Dutch ovens are one of the most versatile and enduring kitchen appliances in any household. Also known as "casserole dishes", this simple yet classic covered pot has a very interesting history that dates back to the 17th century.
Although the origins of the dutch oven come from the Netherlands, this humble pot is widely used in many other cultures due to its flexibility and utility in modern indoor kitchens.
In this guide, we cover the history and origin of the Dutch Oven, as well as its features and benefits. On top of that, you will also learn all about the advantages and perks of having one of our brand new Copper Dutch Ovens in your kitchen.
How did the humble Dutch Oven get its name?
Cast iron cookware has been revered for centuries since the Iron Age, due to its amazing heat retention and durability. During the 17th century, the most valued cookware were made from expensive metals such as copper and brass.
As the Dutch were some of the finest craftsmen at the time, they started producing and creating a wide range of cookware, including pots, pans and casserole dishes.
To do so, the Dutch used a method of casting iron in sand molds in order to achieve a fine sheen to the finished material for their cookware. This meant that Dutch cookwares made from copper and brass were quite expensive.
However, Abraham Darby, an English craftsmen believed that he can do better, and that there is a market for more affordable cookware. He set out with his right-hand man, James Thomas to create an economical range of cookware using cast iron, instead of brass and copper.
Unlike the Dutch, the English used molds made out of loam and clay to cast irons. As Darby was interested in the Dutch's casting process using sand clays, he visited the Netherlands in order to observe the method.
Although the first few attempts of casting iron in sand molds were failures, Darby and Thomas eventually succeeded in creating a method for casting iron in sand molds. This allowed them to bring cheaper and more durable cookware to the market quickly. In 1707, Darby patented a casting procedure and named it the "Dutch Oven" after returning to England.
Subsequently, the Americans brought the English style Dutch Ovens to their new colony and continued to modify them during the colonial era. This included adding legs to the pots, and designing a flat lid with ridges to hold coal.
What are Dutch Ovens made of?
At its core, dutch ovens are basically covered pots for boiling, simmering and other basic cooking methods. The earliest uses of dutch ovens were for cooking directly in open flames.
Until today, variations of the dutch oven are a staple for campfire cooking. Often times referred to as a cowboy or camping dutch oven, cooking over an open flame requires a well-fitted lid for the purpose of preventing the embers and ashes from getting to the food.
Dutch oven pots can also be stacked on top of another while cooking, with the bottom pot serving as the lid of the one below it. Doing so conserves and transmits heat during ocoking.
What are dutch ovens used for?
Although most people associate dutch ovens with cooking stews or soups, dutch ovens are actually much more versatile.
From cooking, frying and braising meat, to using it as a traditional oven to make baked goods including bread and rolls, this covered pot is suited for cooking pretty much anything!
Here are some of the most common uses of dutch ovens:
- Stews and soups: As dutch ovens are typically generous in size, they are perfect for cooking food in low heat over long periods of time. This makes it ideal for making stews and soups.
- Braising meat or vegetables: Dutch ovens are usually made from cast iron, brass or copper. The even cooking performance makes dutch evens great for braising meat or vegetables to tender perfection!
- Camping: As mentioned earlier, dutch ovens are sturdy, durable and great for cooking over an open fire or a portable stove. The solid lid on most dutch ovens also prevents anything from getting to the food, as well as giving you delicious slow cooked food that melts in your mouth.
- Bread-making: The thick walls of a dutch oven creates the perfect steamy environment for the dough to rise, as well as keeping it nice and moist.
Why Choose Our Copper Dutch Ovens
As you can see, dutch ovens are not only great for creating delectable slow cooked meals and making bread, they are also kitchen staples you can pass down to your next generation.
Therefore, if you're looking for an heirloom copper cookware, our latest Copper Dutch Oven will be a great addition to your kitchen.
The latest addition to our cookware line, the copper Stew Pan, Dutch Oven, or Cocotte available in 7 and 12 quart sizes, will be the bastion of your kitchen. For roasts in the oven, stews on the stovetop, or the Beef Bourguignon that requires both.
As our Copper Dutch Ovens are solidly constructed with copper, you will enjoy amazing control, minimal preheating and uniform temperature whenever you are cooking with it.
Here are all the amazing features you will get to enjoy with our Copper Dutch Ovens:
- 2 sizes: 12 x 6 inch ~ 12 quart filled capacity, and 10 x 5 inch ~ 7 quart capacity
- Heavy-gauge 2mm copper from recycled sources
- Traditional hot tinned interior, the traditional non-stick surface that is environmentally friendly
- Patented Handle System reduces weight, dissipates heat, holds your spatula or lid while cooking.
- Countersunk stainless steel rivets sit flush to pan walls
- Lids included
So, if you already love the timeless elegance of copper, as well as the superior cooking performance of copper cookware, now is your chance!
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