|
Article Directory
|
+ Authors
+ Articles
|
|
|
|
Dutch Oven Cooking: Cast Iron vs. Aluminum
Copyright (c) 2007-2012 Marc Wiltse
Cast iron Dutch Ovens have been around for a long time. Is cast iron still a good material to cook with or is aluminum better?
One of the reasons cast iron was used to make Dutch Ovens, frying pans and pots in the past was because iron was relatively easy to come by and to form into the shape needed. The fact that cast iron is such a dense material also helps it to provide a nice even heat. That fact still remains true today...
While even heat may not seem like such a big deal, it actually helps to slow heat transfer to your food and keep it from sticking and/or burning as easily. Cast iron takes the heat of the flame, burner or even an electric stove and evenly distributes instead of spot heating. (Spot heating is just like it sounds, it's when the heated metal lets more heat pass through directly at the heat source and doesn't allow it to spread out across the surface well.)
Cast iron also retains heat well which means your food will stay hot longer after you pull it off the fire. It's a let down to take the time to prepare a nice camping meal, and then dish up a second bowl of chili that has cooled so much that it's only lukewarm. Cast not only keeps your food warmer off the flame, it also helps it to cook faster when there's a cold breeze. There's a reason car radiators are made from aluminum, and aluminum Dutch Ovens behave similarly. Even though the aluminum may be thicker, it still sheds heat more quickly than does cast iron.
Dutch Ovens and pans made from aluminum also have a lower melting point than cast iron. Although an aluminum pot should be ok if it's being heated by a campfire or cookstove flame, that changes when it's nestled among the coals of a hot fire. Per Wikipedia aluminum melts at around 1,220 °F (660 °C). It literally can't take the heat as well as cast iron, which doesn't melt until about 2,100 °F (1,150 °C). While 1,200 °F is a very hot fire, it is possible to reach those temperatures with a campfire. So cast iron wins in this area too, as Dutch Ovens lose a lot of versatility if you can't set them in the fire.
So where does aluminum beat out cast iron? Aluminum wins hands down when you put both on the scale. Obviously it varies from pan to pan, but aluminum is about 3 times lighter than cast iron. That's a big difference, but the truth is you probably won't notice it much if you're a car camper. It's a different story though if you're an ultralight backpacker hiking the Appalachian trail. Weight is enough of an issue in backpacking that cast iron probably isn't even a consideration unless you can hide your favorite iron skillet in your buddies backpack. My guess is he'd notice. ;-)
One more quick point about aluminum is safety. Studies have found aluminum in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. Is it a coincidence? Could be, but it's worth recognizing that it may be an issue. To me moderation makes sense. You can't avoid everything, and if you could you'd be so stressed out that it wouldn't matter anyway. At the same time it's a good idea to avoid what you can, especially if it's easy to do.
To me cast iron works very well for car camping and it holds up well. If I was backpacking around the world though I'd probably go with something lighter like titanium which has its pro's and con's too, but that's a different story... ;-)
So in the end, barring cost, if you only had a choice between cast iron and aluminum it comes down to weight. If weight is your most critical concern than aluminum might be your metal. If on the other hand even cooking, heat retention, campfire cooking, resistance to melting, and cooking with a wind are important, I'd go with cast iron. I hope this article has made your decision easier.
For more information, please have a look at the website. I hope your next trip is a great one. See you on the trail.
|
Marc began investing in quality gear after a flooded tent forced him to sleep in his tiny 2-seat Honda CRX. His hiking equipment and camping gear guides, reviews and newsletter save you time and money. Find campfire cooking tips and learn more here.
|
Follow "The Phantom Writers" on Twitter
(@phantomwriters)
to be notified when new articles are made available.
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Home and Garden Articles || Related Categories: Family Articles and Travel and Leisure Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Marc Wiltse
How To Pick The Best Camping Tent
Written by: Marc Wiltse |
Distributed: 2007-06-26 |
Word Count: 1187 |
Page Views: 1387
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 3.63
A good camping tent keeps you dry, comfortable, and provides
protection. Unfortunately if you don't know what you're looking
for, you're probably going to waste money.
How To Avoid Blisters: A Hiking Sock Guide.
