What size Dutch oven?

[Iraqvet05]

I don't have much experience with Dutch ovens. My son's Cub Scout pack made desert at a recent camp out which sparked my interest in buying one. What size oven would you recommend if I'm cooking deserts and meals for 4 people?

[Jagiven]

#12 seams to be the most common size. We them in our troop and pack and use them all the time. We are a family of 3, and I have a #12 and a # 6. The # 6 is good for two people, and the #12 seams to be good for 8+ people. I have been thinking about buying a #10. I'm afraid the #8 might be a bit to small.

[Woodworker]

I have a 14 I use with a biscuit pan, making gumbo for 4-6 people or frying fish. Of the 5 I have 2 of them have feet for cookin with charcoal the others are flat bottom for the stove top or out door cooker.

[doonkin]

I’ve got a great 10, decent 12 and one of those loner oval ones for ribs. If we are camping family only(wife 2 kids) 10 inch is more than enough. If on the rare occasions a group of fans are going I bring the 10 and the 12. That way I can get 2 ovens going w ribs etc n everyone eats- if smaller family the 10 inch deep is my go to every time

[2nOZ]

We have a 10 and it has worked well for 2-4 people. But in the case of some really hungry people, I’d go with the 12. We have had some really good meals and deserts with little work.

[Bigbeartroop122]

You might want to look into anodized aluminum Dutch ovens if you are a fan of keeping weight down they are probably about 1/3 the weight of cast iron, don’t need to be seasoned and you most certainly won’t have to worry about rust. They are a little more pricey but I like them. I have GSI 10 and 14.

[JaycoMLOK]

I have 1-10,2-12, 1-14 and the 12’s get used the most camping or home.

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by Bigbeartroop122

You might want to look into anodized aluminum Dutch ovens if you are a fan of keeping weight down they are probably about 1/3 the weight of cast iron, don’t need to be seasoned and you most certainly won’t have to worry about rust. They are a little more pricey but I like them. I have GSI 10 and 14.

Our old boy scout troop had an aluminum Dutch Oven that was donated to us. We would use it, only if we had to. I have even carried it on a 2 mile hike into a backpacking area. One thing we always struggled with was temperature control. It was very easy to over heat the bottom and burn items. We tried to remember to use more heat on the top then usual and less underneath.

[Danno]

My Wife doesn't like Dutch ovens, Says it makes her eyes water! ;-)

[Bigbeartroop122]

The hard anodized aluminum Dutch oven has a thick bottom that helps to keep things from burning, I have used both and there is a notable difference, you will also see that difference reflected in the price.

[Woodworker]

Too many coals along with improperly placed coals are one cause an too long cook time is the other of burning food doesn't matter what your using. I throw in a trivet when cooking things like apple stuffing stuffed ribs

[Bigbeartroop122]

Woodworker
Do you mind sharing the recipe for the stuffed ribs.
Thank you

[Woodworker]

Recreated Spareribs With Apple Dressing | Foods & Recipes | American Civil War Forums
https://civilwartalk.com/threads/spa...ressing.88693/

[Woodworker]

Tons of recipes in there. Some the actual recipe for time period some "revamped"

[Iraqvet05]

Originally Posted by Woodworker

Tons of recipes in there. Some the actual recipe for time period some "revamped"

I'll have a look. The in-laws bought me a larger cast iron oven. I can't wait for this snow stuff to go away so we can do some camping.

[Bigbeartroop122]

Thank you Woodworker, I’m sure they will be good can’t wait to try them.