Do you have multiple sizes of ovens for different Dutch oven camping recipes?
Most campers don’t carry an assortment of camp ovens so they
end up asking the question, “What size Dutch oven should I buy for
camping?”
Here’s how you can easily make that decision.
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Best Size Dutch Oven For Camping
Lodge Cast Iron Camp Dutch Ovens
Most camp oven recipes use a standard depth 12-inch Dutch
oven.
If you are using a different oven size, you can usually adapt the recipe by using a Dutch oven temperature chart to achieve the correct cooking temperature for the meal.
Use our chart to see how many hot coals on top and bottom you’ll
need to create a specific cooking temperature.
Size Capacities Of Cast Iron Dutch Ovens
When it comes to Dutch oven cooking on camping trips, the number of people you are feeding plays a big role in buying a Dutch oven to cook your camp food.
Cast Iron Dutch Oven Size Capacities
| 8 Inch Classic | 2 Quarts | 8 Cups |
| 10 Inch Classic | 4 Quarts | 16 Cups |
| 10 Inch Deep | 5 Quarts | 20 Cups |
| 12 Inch Classic | 6 Quarts | 24 Cups |
| 12 Inch Deep | 8 Quarts | 32 Cups |
| 14 Inch Classic | 8 Quarts | 32 Cups |
| 14 Inch Deep | 10 Quarts | 40 Cups |
| 16 Inch Classic | 12 Quarts | 48 Cups |
Dutch Oven Size When Cooking For A Crowd
If you tend to camp with larger groups of people, a 12 Qt. Dutch oven is a really nice size.
A 16-inch/12-quart cast iron Dutch oven weighs about 33 pounds and serves approximately 16 – 20 people.
Although this is one of the biggest camping Dutch ovens, it is still a manageable size for cooking and transporting to, from and around the campsite.
Camp Chef Classic 16″ Dutch Oven
What Size Dutch Oven For A Couple
Cooking for a couple has its own unique challenges because recipes
commonly serve 4-6 people.
If you like to make camping meals for two, you will want a
10-inch Dutch oven.
This size oven is great if you like to make 1/2 recipes of
your favorite meals that feed a family.
CLASSIC – Camp Chef Classic 10″ Dutch Oven – 4-Qt model: Measures 11.5 x 11.5 x 4 inches, weighs 14 pounds
Camp Chef Classic 10″ Dutch Oven
DEEP – Camp Chef Classic 10″ Deep Dutch Oven – 5-Qt model: Measures 11.5 x 11.5 x 7 inches, weighs 15 pounds
Camp Chef Classic 10″ Deep Dutch Oven
What Size Dutch Oven For A Family Of 4
A 12-inch Dutch oven is the perfect size when cooking for a
family of four.
It is the most common Dutch oven size that camping recipes are designed to be cooked in to feed a family of 4-6 people.
STANDARD – Classic Lodge 12-inch Dutch Oven – 6-Qt model: Weighs 19 pounds
Classic Lodge 12” Dutch Oven
DEEP – Lodge 12-inch Deep Dutch Oven – 8-Qt model: Weighs 20 pounds
Lodge 12” Deep Camp Dutch Oven
Should You Buy A Deep Or Standard Camping Dutch Oven
Let’s say you decide that a 12-inch Dutch oven fits your
family’s needs.
The next question is … should that be a deep Dutch oven or a standard/classic
depth Dutch oven.
The answer depends of the type of food you like to eat.
Deep Dutch Ovens
Lodge 12-inch Deep Camp Dutch Oven, 8 Quart
It is almost impossible to bake food in a Deep Dutch oven without burning the bottom before browning the top because the heat is too far away from the top of the food.
A 12-inch Deep Dutch oven holds 8 Quarts/32 Cups.
Deep Dutch ovens are great for making big pots of soup, stew, chili etc.
Deep ovens are great for avoiding splashing and boiling over because of the taller walls.
As an example, we used a 12-inch Deep Dutch oven when we made our BBQ Ribs.
Standard/Classic Dutch Ovens
Lodge 12-inch Standard Cast Iron Camp Dutch Oven, 6-Quart
It is almost impossible to simmer soups and stews in a Standard/Classic Dutch oven without having it splash and possibly boil over the top because there is not a lot of oven wall to prevent it.
A 12-inch Standard/Classic Dutch oven holds 6 Quarts/24
Cups.
Standard/Classic Dutch ovens are great for baking things like pizza, lasagna, cake etc.
As an example, we used a 12-inch Standard/Classic Dutch oven when we made our campfire Dutch oven cornbread.
More Dutch Oven Buying Considerations
After you answer the questions on deep vs. standard and what
size camp Dutch oven should I buy … you have a few more things to consider
before you actually purchase your gear.
- Dutch oven with legs or legless
- Cast iron or aluminum material
- Heavy vs lightweight gear
- Cheap or expensive cost
Camp Chef and Lodge Dutch ovens are considered to be at the
top of the list of high quality cast iron camp ovens.
But, if you are a backpacker or lightweight car camper … you
may want an aluminum Dutch oven.
Get help with these factors to find your personal best Dutch oven for camping.
After I Get My Dutch Oven, Now What?
Once you obtain your camp oven, you may need a few tips on how to use a Dutch oven while camping so be sure to check out this post for help.
Here are some camping Dutch oven tips that help you with coal placement as the heat source for cooking.
After you know what size Dutch oven for camping … you might need some of these awesome Dutch oven accessories to compliment your kitchen gear like Dutch oven lid lifters, lid stands and more!
Cast Iron Dutch Oven Care
If you decide to acquire a cast iron Dutch oven, make sure
you care for it so it lasts a long time.
As sturdy as they are … if cast iron Dutch ovens are not
properly cared for … they can rust.
Here are tips on cleaning and seasoning cast iron Dutch ovens.
Need To Make More Camping Gear Purchases?
If you need help determining the best camping gear for your camping style, we’ve got help for you!
Check out our reviews on lanterns, generators, grill stoves,
camping lights, fire starters, solar panels, campfire cooking equipment and
more!
No time to look for recipes, create a menu and write a grocery list? No Problem! Get our 3-Day Dutch Oven Camp Menu Plan here!
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The post What Size Dutch Oven Should I Buy For Camping appeared first on Camping For Foodies.
