As a seasoned restaurant chef with over ten years of experience, I’ve developed a keen eye for kitchen essentials. Among these, Dutch ovens hold a special place. My recent endeavor has been to thoroughly test and compare various brands to find the best ones out there. In this article, we’ll be taking a close look at two popular choices: the Bruntmor Dutch Oven and the Our Table Dutch Oven. We’ll evaluate them based on crucial aspects that are often the deciding factors for any cook. These aspects include:
- Material
- Weight
- Heat retention and compatibility
- Lid fit
- Handles and product design
- Colors
- Maintenance and cleaning
- Durability and performance
- Warranty
- Price
These two Dutch ovens failed to make it into the TOP-5 best Dutch ovens list for a few reasons, but they both deserve consideration.
This comparison aims to provide you with clear insights, making it easier for you to decide which Dutch oven meets your cooking needs and preferences. Let’s dive into the details and see how each one stands out.
Bruntmor VS Our Table: Material
| Bruntmor | Our Table |
|---|---|
| Despite its affordable price, the Bruntmor Dutch Oven surprised me with its impressive build and overall quality. It has high-quality cast iron construction and an enamel-coated surface. | Our Table Dutch Ovens are constructed from enameled cast iron, offering the benefits of cast iron with an added layer of enamel for a non-stick surface and easier maintenance. |
Bruntmor VS Our Table: Weight
| Bruntmor | Our Table |
|---|---|
| The Bruntmor Dutch oven is heavier because it is made of cast iron. | These ovens are slightly lighter than traditional cast iron Dutch ovens, which can be a plus for those who prefer a more manageable weight. |
Bruntmor VS Our Table: Heat Retention and Compatibility
| Bruntmor | Our Table |
|---|---|
| The Bruntmor Dutch Oven excels in heat retention, maintaining even heat for consistent cooking, particularly when braising short ribs. It performs well across different heat sources, including gas, electric, and induction. | Our Table Dutch Ovens provide excellent heat retention and are compatible with various heat sources, including stovetops and ovens. |
Bruntmor VS Our Table: Lid Fit
| Bruntmor | Our Table |
|---|---|
| The lid of this Dutch oven fits tightly. As a result, it forms a tight seal that traps moisture and flavor inside. | Although the Dutch oven cover was tight, I observed a minor steam leak while cooking. This leak could potentially affect the cooking process. However, this minor flaw had no significant effect on the outcome of my dishes. |
Bruntmor VS Our Table: Handles and Product Design
| Bruntmor | Our Table |
|---|---|
| The Bruntmor Dutch oven features ergonomic handles that make it easy to handle, even when it’s full. | Our Table Dutch Oven features ergonomic, modern handles and a sleek design. Overall, this Dutch Oven’s design is functional and aesthetically pleasing. |
Bruntmor VS Our Table: Colors
| Bruntmor | Our Table |
|---|---|
| Bruntmor has you covered with its diverse color choices. The available color palette includes eye-catching options like Pumpkin Spice, Purple, Silver, Red, Duke Blue, Olive Green, and Turquoise. | Our Table offers a few Dutch Oven color options (red, blue, and gray), so you can choose a Dutch oven that complements your kitchen decor. |
Bruntmor VS Our Table: Maintenance and Cleaning
| Bruntmor | Our Table |
|---|---|
| Cleaning the Bruntmor Dutch Oven is generally straightforward thanks to its enamel coating. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that red wine-based dishes may lead to staining that becomes progressively more challenging to remove after multiple uses. | Compared to my experience with other Dutch ovens, maintaining the cleanliness of this particular one can be somewhat demanding. The enamel interior has a tendency to retain residue, and stubborn stains may require more work to remove. Furthermore, this Dutch oven isn’t suitable for dishwasher use, so manual handwashing is needed. |
Bruntmor VS Our Table: Durability and Performance
| Bruntmor | Our Table |
|---|---|
| The Bruntmor Dutch Oven performs its intended functions effectively, enduring heavy use and high temperatures without showing wear or performance decline. While it’s durable and long-lasting, it may not match the durability of top-tier Dutch oven brands. | Our Table Dutch Ovens provide excellent cooking performance and durability, though they may not last as long as traditional cast iron. |
