Dutch Ovens - Where to buy from?

[SussexRob]

Hi all,

What are Ronnie Sunshines DOs like?

http://www.dutchovens.co.uk/dutch-oven-8ltr.html

I'm looking into getting some for my explorer scouts, and the price difference between Tamarack's and Ronnie Sunshines is huge, so is the quality standard as big a gap too?

Tamarack 8 Qrt, 30.4cm x 12.5cm is £120 - Ronnie Sunshines 29cm x 13cm is £37.00....

I'd appreciate your thoughts...

Rob

 

[drewdunnrespect]

Ronnie if u get a good batch are Ausome but he had a batch in last year that split when to
Hot so best ask if he has had any of this batch do the same cos he did no about it splitting
Drew

 

[The Big Lebowski]

I bought mine of the bay... It worked out 20% cheaper than Ronnie Sunshines, and was identical other than the branding.

It will, no doubt outlive me.

al.

 

[ateallthepies]

I live 20 minutes away from Ronnies so was able to get a set of dutch ovens. I have two 4 litre pots, one has the Ronnie logo and the other doesn't as I bought them at different times, one fry pan and the skillet tray along with the tripod hanger.

They seem fine but I have nothing to compare them to and they have fed many hungry mouths. I will say one of my pots did not have the divot in the handle and I had to bend one in so it hangs snug over the fire. I would get one that does have this small feature as after I bent the handle it doesn't quite fold down without catching against the pot's rim.

I will probably get the 8 litre version at some point so as to be able to do a big roast joint but maybe next year?

Steve.

 

[SussexRob]

Thanks all,

I'll give them Ronnie S a call later, I need to fuind out if they'll take charity cheques. That way I can pay for them from the unit account directly, which is a lot easier.

 

[The Big Lebowski]

You might get lucky, ask if they do a discount for Scout Groups

Enjoy the purchase, al.

 

[SussexRob]

That's the plan, if you don't ask, you dont get!!

 

[santaman2000]

...I will say one of my pots did not have the divot in the handle and I had to bend one in so it hangs snug over the fire. I would get one that does have this small feature as after I bent the handle it doesn't quite fold down without catching against the pot's rim...

I see a lot of people posting about hanging their dutch ovens over the fire. Doesn't anyone there use the legs and place their dutch ovens directly onto the coals?

 

[atross]

Hi

Be wary of cheaper dutch ovens, the casting isn't quite so good. If you are going to use it only a few times a year it won't be a problem. If you intend to use them every weekend look for something a bit better, lodge are well made ovens but need re seasoning as the "shop" seasoning isn't great. CampChef are awsome but will need importing which adds cost.

http://www.tamarackgroup.co.uk/acatalog/Cast_Iron_Pots.html

http://www.campchef.com/dutch-ovens.html

 

[markphelan]

My kit from Ronnie's doesn't get a massive ammount of use, but the occasions I have used it on the fire it's been pretty good. Agree with the comments about re-seasoning, but for the money it seems OK. It's handy to get the crate as part of the kit (pot + pan + griddle) though the first one I was sent didn't survive the courier so I would'nt think it's up to too much punishment!
I've had all the equipment straight on the fire and no issues with any of it to date.

I see a lot of people posting about hanging their dutch ovens over the fire. Doesn't anyone there use the legs and place their dutch ovens directly onto the coals?

It depends what you're cooking really. If you just want to simmer it then hanging is the better option - straight on to coals will more than likely burn the contents and it'll stick to the pan. If I'm not able to hang it then I'll put the pot to the side of the fire and rotate it occasionally.

 

[santaman2000]

...It depends what you're cooking really. If you just want to simmer it then hanging is the better option - straight on to coals will more than likely burn the contents and it'll stick to the pan. If I'm not able to hang it then I'll put the pot to the side of the fire and rotate it occasionally.

I've not had problems with sticking as long as the DO was properly seasoned. The reason I asked is because I was always taught (and have always practiced) straight onto the coals. Heat regulation was always accomplished by the amount of coals. Certainly an inexact science until after lots and lots of practice. I'm still working on it; have to start over whenever I try a new recipe.

What I've learned from youtube tutorials and practice though is that a DO really excels at foods/recipes that cook at standard oven temps of 350F.