Comments about GSI Outdoors Hard Anodized Dutch Oven:

I have these in two sizes - the 12" with legs, and the 10" without legs.

Use the 12" just like any dutch oven. You can use the 10" with a stand just like a dutch oven, or use it on top of a fire ring grill with a wood fire, or on your stove top or oven. It is extremely versatile. The anodized surface doesn't interact with acidic foods.

If using as a traditional dutch oven with charcoal, you need to rotate your oven every 10 to 15 minutes as heat is not as well distributed as in a cast iron dutch oven. If you open the lid, you'll lose heat quickly.

I consider the 10" D.O. as a campfire necessity, especially if you are cooking something that might scorch, like a spaghetti sauce or chili. It deos extremely well on a wood fire either with or without the lid.

Note that the underside of the lids are curved and rough textured, so not very good to use as a frypan. That's their only downside in my opinion.

Comments about GSI Outdoors Hard Anodized Dutch Oven:

I bought this to take on a camping trip when traveling by air to Northern CA. At only 6+ lbs it's light enough to pack into a suitcase, and it cooks well enough that I don't want to purchase a separate iron Dutch oven for car camping. The anodized coating is durable and allows for pretty quick clean-up. Great product!

Comments about GSI Outdoors Hard Anodized Dutch Oven:

We have 2 of these in the 12" size and are planning on getting one in the 14" size. Can't beat the weight savings or performance. Many complain about uneven heating. I say, if you know what you are doing, that is a bunch of Hooey!! Rotate just like you would an iron DO, and I see no difference at 2/3 the weight. At the end of a long day at the oars, that makes a difference. We recommend parchment paper lining for desserts and turkey bags for "juicey stuff", makes cleanup much easier.

We've made many wonderful meals with these DO's. Be sure to get the matching carry bag. They keep everything else clean and are much stouter than Lodge's carry bag. (Nothing against Lodge at all!!!)

If you are wondering, two 12" DO's should serve about 16 people for a main course. One 14" should suffice for dessert for the same group.

If you are new to DO cooking, beware of old or Boy Scout cookbooks (unless you really like Beany-Weeny). Many very good contemporary DO cookbooks out there; especially the ones written by river guides. Look for new publish dates!!

Coals-

Take the size of your DO and---
+4 on top, -4 on the bottom, (for a 12" DO = 16 on top and 8 on the bottom) the rest is no mystery, TRY IT!!!!

Bon Appetite

Harry

Comments about GSI Outdoors Hard Anodized Dutch Oven:

Owned all the GSI anodized aluminum dutch ovens (10",12",14") before and they were stolen. Love them for white water raft trips and had to replace them.

Comments about GSI Outdoors Hard Anodized Dutch Oven:

Have now used the 12 inch dutch oven several times with great success - corn bread, pizzas, apple pie, and big gooey cherry cobbler. Works great and worth the extra money over cast iron for lighter weight and not worrying about seasoning or rust.