other equipment

Here’s the things you can add to your collection

(in the order I believe they are most needed)

Dutch oven cooking gloves – thick, lined, leather gloves are an important safety tool.  Fireplace gloves or welding gloves work well.

Dutch oven lid lifter – the lid lifter is as important as the gloves; you need to be able to easily lift the lid without getting burned and without dropping ash in the food.   A lid lifter keeps hands away fromthe heat, provides more control, and keeps a better hold of the bail or lid.

Dutch oven Shovel or Tongs – some sort of scoop and tongs is very important to a successful and safe cookout. You can use a small shovel like a garden trowel to scoop coals from the fire to the Dutch oven. A nice stainless steel pair of long tongs work nicely, too, and keeps hands away from the heat.

Dutch oven cooking utensils – long-handled serving utensils are highly recommended.  Make sure they have no plastic parts that can melt. You can also use wooden spoons to stir food because it is easier on the ovens interior finish.

Dutch oven Coal Starter – for briquette users a charcoal chimney is very handy to get coals hot quickly. Some crumpled newspaper in the bottom, a load of briquettes on top, and 15 minutes later you’re ready to cook.  Remember briquettes burn quickly so if you are cooking something that takes more than 45 minutes, you should start another batch of briquettes after 30 minutes of cooking so the new coals are ready to go when needed.

Dutch oven Lid Stand – getting dirt on the lid is very bad form, not to mention bad food. A lid stand gives you a convenient, clean and safe place to set the lid.

Dutch oven Trivet –

Dutch oven Storage Bag – provides protection for your Dutch oven when storing or travelling. Also, keeps the rest of your gear clean and away from the soot and seasoning of your Dutch oven. Wooden boxes could also be used for storing your Dutch oven and gear.

Dutch oven Table – when cooking with a Dutch Oven often or go to competitions, cooking tables brings the cooking surface up to where it’s easier and safer to reach better plus it’s a back saver. The walls shield the cooking from wind so the heat is contained better.

Soft bristle brush (for cleaning your Dutch oven) – do not use a hard brush as it might also ruin the surface of your oven pot. Rinse your Dutch oven thoroughly with water and let it completely dry placing it back into storage.

Dutch oven Tripod – is useful for keeping food warm in the Dutch oven. If you got the meal ready and the diners are not, then you can hang it over the fire to keep warm but not overcook. An adjustable hook lets you move the oven higher or lower depending on the amount of heat you want.