Dutch ovens are some of the most expensive investments of the kitchen. They come in attractive colors and look classy in your kitchen. They have gained popularity in the recent times, and you will come across some recipes that will highly recommend the use of a Dutch oven. You may have seen them in your neighbor’s kitchen and you could be thinking of purchasing one of your own. Read on to find out about this. Click here for more information on this topic

Safety First

Before you make an investment in a kitchen tool the first thing to think about is the safety of the tool or appliance. Safety in your kitchen should be guaranteed at all times. So the question to ask is, “Are Dutch Ovens Safe?” Well to answer this you need to know some few things about the Dutch ovens.

Cleaning

All utensils should be washed before use and the Dutch oven is no exemption. The cookware is safe to wash in the dishwasher. However, hand washing is recommended. The nonstick enamel makes the cookware easy to hand clean as it does not get food stuck on the surface. Warm soapy water and a soft cloth will thoroughly clean the oven, as well as retain it shiny surface. Avoid scrubbing the surface as scratching will damage the oven.

Marinating Food

If you love the flavors infused through marinating food while enjoying the softened steak, then you are in luck. The enamel coating of the oven is no-porous and will not dissolve in vinegar or wine. It is, therefore, safe to marinate food with wine or vinegar, or any of your favorite acidic marinade.

Other Important Tips

• Handles: Ensure that you check the type of handle placed on your oven. Read the heat specifications of the oven since some handles may not withstand very high temperatures.
• Some cooking oil: Do not use the oven when dry as this would make food stick on the surface. Apply some cooking oil or butter on the surface for best results.
• Storage: You are advised to always store the oven clean and dry to avoid rusting the iron. Also, store it with the lid uncovered. If you have to leave the lid on, then place a paper towel inside to absorb moisture. Keeping it open and dry ensures there is proper air circulation. The air circulation makes sure your food doesn’t get a funny smell when cooked with the oven.
• Handle with care: A little of care should be applied when handling the Dutch oven so as to have it last longer and continue serving you well. You should avoid dragging or dropping it as this would bend or crack the oven. Also, use wooden or silicone cooking spoons as the metallic ones would scratch your oven.
• Avoid overheating: The oven can withstand the heat of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. However, overheating is not advisable as could make food to stick on the surface of the oven. The oven requires slow heating for it to give you the best results.