Bruntmor VS Our Table: Warranty
| Bruntmor | Our Table |
|---|---|
| Bruntmor provides a one-year limited warranty for their Dutch Oven, which is the standard duration. However, an extended warranty would provide added reassurance to customers. | This Dutch oven comes with a more limited warranty compared to other brands. Furthermore, there have been instances where users expressed frustration over their inability to receive refunds when the product did not meet their expectations. |
Bruntmor VS Our Table: Price
| Bruntmor | Our Table |
|---|---|
| The Bruntmor Dutch Oven is an affordable option for individuals seeking to elevate their dishes without spending too much. | Our Table Dutch Ovens are competitively priced, offering a more affordable option for those looking for quality enameled cast iron cookware. |
Cooking Test
To assess the culinary performance of the Bruntmor Dutch Oven and the Our Table Dutch Oven, we organized a cooking test featuring Red Wine Braised Short Ribs. This practical test centered on three key factors: Browning Quality, Moisture Retention, and the Overall Taste of the dish. These elements are essential for gauging the effectiveness of a Dutch oven in real-world cooking scenarios.
Browning
The Bruntmor Dutch Oven and the Our Table Dutch Oven both excel in their browning abilities. Thanks to their impressive heat retention and uniform heat distribution, they provide an ideal setting for attaining a rich and flavorful sear on meats and various other ingredients.
Moisture Retention
The Bruntmor Dutch Oven keeps moisture locked in, making it ideal for dishes like braised short ribs or stews, ensuring succulent results.
On the other hand, the Our Table Dutch Oven also displayed good moisture retention. While it didn’t match the Lodge’s level of moisture preservation, it still managed to keep dishes sufficiently moist and flavorful.
Final Flavor
The cast iron construction enhances the final flavor of dishes cooked in the Bruntmor Dutch Oven. It imparts a rich and deep flavor to the food, especially in slow-cooked dishes.
The Our Table Dutch Oven also produced vibrant and flavorful braised short ribs. Although there is a little difference in terms of tenderness, the dish still turned out pretty well.
How We Tested
To fairly compare the Bruntmor and Our Table Dutch Ovens, we conducted a detailed cooking test using Red Wine Braised Short Ribs, applying the same cooking technique to both ovens.
The evaluation began with checking each oven’s ability to sear the meat effectively. Next, we focused on how well they retained moisture, a crucial factor for dishes that require extended braising times. Lastly, the taste test was conducted to compare the intensity and richness of the flavors in the prepared meals.
This careful and uniform approach ensured an objective comparison of the two Dutch ovens across these important cooking aspects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, after an extensive comparison between the Bruntmor Dutch Oven and the Our Table Dutch Oven, it’s clear that the Bruntmor Dutch Oven emerges as the winner. As a seasoned restaurant chef with over ten years of experience, I have a deep appreciation for the nuances that make a great kitchen tool. The Bruntmor Dutch Oven stands out for its superior material quality, excellent heat retention and compatibility, and its ability to produce a perfect sear. Its ergonomic design and diverse color options add to its appeal.
Although the Our Table Dutch Oven presented strong competition, especially in its sleek design and color options, it fell short in crucial areas like moisture retention and final flavor quality. The Bruntmor Dutch Oven, with its consistent performance in durability and its affordable price, is a clear choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient cooking experience.
Both Dutch ovens showed commendable qualities and are worthy of consideration, but for chefs and home cooks looking for top-notch performance and value, the Bruntmor Dutch Oven is the superior option. Its blend of functionality, durability, and aesthetic appeal makes it an outstanding choice for a variety of cooking needs.
Chef Bradley Thompson highly recommends to check his list of the best Dutch ovens.