both a seasoned or enamelled Dutch oven.

An icon of a paper towel roll

STEP 5: STORE THE DUTCH OVEN

You should only store a seasoned Dutch oven in a cool, dry space with a folded paper towel lodged between the pot and lid to promote air circulation.

Some enamelled Dutch ovens come with rubber bumpers for protection during shipping. If your Dutch oven has these, reapply them when storing the pot to help prevent damage like chips or scratches to the enamel.

SHOP MAYTAG® OVENS

If you’re excited about cooking with a Dutch oven, Maytag® ovens are the perfect pairing to create delicious casseroles and more. Maytag brand appliances are powerful and dependable to help you tackle new recipes or classic dishes that your family loves.

A kitchen with a Maytag Range. On the counters are a kitchen utensil holder, salt and pepper shakers, oil bottles and a mortar and pestle.

CAN I PUT A DUTCH OVEN IN AN OVEN?

Dutch ovens are built to handle high heat, meaning they’re well suited for the oven. That said, it’s always best to refer to your Dutch oven’s user manual before just sliding it into a hot oven. 

Certain models are made with glass or wooden handles and knobs or have non-stick coatings, all of which may have a heat limit. It doesn’t matter if your oven is gas or electric, convection or conventional, it should be safe as long as there is enough capacity to fit a Dutch oven. 

Extra large or oblong Dutch ovens may only be able to fit in larger ovens like this electric range from Maytag brand.

IS IT SAFE TO USE A DUTCH OVEN ON A STOVETOP?

It is safe to use a Dutch oven on a gas or electric stovetop to simmer, sear or braise. You can try cooking meats with a stovetop setting like the Power™ Burner available on select Maytag® Gas Cooktops. This feature helps sear meats while sealing in the juices before easily transferring the pot to the oven to slowly cook until it’s ready. 

If you’re using a glass or ceramic electric cooktop, like this model from Maytag brand, carefully lower the Dutch oven onto the surface to avoid damaging the glass. It’s also recommended to lift a Dutch oven to relocate it on the stovetop rather than sliding it along the surface to avoid scratching.

A kitchen with a Maytag Bottom- Freezer Refrigerator, a Maytag Wall Oven and a Maytag Cooktop on a kitchen island. Three stools are lined up at the island. On the counters are various items like cutting boards, potted plants, oil bottles, mortar and pestle and more.

CAN I MOVE A DUTCH OVEN FROM A FRIDGE TO A STOVE?

The rapid temperature change from the fridge to the stove, or vice versa, could result in the enamel of a Dutch oven being damaged. It’s recommended to gradually change the temperature throughout the preparation process. One method is to take your Dutch oven out of the refrigerator and let it sit out at room temperature so it can warm up. If your Dutch oven is no longer cold to the touch, it should be safe to gradually heat in the oven or on the stovetop.

IS A DUTCH OVEN DISHWASHER-SAFE?

Your Dutch oven manual is the most trusted source to confirm how to clean a Dutch oven. 

Generally, hand washing is safer for both types of Dutch ovens. For enamelled Dutch ovens, especially, frequently cleaning in a dishwasher can harm the enamel coating over time. An alternative is to wash an enamelled Dutch oven with warm soapy water and to remove food with a nylon pad or scraper, avoiding metal pads or utensils. 

Soap can wreck a traditional Dutch oven and submerging it in water can cause rust to form. A cleaning method for a traditional Dutch oven is to boil water with a sprinkle of baking soda. This mixture will help loosen food so you can scrape it off and then rinse it well and make sure to dry it right away.

Glazed chicken thighs garnished with green onions on a baking tray.

DUTCH OVEN COOKING IDEAS

A Dutch oven’s even heat capabilities and tight-fitting lid make them ideal for a variety of soups, stews, baked goods and roasts. 

A Dutch oven can also be used for:

  • Raisin bread
  • Beef stew with vegetables
  • Whole roast chicken
  • Roasted tomato soup
  • Pot pies

SHOP MAYTAG® COOKTOPS

Maytag® Cooktops are durable and designed to handle the heat and heft of most cookware. Select gas cooktops from Maytag brand have the Power™ Burner, which heats on demand for quick searing. Maytag® electric cooktops offer Dual-Choice™ elements, allowing you to use any pan you want and get the heating power you need to create your favourite dishes or tackle new recipes.