Written by: Marc Wiltse |
Distributed: 2006-11-01 |
Word Count: 593 |
Page Views: 1412
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 2.00
Great hiking socks are critical for a comfortable hike. Do yours
deliver in all the important areas? Learn how to pick the hiking
sock that is best for your trip.
How To Pick The Best Camping Tent
Written by: Marc Wiltse |
Distributed: 2006-08-16 |
Word Count: 1192 |
Page Views: 1144
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.25
A good camping tent keeps you dry, comfortable, and provides
protection. Unfortunately if you don't know what you're looking
for, you're probably going to waste money.
All of Author's Articles on this site: Marc Wiltse Articles
Most Recent "Home And Garden" Articles
Choosing Outdoor Playground Equipment for Your Back Yard
Written by: Giana Briggs |
Distributed: 2011-03-22 |
Word Count: 473 |
Page Views: 634
Perhaps you've reached a point where you think it's time
for your children to learn to love the outdoors. And what
better way to do that then have an outdoor play set right in
your very own back yard.
Tips for Choosing the Best Building Materials for an Outdoor Play Set
Written by: Giana Briggs |
Distributed: 2011-03-15 |
Word Count: 422 |
Page Views: 737
Children these days spend most of their time attached to a
computer or video game. Very few children are ever seen on
the playgrounds anymore. And it's becoming worse with every
new device that comes out. But as parents, we can break this
trend with outdoor toys the kids look forward to using.
Building the Perfect Backyard Playground for Your Kids
Written by: Giana Briggs |
Distributed: 2011-03-10 |
Word Count: 466 |
Page Views: 854
Every child loves to play at the playground, and nothing is
better than having your very own playground in the backyard.
It's as exciting to a child as Christmas morning. How do we
as parents pick out the perfect outdoor play set for them?
Setting the Stage for More Rooftop Farms
Written by: Mohamed Hage |
Distributed: 2010-11-17 |
Word Count: 855 |
Page Views: 807
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 5.00
Mohamed Hage, founder of the world's first urban commercial
rooftop farm discusses the benefits and difficulties of
putting farms on rooftops.
How To Choose The Right Rug For A Room
Written by: Alycia Hartzell |
Distributed: 2010-10-26 |
Word Count: 441 |
Page Views: 892
Choosing the right area rug for a room goes beyond simply
selecting a rug that you like. Existing factors within the
room will determine the rug you should select.
Solar Power for Homes - What You Need to Know
Written by: M.S. Rochell |
Distributed: 2010-08-12 |
Word Count: 553 |
Page Views: 1106
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 5.00
Some surprising new developments in solar power for homes
may make using solar energy in your daily life more possible
than you may think!
Solar Lamp Post Lights Reduce Energy Costs!
Written by: M.S. Rochell |
Distributed: 2010-08-10 |
Word Count: 466 |
Page Views: 1310
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 0.00
Using solar lamp post lights is a simple and affordable way
to help the environment, beautify your home and save money
on energy costs.
How Does Solar Energy Work?
Written by: M.S. Rochell |
Distributed: 2010-08-05 |
Word Count: 741 |
Page Views: 956
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 5.00
Learn about solar power, how it works, and why this abundant
renewable energy source is becoming more accessible to more
people.
Why a Home Solar Panel Will Save You Money and How You Can Get One for Free
Written by: M.S. Rochell |
Distributed: 2010-08-03 |
Word Count: 739 |
Page Views: 1271
What is a home solar panel and how can it save you money?
Solar energy panels are a new eco-friendly option for
homeowners who want to heat and cool their home efficiently
using the sun’s rays. There are a number of ways you can
install solar panels affordably or even for free!
The Top 5 Reasons to Insulate Your Home This Summer
Written by: Erin Shaughnessy |
Distributed: 2010-07-27 |
Word Count: 429 |
Page Views: 816
For homeowners who have been considering adding home
insulation - this summer is the time to do it.
Most Viewed "Home And Garden" Articles
Famous Waterfalls of the World
Written by: Elizabeth Jean |
Distributed: 2007-04-02 |
Word Count: 939 |
Page Views: 12893
| Votes: 41 |
Rating: 1.98
About 70% of the Earth's surface is permanently covered in
water. Water shapes our coastlines and carves channels through
countries and landscapes. Inevitably, water sometimes runs across
a sudden drop in the level of the land, and a waterfall is born.
