Being a restaurant chef for a decade allowed me to work with different kitchen equipment and cookware. In this review, I’ll compare the AmazonBasics Dutch Oven and the Cabela’s Camp Oven, two popular Dutch oven options among home cooks and chefs.
This comparative review is based on the following crucial parameters:
- Material
- Weight
- Heat retention and compatibility
- Lid fit
- Handles and product design
- Colors
- Maintenance and cleaning
- Durability and performance
- Warranty
- Price
The AmazonBasics Dutch Oven is an affordable kitchen essential that combines classic design with modern convenience. Learn more about the features of this Dutch oven below.
Cabela’s Camp Oven is a heavy-duty cast iron cooking pot designed for outdoor adventures. Its sturdy build and functional design make it a reliable choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Below is a brief information about this Dutch oven built and its capabilities.
While they didn’t crack the TOP-5 best Dutch ovens list for a few reasons, these two Dutch ovens hold their own.
Let us first look at these Dutch ovens and later find out how they differ and which is more suitable for your cooking needs.
AmazonBasics VS Cabela’s: Material
| AmazonBasics | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| The AmazonBasics Dutch Oven is made of high-quality cast iron. This classic material ensures even cooking and maintains heat effectively. However, I noticed a slight difference in its thickness compared to other Dutch ovens I have tested. AmazonBasics seems lighter and not as thick as other Dutch oven brands. | Cabela’s Camp Oven is built with heavy-duty cast iron. Its impressive thickness ensures consistent cooking temperatures, while the overall build quality suggests durability and reliability. |
AmazonBasics VS Cabela’s: Weight
| AmazonBasics | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| The AmazonBasics Dutch oven, weighing around 13 pounds, is relatively manageable to lift and move, making it suitable for home cooks. | The Cabela’s Camp Oven is a bit heavier, tipping the scales at approximately 18 pounds. It’s a better fit for camping and outdoor use. |
AmazonBasics VS Cabela’s: Heat Retention and Compatibility
| AmazonBasics | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| The AmazonBasics Dutch Oven excels in heat retention. It can maintain a consistent cooking temperature during slow cooking. It’s compatible with a variety of stovetops, including induction. Additionally, it is also oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. | The Cabela’s Camp Oven demonstrates good heat retention capabilities as it maintains stable and even heat during cooking. It offers versatility in heat compatibility, accommodating campfires, charcoal, and conventional ovens. |
AmazonBasics VS Cabela’s: Lid Fit
| AmazonBasics | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| The AmazonBasics Dutch Oven features a snug-fitting lid to trap moisture and flavor, but some steam leakage was observed during cooking. Despite this, my dishes still turned out to be flavorful and succulent. | The Camp Oven‘s lid fits securely, although there was some moisture loss during cooking. |
AmazonBasics VS Cabela’s: Handles and Product Design
| AmazonBasics | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| The AmazonBasics Dutch Oven has sturdy, oversized handles for easy handling, even when filled with heavy dishes. The design is classic and elegant, making it suitable for serving dishes on the dining table, though it may not match the grandeur of other well-known Dutch ovens. | The Cabela’s Camp Oven has a functional design with sturdy and practical handles. For outdoor cooking, the version with legs is recommended for stability when cooking over wood or charcoal. Overall, its design is straightforward and suitable for outdoor use. |
AmazonBasics VS Cabela’s: Colors
| AmazonBasics | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| The AmazonBasics Dutch Oven offers a variety of color options, including blue, gray, green, light pink, matte navy, matte white, navy, orange, purple, red, and white. | Cabela’s Camp Oven comes in a traditional cast iron color, which is ideal since it is made for outdoor use. |
AmazonBasics VS Cabela’s: Maintenance and Cleaning
| AmazonBasics | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| The AmazonBasics Dutch Oven is not dishwasher safe, and the manufacturer recommends hand washing. It can be a little difficult to clean as it needs soaking and multiple rounds of scrubbing to remove food residue. This Dutch oven might not be the best choice if you prefer low-maintenance cleaning. | The Cabela’s Camp Oven, like most cast iron cookware, requires careful cleaning, which can be a bit of a chore. Proper drying and re-seasoning are necessary to prevent rust. |
