・Understanding the appeal of SOTO Dutch ovens
- I understand the shortcomings of the SOTO Dutch oven.
Contents of this article
This article will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the "SOTO 10-inch Dutch Oven." We also gathered feedback from a family of three who actually use it.
·basic information
[SOTO Stainless Steel Dutch Oven 10-inch (ST-910)] Estimated price: 20,000 yen (excluding tax)
• Main unit size
Inner dimensions: 25.9 cm in diameter x 11.5 cm in depth
External dimensions: 35 x 28 x 16 cm (depth x height)
Weight: approx. 5.2kg
Material: Stainless steel
Country of origin: Japan
Full capacity: 5.2 liters
Compatible with induction cooktops (200V), gas stoves, electric plates, halogen heaters, etc.
SOTO Dutch ovens come in four sizes in total, including 8-inch, 10-inch 1.5-inch, and 12-inch sizes.
(Note: Since my family has three people, I chose the 10-inch size, which is suitable for cooking for four. Please consider the size according to your needs.)
Advantages of choosing a SOTO Dutch oven
・No seasoning required, making maintenance a breeze!
Because it's made entirely of stainless steel, it's resistant to rust.
Since it's not made of cast iron, you don't have to worry about moisture, and it's easy to maintain. Don't you think it's quite a hassle to apply oil and season it every time to prevent rust?
As someone who's rather lazy, I wanted to avoid the seasoning process, so I chose this all-stainless steel Dutch oven.
It requires no maintenance after cooking a meal while camping and can be cleaned up quickly. It's very easy to use, so I always bring it with me when I go camping.
Of course, it will be very useful in your home as it makes tidying up much easier.
• Durable and impact resistant!
It won't break if you accidentally drop it.
I actually dropped it once from a height of about 1 meter, but it was perfectly fine.
I think it probably wouldn't have worked if it had been a cast iron Dutch oven.
I bought it about four years ago and have been using it a few times a year for camping and cooking at home, but it's still in good condition and hasn't deteriorated.
・Excellent heat retention!
Stainless steel is excellent for retaining heat, which is fantastic. It's also great for reheating food before eating.
It's such a hassle, isn't it? Especially in winter, the food you cook cools down so quickly, and you have to reheat it every time.
Have you ever had the experience of something taking a long time to warm up, leaving you thinking, "Hmm..."?
This Dutch oven will solve the problem. If you close the lid tightly, it will keep food warm for a long time.
• Points of concern regarding the SOTO Dutch oven
• More expensive than cast iron Dutch ovens
This is a similar product. When compared to the [LOGOS SL Dutch Oven 10-inch], the difference was more than double.
However, there are good reasons for this. First, it doesn't require seasoning.
Cast iron Dutch ovens require a specific process after use: filling them with water and bringing it to a boil, then scrubbing them with a scouring pad, heating them to evaporate any remaining moisture, and finally applying oil to season them before storing.
In contrast, an all-stainless steel Dutch oven only requires washing with detergent and wiping off the moisture after use. Compared to that, it's overwhelmingly easier to maintain.
Next, it's important that it's resistant to sudden temperature changes and impacts. Cast iron Dutch ovens are apparently vulnerable to drops and sudden temperature changes (thermal shock).
Cast iron can crack if accidentally dropped or if water is poured into it while it's hot. In contrast, stainless steel is made from a single large sheet of steel, making it more resistant to impact and temperature changes than cast iron.
Because it's made of rust-resistant stainless steel, there's no need to apply rust-preventive oil.
Therefore, you can store leftover food overnight. You don't need to transfer it to a separate container; you can simply reheat it and eat it. Considering these advantages and disadvantages, I think the price is reasonable.
• Color of Dutch oven
Some people might say that "looks are the most important factor" when choosing something.
SOTO's Dutch ovens are silver, so those looking for a black Dutch oven might find this one unsuitable.
However, the design is simple yet stylish, and the color changes nicely as you continue to use it year after year. Also, the fact that it's silver makes dirt easy to see, which is another plus.
- No seasoning required
Earlier, I mentioned this as an advantage, but on the other hand, some people may prefer to season their Dutch oven by applying oil each time they use it.
For such people, this would be a disadvantage.
- If you put it in a campfire (firewood), it will get covered in soot and turn black.
I once tried putting it in a fire started with firewood instead of charcoal, and the surface turned completely black. (※It can be removed by scrubbing it.) If you want to maintain the silver color of stainless steel and don't want to polish it every time, I recommend warming it over charcoal.
・Feeling of use
I'll share my personal impressions after actually using the SOTO Stainless Steel Dutch Oven 10-inch.
First of all, it has broadened my cooking possibilities. I bought it four years ago and have taken it camping every time, making Dutch oven dishes. I've been able to make a variety of delicious dishes, such as roast beef, waterless curry, and pork miso soup. Not only can you heat it from the bottom, but you can also place charcoal on top of the lid to apply heat from both above and below, and I've noticed that vegetables and meat become much more tender compared to cooking them in a regular pot.
And best of all, it's incredibly easy to clean up and requires no maintenance, which is fantastic.
As I mentioned in the pros and cons section, it depends on how you intend to use it, but in terms of ease of use, I would definitely say the SOTO Dutch Oven 10-inch is the best.
·summary
This time, we've shared the advantages and disadvantages of the SOTO Stainless Steel Dutch Oven 10-inch.
I hope you'll choose a Dutch oven that suits your personality and needs, and try cooking with it! A Dutch oven can instantly enrich your camping meals and make camping even more enjoyable, so why not consider buying one?!
