Dutch Oven size recommendation

[DeanRIowa]

I am looking either a 12' or 14' Camp Chef Dutch oven with feet and lid with a lip.

We cook regularly for 4 to 6 people. My initial thoughts to use it was for baking desserts, breads, rolls,.. I am leaning towards the 12', but I would be interested in everyone's thoughts. The price difference is $10.

14' Specifications:
Lid Volume: 2 3/4 Qt.
Lid Depth: 1 7/8"
Base Volume: 9 1/8 Qt.
Base Depth: 5"
Base Inside Diameter: 13"
Base Outside Diameter: 13 3/4"
Weight: 28 lbs.

12' Specifications
diameter as 12"
Capacity is 9 1/3 qts, 8 qts in the base, 1 1/3 in the lid
Weight: 21.8 pounds

thanks,
Dean

[Little_Kopit]

GaryKH wrote:

Little Kopit wrote:
A 13" will nest inside a 14".

The walls of any Dutch oven are less than 1/4" thick, maybe even less than 1/8"

The elbows that hold the thick wire that serves as a handle with the thick wire might be a total of 1/2". If that's the case, then then 12" is oven that will for sure nest inside a 14" oven.

Go to your Lodge, Camp Chef or ebay pages for photos of new Dutch ovens.

:C

This is correct if they are the same depth. My 12"Lodge is somewhat shallow. My 10" Camp Chief is deeper, they don't nest well.

Again I repeat my suggestion to check Cabelas for Dutch Oven carry bags. Feels like they have canvas outside, then foam, then canvas. Zipper around top to sides. By for 12", put bubble wrap inside that, bubble wrap inside the CC 10" and between 10" and top.

My purchases of this product were done in 2008 and again in 2012, but not since. Into mover for my move from Newfoundland across The Gulf in 08. Flew to Oz from The Maritimes, via Vancouver to Sydney in '12.

& I'd say that if Cabelas no longer carries the product, somebody else does.

:C

[GaryKH]

Little Kopit wrote:
A 13" will nest inside a 14".

The walls of any Dutch oven are less than 1/4" thick, maybe even less than 1/8"

The elbows that hold the thick wire that serves as a handle with the thick wire might be a total of 1/2". If that's the case, then then 12" is oven that will for sure nest inside a 14" oven.

Go to your Lodge, Camp Chef or ebay pages for photos of new Dutch ovens.

:C

This is correct if they are the same depth. My 12"Lodge is somewhat shallow. My 10" Camp Chief is deeper, they don't nest well.

[Little_Kopit]

A 13" will nest inside a 14".

The walls of any Dutch oven are less than 1/4" thick, maybe even less than 1/8"

The elbows that hold the thick wire that serves as a handle with the thick wire might be a total of 1/2". If that's the case, then then 12" is oven that will for sure nest inside a 14" oven.

Go to your Lodge, Camp Chef or ebay pages for photos of new Dutch ovens.

:C

[edm3rd]

thanks folks.

[Tom_Trostel]

My 10" Camp Chef will fit inside my 12" Lodge.

[NYCgrrl]

edm3rd wrote:
Let me re-phrase the question - will a 12" typically nest inside a 14", or is a 10" the biggest that will nest inside a 14"?

In general I'd say yes BUT different manufacturers make the handles in different styles and pot depths which might effect the ability for the pots to nest. Get all the same models of the 3 different sizes and you should be fine.

[edm3rd]

Let me re-phrase the question - will a 12" typically nest inside a 14", or is a 10" the biggest that will nest inside a 14"?

[Little_Kopit]

edm3rd wrote:
Will any 8/10/12/14 dutch ovens "nest" inside a larger do for storage?

Sure

Natch

Of course,

Hey, the walls of any aren't so thick as to cut out nesting. Cabelas has some nice foam and cloth zipped bags that help to make safe storage places. I think I did a subject search in their catalogue to find what I bought.

🙂

[edm3rd]

Will any 8/10/12/14 dutch ovens "nest" inside a larger do for storage?

[garmp]

Harley Dude. The 10" deep works great with the Volcano as it does with the 12". Love that grill!

[sullivanclan]

I have many DO, of all sizes, but the 12" is the all around most used for group numbers you are suggesting. I prefer Lodge, but nothing wrong with Camp Chef. I would suggest a 10 as well to go along with the 12 for side dishes or dessert.

Buying used cast iron is another suggestion I often give. Older the better, providing it is not damaged or beyond cleaning. I have collected cast iron skillets and so on for years. Clean them up and give out as gifts. Enjoy!

[NYCgrrl]

Have fun with your new pot!

[Harley_Dude]

garmp1 wrote:
From my experience, I first got a 12" and it works terrific with our Volcano grill. And yes most recipes are geared toward the 12. But for just the two of us, which is most of the camping we use a 10" deep. If you go to a 10 deep you can cook a bunch more things than in a regular 10. Chickens, bone-in rib roasts, etc. That little bit of extra height really comes in handy. JMHO!

How does the 10" deep work on your Volcano? I'm thinking of getting the VG and I already have the 10" deep. Thanks.

[garmp]

From my experience, I first got a 12" and it works terrific with our Volcano grill. And yes most recipes are geared toward the 12. But for just the two of us, which is most of the camping we use a 10" deep. If you go to a 10 deep you can cook a bunch more things than in a regular 10. Chickens, bone-in rib roasts, etc. That little bit of extra height really comes in handy. JMHO!