AmazonBasics VS Cabela’s: Durability and Performance
| AmazonBasics | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| After continuous usage, the AmazonBasics Dutch Oven exhibits no wear and tear indications, suggesting its durability. Its kitchen performance is consistently reliable, consistently producing excellent results with dishes. | In terms of durability and performance, the Camp Oven meets the basic expectations for a cast iron product. It can handle high heat and will likely serve adequately for an extended period. |
AmazonBasics VS Cabela’s: Warranty
| AmazonBasics | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| The AmazonBasics Dutch Oven offers a standard one-year warranty, which is typical. Some premium Dutch oven brands provide a lifetime warranty but often come with a higher price tag. | The absence of clear warranty information adds uncertainty about the product’s long-term durability. However, you can find return and exchange information on the website, which may offer some clarity regarding their policies. |
AmazonBasics VS Cabela’s: Price
| AmazonBasics | Cabela’s |
|---|---|
| Typically, AmazonBasics Dutch Oven is more budget-friendly. Hence, it is more accessible to a broader range of consumers. | There is only a bit of a price difference between AmazonBasics and Cabela’s, but it is likely due to its outdoor-oriented design and heavier construction. |
Cooking Test
A cooking test was conducted to determine each Dutch oven’s capabilities and compare them objectively. I prepared Red Wine Braised Short Ribs and considered three important parameters in evaluating these Dutch ovens: browning, moisture retention, and final flavor.
Browning
The AmazonBasics Dutch Oven demonstrated superior browning results. The even heat distribution and snug-fitting lid allowed for precise control over browning, ensuring a beautifully caramelized exterior on our red wine-braised short Ribs. The Cabela’s Camp Oven, while competent in this aspect, didn’t quite match the precise browning achieved by the AmazonBasics.
Winner: AmazonBasics
Moisture Retention
While both Dutch ovens show some steam leakage during cooking, the AmazonBasics Dutch Oven exhibited a bit more moisture loss during our test. The ribs cooked in the Cabela’s Camp Oven were more tender and succulent.
Winner: Cabela’s
Final Flavor
Regarding the final flavor of the dishes, it was a close call. Both Dutch ovens produced delicious results, but Cabela’s Camp Oven had a slight edge due to its excellent moisture retention, contributing to a richer and more flavorful outcome.
The AmazonBasics Dutch Oven also delivered delectable dishes, but the extra moisture retained by the Cabela’s model gave it a slight advantage in this category.
Winner: Cabela’s
How We Tested
My cook test started with searing the short ribs and critically assessing their browning capabilities.
Then, I transitioned to the braising phase, where I closely examined their ability to retain moisture. This is significant for achieving the desired tenderness and juiciness in the final dish.
Upon completing the braising, I assessed the final flavor and tenderness of the Red Wine Braised Short Ribs prepared in each Dutch oven. My evaluation scrutinized the intensity of flavors and the level of meat tenderness achieved.
This cooking test helped me gain valuable insights into the performance of the AmazonBasics and Cabela’s Camp Dutch ovens.
Conclusion
The AmazonBasics Dutch Oven and Cabela’s Camp Oven offer unique advantages that cater to different cooking needs.
The AmazonBasics Dutch Oven impressed with its superior browning capabilities. It is also more budget-friendly, making it accessible to more consumers. The AmazonBasics Dutch Oven’s design, versatility, and reliability in the kitchen make it a strong contender for home cooks.
On the other hand, Cabela’s Camp Oven excelled in moisture retention, which resulted in a richer and more flavorful final product. Its compatibility with various heat sources and outdoor use further solidifies it as a camping and outdoor cooking favorite.
From a chef’s perspective, both Dutch ovens demonstrated their unique strengths, and the choice between them ultimately comes down to your specific cooking priorities. Both Dutch ovens offer reliable performance in their respective areas. Consider your cooking style, needs, and where you plan to use them, and you’ll find the perfect Dutch oven for you.
Take a moment to browse through the list of the best Dutch ovens.