How do you choose a Dutch oven?

You should keep a couple of things in mind when choosing a Dutch oven. Ask yourself the following questions before you choose a Dutch oven:

• On which heat source will you use the Dutch oven?
• Which size Dutch oven do you need?
• Which coating do you need?
• What's Tefal Thermo-Signal?

Before you determine the requirements for your new Dutch oven, it's important to check on which heat source you'll be using the pan. Every pan is suitable for use on gas and a ceramic or electric cooktop. Pans with a plastic handle can't be used in an oven. A pan that you use on an induction cooktop is magnetic, otherwise it doesn't work. In other words, be careful when you choose a Dutch oven.

There are Dutch ovens with a diameter of 20cm up to 32cm. When you often cook for a group of friends or family, you should purchase a larger Dutch oven. This'll allow you to prepare multiple pieces of meat in one go. Keep in mind that a pan of up to 28cm wide can stand on the stove without touching other pans. If you use a Dutch oven of 32cm, for example, you can't use the other cooking zones at the same time.

A non-stick coating ensures that your piece of meat or fish doesn't stick to the Dutch oven. We distinguish 2 types of coatings, a standard non-stick coating and a ceramic non-stick coating. The standard coating prevents your food from sticking to the pan and is suitable for preparing fish, potatoes, or an egg. The coating wears soon with daily use though. The ceramic coating is a lot more durable and harder. This coating is better resistant to high temperatures and will last longer.

Do you often hold your hand above the pan to check if it's warm enough yet? A Tefal Dutch oven with Thermo-Signal will come in handy. This red dot in the middle of the pan turns red when the pan reached the ideal temperature. Useful, because you'll know the best time to put your steak in the pan.