Have you recently purchased a Dutch oven and are wondering what is a Dutch oven lid lifter? A Dutch oven lid lifter grabs the hot lid and ensures it does not touch the cook's hands. Effectively, it is a hook or a specialized set of tongs.
If you've ever cooked over an open fire, you know how dangerous it can become.
A Dutch oven lid lifter is a crucial piece of safety equipment for outdoor cooking. It lets cooks lift the hot, heavy Dutch oven lid without touching it.
Cooking over a grill or campfire with a Dutch oven is dangerous if you do not have a lid lifter. Consider adding one to your purchase of a new Dutch oven.
When cooking outdoors, a Dutch oven is a versatile tool. Outdoor cooks use them for dishes such as stews, fried chicken, and bread.
Most often made from cast iron, they also come in sturdy steel construction. Cooks can use them in lieu of pots and pans for braising, baking, sauteing, deep frying, and many more applications.
The appliance color of a Dutch oven is generally black or steel gray. Enameled cast iron Dutch ovens come in a rainbow of colors, but using such an oven over an open fire is not recommended. The shiny finish could become scorched and stained.
So what is a dutch oven lid lifter? And why do you need one? If you use your Dutch oven exclusively indoors, you will probably not need a lid lifter. Get a lid lifter if you plan to do any grill or open-fire cooking.
Dutch Ovens Can be Used When Cooking a Variety of Foods
Using this kitchen appliance inside is straightforward, but using it outside requires special techniques.
Most outdoor cooks add a layer of smoldering coals to the top of their Dutch oven lids. Cooks usually use charcoal briquets. This practice allows for even heat and better baking. Using coals makes a lid lifter essential.
When cooking outdoors with a Dutch oven, you have many options. Many outdoor cooks specialize in stews and braises.
Dutch ovens are excellent for roasting meats. You can create baked goods as well. Other cooks swear by Dutch ovens for deep frying, though this can be hazardous if you are not careful.
Dutch Ovens Are a Great Way to Make Baked Beans
Since a lifter is essential if you use your Dutch oven outdoors, you will need to do research before purchasing.
If you feel confident about cooking over an open fire, you may want to save a little money by buying a standard lid lifter. If you are nervous, a locking lid lifter may be what you need.
Many brands make lifters, including Lodge, Camp Chef, and Mair. Find out which companies have the best return store policies and product pricing. You should also find a company that respects your personal information and has great customer service.
Lid Lifters Lessen Your Chances of Being Burned When Using a Dutch Oven
Now that we’ve covered the question, what is a dutch oven lid lifter? You may have additional questions. Here are some answers to the most frequent queries about Dutch ovens and lid lifters.
The simple lid lifter is a specialized hook made of metal bar stock. Hook the small handle on the lid with the lid lifter and safely move it away.
The locking lid lifter is also known as the deluxe lid lifter. Use the lifter by placing the ends of the tongs through the handle on the lid, squeezing to lock them, and lifting the lid away.
Some cooks prefer the standard lid lifter with the hook, while others like the locking variety more. It is up to your personal preference which one you choose.
Like an oven mitt for hot pots, lid lifters prevent cooks from burning their hands on hot metal or smoldering coals. They can lift or rotate the lid as needed.
Longer lid lifters also prevent a cook from bending too close to the campfire, risking burns.
Dutch ovens often have spikes on the underside of the lid. These spikes let condensing moisture drip back down to the food. This feature lets the food baste itself.
Dutch ovens are simple and effective. They come in two parts: the lid and the pot itself.
The lid of an outdoor Dutch oven is concave with a rim around the edge to keep hot coals steady. Inside the lid, spikes allow moisture to drip down on the food during cooking.
Outdoor Dutch ovens (also known as cowboy, camping, or chuckwagon ovens) usually have three integral cast iron legs. These allow the oven to stand directly in an open fire. You can get a cast iron or steel tripod stand if your pot does not have legs.
