Dutch Ovens Serve Dual Purpose as Unexpected Coolers
During summer, unexpected occasions might call for a cooler. These could be backyard parties, barbeques, or simply relaxing on the patio. In these instances, a place to keep refreshments cool is a must. If you don't have a cooler handy, your Dutch oven can serve as an excellent substitute.
Dutch ovens that can function as coolers:
$76.00Save $26.10
Lodge Double Dutch Oven with lid handles
This Dutch oven's lid doubles as a skillet, adding great value to your purchase. Plus, Lodge is known for its quality cast iron cookware.
$49.90at Amazon
Lodge L8DD3 5 qt Cast Iron Dutch OvenThe lid of this pot can also be used as a skillet. $49.90 at Amazon$76.00Save $26.10$49.90 at Amazon$76.00Save $26.10
$76.00Save $26.10
Cuisinart 7-quart Cast Iron Pot
Consider pots with deep cavities or an oval shape if you plan to hold large salads or multiple containers.
$69.87at Amazon
Cuisinart Cast Iron 7-Quart Casserole, Teal GradientThis pot's large capacity allows you to keep numerous items cool at one time. $69.87 at Amazon$69.87 at Amazon
$419.95Save $148.24
Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven
Le Creuset is an investment. While it's not the most budget-friendly option, its high-quality construction assures you won't need to replace it as often as you would with cheaper brands.
$271.71at Amazon
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven, 5.5 qt., CeriseLe Creuset's design guarantees a Dutch oven that will last. $271.71 at Amazon$419.95Save $148.24$271.71 at Amazon$419.95Save $148.24
$419.95Save $148.24
Utilizing a Dutch oven as a cooler
I discovered this tip on America's Test Kitchen's Instagram page. While it's not ideal for beach trips, a chilled Dutch oven can be very useful in a pinch. First, cool the Dutch oven. You can do this by creating an ice bath. Fill the Dutch oven with cold water and add about two cups of ice to it. Let the icy water chill the metal for roughly five minutes, then empty out the water. Another commenter suggests that you can preserve water by simply chilling the vessel in the fridge instead, but this could take an hour or longer. If you're short on time, opt for the ice bath method.
Now, you've effectively created a chilly container, or a big bowl that'll maintain a cooler temperature for longer. Dutch ovens are lauded for their heavy cast iron structure, which usually assists in retaining heat to evenly cook your food. In reality, they're managing energy flow in cold temperatures as well. You can serve whole potato salads right in the pot, shelter containers of dip, or keep condiments, beverages, or deviled eggs chilled within the pot with the lid on.
You can turn this into a proper cooler by filling it halfway with ice and placing drinks inside. Alternatively, you can find a middle ground by buying a wire steaming rack to create a shelf in the pot. Add ice below the wire shelf to maintain the cool temperature and protect your food from the melting ice. The pot will stay chilled longer than other materials, such as glass and plastic, but the duration depends on the pot's size, the temperature of its contents, and how frequently you open it.
