The uncompromised popularity of Dutch ovens is due to their versatility in functioning. If you are wondering whether you can put a dutch oven on the stove, the answer is simple yes. You can use a dutch oven on gas, electric, and induction stovetops for cooking, baking, braising, and frying. But it is important to know a few things before using dutch ovens.
First, you must know the material by which the dutch oven is composed and how to use it properly on a particular surface. You should also check the compatibility of these pots with certain heat sources by looking into the manufacturer’s instructions.
In this guide, we have shared all the tips and tricks to help you prepare your favorite meals in a Dutch oven without any trouble.
Can You Use A Dutch Oven On A Gas Stovetop?
Yes, Cast iron or enamel-coated dutch oven is ideal on a gas stovetop among different types of Dutch ovens. This is due to the highly heat-resistant nature of these materials. You can prevent the surface from scratching using the support of hobs.
However, it is recommended to keep the heat slow or cook on moderate because gas stoves heat faster than other stove types. Suddenly increasing temperature will leave hotspots and lead to uneven cooking.
The enamel-coated dutch ovens get too hot if placed for longer; therefore, it is recommended to preheat them moderately. These dutch ovens are best for simmering, searing, frying, and braising on gas stoves.
A flame diffuser to distribute heat equally is also suggested to avoid burning food. After cooking, do not place your dutch oven in a cool place; rather, wait for it to reach a low temperature.
Can You Put A Dutch Oven On An Electric Stovetop?
Yes, you can put your enamel-coated Dutch oven on an electric stovetop. These stoves have a heating element under the electric plates which doesn’t leave open flames.
These stoves have protective surfaces which never scratch a dutch oven and avoid any risk of damage. You can also invest in some good stovetop protectors to place between the pot and stove.
Electric stoves are well-known for their heat-retention ability. So, do not leave the electric stove ON once heated, as cast iron will also retain heat. However, as a precautionary measure, you must keep the temperature at medium heat. To prevent hotspots, you can turn the heat from medium to low.
Can You Use A Dutch Oven On An Induction Cooktop?
If you have ever thought about keeping your Dutch oven on an induction cooktop, you can do it without worrying. In fact, Dutch ovens work ideally on induction stoves. But it is recommended to keep the heat low and slow compared to other stoves.
Induction cooking involves heat generation by a magnetic field, which possibly happens due to the compatibility between pots and stovetops. The stove doesn’t get heat in this method, but the pot gets it directly. It is considered the best way to allow direct heat to reach the bottom of the Dutch oven while leaving other parts cool to the touch.
A Dutch oven or any cookware containing ferromagnetic material can work on induction stoves. Cast iron or enameled Dutch are most suitable for induction, but ensure they do not have a round bottom before cooking.
Food takes less time to cook as the temperature rises within seconds. Therefore, ensure the temperature doesn’t exceed limits to burn the food. Keep the heat low and avoid sudden temperature fluctuation.
It is recommended to use a Silpat mat, paper towel, or parchment paper to prevent the glass surface of the induction stove from scratching.
Using A Dutch Oven On A Glass Stovetop
You can use a cast iron Dutch oven on a glass stovetop. Cast iron usually has a smooth surface, but some imperfections in the iron finish make the surface rough and leave scratches on glass stoves.
However, the enamel-coated cast iron is a better option due to its comparably smooth surface that doesn’t scratch the glass. But its heavy weight can cause trouble which you can drop in the cooking process.
While cooking on glass tops, you must avoid sliding Dutch oven. Lift it gently and keep it firmly on the stove. Always wash cookware before putting them on these stoves.
Do’s And Don’ts of Using A Dutch Oven On The Stove
Dutch ovens are best to work on all heat sources, including gas, electric, induction, Vitroceramic, and flame, but you must consider some important instructions to avoid problems.
Do’s
- Start by heating the Dutch oven slowly on the stove.
- Keep the heat level from low to medium.
- Gradually increase the temperature if you want to boil water or sauces.
- Wash your pots with warm water and avoid using abrasive cleaners.
- Ensure your Dutch oven is not cracked or the enamel coating is damaged.
- Always use gloves to pick up the Dutch oven to avoid burning hands due to extreme hotness.
Don’ts
- Do not place an empty Dutch oven on the stovetop, as it will burn the bottom.
- Do not preheat the Dutch oven on any stove. Keep it at a low temperature, then place it on the stove.
- Do not place rough bottom cookware on a glass stove, and avoid sliding your Dutch oven on glass.
- Avoid dropping the Dutch oven on the cooktop.
- Never expose your Dutch to extreme temperatures.
How to Use A Dutch Oven For Cooking?
Here is how you can use your Dutch oven safely for braising, roasting, stewing, baking, and slow cooking to get the best results.
- Prepare all ingredients by cutting and chopping. Keep the measured amounts of spices.
- Put your Dutch oven on the stove and add some oil. Keep the heat medium.
- Sear the meat to turn brown and then remove it to a side.
- Add some more oil to fry the onion, garlic, and other essential ingredients needed for the recipe.
- Put the meat and vegetables in the oil and stir to mix them.
- Start simmering all ingredients and keep the heat low.
- Cook food for enough time as per recipe requirement.
- When food is ready, remove the pot from the stove and let it cool.
FAQs
Can Dutch Oven Go From Fridge to Stove?
A cast iron Dutch oven has high conductive properties and can retain coldness if you put it in the freezer. This is good for making desserts and pasta salads but be careful when putting it on the stove directly from the freezer. It is not recommended to do because the sudden temperature change from too cold to too hot will crack the enamel coating.
Can I Use A Ceramic Dutch Oven on the Stove?
No, you can not use a ceramic Dutch oven on a stovetop because they are manifested as Bakeware. Usually, they break or damage on stove due to uneven heat distribution. In contrast, they are safe in ovens and heat quickly.
Wrapping Up
To summarize, you can put your Dutch Oven on the stove, but not all are safe to work on stoves such as stoneware or ceramic. While cast iron or aluminum Dutch ovens are compatible with most stovetops.
Following the proper instructions and practicing a little, you will master the art of cooking with a Dutch oven on any stove.