7 Extraordinary Ceiling Treatments
Written by: Julie Lohmeier |
Distributed: 2006-11-28 |
Word Count: 79 |
Page Views: 10137
| Votes: 17 |
Rating: 2.06
In a recent post, I mentioned how ceilings are no longer simply
plain white. They're painted; they're designed; they're the
focal point of a room.
The Easy Elegance of Swags and Scarf Valances
Written by: Julie Lohmeier |
Distributed: 2006-06-15 |
Word Count: 261 |
Page Views: 9729
| Votes: 26 |
Rating: 1.58
The easiest drape to make and hang is a swag or scarf valance.
It's easy to make, looks elegant, entails less cost and fuss
than other drapery styles, and works in any room.
How To Clean A Wool Rug
Written by: Alycia Hartzell |
Distributed: 2009-08-04 |
Word Count: 417 |
Page Views: 9717
| Votes: 17 |
Rating: 2.18
Surprisingly enough, cleaning a wool rug is a lot easier
than most people think. By following these simple steps you
will be able to clean your wool rug and save the money you
would normally spend to have it professionally cleaned.
How to Create an Easy, No-Sew Valance in Just 15 Minutes
Written by: Julie Lohmeier |
Distributed: 2006-09-14 |
Word Count: 245 |
Page Views: 9194
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 1.71
Here's an easy way to create a beautiful, elegant valance with
no sewing in only 15 minutes. See an example here:
7 Popular Decorating Colors
Written by: Julie Lohmeier |
Distributed: 2006-07-18 |
Word Count: 520 |
Page Views: 6518
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 2.58
Picking the right color for a room can often be the most
difficult decorating decision. The best way to find a color you
like is to look at other homes, restaurants, and good
old-fashioned paint chips. Here are some popular colors in
decorating right now.
Decorating Tips: Best Placement for Rugs Under Furniture
Written by: AnnaRae Mills |
Distributed: 2007-03-07 |
Word Count: 681 |
Page Views: 5997
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 3.64
Small rugs and accent rugs can usually be placed wherever they
look good or fulfill a specific purpose, but larger rugs look
best when basic guidelines for placement are followed. Since a
larger rug often serves as an anchor for a furniture grouping or
the main floor covering in a room, proper placement is essential
for several reasons, including a balanced look.
Father of Fountain Design: Gian Bernini
Written by: Elizabeth Jean |
Distributed: 2007-04-02 |
Word Count: 876 |
Page Views: 5991
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 2.38
For centuries, visitors to Rome have admired the architecture and
art of this great European city. Its famous outdoor water
fountains, piazzas, churches and cathedrals draw many thousands
of visitors each year, as do its countless art galleries. No less
an attraction is Vatican City, in the heart of Rome, and its
principal building, the Basilica of St. Peter.
Evergreen Shrubs And Hedges Are Important, Cold Hardy Landscape Specimen Plants
Written by: Patrick Malcolm |
Distributed: 2006-12-13 |
Word Count: 1483 |
Page Views: 5758
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 1.91
Next to the landscape importance of trees is that of shrubs that
grow in our gardens, parks, landscape foundation, street borders,
and commercial landscapes. Thousands of different varieties of
shrubs are grown to ornament lawns, yards, and borders, but only
a few varieties are available to buy at your local nursery for
planting, and growing.
Latest Trends in Home Building and Remodeling
Written by: Julie Lohmeier |
Distributed: 2006-08-22 |
Word Count: 696 |
Page Views: 5210
| Votes: 19 |
Rating: 3.26
In home building and remodeling, some trends are short-lived
while others last a decade or longer. During recent home shows,
the following new trends have emerged as others continue.
Highest Ranked "Home And Garden" Articles
Which Flowers Match Britney Spears' Home Style?
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-05-23 |
Word Count: 504 |
Page Views: 1469
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 4.00
As she's grown up in the public eye, the world has watched
pop-icon Britney Spears change her style over the years. She's
gone from flirty pop teen to mother of two. As she's grown up,
it's very likely her tastes in home décor have changed as well.
According to the Society of American Florists, there are five
main home decorating styles-and there are flowers to go with
every one of them.
The Function of Exterior Shutters
Written by: Brian Wright |
Distributed: 2008-02-14 |
Word Count: 587 |
Page Views: 1385
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 4.00
Exterior shutters can be either functional or non-functional.
