How to clean and care for your favorite oven - Camp Dutch Ovens
Learn how to use and clean the Lodge Camp Dutch Oven, the ultimate outdoor cookware for the outdoors.
How to clean Camp Dutch Ovens
Step 1: Wash
Scrap off all food and wash the Camp Dutch Oven by hand and hot water. You can use a small amount of mild detergent.
Step 2: Dry
Dry the Camp Dutch Oven and cover tightly with paper or cloth.
Step 3: Oil
While the cookware is hot, rub a very light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray on the surface. Use a paper towel to wipe the surface until there is no more oil residue.
The Anatomy of a Camp Dutch Oven
Whether you are new to camping cooking or a seasoned pro looking for the next piece in your collection, this is what makes a Camp Dutch Oven great:
Wire Safety Handle
- Heavy duty safety wire is used to hang the pan over a stove or fire
- Helps in transporting meals for serving
Cover With Flange
- With a special design along the rim to hold the coals
- Flip the lid to use as a second cooking surface
Built-in Small Feet
- Designed with 3 feet ideal for placement on charcoal
- Limits swings on uneven surfaces
How to cook with a Camp Dutch Oven
Cooking outdoors
Light it up
The first step is to light the coals or briquettes. If using wood, light the fire 30 to 45 minutes before starting. If using briquettes, light them 15 to 20 minutes before they are needed. Pro tip: For faster cooking, you can reduce the time it takes to heat coals by using a Lodge Chimney Starter, a piece of paper and a match.
Using charcoal
Arrange the coals by placing them under the pan in a circular pattern so that they are at least 1.5 cm apart. from the edge of the container. Arrange the coals in the lid in a checkerboard pattern. Do not pick up the coals. The buildup can cause hot spots that will burn the food or damage the cookware. To prevent small cooking spots, lift and rotate the pan 90 degrees every 10 to 15 minutes, then rotate the lid 90 degrees in the opposite direction. Pro Tip: The Lodge Camp Dutch Oven Camp 4-in-1 is essential for safe Camp Dutch Oven cooking. It protects your hands, keeps your cookware off the ground and maximizes your cooking area.
Chart for coals
Use this charcoal chart to determine how much charcoal you'll need to maintain a constant temperature. The top number is how many coals you need to put in the lid. The bottom number is how many coals to place under the Camp Dutch Oven
Cooking Tips
Check your food occasionally to make sure it is not burning, cooking too quickly, or not cooking fast enough. Be careful when removing the lid so that the ashes do not fall into the Dutch Oven. If it is necessary to add or remove coals, replace them in the same proportions above and below. Pro tip: Keep your lid out of the dirt and flip it over to use as a baking tray with the Fire and Cook Stand.
How to use the 4-in-1 Camp Dutch Oven Tool
Camp Dutch Oven FAQs
What is Camp Dutch Oven?
Designed for outdoor cooking, the Cast Iron Camp Dutch Oven features a flat bottom with three small feet that hold the pan above the heat source. This allows air to circulate. The lid has an outer lip and handle for easy lifting. The pan also has a safety handle for someone to lift it from the coals or hang it from a tripod.
How do I store the Camp Dutch Oven?
Store with the lid open to avoid moisture build-up. Wrapped paper towels are ideal for keeping the lid open during storage.
What is the difference between a Camp Dutch Oven and a Deep Camp Dutch Oven?
It is generally accepted that ovens with shallow sides are called bread ovens. When baking, the heat source on the lid must be close to the item being baked. Your rolls or cookies will be bronzed on top, as well as on the bottom. Ovens with deeper sides have the space to cook meats, vegetables, soups and stews.
What is seasoning?
Seasoning is simply oil baked into the iron, giving you a natural, easy-to-release finish that will improve with each use. Visit our All About Seasoning page to learn more.