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Cast Iron or Aluminum Dutch Ovens?


If you want to get a dutch oven you have to make a few decisions.  One of the big ones is whether you're going to get a camping set of dutch ovens or a kitchen set, but that one should be obvious based on where you're planning on using your items.  A more difficult decision is what material to go with.  The two big options are to get a cast iron dutch oven or an aluminum dutch oven.  But which one's better?

An aluminum dutch oven offers a lot of advantages.  They weigh less, which is especially important if you're hiking in.  Depending on the variety of cast iron to aluminum dutch oven that you're comparing, aluminum varieties can be as little as half the weight (and it's even possible to find less).  Aluminum can be used in all the same ways that cast iron can be, meaning in the fire, on the fire, buried, used with coals, and so on and so forth.  With aluminum you don't have to worry about seasoning or treating the material, either, which is nice. 

However, an aluminum dutch oven also has some definite disadvantages.  While the fact that it doesn't retain heat as much means that you don't have to worry about touching it for as long, it also means that it won't distribute the weight as evenly and is harder to keep at the desired temperatures.  Some people also report that an aluminum dutch oven can add some unwanted flavors to the dishes.

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