Functional shutters swing open and closed to block light and
allow ventilation in the home. Movable shutters are constructed
from exterior grade wood. Non-functional shutters are adhered
directly to the house. These shutters can be PVC, plastic, or
vinyl. Which is best for you?
The Modern Soft Yellow Banana Evolved From The Cooking Banana As The Number One Fruit In The World
Written by: Patrick Malcolm |
Distributed: 2007-05-02 |
Word Count: 1431 |
Page Views: 3125
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 3.89
The early Spanish explorers introduced banana plants into America
from Spain as a hardcore, large cooking banana, known as a
Plantain banana. The amazing yellow fresh eating banana, that we
know today sold by supermarkets, resulted from a mutation from
the hardcore tissues of the parent plantain banana plant, that
was then growing in Jamaica.
Don't Get Burned! The Hidden Costs of Kitchen Remodeling
Written by: Aaron J. Munk |
Distributed: 2008-12-15 |
Word Count: 831 |
Page Views: 1147
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.83
You’ve browsed all the magazines, planned and saved and
calculated how much your kitchen remodeling ideas will cost.
You’ve gotten estimates and bids, picked a contractor and now you
are ready to get started. However, renovations are rarely without
unexpected complications and these hidden costs might have you
spending more than you thought.
Will Jennifer Aniston Ever Get A Red Iris On Her Birthday?
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-05-22 |
Word Count: 464 |
Page Views: 1797
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 3.80
The iris, birth flower for the month of February in which
Jennifer Aniston was born, comes in almost every color you can
imagine-white, yellow, blue, purple...but not true red. You may
see them in colors very close to red, like wine or brick red,
but you won't see one in real, stop sign red.
Serve Up A Party Better Than Anna Kournikova Serves A Ball
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-01-02 |
Word Count: 449 |
Page Views: 1247
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.67
Anna Kournikova may be able to serve up a tennis ball, but can
she throw a party that keeps people talking and waiting for the
next one? Well, maybe, especially if she's adding special
touches to her parties using flowers.
Decorating Tips: Best Placement for Rugs Under Furniture
Written by: AnnaRae Mills |
Distributed: 2007-03-07 |
Word Count: 681 |
Page Views: 5997
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 3.64
Small rugs and accent rugs can usually be placed wherever they
look good or fulfill a specific purpose, but larger rugs look
best when basic guidelines for placement are followed. Since a
larger rug often serves as an anchor for a furniture grouping or
the main floor covering in a room, proper placement is essential
for several reasons, including a balanced look.
Select the Right Window Coverings
Written by: Brian Wright |
Distributed: 2008-02-07 |
Word Count: 1186 |
Page Views: 1609
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 3.63
A window covering selection should be selected for both function
and style. Blinds, shutters, drapes, curtains, and shades all
have different qualities the affect the final decision. Discover
the best window treatment for your home.
Fall Lawn and Garden Pests
Written by: Ted Roberson |
Distributed: 2006-11-16 |
Word Count: 707 |
Page Views: 1356
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 3.60
With the cool weather of the fall season, most lawn and garden
pests and diseases begin to dwindle away. Yet, there are a few
lawn and garden pests that thrive off of the cool temperatures of
the fall season.
Scented Flowers Make A Mariah Carey Style Comeback
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-01-09 |
Word Count: 370 |
Page Views: 1264
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 3.60
Singer Mariah Carey all but disappeared from the music scene only
to return a bigger star than ever in late 2005. But, in terms of
comebacks, fragrant flowers just may make an even bigger
comeback
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|
This work is
licensed under a
Creative Commons
License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
|
Article Statistics
|
Word Count: 709
Total Views: 1530
Views This Month: 7
Views Last Month: 45
Article Rating: 2.43 of 5
Votes Cast: 7
Author Overall Stats:
Times Viewed Overall: 5474
Author Rating: 2.64 of 5
Votes Cast Overall: 28
More Articles By Author:
Articles On This Website
Article Title Search:
Widow Search
Right Blinker
Google
Yahoo!
Zuula
Bing
Cuil
Last Distribution Date:
2007-07-09 16:25:00
|
|
|
Home
for Writers
for Publishers
Article Directory
Article Search
Contact
Get RSS Feed
